The Hermosa Beach Neighborhood Association
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The 2017 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate
takes place on Wednesday, September 27, 2017
From 7 pm to 9 pm at the Hermosa Beach City Council Chambers
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7:00 pm - Introduction of Hermosa Beach City Council Candidates
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Start of the 2017 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate
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Opening Statements: 2 minutes for each Candidate’s Opening Statement
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2017 Debate Question 1 and Question 2 - Background Information:
From the Hermosa Beach Action Agenda 2016-2017: which was developed from the City of Hermosa Beach Strategic Planning process.
From: Hermosa Beach Action Agenda 2016-2017
http://www.hermosabch.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=8006
Policy Agenda 2016
Targets for Action – Located on pdf Page 5 and pdf Page 6
There are 12 Targets for Action listed:
The Top 5 Targets for Action are listed as TOP PRIORITY and
the last 7 Targets for Action are listed as OTHER PRIORITIES
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Targets for Action
TOP PRIORITY:
1. General Plan/Local Coastal Plan [ As Adopted – Note: Refer to the Future Implementation of PLAN Hermosa ]
2. Financial Policies/Long Range Plan
3. Carbon Neutrality: Short Term Actions – Implementation and Planning
4. City Infrastructure Master Plans - Pavement Management/Sidewalk Plan, Sewer/Stormwater Assessment, Living Streets (Streets and Sidewalks), Water Quality
5. City Buildings and Facilities - City Facilities: Civic Center – Police, Fire, City Hall, Public Works, Buildings of Opportunities
OTHER PRIORITIES:
6. Pacific Coast Highway/Aviation Avenue Mobility/Improvements
7. Downtown Revitalization
8. Code Enforcement
9. Meet and Confer/MOU
10. 8th Street Project
11. Encroachments
12. Boards/Commissions Review
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2017 Debate Question 1:
From the Hermosa Beach Action Agenda 2016 – 2017: There are 12 Targets for Action listed.
Give us your list of the priority projects or issues from the 12 Targets for Action that absolutely must go forward in 2018.
Why should these projects be addressed and completed?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2017 Debate Question 2:
From the Hermosa Beach Action Agenda 2016 – 2017: There are 12 Targets for Action listed.
Give us your list of the lower priority projects or issues from the 12 Targets for Action that can be moved to 2019 or later.
Why should these projects be delayed, reduced or canceled?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2017 Debate Question 3 - Background Information:
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IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOWNTOWN CORE REVITALIZATION STRATEGY - PARKING STRATEGY
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The Downtown Core Revitalization Parking Strategy includes proposals for building 3 large multi-level public parking structures, in order to service visitor car parking for the Hermosa Beach downtown area.
1. The first multi-level parking structure for the public is proposed to be at the City’s Parking Lot A, which is a City owned surface parking lot directly south of Pier Plaza, on the corner of 11th Street and Hermosa Avenue, in the downtown area.
2. The second multi-level public parking structure, possibly constructed underground, is to be part of a proposed newly constructed Civic Center, at the current location of City Hall, 1315 Valley Drive, outside the downtown area.
3. The third multi-level public parking structure is proposed to be located on the City owned land, directly west of the Community Center building on the corner of PCH and Pier Avenue, outside the downtown area.
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City of Hermosa Beach:
PLAN Hermosa - Adopted August 22, 2017
From: FINAL Adopted PLAN Hermosa Policy Doc 8_22_2017.pdf
PLAN Hermosa - Integrated General Plan and Coastal Land Use Plan – pdf page 91
http://www.hermosabch.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=9872
Downtown District
The Downtown District is a primary social and commercial activity center in Hermosa Beach, serving as a centralized location for social gatherings and the recreational activities of residents and visitors.
Pier Plaza serves as a popular venue for outdoor events and dining, connecting Downtown to the beach, pier, and The Strand.
The “pedestrian scramble” at the intersection of Hermosa Avenue and Pier Avenue is a unique pedestrian amenity that reinforces the pedestrian-oriented nature of Downtown.
Public Realm Design
The pedestrian orientation of Downtown streetscapes should be improved through provision of:
• Special paving or signage at the Pier Ave/Hermosa Avenue intersection.
• Additional palm trees on Hermosa Avenue to emphasize its importance and enhance the character of its streetscape.
• Café and recessed outdoor seating opportunities.
• Arts and cultural activities focused in and around the Downtown.
• Café/seating spaces, plazas, parklettes, and other landscaping features are woven into the design of streets and buildings.
• Once Downtown, walking and bicycling are the primary means for traveling around Downtown while vehicles are accommodated through consolidated parking lots and metered street parking. [BOLD Added]
• Traffic speeds along Hermosa Avenue should be managed through traffic calming, signalization, and streetscape enhancements.
