Residents of our city (like most in CA) have had their property rights diminished in last few years by new state laws. The CA Coastal commission has made it infinitely more difficult to for property owners to develop the properties. These events have truly crushed property values in many instances for both long term owners, as well as new residents. Now the city which I love is going to crush local businesses, and diminish property rights as well?
Pier Avenue has evolved tremendously for the better. The local businesses owners have been at the core of this great change. Protect them don't attack them.
Vote NO on this egregious overreach and move on to matters that make a supportive and positive difference for our residents.
Who wrote this ordinance? And who would benefit? As a long-time home owner and resident of Hermosa Beach, whose kids have been raised here from birth and attended the local schools, I've seen the transformation of Pier Avenue from a sketchy, run-down street that seemed to attract motorcycle gangs to a clean, vibrant, and safe Plaza where people of all ages can hang out and have fun. Limiting capacity and eliminating queues seems ridiculous to me. Where do you think the residents of this city like to shop, eat and drink? Are you trying to hurt the local businesses that have been struggling through this pandemic? Of course, there are some issues, but these can be resolved by working with local business owners, not trying to shove illegal, draconian, and nonsensical restrictions down their throats.
And yes, I did read the ordinance, and I agree with some of my fellow commenters who are more articulate than me that this proposed ordinance is both inane and insane. If we really want Hermosa to shine, let's keep the outdoor dining and work on keeping our beautiful little town the lively piece of paradise it is.
Dear City Council-members, Manager, and Administrators:
I'm opposed to the proposed ordinance and I'm actually surprised that it's even being considered. I reviewed the report with an open mind and I still don't see any substance. What I do see is a future full of litigation and wasted tax dollars. It simply isn't rational and everybody knows it. Thank you in advance for letting my position be heard...at least that part of our city government is working.
I voted for many members of this council because I thought you would protect our environment and preserve our town. I didn't vote for any of you because I wanted you to start destroying the downtown businesses on the basis of a report so flawed and biased I wouldn't accept it from my 16 year old son. With all due respect, knock it off.
The Kosmont Companies report does not make a solid case for the proposed ordinance. Section 1 paragraph B notes the discrepancy between the percentage of land area (5%) and the percentage of calls for service (16% daytime, 35% nighttime). Given that calls for service are more closely tied to human activity, land area is a pointless comparison. In fact, a bustling vibrant area like Pier Plaza should be generating a disproportionate amount of services calls.
Section 1 Paragraph C is perhaps my favorite as this section of the Kosmont Companies report sites prior work done by Kosmont Companies and finds it misleading. It's as though they are referring to another entity to which they do not have access to the records. Frankly, it was hard to keep reading after this. (Can the taxpayers get their money back?!)
Section 1 Paragraph D makes another comparison between land area (5%) and police budget (25%). A more useful comparison would be police budget vs foot traffic or daytime population.
Section 1 Paragraph E fails to recognize the difference between seating capacity and building code capacity. Build code capacity is established for safety reasons, but it is up to the owner/manager of the establishment as to how best to utilize the space. Many patrons probably prefer not to sit so that they can mingle. Owners prefer to have more customers. This is an overreach by the report to suggest operating otherwise.
The list goes on, but we need not read more to realize the case for the proposed ordinance is without merit.
More importantly, why isn't the City working with its businesses to build and maintain a vibrant economy in our town?
Dear City Council, City Manager and Administrators
I am very opposed to this proposed ordinance. Having a vibrant downtown is important to the city and a reason people live and move here. The problems of the 2000’s are just that….10 years old. These proposed regulations are completely out of touch with reality and vastly over-reaching and entirely unnecessary. The business owners and their employees work hard to keep a safe and clean environment and it is safer and cleaner than most other downtowns. As we come out of a pandemic we should be working to help businesses not literally put them out of business. No other city I am aware of would even consider such a harsh and probably illegal ordinance.
