By LaTayvius Alberty 

As Deputy Director overseeing the Asset Management and Community & Marketing Services divisions at the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, I am in tune with everything happening in Marina del Rey—from lease negotiations and capital improvements to community engagement and equitable access.  

A key part of that work has been leading Marina del Rey for All, a County-led initiative grounded in three core values: equity, public ownership, and long-term collaboration. Rather than centering on a single project or policy, it invites residents, visitors, and stakeholders to help shape a shared vision for how the Marina evolves. 

Last month, we expanded our outreach beyond the Marina—connecting directly with inland communities that haven’t always felt as part of its story. At our Community Open House, we heard honest, insightful feedback from families, youth, local leaders, and small business owners about what it would take to make Marina del Rey more welcoming and accessible.  

On September 27, more than 200 residents gathered at Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park in Willowbrook for the Marina del Rey for All Community Open House—the first event to be hosted by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) outside of L.A.’s Marina. 

This milestone event brought the Marina inland to meet communities where they are, as part of an ongoing effort to ensure coastal access for all. Attendees explored five interactive stations, met DBH staff and local partners, enjoyed free food, and entered raffles for Marina-themed prizes like free WaterBus passes and exclusive Marina experiences sponsored by the Marina del Rey Tourism Board. 

Open house participants expressed strong interest in concerts, swim lessons, youth activities, and more with many surprised to learn that such programs already exist. This feedback reinforced the need for clearer outreach and stronger connections between the Marina and inland communities. 

With support from Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office, LA Metro, and organizations like RowLA, the event demonstrated DBH’s commitment to equity-centered planning and community-driven change. 

Now, we want to hear from you. 

If you were unable to attend last month’s open house, you can still help shape the future of Marina del Rey by taking our brief survey at mdr4all.org. It will be open through Nov. 30 for you to make your voice heard. 

Boo! Spooky season is creeping in — and so is Marina Spooktacular, the Marina del Rey waterfront’s most fang-tastic Halloween celebration! Join the frightful fun on October 25–26 at Burton Chace Park for two unforgettable nights of thrills, chills, and seaside surprises. 

From 4 to 10 p.m., the park transforms into a haunted harbor, where the whole family can enjoy eerie enchantment with a view. Start the evening with kid-friendly activities like graveyard treasure hunts, magic shows, inflatables, arts and crafts, and photo booth fun to capture your spooky style. 

As the sun sets, the real scares begin. Dare to enter the haunted maze, tiptoe through scare zones, and encounter spine-chilling characters — perfect for brave souls seeking a scare-tastic experience. 

Costumes are highly encouraged, and there's something for every age and scare level. Best of all? Admission is FREE with RSVP — no tricks, just treats! 

Don’t miss this wickedly fun evening under the stars by the sea.

🌐 RSVP + more info: beaches.lacounty.gov/halloween

Marina del Rey’s annual tree pruning season is officially underway. From October 1 through December 31, the County is conducting targeted pruning and tree removals to help protect public safety, support healthy tree growth, and safeguard coastal bird habitats.  Trees that are scheduled for removal will be replaced on a 1:1 basis with drought tolerant climate appropriate tree species in January 2026.  

As part of the 2025 Tree Risk Assessment, certified arborists conducted detailed risk inspections of almost 1,800 trees. Several mature trees—some over 50 years old—were identified as high risk due to signs of stress, prolonged dormancy, or internal decay. A number were described as “effectively dead-standing,” posing hazards to pedestrians, vehicles, and nearby structures. 

Other trees were flagged for removal due to sidewalk uplift, where large roots have cracked pavement and created safety hazards. In many cases, pruning the roots to fix the safety hazard would destabilize the trees. 

This seasonal work adheres to national safety standards and reflects DBH’s commitment to maintaining public spaces that are safe, welcoming, and ecologically responsible. 

DBH is working hard to care for the Marina’s natural beauty—while protecting our trees, our neighbors, and our winged friends. 

At the recent Marina del Rey for All Community Open House, the nonprofit RowLA offered a powerful reminder of what equitable access to the coast can look like in action. 

Founded in 2009 to make rowing more inclusive, RowLA empowers girls from under-resourced communities across Los Angeles through a unique combination of competitive rowing, academic support, and mentorship. Its mission is deeply rooted in equity, ensuring access and opportunity by providing financial assistance to over half its athletes. This commitment results in 98% of the competitive team athletes graduating and going on to college, most of whom receive merit-based and athletic scholarships 

At the Open House, Zion Goche, a RowLA alumna and Community Outreach Coordinator, connected with families and community members, sharing her story of starting rowing at the age of 11 and continuing through college. She also encouraged others to experience the sport and the Marina she loves so much. 

“The Marina has been our home since 2009, and the sustained partnership with Beaches & Harbors has been fundamental to our success. Our shared mission to provide equitable access here in the Marina is what makes our mission possible,” said Christy Anderson, RowLA, Executive Director. “This commitment transforms the waterfront into a launchpad for opportunity, allowing us to empower our girls to thrive on and off the water."  

Learn more at rowla.org. 

Mark your calendars! Several key opportunities are coming up to learn more about Marina del Rey for All and get involved in shaping the future of Marina del Rey. Upcoming presentations include: 

• Taste of Soul – October 18, all day in South L.A. Visit our outreach booth! 

• Beach Commission – October 22, 9:30 a.m. at Burton Chace Park 

• Water Recreation Stakeholder Meeting (Invite Only) – October 29, 6:30 p.m. at Del Rey Yacht Club  

• Small Craft Harbor Commission – November 12, 10:00 a.m. at Burton Chace Park 

Care About Our Coast? RSVP to join the conversation about protecting our shoreline from erosion for future generations: 

LA County Regional Coastal Adaptation Plan Public Workshop
🗓️ October 20 | 🕐 1 p.m. 📍 Los Angeles Environmental Learning Center at Hyperion