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What's new and next in L.A.'s Marina! |
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Planning the Shorelines We Share
By Warren Ontiveros
There’s something about our coast that inspires awe and wonder. No tickets, no gates, just open space, fresh sea air, a seemingly endless—and deceptively powerful—Pacific Ocean, and the assurance that everyone belongs.
After more than two decades working in parks, open space, and beaches, I stepped into my current role six months ago as Deputy Director overseeing the Planning and Operational Services divisions for L.A. County’s Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH). Following my service as the Department’s Planning Division Chief, this move has increased my responsibilities for caring for 18 public beaches—covering 23 miles of coastline—and Marina del Rey, the largest human-engineered small craft harbor in the western hemisphere.
Our maintenance and planning work at DBH is both practical and visionary. Whether we’re coordinating sand replenishment, ensuring accessibility, supporting community events, or overseeing critical infrastructure projects, we’re always aiming our sights high and looking ahead. We know the decisions we make today affect how future generations will experience these places tomorrow.
Within that work, Marina del Rey requires special attention—not only because of its scale, but because of its importance to residents and visitors alike. As a place for people from all walks of life, Marina del Rey is one of the most unique assets in L.A. County. It’s a community, a destination, and a shared public space for all. That’s what makes our work here so meaningful.
Caring for our coast is a responsibility I take to heart. I’m proud to serve with a dedicated team that approaches this work with both professionalism and passion as we plan, build, maintain, and reimagine what’s possible for our shoreline communities.
Because when we care for the coast with intention, we’re not just protecting a place—we’re creating a legacy.
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One Harbor, Many Voices—A Sailor’s Take
By Brendan Huffman
As a third-generation sailor in Los Angeles, a recreational boater, and owner of a local sail loft serving local boaters since 1975, I am personally invested in the future of Marina del Rey.
Therefore, it was a pleasure to be part of the recent gathering of water recreation leaders hosted by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH).
This long-awaited conversation helped participants better understand each other and establish common ground on how we can work together to bring more Angelenos to our marina and get them out on the water.
We had representatives from rowing programs, sailing schools, yacht clubs, charter companies, and adaptive sports all discussing the future. Some focused on affordability and access. Others shared ideas about programming, partnerships, and the potential for a new community aquatic center.
What stood out was the common ground: Whether we serve youth, families, or experienced boaters, we all want Marina del Rey to be a true gateway to the water. This conversation was possible because of DBH’s openness to community input and fine-tuning the Marina del Rey for All initiative to ensure that all perspectives are considered with a goal towards serving everyone.
If you’re part of the Marina community—or want to be—now’s the time to get involved. The more we engage with one another, the more impact we can have.
Let’s keep the conversation going at mdr4all.org.
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 More Spaces, More Access: Lot 4 Project Moves Forward
Construction begins soon on a new public parking structure at Lot 4 in Marina del Rey. The three-level facility and surface lot will provide 368 parking spaces, nearly triple the current capacity.
Located on a portion of the existing County lot across from Trader Joe’s, near Admiralty Way and Mindanao Way, the structure is expected to be completed by late 2026.
The facility will include on-site pay stations for convenience and electric vehicle charging stations.
The project also includes a new plaza and rest area for pedestrians and cyclists, linking the structure to the Marvin Braude Bike Path and the Visitor Center to create a more seamless visitor experience.
A distinctive public artwork by FreelandBuck will adorn the exterior, featuring abstract sail forms along the Mindanao-facing façade—a nod to Marina del Rey’s maritime character.
As Marina del Rey continues to draw thousands of visitors each year, this new mobility hub supports the community’s “park once” vision outlined in the 2014 Marina del Rey Visioning initiative, expanding parking capacity, improving access, and contributing to a more inclusive, climate-ready Marina for all.
Learn more about the project and its timeline.
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 Cooking Up Something New
California Yacht Club (CYC) has entered into a licensing agreement with DBH for the former Tony P’s Dockside Grill site that will allow it to open a sea-to-table restaurant, currently targeted to open late spring 2026.
A community fixture for decades, Tony P’s closed in July when its owners retired, and the County resumed control of the property. The building is adjacent to the former CYC clubhouse, which was seriously damaged during a fire in December 2023.
“Tony P’s was a cherished part of our Marina del Rey community for decades, providing a vibrant space beloved by residents,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who represents Marina del Rey. “I’m glad we’re keeping that energy alive with this agreement with the California Yacht Club. This step builds on our commitment to investing in the Marina for all residents to enjoy, while honoring the local institutions that make it so special.”
The license also ensures the site remains active and welcoming, maintaining continuity along the Marina’s waterfront. Over the coming months, CYC will reimagine the building to reflect its evolving role in the Marina’s landscape.
“When MdR was first developed, CYC catalyzed interest in maritime tradition and aquatic activities for Los Angeles,” CYC co-owner and president Jeff Weiss said. “As the Marina enters the next phase of its evolution, CYC is as excited and as committed as ever to connecting Angelenos to experiences on the water.”
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 A Green Salute to L.A. County Veterans
The fountain at Burton Chace Park and the Marina Towers were among the scores of L.A.-area buildings and landmarks illuminated in green earlier this month to salute veterans and raise awareness around the resources available for them and their families at the county, state, and federal levels.
From November 4–11, counties across the country joined the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers in lighting buildings green to recognize the courage and service of those who have served.
“Each year, Operation Green Light gives us a chance to reflect on the courage and service of our veterans,” said Gary Jones, Director of Beaches and Harbors. “Lighting our facilities in green is a small but meaningful way to say thank you for all they’ve done for Los Angeles County.”
The initiative also raises awareness about the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, including elevated stress and suicide risk. By displaying green lights, local governments hope to remind veterans and their families that resources and community support are available.
In Los Angeles County, Operation Green Light is coordinated by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. To learn more about available resources, visit mva.lacounty.gov.
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 All Decked Out
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade returns for its 63rd anniversary edition on Saturday, December 13.
Activities run from 4 to 8 p.m. in Burton Chace Park. Immediately following the light show from 5:45 to 6 p.m., Grand Marshal Tony Palermo will lead dozens of spectacularly decorated boats on a tour of the Marina del Rey channel starting at the east end of the main marina channel near Basin D down to the west end near the breakwater, and turning around to create an oval parade route in the channel.
The theme of this year’s parade is “A Nightmare Before Christmas.” The event is made possible with support from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Marina del Rey Toyota, City Cruises, the LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors, the Marina del Rey Tourism Board, and local businesses.
An estimated 30,000 spectators make the journey each year to the Marina for this festive holiday celebration. When the parade first set sail in 1963, there were only about 100 boats in the entire Marina. Today, the Marina houses more than 4,500 boat slips in 22 anchorages.
All boat owners are invited to participate and compete for prizes by registering at the MdR Holiday Boat Parade website.
 Marina del Rey For All Online Survey
Whether you live, work, or play in Marina del Rey, your voice matters.
Help reimagine L.A.’s Marina as a more inclusive, accessible, and vibrant coastal destination.
Share your thoughts on open space, mobility, events, recreation, programs and transit.
✅ Survey Open through Nov 30
🌐 English & Spanish
🕐 Takes just 10 minutes
👉 Take the survey:
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