The Hermosa Beach Neighborhood Association
The 2019 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate
takes place on Monday, September 30, 2019
From 7 pm to 9:30 pm at the Hermosa Beach City Council Chambers
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2019 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate Format:
The Measure H Debate and
Candidate Debate Questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11
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The 2019 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate will proceed as follows:
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7:00 pm - Introduction of 2019 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidates
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Start of the 2019 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate
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Opening Statements: 2 minutes for each Candidate’s Opening Statement
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2019 Ballot Measure H: Background Information
City of Hermosa Beach 2019 Election Information
http://www.hermosabch.org/index.aspx?page=963
The next general municipal election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. The following City of Hermosa Beach offices and items will be on the ballot for consideration by Hermosa Beach voters:
MEASURE H - TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
MEASURE H - Transient Occupancy Tax - Ordinance
http://www.hermosabch.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=12725
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure H
http://www.hermosabch.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=12724
Argument In Favor Of Measure H
http://www.hermosabch.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=12723
Notice To Voters
http://www.hermosabch.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=12727
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RESOLUTION TO PLACE A MEASURE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY COUNCIL TO INCREASE THE CITY'S TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (TOT) - A TAX LEVIED ONLY ON HOTEL/ LODGING GUESTS - BY UP TO 2%, FROM 12% UP TO 14% ON THE BALLOT FOR THE NOVEMBER 5, 2019 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Attachments:
1. 1. Resolution Ordering Submission to Voters of TOT Ballot Measure, with Ordinance,
2. 2. Resolution Filing Written Arguments & Analysis of Arguments for TOT Ballot Measure,
3. 3. Resolution Filing Rebuttal Arguments of TOT Ballot Measure,
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council
Regular Meeting of July 9, 2019
Title:
RESOLUTION TO PLACE A MEASURE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY COUNCIL TO INCREASE THE CITY’S TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (TOT) - A TAX LEVIED ONLY ON HOTEL/LODGING GUESTS - BY UP TO 2%, FROM 12% UP TO 14% ON THE BALLOT FOR THE NOVEMBER 5, 2019 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
(Finance Director Viki Copeland)
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt one of the following:
1. The attached resolution asking voters to increase the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) - a tax levied only on hotel/lodging guests - by up to 2%, from 12% up to 14%, on the November 5, 2019 General Municipal Election.
or
2. An amended version of the resolution.
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Executive Summary:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution to place a ballot measure on the November 5, 2019 ballot asking voters to increase the TOT rate up to 2%, from 12% up to 14% or to adopt an amended version of the resolution. Council will not be taking an action to increase the tax with this recommendation. A vote of 2/3 of the City Council (4 Councilmembers) is requires to place a general tax increase on the ballot. A majority vote of the electorate is required for the measure to pass.
Background:
Staff originally planned to discuss the idea of placing a measure on the ballot asking voters to increase the transient occupancy tax at a future Revenue Study Session with the understanding that the measure could be placed on the November 2020 election. The City Attorney has advised, however, that a general tax measure must go on a general municipal ballot. This would mean that the next time that the tax could be increased would be either November 2019 or 2022.
Consideration of the matter was discussed at the 2019-20 Budget Hearing, with a majority of the Council directing staff to return with a resolution to place the measure on the November 2019 ballot. The Council would not be taking an action to increase the tax with this recommendation; just deciding whether to place this measure on the ballot in order to let the voters decide. Under Proposition 218, a tax measure may be increased only by voter action.
A 2/3 vote of the City Council (4 Councilmembers) is required to place a general tax increase on the ballot. A majority vote of the electorate is required for the measure to pass.
Analysis:
A Transient Occupancy Tax (also known as a “TOT” or “hotel bed tax”) applies only to guests who stay in local hotels and lodging, ensuring out-of-town visitors to Hermosa Beach pay their fair share for the use of City roads, public safety and other City services. These types of measures are otherwise not a tax on Hermosa Beach residents or their property.