Downtown Parking Design
• A park-once district that allows centralized, shared parking facilities providing pedestrian connections at multiple destinations should be provided in Downtown. [BOLD Added]
• Parking should be provided off-site through public or private shared parking facilities, with any on-site parking situated to the rear of the buildings and/or hidden and screened. [BOLD Added]
• Real-time parking supply signage should be added to major City lots/structures to improve circulation and access to the beach and The Strand.
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PLAN Hermosa - Integrated General Plan and Coastal Land Use Plan – pdf page 92
Civic Center District
At the physical center of town, the Civic Center area is the civic hub of services and activities for the community. The Civic Center provides efficient and accessible services to the community, but is in need of modernization, repairs, and additional space.
Future Vision
The intent is to transform the building orientation and design in the Civic Center, while enhancing the streetscape and circulation of all modes and users.
The Civic Center facilities will be modernized to accommodate the range of functions and services provided by the City, and will be expanded to provide consolidated parking facilities in well designed or underground parking structures to serve commercial uses both along Pacific Coast Highway and Downtown. [BOLD Added]
Streetscape enhancements will provide an important connection between the main thoroughfares of Pacific Coast Highway, Downtown, and the residential neighborhoods.
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2017 Debate Question 3:
What is your opinion regarding the financing and construction of 1 or more large multi-level public parking structures, in order to service visitor car parking for the Hermosa Beach downtown area?
How would the City finance the construction of these multi-million dollar parking structures?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2017 Debate Question 4 - Background Information:
There are many existing single story commercial buildings that were built in the 1910’s, the 1920’s, into the 1950’s, in the Hermosa Beach Downtown area.
Some people believe that these 60 to 100 year old single story commercial buildings provide a unique character and scale to the Hermosa Beach downtown area.
The Downtown Core Revitalization Strategy is proposing numerous “special incentives and provisions to minimize the impact of parking” requirements, for the redevelopment of single-story commercial buildings and to provide incentives to open new restaurants with outdoor dining/seating.
Reductions in parking requirements are also proposed as incentives to build new multi-story mixed-use buildings.
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Refer to the: Staff Report 15-0480: DOWNTOWN CORE STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
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From Staff Report 15-0480: DOWNTOWN CORE STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
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Land Use and Zoning Recommendations:
1. Pier Avenue, from PCH to Hermosa Avenue and including the Community and Civic Center sites and Hermosa Avenue and the Downtown Core from 10th to 14th Streets should be designated as a pedestrian-oriented district, with special incentives and provisions to minimize the impact of parking,
2. Required parking in the pedestrian-oriented district should be allowed, to provide off-site, rather than the current 25% of required on-site parking for buildings,
3. There should be a reduced amount of required parking for commercial (office and retail) uses within the pedestrian oriented district.
4. There should be a reduced amount of required parking for restaurant uses within the pedestrian-oriented district.
5. Outdoor seating should be encouraged for the creation of a more sociable environment within the pedestrian oriented district. Parking requirements for outdoor seating should be reduced appropriately to encourage the diversity of types of establishments within the downtown district and in particular within the Downtown Core.
6. Parking requirements should be reduced for mixed use buildings on a single lot that generate parking demand during different times of the day without the need for a discretionary action by the City. There are currently a variety of conditions upon which the amount of parking reduction may be allowed or a fee paid in lieu of providing parking, but a discretionary review is required.
7. Upper level office use should be encouraged to attract a lively downtown environment and provide a greater daytime population that supports retail and restaurant uses. Parking for upper level office and service uses should be reduced and located off-site in shared parking and public parking facilities.
8. Vehicular parking requirements should be reduced in exchange for the provision of additional bicycle parking,
9. For an existing non-restaurant use that is converting to restaurant use and whose parking requirements are met in common facilities within the pedestrian-oriented district, a credit against the future parking requirements should be allowed,
10. Parking requirements for commercial uses within the pedestrian-oriented district should be allowed in common facilities within a quarter mile walking distance.
11. Parking requirements for commercial uses within the pedestrian-oriented district should be based on a net usable building square footage basis that is, not including for example, bathrooms, hallways, lobbies, service, storage and mechanical rooms.
[UNDERLINE Added on #1 to #11]
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From the: PLAN Hermosa - Integrated General Plan and Coastal Land Use Plan – pdf page 91
Downtown District
Future Vision
“The intent is to enhance the building form and orientation, and maintain the pedestrian realm along Pier Ave while transforming the realm on Hermosa Avenue.” [BOLD Added]
“The Downtown District will continue to offer an array of uses for residents and visitors, and any new buildings should pay close attention to and contribute to the high quality pedestrian environment provided throughout Downtown.”