I grew up in Hermosa and these new rules are cutting the heart out of this city! Sad to see a once electric nightlife full of life and opportunities get snuffed out by these insane proposals. If you’re trying to destroy the nightlife in your city then by all means continue
I don't even know where to begin with comments on these new, over-reaching and completely illegal ordinances. Is your goal to ruin every business in these city be trying to enforce even more ridiculous rules and make these poor barely surviving businesses jump through more hoops than they already have?
1. Limiting CUP licenses and making businesses reapply each year?
2. Limiting occupancy to only people who can be seated?
3. Restaurants can't move a chair or table without the threat of being shut down for "adjusting" their floor plan?
4. No lines? You guys already tried this and failed, this is flat out stupid and will only hurt the businesses even more
5. Limiting the types and sizes of drinks/beverages that can be served after 11pm?
6. Here's my favorite of your new proposed "rules": K. The establishment or its operations shall not adversely affect the quality of life for the residents, and/or commercial establishments nearby.
How on earth is the chief of police going to enforce that? So some person drives by doesn't like the music being played and can get the business shut down?
I really hope you all rethink the type of town you are wanting to make this into. I don't see any changes here that benefit or help the businesses in any way. If I'm wrong please point out to me how this will help these businesses recover after a year of extreme loss.
Sincerely,
A very concerned citizen that is seeing her town destroyed by this council.
In light of this proposed ordinance, it is time to address the role reversal that has been happening with this City Manager and City Council. The City Council’s role is to provide direction. The City Manger’s job is to follow that direction and implement their vision. Unfortunately, Suja continues to comport herself as if she is an elected official providing direction. This is not her role. Cities are organized this way for a specific reason. City Managers come and go, and are not community members. They do not have institutional knowledge of the communities which they serve. Councilmembers, however, DO have historical knowledge of their community, business owners and constituents. They know what has worked and what has not. They know the players. This is specifically why the City Council provides direction and staff carries out their wishes.
It continues to happen that Suja provides the direction and the City Council carries out her wishes.
The downtown area is not perfect, but nothing is. It is an integral part of our town and brings in significant revenues. The Kosmont study utilized a flawed methodology - feel free to watch my comments at the 1/10/17 meeting, time stamp 3:13:13. People live near the downtown because they have access to shopping and restaurants, and this keeps their property values high, which also benefits the city financially. They understand it comes with noise and other inconveniences, but the appeal far outstrips the downsides.
The business owners are not nefarious people running illegitimate businesses. Quite the opposite – they are community members and constituents, benefactors to local non-profits and our schools.
We have had endless discussions and studies about various aspects of the downtown – late night hours, CUPs, queues, food, patrons, business owners. Councilmembers and the community know this, as do the business owners.
We have had numerous discussions about queues and food, which is well known by at least two of the current Councilmembers. Those issues have been fully vetted, which Suja would not know, because she is not steeped in the history of our town. This is why the City Council and not the City Manager, should decide what to discuss – or not.
Many aspects of this proposed ordinance are illegal. While it is true that the city could simply pass this ordinance and wait to be sued, is that truly an appropriate way to conduct yourselves? Aren’t you currently dealing with the CrossFit lawsuit that must be costing the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal bills? Setting that aside, isn’t it unethical to pass an ordinance that you know is illegal? CUPs are a vested property right that cannot be overridden simply because a City Manager does not like them. The same goes for occupancy loads.
As every business owner tries to work their way out of this pandemic, the city needs to work with them and support them. This ordinance crushes them in ways that are unconscionable and so far reaching, it is stunning. Nobody is allowed to be in an establishment if they do not have a seat? It would border on ridiculous were it not so disturbing.
Please, City Council, take control of your City Manager. This ordinance should be tossed in the garbage can, and you should spend your time working with the businesses, not seeking to ruin them.