The TOT is imposed on persons staying in hotels and other short term lodgings in the City, for periods of 30 days or less. The local rate of 10% had been in effect since 1990, until it was changed through voter approval by 2% to a 12% rate in November 2015. 2015’s Measure H had a passage rate of 84.93%.
As reported in the 2019-20 Preliminary Budget, TOT receipts are at the highest level at approximately $3.3 million from the existing eight (8) hotels, including the youth hostel. Occupancy is 80% for the first seven months compared to 80.4% for the same period last year. Los Angeles County hotel occupancy is 81.8% and South Bay is 82.2% for the same period. The TOT is an increasingly important source of revenue for the City, generating almost 8% of General Fund revenue in locally-controlled funding that must be spent on city operations and the services we provide to the public.
A 2% increase in the TOT would generate an estimated additional $550,000 in revenue annually from existing hotel rooms. For the hotel occupant with a room rate of $100, an additional tax of 2% would be $2; with a room rate of $250, the additional tax would be $5. Again, all money raised would be used locally for services the public relies on - none of this money can be taken away by the County or the State.
In order to continue providing the level and quality of services that residents and businesses have come to expect, staff recommends looking at revenue enhancements to provide the funding necessary for City operations. Public safety has consistently been a top priority for the City and residents. Updating the hotel tax helps maintain local public safety services such as 911 response, police, fire and paramedic services.
Adjusting the TOT tax rate for visitors to the City assists with continuing to offer a high level of services for residents.
At the Budget Hearing, City Council asked questions and discussed various ways to increase the tax ranging from 13% to 14% or a fraction thereof. The voters could be asked to approve a rate up to 14%, with the City Council actually determining if and when the tax is increased. The voters could also be asked to approve a specific increase. Staff recommends that the City Council consider these options and determine the best way to move forward. If changes result to the wording in the resolution, those changes may be made at the City Council meeting.
General Plan Consistency:
PLAN Hermosa, the City’s General Plan, was adopted by the City Council in August 2017 and envisions a future where “Hermosa Beach is the small town others aspire to be; a place where the beach culture, strong sense of community, and commitment to sustainability intersect.” One of the guiding principles to achieve this vision is to make decisions and take actions that help contribute to the City’s economic and fiscal stability. By keeping the city safe, clean and well-maintained, updating the hotel tax protects the quality of life and property values for local residents while keeping Hermosa Beach a special place to live, work and play.
Governance
• 1.2 Strategic Planning. Regularly discuss and set priorities at the City Council and management level to prioritize work programs and staffing needs.
• 1.6 Long-Term considerations. Prioritize decisions that provide long-term community benefit and discourage decisions that provide short-term community benefit but reduce long-term opportunities.
• 2.7 Major planning efforts. Require major planning efforts, policies, or projects to include a public engagement effort.
• 5.7 Visitor and resident balance. Recognize the desire and need to balance visitor-serving and local-serving uses as a key to preserving character and the economic vitality of the community.
• 6.1 Long-term economic development. Support the development and implementation of long-term economic development strategies that seek to establish and keep new businesses and a strong middle class in Hermosa Beach over the decades to come.
Attachments:
1. Resolution # 19-xxxx, Ordering Submission to Voters of TOT Ballot Measure, with Ordinance
1. 1. Resolution Ordering Submission to Voters of TOT Ballot Measure, with Ordinance,
2. Resolution # 19-xxxx, Filing Written Arguments & Analysis Arguments for TOT Ballot Measure
2. 2. Resolution Filing Written Arguments & Analysis of Arguments for TOT Ballot Measure,
3. Resolution # 19-xxxx, Filing Rebuttal Arguments for TOT Ballot Measure
3. 3. Resolution Filing Rebuttal Arguments of TOT Ballot Measure,
4. 2019 TOT Rate Survey
Respectfully Submitted by: Viki Copeland, Finance Director
Legal Review: Mike Jenkins, City Attorney
Approved: Suja Lowenthal, City Manager
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2019 Ballot Measure H Debate Question: What is your opinion on ballot Measure H, which is the consideration of adjusting the City's Transient Occupancy Tax rate (also known as the "hotel tax") from 12% to 14%, is it a good idea or not?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2019 Debate Question 1 and Question 2: Background Information
From the Hermosa Beach Action Agenda 2016-2017, which was developed from the Strategic Planning process:
Policy Agenda 2016
http://www.hermosabch.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=8006
Targets for Action – are Located on pdf Page 5 and pdf Page 6
There are 12 Targets for Action listed:
The Top 5 Action Items listed as TOP PRIORITY and the last 7 Action Items listed as OTHER PRIORITIES
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Targets for Action
TOP PRIORITY:
1. General Plan/Local Coastal Plan – As Adopted – 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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2019 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 2020 and beyond.