Desired Form and Character
Building Design and Orientation
“Development along Pier Avenue and Hermosa Avenue should conform to recommendations of the Downtown Revitalization Strategy to realize a town-scale Main Street environment that supports pedestrian activity and local serving commerce.” [BOLD Added]
“Many of the unique buildings, streetscape features, and public spaces are iconic or historic in nature, and new buildings should be carefully integrated to retain the town’s eclectic charm.” [BOLD Added]
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The redevelopment of the Hermosa Beach Downtown area, proposes numerous incentives to demolish old single story buildings are replace them with new multi-story commercial building in our downtown area.
The proposed reduction of parking requirements, zoning modifications, the construction of multi-level parking structures, the incentives that allow for off-site parking, and the incentives to add new restaurants with outdoor dining, all help to promote the demolition and redevelopment of existing single-story commercial buildings in the Hermosa Beach downtown.
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2017 Debate Question 4:
What is your opinion regarding the reduction of parking requirements, zoning modifications or any incentives, that promote the demolition and redevelopment of 60 to 100 year old single story commercial buildings in the downtown area?
How many of these older single-story buildings in the Hermosa Beach downtown, should be knocked down and replaced with modern multi-story buildings?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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Debate Question 5 - Background Information:
The proposed Downtown Core Revitalization Strategy plan proposes new outdoor dining/seating on public sidewalks and would allow for reduced parking requirements to be granted for converting an existing non-restaurant uses, in order to create new restaurant uses, such as adding new restaurants with outdoor dining on public sidewalks in the downtown area.
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IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOWNTOWN CORE REVITALIZATION STRATEGY - PARKING STRATEGY
From the January 12, 2016 Study Session Staff Report:
“5. Outdoor seating should be encouraged for the creation of a more sociable environment within the pedestrian oriented district.”
“The determination of the appropriate amount of outdoor seating within the public street right-of-way should be based on lot frontage length, maintaining adequate space for pedestrian circulation and considerations related to adjacencies and public safety.”
“These are to be determined on a case-by-case basis at a staff level by the Community Development and Public Works Director.”
“Parking requirements for outdoor seating should be reduced appropriately to encourage the diversity of types of establishments within the downtown district and in particular within the Downtown Core.”
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From the January 12, 2016 Study Session - Presentation Slides for Downtown Revitalization Strategy
Presentation Slides for Downtown Revitatlization Strategy zoning discussion
Presentation Slide 6 – Outdoor Dining
“Should the prohibition on outdoor dining on Pier Avenue be eliminated and the 200 SF allowance without parking be incorporated?” [Note: The prohibition on outdoor dining currently exists on the Upper Pier Avenue]
“Should the standards for Pier Plaza encroachments be amended to allow the 200 SF allowance without additional parking?”
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From the: PLAN Hermosa - Integrated General Plan and Coastal Land Use Plan – pdf page 91
Downtown District
Future Vision
“The intent is to enhance the building form and orientation, and maintain the pedestrian realm along Pier Ave while transforming the realm on Hermosa Avenue.” [BOLD Added]
“The Downtown District will continue to offer an array of uses for residents and visitors, and any new buildings should pay close attention to and contribute to the high quality pedestrian environment provided throughout Downtown.”
“Café/seating spaces, plazas, parklettes, and other landscaping features are woven into the design of streets and buildings.” [BOLD Added]
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Downtown Parking Conceptual Master Plan - Pdf Page 2
“Hermosa Ave - Hermosa Ave general streetscape improvements:
2 lanes, diagonal parking, widen sidewalks, streetscape furnishing” [BOLD Added]
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From Staff Report 15-0480: DOWNTOWN CORE STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
4. There should be a reduced amount of required parking for restaurant uses within the pedestrian-oriented district.
5. Outdoor seating should be encouraged for the creation of a more sociable environment within the pedestrian oriented district. Parking requirements for outdoor seating should be reduced appropriately to encourage the diversity of types of establishments within the downtown district and in particular within the Downtown Core. [BOLD Added to #4 and #5]
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Currently Hermosa Avenue has four traffic lanes for vehicles. The Downtown Parking Conceptual Master Plan proposed the removal of two traffic lanes and diagonal parking on Hermosa Avenue in the downtown area, in part to make room for wider sidewalks and streetscape improvements.
The removal of two traffic lanes and addition of diagonal parking on Hermosa Avenue will allow for 20 foot wide sidewalks, and outdoor dining/seating on the wider sidewalks is also proposed for new and existing restaurants.
The Downtown Core Strategic Plan Update proposed reductions in parking requirements other incentives to add new restaurants and to build new multi-story commercial buildings within the Downtown Core.
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2017 Debate Question 5:
What is your opinion regarding diagonal parking on Hermosa Avenue or the removal of any traffic lanes on Hermosa Avenue?
When Hermosa Avenue is upgraded with 20 foot wide sidewalks, could a future City Council vote to convert the existing retail businesses into bars and restaurants with outdoor dining, as is currently the case on Pier Plaza?