Hermosa Beach City Council
Re: City Ordinances May 8, 2021
Dear City Council: No on City Ordinance adding 5.80 to HB Municipal Code Downtown
I am adamantly opposed to the draconian laundry list of rules directly attacking business owners, customers and local financial commerce. This council months ago, made a unilateral decision to stop potential customers from standing in line waiting for a table and supporting a local business. In the Daily Breeze, Justin was quoted, “I observed people not obeying social distance in line” and article suggested customers go to their car, or elsewhere to wait for the restaurant to call them for seating! Right, these restaurants are not 5 star resorts, spur of the moment eating, refreshments, many first time beach visitors and locals, are not going bother going to a business if being harassed by controlling rules.
The long detailed 18 page report (wonder how much it costs us taxpayers?), puts more controlling rules on merchants e.g. selling legal items after 11pm, like adult refrigerated drinks, a multi pack of paper cups. What’s next, candy bars and large non-diet fountain drinks like NYC? The person in a downtown market, has a $20k/month lease and praying to financially survive, get more business, not sure if they can survive. Now the council will put more demands, reducing revenue on this business owner that has dedicated his life supporting his family as a small business. Maybe there are ways to improve and if I was on the council, I would work with business together for ideas input, suggestions, not create demands, use common sense as a team.
If this Council truly focused on the bigger risks to our community, they would join the other ~9 other cities and vote of no confidence in the easy on crime DA. He will be releasing all 75k+ prisoners, many with violent pasts, maybe some deserved to be released by opening doors but this number is similar to the population of Redondo and Hermosa at once. Our neighbor’s car was stolen from their driveway this week, more than 4 other cars broken into and that is just local street same week, assume this has becoming a trend. Help local security and our superior law enforcement teams. Focus on the big picture, this document should be shredded just like the mentality of attacking the greenbelt and business with lists of new rules of the month club. I keep threating to run for a council seat, because of these over control ideas. Help encourage more business, not the attitude of “us vs them”.
• Rebate all business license and or liquor fees by the same amount they were forced to close business revenue, but still obligated to pay fees.
o Shut down = 100-% reduction, 25% occupancy = 75% reduction
o Give them the option to continue the new outdoor dining space if it is still mutually beneficial, vs. what I see a new rule in the future of regulations
Residents of our city (like most in CA) have had their property rights diminished in last few years by new state laws. The CA Coastal commission has made it infinitely more difficult to for property owners to develop the properties. These events have truly crushed property values in many instances for both long term owners, as well as new residents. Now the city which I love is going to crush local businesses, and diminish property rights as well?
Pier Avenue has evolved tremendously for the better. The local businesses owners have been at the core of this great change. Protect them don't attack them.
Vote NO on this egregious overreach and move on to matters that make a supportive and positive difference for our residents.
Who wrote this ordinance? And who would benefit? As a long-time home owner and resident of Hermosa Beach, whose kids have been raised here from birth and attended the local schools, I've seen the transformation of Pier Avenue from a sketchy, run-down street that seemed to attract motorcycle gangs to a clean, vibrant, and safe Plaza where people of all ages can hang out and have fun. Limiting capacity and eliminating queues seems ridiculous to me. Where do you think the residents of this city like to shop, eat and drink? Are you trying to hurt the local businesses that have been struggling through this pandemic? Of course, there are some issues, but these can be resolved by working with local business owners, not trying to shove illegal, draconian, and nonsensical restrictions down their throats.
And yes, I did read the ordinance, and I agree with some of my fellow commenters who are more articulate than me that this proposed ordinance is both inane and insane. If we really want Hermosa to shine, let's keep the outdoor dining and work on keeping our beautiful little town the lively piece of paradise it is.
Dear City Council-members, Manager, and Administrators:
I'm opposed to the proposed ordinance and I'm actually surprised that it's even being considered. I reviewed the report with an open mind and I still don't see any substance. What I do see is a future full of litigation and wasted tax dollars. It simply isn't rational and everybody knows it. Thank you in advance for letting my position be heard...at least that part of our city government is working.
I voted for many members of this council because I thought you would protect our environment and preserve our town. I didn't vote for any of you because I wanted you to start destroying the downtown businesses on the basis of a report so flawed and biased I wouldn't accept it from my 16 year old son. With all due respect, knock it off.