Why should these projects be addressed and completed?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2019 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 later in your term as a city council member.
Why should these projects be delayed, reduced or canceled?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2019 Debate Question 3: Background Information
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IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOWNTOWN CORE REVITALIZATION STRATEGY - PARKING STRATEGY
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 e-mail attachment: 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.
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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2019 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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2019 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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2019 Debate Question 4:
What is your opinion regarding the reduction of parking requirements, modifications to existing zones or any new incentives, that promote the demolition and redevelopment of older single story commercial buildings in the downtown area?
How large of an area 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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2019 Debate Question 5 and Question 6: 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.”
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: This 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]
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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2019 Debate Question 5:
What is your opinion regarding the conversion from curb parking to 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?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2019 Debate Question 6:
How would the City finance the recommendations proposed in the Downtown Revitalization Strategy?
Could this money be better spent on other areas in Hermosa Beach and not in the downtown?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2019 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 7, 8, and 9 use information from the following 4 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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4. UPDATE ON THE CITY COUNCIL'S DOWNTOWN SUBCOMMITTEE AND "DOWNTOWN ENHANCEMENT PLAN" - 10/10/2017
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2019 Debate Question 7: 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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2019 Debate Question 7:
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 late night on-sale alcohol outlets, which are restaurants and bars that close after 10 pm, should be added in Hermosa Beach?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
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2019 Debate Question 8: 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.
_______________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________________
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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2019 Debate Question 8:
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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2019 Debate Question 9: 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.
____________________________________________________
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:
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
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
___________________________________________________
For 24 months, 2014 thru 2015:
Hermosa Beach had 2.5 times the Part 1 Rape crime rate,
compared to Manhattan Beach.
___________________________________________________
Part 1 Robbery
6 - YTD December 2013
12 - YTD December 2015
100% Increase in Part 1 Robbery in Hermosa Beach
___________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________
Part 1 Aggravated Assault
17 - YTD December 2013
25 - YTD December 2015
47% Increase in Part 1 Aggravated Assault in Hermosa Beach
___________________________________________________
For 24 months, 2014 thru 2015:
Hermosa Beach had 1.75 times the Part 1 Aggravated Assault crime rate,
compared to Manhattan Beach.
___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2019 Debate Question 9:
Numerous crime research studies have Hermosa Beach ranked as having higher rates of violent crime than other comparable California cities listed in the research reports.
In particular, Hermosa Beach appears to have a history of higher crime rates for the violent crimes of Part 1 Rape and Part 1 Aggravated Assault, when compared to Manhattan Beach.
Yet both Hermosa and Manhattan are ranked as having a similar high density of alcohol outlets, as reported by the "Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County" report.
To what do you attribute the history of higher crime rates for Rape and Aggravated Assault in Hermosa Beach, when compared directly to Manhattan Beach?
1 minute response from each City Council Candidate
______________________________________________________________
2019 Debate Question 10: Background Information
This debate question is based the following reports:
______________________________________________________________
ICMA Police Operations Report for the Hermosa Beach Police Department, released in August 2013.