How would the City finance the recommendations proposed in the Downtown Revitalization Strategy?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2017 Debate Questions from the Audience:
Each audience member that asks a question, must pose their question for all City Council Candidates to answer.
Please do not direct your question to a specific City Council Candidate by name.
Each City Council Candidate will be answering that same audience question.
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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The next block of Debate Questions 6, 7, and 8 use information from the following 3 documents: ______________________________________________________________
1. PRESS RELEASE: “Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County” - 2011 – 2 page pdf
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2. “Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County” –
A Cities and Communities Health Report - Released December 2011 – 16 page pdf
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/epi/docs/AOD%20final%20revised%20web%20ed.pdf
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3. ICMA Police Operations Report for the Hermosa Beach Police Department
Released August 2013 – 56 page pdf
http://www.hermosabch.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=3785
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2017 Debate Question 6 - Background Information:
This debate question is based the following:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Report:
“Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County - A Cities and Communities Health Report.” – December 2011
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/epi/docs/AOD%20final%20revised%20web%20ed.pdf
The report, "Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County," examines the density of alcohol outlets in 117 cities and communities across the County and highlights the relationship between alcohol outlet density and alcohol-related harms.
"Excessive alcohol consumption, which includes binge drinking and heavy drinking, not only has devastating personal effects, but also takes a tremendous toll on families and communities," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer.
"Increased alcohol availability contributes to abuse, leads to serious medical illnesses and impaired mental health. Drinking too much also results in increased motor vehicle crashes and violent crime, family disruptions, and impaired performance at work and school - costing Los Angeles County nearly $11 billion dollars a year."
Key findings from the report include:
--- 16 percent of county adults are binge drinkers, and one in five Los Angeles-area high school students reported binge drinking at least once in the past month
--- Communities with a high density of restaurants, bars or stores selling alcohol were much more likely to have increased rates of violent crime
Determining Alcohol Outlet Density
Information on alcohol outlets within Los Angeles County was obtained from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). ABC categorizes alcohol outlets as:
- on-premises - outlets where alcohol is served to be consumed on site, e.g. bars and restaurants.
- off-premises - outlets where alcohol is sold to be consumed off site, e.g. liquor stores and grocery stores.
A total of 16,039 alcohol outlets in LA County were identified and included in the analysis. The densities (number of outlets per 10,000 residents) of on-premises and off-premises alcohol outlets were calculated separately, and categorized into teriles of "low," medium," or "high" density.
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Data compiled from the: “Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County” report showed that:
- Hermosa Beach had 4 times the On-Premises alcohol outlet density compared to all of Los Angeles County. [BOLD Added]
- Hermosa Beach had the 4th highest alcohol outlet density for On-Premises [On-Sale] establishments, comparing the 117 cities and communities in the "Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County" report.
["On-Premises Establishments" or On-Sale Outlets are; Restaurants, Bars or Nightclubs, with a On-Sale ABC Alcohol License]
- Hermosa Beach had the 9th highest alcohol outlet density for Off-Premises [Off-Sale ABC License] establishments, comparing the 117 cities and communities in the "Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County" report.
["Off-Premises Establishments" or Off-Sale Outlets are; Liquor Stores, Markets or Grocery Stores, with a Off-Sale ABC Alcohol License]
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- Among the 7 South Bay cities bordering the ocean, from El Segundo south to Rancho Palos Verdes,
Hermosa Beach ranked number 1 in the rate of violent crime, among these 7 South Bay cities.
- Hermosa Beach had more than 2 times the rate of violent crime, compared to Manhattan Beach.
- Hermosa Beach had more than 3 times the rate of violent crime, compared to Rancho Palos Verdes.
- Hermosa Beach had more than 10 times the rate of violent, crime compared to Palos Verdes Estates.
Violent Crime includes; Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault and Homicide.
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The following is a ranking of the violent crime rate for the:
7 South Bay Cities that border the ocean, from El Segundo south to Rancho Palos Verdes.
Compiled from the: "Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County" report: data on pdf pages - 8, 9, 10
Ranked 1. Hermosa Beach number 1, in Violent Crime Rate 3.5 per 1,000 / pop.
Ranked 2. Redondo Beach number 2, in Violent Crime Rate 3.1 per 1,000 / pop.
Ranked 3. Torrance number 3, in Violent Crime Rate 2.3 per 1,000 / pop.
Ranked 4. El Segundo number 4, in Violent Crime Rate 2.1 per 1,000 / pop.
Ranked 5. Manhattan Beach number 5, in Violent Crime Rate 1.4 per 1,000 / pop.
Ranked 6. Rancho Palos Verdes number 6, in Violent Crime Rate 0.9 per 1,000 / pop.
Ranked 7. Palos Verdes Estates number 7, in Violent Crime Rate 0.3 per 1,000 / pop.
Violent Crime includes; Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault and Homicide.
