Venice history, culture, and civic life, taught by the people who live it.

Workshops, walking tours, cultural documentation, civic engagement training, and community cultural events in Venice, California.

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A community circle holding hands at sunset on the grass above Venice Beach Photo: Paulo Freire Lopez

What we offer

Everything we do keeps Venice's story in the hands of the families and neighbors who made it.

  • Venice history workshops and walking tours

    Talks, classes, and neighborhood walks through Oakwood, the canals, and the boardwalk, covering the Black, Chicano, and Native families who built this town. For schools, youth groups, organizations, and new neighbors.

  • Cultural documentation

    Help recording family stories, organizing old photos, and preserving Venice memory so it gets passed down instead of lost.

  • Civic engagement training

    How City Hall, the Neighborhood Council, and public comment actually work, so you know your rights and how to show up and be heard on the issues that affect Venice.

  • Community cultural events

    Día de los Muertos gatherings, Danza Azteca, and community circles that keep Venice's traditions alive and bring generations together.

From past gatherings

Moments from the community work behind the name.

Danza Azteca dancers in feathered regalia kneel outside a church in Oakwood, with a hand-painted Save Venice sign by the door
Danza in Oakwood, with a hand-painted Save Venice sign at the church door. Photo: Paulo Freire Lopez
A man with a sticker-covered guitar raises his hand during a gathering outside a stone church in Oakwood
A neighbor and his guitar at a gathering outside the church in Oakwood. Photo: Paulo Freire Lopez
A woman in a fringed shawl speaks into a microphone at a gathering under the palm trees near the beach
A speaker addresses a community gathering near the beach.
Black and white group photo of a Venice community gathered in front of a wooden building in 1911
Venice community, 1911.
Aerial view of a church gable over Oakwood at golden hour, with palm trees and hills behind
Oakwood from above at golden hour.
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About Save Venice

Save Venice is led by Miguel "Mike" Bravo, a fifth-generation Venetian with roots in Oakwood. Since 2015, Save Venice has brought neighbors together around the history, culture, and civic life of this town.

The work is simple: teach the real history of Venice, help families keep their stories, and show people how to take part in the decisions that shape their community.

Book a workshop or event

Tell us about your group, what you'd like to learn or host, and your preferred dates. We'll get back to you with options.

Email us contact@save-venice.com