http://www.hermosabch.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=3785
______________________________________________________________
UPDATE ON THE CITY COUNCIL'S DOWNTOWN SUBCOMMITTEE AND "DOWNTOWN ENHANCEMENT PLAN" - 10/10/2017
______________________________________________________________
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:
______________________________________________________________
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]
______________________________________________________________
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
______________________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________________
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
______________________________________________________________
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]
______________________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________________
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]
______________________________________________________________
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 Police Department – Monthly Crime Statistics
http://www.hermosabch.org/index.aspx?page=634
City Of Hermosa Beach Monthly Department Activity Reports
http://www.hermosabch.org/index.aspx?page=712
Hermosa Beach – YTD 2013 to 2018 – 72 Months
Part 1 Rape – Part 1 Robbery – Part 1 Aggravated Assault
______________________________________________________________________
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 YTD August 2019
Hermosa Beach Jan to August 2019
Part 1 Rape 5 7 7 10 4 3 7 Rapes in 8 months
A 100% Increase in Part 1 Rape from 2013 thru 2016
______________________________________________________________________
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 YTD August 2019
Hermosa Beach Jan to August 2019
Part 1 Robbery 6 11 12 15 7 5 5 Robberies in 8 months
A 150% Increase in Part 1 Robbery from 2013 thru 2016
______________________________________________________________________
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 YTD August 2019
Hermosa Beach Jan to August 2019
Part 1 Agg. Assault 17 19 25 22 17 23 24 Assaults in 8 months
A 29.4% Increase in Part 1 Aggravated Assault from 2013 thru 2016
______________________________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________________
For 24 months, 2014 thru 2015,
Hermosa Beach had a Part 1 Rape crime rate,
that was 2.5 times that of Manhattan Beach.
______________________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
From the ICMA Police Operations Report for the Hermosa Beach Police Department:
http://www.hermosabch.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=3785
"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.
______________________________________________________________
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council
Regular Meeting of October 10, 2017
Title
UPDATE ON THE CITY COUNCIL’S DOWNTOWN SUBCOMMITTEE
AND “DOWNTOWN ENHANCEMENT PLAN”
(Assistant to the City Manager Nico De Anda-Scaia)
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Receive and file staff’s update on the subcommittee’s proposed “Downtown Enhancement Plan”;
2. Discuss and provide general direction or affirmation on the subcommittee’s approach, priorities and strategies for improving the general environment of - and enhancing City operations associated with - the downtown district; and
3. Affirm the Planning Commission’s recommended modification to the Conditional Use Permit review process.
Body
Background:
The City’s downtown district has seen many changes throughout its history. Currently, the high concentration of several late-night alcohol establishments located on Pier Plaza brings large numbers of people to the area on a nightly basis. Weekends bring even larger crowds, creating a significant strain on City resources to maintain public safety and quality of life - including ensuring local ordinances such as “no smoking” and “no drinking in public” are consistently enforced.
The Downtown Subcommittee was established in November 2016 after a high profile incident occurred on the plaza that resulted in injury to three Hermosa Beach Police Officers. Following that incident, a security company was brought in to supplement the police presence on the plaza. The incident highlighted the finite number of City employees available to interact with and control the often rowdy and intoxicated patrons regularly found in the downtown area during late night hours. A more comprehensive solution needed to be developed, so the Subcommittee has embarked on a review of prior strategies employed downtown and is tasked with identifying and expanding what works, developing new ideas and strategies to enhance the environment and leveraging technology where appropriate to assist with enhancing safety and security.
The downtown district is the heart of Hermosa Beach and should be enhanced so that it becomes a more attractive, safe and welcoming focal point for all patrons. The area should be a place that allows a diversity of groups to mutually co-exist - not a place that is dominated by one group at the expense of another, and future development should maintain a seamless transition between daytime uses, family-oriented events and ensuring nighttime activities are enjoyed in a manner compatible with the area. It is the subcommittee’s opinion that the betterment of the downtown in all aspects will reflect positively on the quality of life in the community as a whole.
Analysis:
To achieve these qualities, the Downtown Subcommittee has drawn from the City’s past Sociable City assessment (Responsible Hospitality Institute, 2014), Downtown Core Revitalization Strategy (Roma Design Group, 2014) and Late Night Action Plan (2012) in proposing a comprehensive four-pronged strategy for improving the downtown’s overall environment and mitigating negative impacts of late night activities. The following is a summary of the subcommittee’s initial strategies for the downtown (outlined herein as ‘Tracks’), which include a combination of data collection, application of available legislative tools, smart deployment of resources, and public realm/environmental design improvements. To this end, the sections below list past and present efforts associated with improving the environment, safety and general ambiance of the City’s downtown - seeking policy clarification and direction on key strategies as necessary.