The Kosmont Companies report does not make a solid case for the proposed ordinance. Section 1 paragraph B notes the discrepancy between the percentage of land area (5%) and the percentage of calls for service (16% daytime, 35% nighttime). Given that calls for service are more closely tied to human activity, land area is a pointless comparison. In fact, a bustling vibrant area like Pier Plaza should be generating a disproportionate amount of services calls.
Section 1 Paragraph C is perhaps my favorite as this section of the Kosmont Companies report sites prior work done by Kosmont Companies and finds it misleading. It's as though they are referring to another entity to which they do not have access to the records. Frankly, it was hard to keep reading after this. (Can the taxpayers get their money back?!)
Section 1 Paragraph D makes another comparison between land area (5%) and police budget (25%). A more useful comparison would be police budget vs foot traffic or daytime population.
Section 1 Paragraph E fails to recognize the difference between seating capacity and building code capacity. Build code capacity is established for safety reasons, but it is up to the owner/manager of the establishment as to how best to utilize the space. Many patrons probably prefer not to sit so that they can mingle. Owners prefer to have more customers. This is an overreach by the report to suggest operating otherwise.
The list goes on, but we need not read more to realize the case for the proposed ordinance is without merit.
More importantly, why isn't the City working with its businesses to build and maintain a vibrant economy in our town?
Dear City Council, City Manager and Administrators
I am very opposed to this proposed ordinance. Having a vibrant downtown is important to the city and a reason people live and move here. The problems of the 2000’s are just that….10 years old. These proposed regulations are completely out of touch with reality and vastly over-reaching and entirely unnecessary. The business owners and their employees work hard to keep a safe and clean environment and it is safer and cleaner than most other downtowns. As we come out of a pandemic we should be working to help businesses not literally put them out of business. No other city I am aware of would even consider such a harsh and probably illegal ordinance.
Thank you,
A concerned citizen
I grew up in Hermosa and these new rules are cutting the heart out of this city! Sad to see a once electric nightlife full of life and opportunities get snuffed out by these insane proposals. If you’re trying to destroy the nightlife in your city then by all means continue
I don't even know where to begin with comments on these new, over-reaching and completely illegal ordinances. Is your goal to ruin every business in these city be trying to enforce even more ridiculous rules and make these poor barely surviving businesses jump through more hoops than they already have?
1. Limiting CUP licenses and making businesses reapply each year?
2. Limiting occupancy to only people who can be seated?
3. Restaurants can't move a chair or table without the threat of being shut down for "adjusting" their floor plan?
4. No lines? You guys already tried this and failed, this is flat out stupid and will only hurt the businesses even more
5. Limiting the types and sizes of drinks/beverages that can be served after 11pm?
6. Here's my favorite of your new proposed "rules": K. The establishment or its operations shall not adversely affect the quality of life for the residents, and/or commercial establishments nearby.
How on earth is the chief of police going to enforce that? So some person drives by doesn't like the music being played and can get the business shut down?
I really hope you all rethink the type of town you are wanting to make this into. I don't see any changes here that benefit or help the businesses in any way. If I'm wrong please point out to me how this will help these businesses recover after a year of extreme loss.
Sincerely,
A very concerned citizen that is seeing her town destroyed by this council.
In light of this proposed ordinance, it is time to address the role reversal that has been happening with this City Manager and City Council. The City Council’s role is to provide direction. The City Manger’s job is to follow that direction and implement their vision. Unfortunately, Suja continues to comport herself as if she is an elected official providing direction. This is not her role. Cities are organized this way for a specific reason. City Managers come and go, and are not community members. They do not have institutional knowledge of the communities which they serve. Councilmembers, however, DO have historical knowledge of their community, business owners and constituents. They know what has worked and what has not. They know the players. This is specifically why the City Council provides direction and staff carries out their wishes.
It continues to happen that Suja provides the direction and the City Council carries out her wishes.