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2017 Debate Question 6:
Do you agree with the findings and recommendations in the "Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County" report, regarding the relationship of alcohol outlet density to increased violent crime in a city?
How many new alcohol outlets should be added in Hermosa Beach?
How many existing alcohol outlets should be granted closing hours later than 10 pm, or have dancing, or serve hard liquor?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2017 Debate Question 7 - Background Information:
The following Crime Data was obtained from:
State of California Department of Justice
Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis
Criminal Justice Statistics Center – CJSC
Searched: "Jurisdiction" - Example Search; “Hermosa Beach” and "Misdemeanor Arrests"
CJCS Statistics Homepage: https://oag.ca.gov/crime/cjsc/stats/arrests
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The "Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County" report was released in December 2011:
From 2011 to 2014, Hermosa Beach has experienced the following crime statistics:
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For 48 months, 2011 thru 2014:
Hermosa Beach had 2.4 times the Part 1 Rape crime rate,
compared to Manhattan Beach.
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For 48 months, 2011 thru 2014:
Hermosa Beach had 1.9 times the Part 1 Aggravated Assault crime rate,
compared to Manhattan Beach.
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For 48 months, 2011 thru 2014:
Hermosa Beach had 2.2 times the Misdemeanor Arrest rate,
compared to Manhattan Beach.
For 48 months, 2011 thru 2014:
Hermosa Beach had 2.59 times the Misdemeanor Arrest rate,
compared to Redondo Beach.
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For 48 months, 2011 thru 2014:
Hermosa Beach had 3.5 times the Misdemeanor Drunk Arrest rate,
compared to Manhattan Beach.
For 48 months, 2011 thru 2014:
Hermosa Beach had 2.9 times the Misdemeanor Drunk Arrest rate,
compared to Redondo Beach.
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Hermosa Beach City Council Meeting – February 23, 2016
Study Session: Downtown Cost/Benefit Finance Analysis - 6:00 PM
Staff Report 16-0149 - DRAFT COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS, DOWNTOWN
Quotes From:
Staff Report 16-0149: DRAFT COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS, DOWNTOWN
Background:
"On June 9, 2015, staff presented the Council with a report on downtown revenue and expenses for 2013-14. The report was not an in depth analysis but more of a quick attempt to quantify expenditures as had been presented previously."
"Staff recommended that an independent third party be engaged to do a more in depth study, to include late night establishments, if Council was interested. The City Council directed staff to proceed with the study."
"Staff engaged the firm of Kosmont Companies to prepare the study, as they had prepared the cost benefit analysis for the oil project."
"The conclusion of the report is that businesses in the downtown area likely generate approximately $6.8 million in direct municipal revenue and result in approximately $6.5 million in direct municipal expenditures."
"Late night establishments within downtown generate approximately $1.3 million in direct municipal revenue and approximately $1.6 million in direct municipal expenditures."
Attachments:
1. Draft Downtown Cost Benefit Analysis Report 2-8-16.pdf
https://hermosabeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4255398&GUID=939F4470-609F-4487-B136-E4EA4B4FB5B1
2. Downtown Cost Benefit Public Comments and Responses.pdf
https://hermosabeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4259174&GUID=17588F92-8FED-4FBF-973D-96A7BA71DD76
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2017 Debate Question 7:
How significant of a problem is alcohol-related crime in the downtown area after midnight?
Do the positive impacts outweigh the negative impacts of alcohol sales, after midnight in Hermosa Beach?
Do you ever see alcohol sales after midnight, as a big money maker for the City of Hermosa Beach?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2017 Debate Question 8 - Background Information:
FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Program – UCR Offense Definitions:
http://www.ucrdatatool.gov/offenses.cfm
As defined by the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the seven major Part I offenses are used to measure the extent, fluctuation, and distribution of serious crime.
Part I crimes are the seven most serious offenses in two categories (violent and property crime).
Part 1 - Serious violent crime is defined as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
Part 1 - Serious property crime is defined as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
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PART 1 VIOLENT CRIME STATS FROM THE HBPD:
Hermosa Beach Police Department
Monthly Crime Statistics
http://www.hermosabch.org/index.aspx?page=634
Hermosa Beach Part 1 Violent Crimes of Rape, Robbery and Aggravated Assault
Hermosa Beach has experienced the following Part 1 Violent Crime statistics from 2013 thru 2015:
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Part 1 Rape
[Part 1 Rape: Listed as “Sex Crimes” in HBPD Monthly Reports]
http://www.hermosabch.org/index.aspx?page=634
5 - YTD December 2013
7 - YTD December 2015
40% Increase in Part 1 Rape in Hermosa Beach
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For 24 months, 2014 thru 2015:
Hermosa Beach had 2.5 times the Part 1 Rape crime rate,
compared to Manhattan Beach.