TRACK 1: Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) (Public Realm Design)
This initiative centers on the importance of the built and maintained environment in shaping public attitudes and local behaviors. Through the enhancement of design components such as beautification elements, lighting, cleanliness and overall landscape of key areas, cities have shown the ability to curb negative behaviors of patrons (reduce opportunities for criminal activity) while creating an atmosphere that is inviting to a broader range of visitors and potential businesses.
As an example, in 2010, the City invested in improvements to upper Pier Avenue that have had significant benefits on the character, quality and business make-up of that corridor. In order to nurture positive change in our more central downtown core, the City should take a more targeted/deliberate approach to enhancing the public realm in the downtown core.
Lighting
The Subcommittee has identified the need for new lighting in the downtown area to increase safety and security, as well as to enhance the ambiance of the district in order to create a more inviting atmosphere and stimulate economic growth. A complete lighting overhaul of the existing downtown lighting scheme is necessary to correct for current deficiencies. Some of these strategies include:
• Enhanced and appropriate downtown lighting and visibility - safety/security (Pier Plaza, Downtown Parking Lots, Beach Drive, The Strand and Pier, Hermosa Avenue).
• Integration of aesthetic lighting (extension of string lights across Hermosa Ave.)
• Partnership with downtown businesses to ensure additional/adequate lighting behind private establishments.
• Automate safety/security lighting (e.g. Pier Plaza flood lighting on a timer).
Cleanliness
• Review of cleaning schedule/Athens contract (assess efficiencies, porter system w/ equitable pricing structure, etc.).
• Modify street sweeping cleaning schedules (2:30am cleaning of Pier Plaza).
• Increase power washing of Plaza, Strand and parking lots.
• Reinstitute porter service (parking lot compactor).
• Hiring additional ‘ambiance ambassadors’ for improving consistent cleanliness of downtown areas.
Sustainability and Conservation
• Parking Lot D Improvement Project
• Healthy Air Hermosa: maintaining high quality outdoor and public spaces in Hermosa Beach through the Healthy Air Hermosa program, and/or subsequent programs which aim to reducing cigarette smoke and litter.
Parking
• Explore linking parking strategies being studied for Coastal Zone Parking Management Study and Downtown Revitalization with objectives of the Downtown Enhancement Plan.
• Implementation of Demand-based parking strategies (i.e. reduced rates in lots, increased night-time rates throughout downtown).
• Real-time parking supply signage added to major City lots/structures to improve circulation and access to the beach and The Strand.
• Phase 3 parking meter technology upgrades.
Additional Public Realm Improvements
• Increased way-finding signage for public restrooms in downtown.
• Coordination with rideshare companies; explore designated drop-off/pick-up locations similar to LAX.
• Downtown public restroom improvements.
• Plaza built-environment renewal (consider: artificial grass spaces/tiles, public art installations, fountain, mobile library, kiosks, child-friendly structures, outdoor seating, etc.).
• Continued downtown enhancements (i.e. trash bin receptacles, tree grates, light posts, way-finding signage, etc.).
• Special paving or painted crosswalk at the Pier Ave/Hermosa Ave Intersection.
• Repaving of parking lots A and B.
TRACK 2: Enhanced Enforcement Presence/Prevention through Education
Although enforcement alone has proven not to deter negative behaviors in the long-run, it remains a critical component of any effective strategy for setting acceptable standards of behavior, changing perceptions of community safety and promoting a welcoming atmosphere.
Public Safety
• Circulating designated HBPD officers more effectively throughout the downtown for proactive/targeted policing. PD bicycle patrols, training and deployment.
• PD to explore further operational/enforcement opportunities with multi-jurisdictional task forces.
• Contracting with neighboring/regional law enforcement agencies for additional downtown support such as coordination of regular DUI checkpoints.
• Utilization of smart surveillance technology and communication systems to improve crime prevention and inform the community regarding actions to take in case of an emergency.