The downtown area is not perfect, but nothing is. It is an integral part of our town and brings in significant revenues. The Kosmont study utilized a flawed methodology - feel free to watch my comments at the 1/10/17 meeting, time stamp 3:13:13. People live near the downtown because they have access to shopping and restaurants, and this keeps their property values high, which also benefits the city financially. They understand it comes with noise and other inconveniences, but the appeal far outstrips the downsides.
The business owners are not nefarious people running illegitimate businesses. Quite the opposite – they are community members and constituents, benefactors to local non-profits and our schools.
We have had endless discussions and studies about various aspects of the downtown – late night hours, CUPs, queues, food, patrons, business owners. Councilmembers and the community know this, as do the business owners.
We have had numerous discussions about queues and food, which is well known by at least two of the current Councilmembers. Those issues have been fully vetted, which Suja would not know, because she is not steeped in the history of our town. This is why the City Council and not the City Manager, should decide what to discuss – or not.
Many aspects of this proposed ordinance are illegal. While it is true that the city could simply pass this ordinance and wait to be sued, is that truly an appropriate way to conduct yourselves? Aren’t you currently dealing with the CrossFit lawsuit that must be costing the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal bills? Setting that aside, isn’t it unethical to pass an ordinance that you know is illegal? CUPs are a vested property right that cannot be overridden simply because a City Manager does not like them. The same goes for occupancy loads.
As every business owner tries to work their way out of this pandemic, the city needs to work with them and support them. This ordinance crushes them in ways that are unconscionable and so far reaching, it is stunning. Nobody is allowed to be in an establishment if they do not have a seat? It would border on ridiculous were it not so disturbing.
Please, City Council, take control of your City Manager. This ordinance should be tossed in the garbage can, and you should spend your time working with the businesses, not seeking to ruin them.
Hermosa Beach City Council
Re: City Ordinances May 8, 2021
Dear City Council: No on City Ordinance adding 5.80 to HB Municipal Code Downtown
I am adamantly opposed to the draconian laundry list of rules directly attacking business owners, customers and local financial commerce. This council months ago, made a unilateral decision to stop potential customers from standing in line waiting for a table and supporting a local business. In the Daily Breeze, Justin was quoted, “I observed people not obeying social distance in line” and article suggested customers go to their car, or elsewhere to wait for the restaurant to call them for seating! Right, these restaurants are not 5 star resorts, spur of the moment eating, refreshments, many first time beach visitors and locals, are not going bother going to a business if being harassed by controlling rules.
The long detailed 18 page report (wonder how much it costs us taxpayers?), puts more controlling rules on merchants e.g. selling legal items after 11pm, like adult refrigerated drinks, a multi pack of paper cups. What’s next, candy bars and large non-diet fountain drinks like NYC? The person in a downtown market, has a $20k/month lease and praying to financially survive, get more business, not sure if they can survive. Now the council will put more demands, reducing revenue on this business owner that has dedicated his life supporting his family as a small business. Maybe there are ways to improve and if I was on the council, I would work with business together for ideas input, suggestions, not create demands, use common sense as a team.
If this Council truly focused on the bigger risks to our community, they would join the other ~9 other cities and vote of no confidence in the easy on crime DA. He will be releasing all 75k+ prisoners, many with violent pasts, maybe some deserved to be released by opening doors but this number is similar to the population of Redondo and Hermosa at once. Our neighbor’s car was stolen from their driveway this week, more than 4 other cars broken into and that is just local street same week, assume this has becoming a trend. Help local security and our superior law enforcement teams. Focus on the big picture, this document should be shredded just like the mentality of attacking the greenbelt and business with lists of new rules of the month club. I keep threating to run for a council seat, because of these over control ideas. Help encourage more business, not the attitude of “us vs them”.
• Rebate all business license and or liquor fees by the same amount they were forced to close business revenue, but still obligated to pay fees.
o Shut down = 100-% reduction, 25% occupancy = 75% reduction
o Give them the option to continue the new outdoor dining space if it is still mutually beneficial, vs. what I see a new rule in the future of regulations
Brian Hilgers, Concerned Citizen
Hermosa Beach