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Part 1 Robbery
6 - YTD December 2013
12 - YTD December 2015
100% Increase in Part 1 Robbery in Hermosa Beach
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For each year, 2011 and 2012,
the Hermosa Beach Police Department per capita Calls for Service
exceeded the Manhattan Beach PD Calls for Service by more than 2.5 times.
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Part 1 Aggravated Assault
17 - YTD December 2013
25 - YTD December 2015
47% Increase in Part 1 Aggravated Assault in Hermosa Beach
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For 24 months, 2014 thru 2015:
Hermosa Beach had 1.75 times the Part 1 Aggravated Assault crime rate,
compared to Manhattan Beach.
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2017 Debate Question 8:
Numerous crime research studies have Hermosa Beach ranked as having higher rates of violent crime than other comparable cities listed in the research reports.
In particular, Hermosa Beach appears to have a history of higher crime rates for Rape and Aggravated Assault, compared to Manhattan Beach.
To what do you attribute the higher rates of violent crime in Hermosa Beach, and not in the other comparable cities?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2017 Debate Question 9 - Background Information:
This debate question is based the following report:
ICMA Police Operations Report for the Hermosa Beach Police Department, released in August 2013.
http://www.hermosabch.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=3785
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The ICMA Police Operations Report for the Hermosa Beach Police Department, quotes:
Excerpts from pdf page 13 or Report page 5 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD:
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Uniform Crime Report/Crime Comparisons
As defined by the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the seven major Part I offenses are used to measure the extent, fluctuation, and distribution of serious crime. Part I crimes are the seven most serious offenses in two categories (violent and property crime).
Serious violent crime is defined as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Serious property crime is defined as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
As can be seen in Table 2, Hermosa Beach reported in 2011 a UCR Part I violent crime rate of 314 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. For UCR Part 1 property crimes, the rate in Hermosa Beach was 3,066 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
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Excerpts from pdf page 14 or Report page 6 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD: ______________________________________________________________
TABLE 2: 2011 UCR Crime Comparisons
Looking at community crime rates, we took information from the FBI UCR Program on Crime in the United States and compared Hermosa Beach with neighboring communities and other California jurisdictions of similar populations.
For this analysis La Canada Flintridge, South El Monte, Marina, American Canyon, Arvin, and Chowchilla were used as population comparators, and Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Lawndale, and El Segundo were used as neighboring comparators.
This analysis is meant as an illustration of communities in California and how they compare with respect to rates of crime. [BOLD Added]
Examination of the comparisons presented in Table 1 indicates that Hermosa Beach has a comparably high crime rate. [BOLD Added]
Out of the seven jurisdictions with similar population, Hermosa Beach has the 4th highest violent crime rate and the highest property crime rate. [BOLD Added]
When compared with neighboring communities regardless of population, Hermosa Beach has the second highest rate of both violent and property crime. [BOLD Added]
[Note: The 6 neighboring communities include: Lawndale, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo Torrance and Manhattan Beach]
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The following crime data for the Violent Crime Ranking for the 6 Neighboring South Bay Communities is compiled from:
ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD: - TABLE 2: 2011 UCR Crime Comparisons: on pdf page 14
From ICMA Report: Violent Crime Ranking for the 6 Neighboring South Bay Communities
Ranked 1. Lawndale number 1 in Violent Crime Rate 528 per 100,000 pop.
Ranked 2. Hermosa Beach number 2 in Violent Crime Rate 314 per 100,000 pop.
Ranked 3. Redondo Beach number 3 in Violent Crime Rate 249 per 100,000 pop.
Ranked 4. El Segundo number 4 in Violent Crime Rate 226 per 100,000 pop.
Ranked 5. Torrance number 5 in Violent Crime Rate 126 per 100,000 pop.
Ranked 6. Manhattan Beach number 6 in Violent Crime Rate 124 per 100,000 pop.
“ . . . Hermosa Beach has a comparably high crime rate.” HBPD ICMA Report Pdf Page 14
“When compared with neighboring communities regardless of population, Hermosa Beach has the second highest rate of both violent and property crime.” HBPD ICMA Report Pdf Page 14
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Excerpts from pdf page 17 or Report page 9 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD: ______________________________________________________________
Issues Raised by Stakeholders
Staffing
• Every stakeholder group we spoke with mentioned the issue of staffing. The issue manifests itself in several ways. The greatest concern was expressed with respect to the Pier Plaza area. The feeling is that there are insufficient personnel to deal with the alcohol-related issues in the area, particularly after 10:00 p.m.
• There is a feeling, particularly among community members, that there is no police presence east of Pacific Coast Highway unless there is a call for service.
• There is a feeling among all of the sworn ranks that enforcement should be avoided in order to prevent officers being taken out of the field. Minimum staffing for patrol is described as two officers and a sergeant.
• All ranks described feeling tired and overburdened. Captains and lieutenants work overtime details to help lessen the staffing burden.