• Renovation of office area in Municipal Parking Structure to serve as a downtown sub-station.
• ‘Shoulder Tap’ program/ABC grant (detection/deterrence of alcohol sales to minors).
• Set standard for consistent restaurant/bar security uniforms on the Plaza.
• Evaluate and modify private security plans for establishments (PD to create/provide a standard security plan for businesses who haven’t implemented these).
• Tracking of ‘over-serving’, occupancy loads and other violations at downtown establishments.
• Crime reporting: tying incidents to establishments of origin.
Code Enforcement
• Ramped-up Enforcement: open containers, smoking, public intoxication, trash behind businesses, urination, noise and other violations.
• Explore expansion of CSO responsibilities (without reducing parking enforcement and other responsibilities).
• Enhanced cross-training for staff across departments (PC 832 Training).
• ABC training workshop for employees of alcohol-serving establishments.
Homelessness
• Mental Health Evaluation Team (Partnership between cities of HB, MB, RB).
• Regional PATH services funded through FY2017/18.
• Ongoing partnership with LA County on County Homeless Strategy, annual homeless counts and other programs.
• ‘Home for Good’ Homeless Prevention and Strategic Planning Grant.
TRACK 3: Land Use/Economic Vitality and Incentives
Diversifying Uses Downtown
As Hermosa Beach has matured as a community, the downtown has evolved as well. Still, the downtown businesses do not serve a broad cross-section of the population and provide less in the way of diverse retail and fine dining than would be expected, given the demographics of the community and the high quality assets of the area.
Within the downtown as a whole as well as within the core, there is a need to increase the day-time population to add life and vitality that goes beyond the typical recreationally-oriented uses that have been historically attracted to the beach setting of Hermosa Beach (Downtown Core Revitalization Strategy, 2014).
The Subcommittee recognizes the need to balance visitor-serving and local-serving uses as a key to preserving character and the economic vitality of the community.
• Fostering/encouraging retention and attraction of a greater diversity of business uses downtown (e.g. Updated parking standards/requirements,
• Develop plans and programs for underutilized spaces, such as vacant buildings, utility corridors, parkways, etc., for temporary retail, restaurant, and community-promoting uses (e.g. pop-up art gallery).
• Strategic community event scheduling to attract desired demographic. Arts and cultural activities focused in and around the Downtown, Farmer’s Market, etc.
• Enhance the area’s role as a visitor destination by facilitating catalyst projects, such as boutique hotels that provide specific benefits to the community.
Short Term Entertainment Permit (STEP)*
A need has been identified for incentivizing diverse entertainment options in the City that are both a desirable public benefit and present no-to-low impact on city resources, residents and the business community. THRIVE Hermosa - a community based organization designed to utilize and activate local talent and resources - has approached City staff with a proposal for a six-month pilot program aimed at facilitating and simplifying the permitting process for desirable “low impact” entertainment options for local businesses in the downtown.
Via an affordable, easy-to-understand and streamlined permit - along with recommendations for improving the website and revising the HBMC - the ultimate goal of STEP is to help create a more vibrant downtown while attracting visitors during what are typically non-peak/”slow” hours. Attachment 8 of this report outlines STEP in detail.
*The City’s Community Development Department is in the process of vetting this proposal. If viable as presented, the recommendations will then need to be considered by the Planning Commission.
TRACK 4: Compliance Mechanisms/Legislative Tools
Late night alcohol serving and live entertainment businesses are required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), and to operate in compliance with the conditions of their CUP which are intended to ensure compatibility with the downtown district and mitigate adverse impacts.
The Planning Commission conducts periodic reviews of all Late Night Establishment (LNE) CUPs, and based on review of crime, code enforcement and incident data, the Commission may hold hearings to consider modifying or revoking a CUP to resolve problems, based on evidence of violations of CUP conditions, violations of ABC law, violations of the HBMC, or evidence of adverse impacts indicative of a lack of adequate management and security.
