http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/01/old-venice-west-cafe-gets-landmark-status-.html
January 7, 2010
by Martha Groves
The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission voted unanimously today
to recommend landmark designation for a Venice Beach site that served
as a gathering spot for Beat Generation poets and artists in the
1950s and '60s.
Venice West Cafe, a coffeehouse where poets read their works and jazz
musicians performed, operated from 1958 to 1966 at 7 Dudley Ave. in a
commercial building that also had storefronts on Ocean Front Walk.
Among others who hung out there were local poets and members of the
'60s rock group the Doors. The former Venice West Cafe location is
now occupied by Piccolo Restaurant.
"The commission agreed that the Venice West Cafe was a symbol of the
Bohemian countercultural lifestyle in Southern California," said Ken
Bernstein, manager of the city Planning Department's Office of
Historic Resources.
Alan Leib, chairman emeritus of the Los Angeles Conservancy's modern
committee, and historic consultant Charles Fisher submitted the
application. Leib said he hopes that a portion of Dudley Avenue
eventually can be converted into a Bohemian district, with brick
paving and period lampposts.
James Adelstein, representing the South Dakota-based owner of the
building, said he had concerns about the possibility that the
structure could become a historic-cultural monument. The nomination
is subject to review by the Los Angeles City Council.
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