• Community members praised the department’s responsiveness and level of caring. All community members talked about lack of resources.
• Several community members noted the lack of traffic enforcement; both for moving violations and parking violations. These observations were validated by the sworn personnel.
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Excerpts from pdf page 18 or Report page 10 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD: ______________________________________________________________
The Pier Plaza Area
• All stakeholders agree that the single biggest challenge facing the city is the alcohol-related issues being generated by the Pier Plaza bars. The Pier Plaza area is perceived as being out of control and stakeholders also perceive that there are not adequate resources to deal with the situation.
• A very common phrase, again used by all stakeholders, was that the city had created the “beach party culture” downtown and now doesn’t want to provide adequate resources to deal with this issue.
• A brief review of the daily logs suggests that alcohol abuse and other related issues are the greatest drain on patrol resources.
• There are two downtowns; one before 10:00 p.m. and one after.
• There does not seem to be any type of strategic approach to dealing with this situation.
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Excerpts from pdf page 39 or Report page 31 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD: ______________________________________________________________
Spatial Representation of CFS Demand [Note: CFS is “Calls for Service” Demand]
The figures presented above provide a thorough examination of the service demands placed on the HBPD during different times of the day and week.
In addition to these “temporal” demands, it is also possible to illustrate the “spatial” demands on the HBPD. Examining the spatial demands permits the exploration of where incidents are occurring.
According to Figure 9, there are three distinct “hot spots” in Hermosa Beach.
The first and largest should come as no surprise, and this is the area of Pier Plaza. Clearly, this area accounts for an overwhelming amount of service demands placed on the HBPD. [BOLD Added]
The second is in the vicinity of police headquarters. Undoubtedly, this hot spot is generated due to CFS from the police station house and the higher level of vehicular and foot traffic in this vicinity.
Third is the hot spot in the vicinity of Pacific Coast Highway and 11th Street in the vicinity of Greenwood Park and Clark Park and Ralph’s Grocery Store.
These observations point to two conclusions that support issues raised during the site visit.
First, the downtown area and the beach consume the lion’s share of resources from a service demand
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Excerpts from pdf page 40 or Report page 32 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD: ______________________________________________________________
perspective through CFS. [Note: CFS is “Calls for Service” Demand]
Conversely, the remaining areas of the community see low levels of CFS volume and support the contention that the non-downtown area is underserved with respect to police resources.
Indeed, the areas of the community that are NOT along major arteries or the downtown and beach areas show almost no concentrations of call volume at all.
On the positive side, the argument can be made that there are no problems in these areas in general, thus a police presence is not required.
On the negative side, in a department where almost 38 percent of the call volume is self-initiated (6580/17,381), officers are initiating a small amount of calls in these “other” areas, which undermines a community policing philosophy that is clearly central to the HBPD approach to policing the community.
FIGURE 9: Spatial Representation of CFS Demand [Note: CFS is “Calls for Service” Demand]
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JPEG Picture of "Spatial Representation of CFS Demand" is available on pdf page 40 or Report page 32 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD:
http://www.hermosabch.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=3785
This JPEG Picture is an Overhead View of the CFS [HBPD's Calls for Service Demand] with 3 Hot Spots, or Hight CFS Demand areas in Hermosa Beach pictured in Red on the JPEG Picture.
NOTE: The 3 CFS, [HBPD's Calls for Service] Demand, Hot Spots in Hermosa Beach are:
1. The first and largest should come as no surprise, and this is the area of Pier Plaza. Clearly, this area accounts for an overwhelming amount of service demands placed on the HBPD. [BOLD Added]
2. The second is in the vicinity of police headquarters. Undoubtedly, this hot spot is generated due to CFS from the police station house and the higher level of vehicular and foot traffic in this vicinity.
3. Third is the hot spot in the vicinity of Pacific Coast Highway and 11th Street in the vicinity of Greenwood Park and Clark Park and Ralph’s Grocery Store.
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Revisiting the Rule of 60
Pulling all of these factors together, it appears that there are sufficient resources available on patrol to meet the CFS demands from the community.
ICMA contends, however, that the shift schedule in the HBPD needs to be reevaluated to make it more efficient and responsive to the needs of the community.
Restructuring the schedule and adding two officers to patrol will create a more efficient and effective patrol function which, in turn, will deliver better services to the community.
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Excerpts from pdf page 41 or Report page 33 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD: _____________________________________________________________
Community Lead Sergeant (Nightclub Enforcement)
The downtown area is an important part of Hermosa Beach. Identified explicitly in the city’s strategic plan, an “eclectic downtown” in Hermosa Beach is envisioned as a unique and well-maintained focal point of the community, with a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere and locally owned retail and dining establishments.
Anecdotal evidence obtained during meetings with stakeholders in the community and members of the HBPD indicate that this vibrant public space often takes on a different character than the one desired by the community.