The Planning Commission established a bi-annual CUP review approach and policy, approved by City Council in 2011, and following its July 18th meeting is recommending increasing these periodic reviews from two to three times a year, and including more data collection and evaluation of responsible alcohol beverage service as an indicator in the CUP review process.
Attachments 9 & 10 of this report delineate the modifications that are being recommended by the Planning Commission for the process and standards of review for on-sale alcoholic beverage Conditional Use Permits. Council is being asked to review these and affirm the recommended modifications.
Additional possible legislative tools and compliance approaches for curbing negative impacts in the downtown may include, but are not limited to:
• Setting interior illumination standards for LNEs.
• Holding problem LNEs accountable for added security demands (requiring establishments that are responsible for 'extraordinary policing’ demands to absorb these costs).
• Requiring standard ‘Security Plan’ with PD approval for downtown restaurants/bars (incorporate in CUPs).
Looking Ahead:
While some observers note that our downtown has improved gradually over time and Pier Plaza is a safer/better/more-pleasant destination than just five years ago, addressing the diverse and evolving needs of our community while leveraging finite municipal resources continues to be a struggle and requires a comprehensive strategy along with a consistent vision among our policy leaders.
This draft plan is therefore intended as a living document with the expectation that it will evolve as issues change in both gravity and priority throughout our downtown. Furthermore, as the business community and other stakeholders are ultimately engaged in this process, the City’s role may also adjust as partnerships are formed to tackle some of these issues.
It is therefore the subcommittee’s intent to receive general feedback and affirmation from the City Council body on the broader scope/direction of these initial strategies prior to moving forward. The subcommittee and/or staff expect to return to Council with periodic updates of this plan as needed.
Immediate Next Steps:
Over the coming months, staff will be returning to Council for adoption of a revised Athens Contract (more-closely reflecting Council’s feedback and priorities as a result of this meeting), and approval of a lighting design plan for the downtown by Environ Architecture, Inc.
Following Council’s input on the downtown lighting design plan, staff will move forward with the purchase and installation of lighting systems/structures.
For a status update on other completed, in-progress and ongoing projects associated with general downtown enhancement, please refer to the tracking document included as ‘Attachment 3’ to this report.
Financial Implications:
No immediate fiscal implications associated with the downtown enhancement plan update. Staff will return to Council with detailed financial information on individual projects requiring formal direction and approval by the Council body.
Attachments:
1. Downtown District/Core Area Map
2. Strategic Plan Goal 1 with Actions (2016)
3. Downtown Enhancement-Related Project Tracking Document
4. ‘Sociable City’ Evaluation of Nighttime Social Activity Report (2014)
5. Downtown Core Revitalization Strategy (2014)
6. Late Night Action Plan (Revised, 2017)
7. HBPD Downtown Plaza Business Guidelines (2017)
8. Short Term Entertainment Permit - THRIVE Hermosa
9. Process and Standards for Review of On-Sale Alcoholic Beverage Conditional Use Permits
10. Planning Commission CUP Review Process Staff Report (7/18/2017)
11. Written Communication from Robert Reiss
Respectfully Submitted by: Nico De Anda-Scaia, Assistant to the City Manager
Concur: Sharon Papa, Police Chief
Concur: Ken Robertson, Community Development Director
Approved: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager
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2019 Debate Question 10:
Do you agree with these quotes from the ICMA report? “ it is clear that a large number of CFS [Calls for Service] are related to disturbances.” and “ Properly dealing with disturbances requires long-term problem solving and resources.”
Do you agree with this 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”?
As a newly elected city council member would you want the expand the Downtown Enhancement Plan 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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2019 Debate Question 11: Background Information
This debate question is based the following City webpage and City Notice:
Parking and Sidewalk Access Reminders – City of Hermosa Beach
http://www.hermosabch.org/index.aspx?page=914
PARKING EXAMPLES: DO'S AND DON'TS OF PROPER PARKING FOR SIDEWALK ACCESS
California Vehicle Code Section 22500 states that it is illegal for a vehicle to block access to a sidewalk.
The code states:
“No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle whether attended or unattended, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a peace officer or official traffic control device, in any of the following places:
(f) On any portion of a sidewalk, or with the body of the vehicle extending over any portion of a sidewalk, except electric carts when authorized by local ordinance, as specified in Section 21114.5.
