If That Walk Could Talk

Some people have lost sight of the history of Ocean Front Walk in Venice, which was originally built for beach visitors and fortunate residents to escape the oppressiveness of the city so they can be rejuvenated alongside a precious natural resource (“Street Performers: A Talented Free-for-All,” by Dianne Bates, Aug. 24).

Although Ocean Front Walk has become an overwhelming, 1 1/2-mile-long carnival-shopping mall, laws do exist for residents to call upon when performers (and vendors) don’t consider that residents are a rightful part of the mix. In a real sense, Ocean Front Walk is a front yard, both physically and mentally.

GORDON ELKINS

Venice