Numerous accounts were given about the raucous and rowdy nature that the downtown area exhibits during the evening hours due to the bar and nightclub scene.
Essentially, it appears that the “friendly” atmosphere sought by the community degrades into a disorderly location due to this nightlife.
The downtown area is an important part of Hermosa Beach, and the dining, shopping, and nightlife experience available in this area brings a vibrant social scene to the area and, along with the beach, is one of the “signature” characteristics of the community. [BOLD Added]
However, the area demands a substantial amount of attention.
From a strategic, tactical, and resource allocation perspective this area must be a high priority and the HBPD must have the resources available to maximize the positive and minimize the negative aspects of the area. [BOLD Added]
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Excerpts from pdf page 42 or Report page 34 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD: ______________________________________________________________
Examination of CFS [Calls for Service] volume reported by the HBPD indicates that more than 20 percent of the entire CFS [Calls for Service] volume can be attributed to the downtown area.
Additionally, of all the CFS [Calls for Service] logged in the downtown area, more than 22 percent of those calls are “disturbance” calls of various types. [BOLD Added]
Essentially, one out of every twenty calls received by the HBPD are disturbance calls downtown. [BOLD Added]
Currently, the HBPD dedicates one sergeant to the downtown area. This “Community Lead Sergeant” works a shift of 1500 hours x 0300 hours, and follows the 3 on-4 off schedule, working every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening.
Complementing this position, the HBPD staffs three overtime shifts every Friday and Saturday night from 1900 hours to 0300 hours.
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The Part 1 Rape, Part 1 Robbery and Part 1 Aggravated Assault data is from the following stories from:
The Beach Reporter - March 16, 2016 - Crime is up in beach cities from 2014
The Beach Reporter - March 1, 2017 - Beach city crime trends downward, except for Redondo Beach
Hermosa Beach has experienced the following Part 1 Violent Crime statistics:
Hermosa Beach - 2013 to 2016 – 48 Months
Part 1 Rape – Part 1 Robbery – Part 1 Aggravated Assault
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2013 2014 2015 2016
Hermosa Beach
Part 1 Rape 5 7 7 10
A 100% Increase in Part 1 Rape from 2013 thru 2016
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Hermosa Beach
Part 1 Robbery 6 11 12 15
A 150% Increase in Part 1 Robbery from 2013 thru 2016
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Hermosa Beach
Part 1 Aggravated Assault 17 19 25 22
A 29.4% Increase in Part 1 Aggravated Assault from 2013 thru 2016
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For 48 months, 2013 thru 2016:
Hermosa Beach had 2.17 times the Part 1 Rape crime rate,
compared to Manhattan Beach.
For 48 months, 2013 thru 2016:
Hermosa Beach had 1.89 times the Part 1 Aggravated Assault crime rate,
compared to Manhattan Beach.
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For 24 months, 2014 thru 2015,
Hermosa Beach had a Part 1 Rape crime rate
that was 2.5 times that of Manhattan Beach.
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For 24 months of, 2014 thru 2015,
Hermosa Beach had a Part 1 Aggravated Assault crime rate
that was 1.75 times that of Manhattan Beach.
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From the ICMA Police Operations Report for the Hermosa Beach Police Department:
"All stakeholders agree that the single biggest challenge facing the city is the alcohol-related issues being generated by the Pier Plaza bars." - HBPD ICMA Report Pdf Page 18
“Also, the HBPD handles a large number of “disturbance” CFS [Calls for Service], undoubtedly originating from the downtown area.” - HBPD ICMA Report Pdf Page 24
“ICMA recommends that the HBPD establish a committee that includes all the principal stakeholders, including representatives from all ranks within the department along with community members.” - HBPD ICMA Report Pdf Page 24
“This process, combined with an dedicated team in the downtown area, can have a substantial impact on reducing CFS handled by the HBPD and can free officer time on patrol to deal with quality of life and other important community problems.” - HBPD ICMA Report Pdf Page 24
"Thrid, it is clear that a large number of CFS are related to disturbances. Properly dealing with disturbances requires long-term problem solving and resources.” - HBPD ICMA Report Pdf Page 25
ICMA Report Recommendation: - HBPD ICMA Report Pdf Page 25
• Empanel a calls for service committee in order to evaluate service demands and attempt to reduce nonemergency responses.
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2017 Debate Question 9:
Do you agree with this quote from the ICMA report? “ it is clear that a large number of CFS [Calls for Service] are related to disturbances.” “ Properly dealing with disturbances requires long-term problem solving and resources.”
Do you agree with the ICMA report’s recommendation to “Empanel a Calls for Service committee, that includes all the principal stakeholders, including representatives from all ranks within the department along with community members”?
What steps would you take to the establishment of this Calls for Service committee?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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Closing Statements: 2 minutes for each Candidate’s Closing Statement
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End of the 2017 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate
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