Lights, mirrors, or devices that are required to be mounted upon a vehicle under this code may extend from the body of the vehicle over the sidewalk to a distance of not more than 10 inches.”
If your vehicle is blocking sidewalk access, handicapped persons and other pedestrians are forced into our City streets.
If your driveway is not long enough to accommodate your vehicle, consider parking perpendicular to your garage so that sidewalks are accessible.
Did you know the City has designated “Safe Routes to School?”
These are streets and sidewalks that children walk along every day. Take a look at your street. Do you live on a designated "Safe Route?"
The way you park in your driveway and in front of your residence impacts access to the sidewalks on these streets.
Please remember to BE AWARE & PARK WITH CARE.
Always park responsibly and keep sidewalks clear so that children and pedestrians are not forced to walk in the streets.
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NOTE: 8th Street is a Safe Route to School
Notice of Upcoming 8th Street Construction
Posted Date: 6/19/2019 6:00 PM
http://www.hermosabch.org/index.aspx?recordid=1364&page=28
NOTICE OF UPCOMING 8th STREET CONSTRUCTION
June 19, 2019
Subject: 8th Street Improvements (Capital Improvement Project 14-173)
Dear Occupant/Property Owner:
This notice is to let you know that the City of Hermosa Beach will begin construction for the 8th Street Improvement Project the week of July 8th. The project will be led by Gentry General Engineering and construction improvements along 8th Street between Valley Drive and Hermosa Avenue will include:
Creation of a continuous, accessible sidewalk on the north and south sides of the street
Removal of encroachments from the public right of way as necessary
Refreshing of crosswalks and striping along the corridor
What to Expect During Construction
Once the project begins construction, it is expected to take approximately 10 weeks to complete the work, pending weather delays and other unforeseen conditions. To minimize inconveniences, the construction work will be split into phases. Work will begin on the north side of the street beginning and estimated to begin at Valley Drive working toward Hermosa Avenue, before shifting to the south side of the street.
Construction hours are limited to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Monday through Friday. As the project work is scheduled to begin in your immediate neighborhood, additional updates and notifications will be posted on the City website, and fliers will be provided to residents that will provide details for:
Street sweeping and trash collection schedule changes
Temporary parking restrictions posted at least 72 hours in advance
Sidewalk and street closures or detours
Parking and Encroachments
During the project construction and at all times following the completion of the project, residents must make arrangements to ensure vehicles or equipment are not parked across or hanging over the sidewalk (or location where sidewalks are to be constructed). Please make arrangements now to clear space in your garage, schedule a bulky item pick-up, or obtain a parking permit for the permitted area to avoid citations or towing of vehicles. [ Underline and Bold added ]
Additionally, please be advised that the project construction will involve the removal of unpermitted encroachments into the public right-of-way by the contractor including fencing, bricks, steps, and landscaping. If you are unsure whether your improvements are located on your property or within the right-of-way, please contact us.
Community Meeting
A community meeting will be held on Wednesday June 26th from 3:30 to 4:30 PM
at the Clark Building located at 861 Valley Drive.
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2019 Debate Question 11:
Do you agree with the, California Vehicle Code Section 22500 states that it is illegal for a vehicle to block access to a sidewalk?
The following statement is from the City of Hermosa Beach, NOTICE OF UPCOMING 8th STREET CONSTRUCTION:
“During the project construction and at all times following the completion of the project, residents must make arrangements to ensure vehicles or equipment are not parked across or hanging over the sidewalk “
The completion of the 8th Street Construction appears to be an example of successfully clearing cars from the sidewalks on a Safe Routes to School in Hermosa Beach.
Would you support the city program that ensures that on Safe Routes to School that, “residents must make arrangements to ensure vehicles or equipment are not parked across or hanging over the sidewalk “, just like 8th Street?
Should Safe Routes to School sidewalks be available for all Hermosa Beach residents to use without parked cars, at any time of day and 365 days a year, just like 8th Street?
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 2019 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate
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