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2022 Hermosa Beach City Council

Candidate Debate Questions & Format



The 2022 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate

takes place on Wednesday, October 5, 2022

From 7 pm to 10:00 pm

in the Hermosa Beach City Council Chambers



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2022 Hermosa Beach City Council

Candidate Debate Questions & Format

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This Debate will be Broadcast Live and Replayed on Cable

Spectrum Channel 8 and Verizon FIOS Channel 31

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This Debate Will Also Be Available for Replay on the City’s YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/CityofHermosaBeach90254

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This Debate Will Also Be Available for Viewing Live Only on the City’s Zoom Channel:

Please click the link below to watch the Debate Live via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83075287787?pwd=ZDFuWnBWNW5IblAwRkZ5eGdJRjFGQT09

Webinar ID:        830 7528 7787

You Must Use This Zoom Passcode:   880658

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2022 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate Format:

Candidate Opening Statements

The Sales Tax Measure “B” Debate

The Cannabis Initiative Measure “M” and the Cannabis Tax Measure “T” Debate

Candidate Debate Questions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Questions from the Audience

Candidate Debate Questions 6, 7, 8 and 9

Candidate Closing Statements

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7 pm: Start of the 2022 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate

Introduction and the Pledge of Allegiance

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Opening Statements:  2 minutes for each Candidate’s Opening Statement

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City of Hermosa Beach 2022 Election Information

http://www.hermosabch.org/index.aspx?page=963             

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Ballot Measure - Sales Tax Measure “B”: Candidate Debate Question:

What is your opinion regarding Sales Tax Measure “B” that is on the 2022 Ballot?

1 minute response from each City Council Candidate for Sales Tax Measure “B”

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Cannabis Initiative Measure “M” and Cannabis Tax Measure “T”  City Council Candidate Debate Question:

What is your opinion regarding Cannabis Initiative Measure “M ” and Cannabis Tax Measure “T”, that are on the 2022 Ballot?

 

1 minute response from each City Council Candidate.  

Include your opinion on both Measure “M” and Measure “T”, in your 1 minute answer.

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Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate Questions 1 and 2  

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2022 Debate Question 1: 

If you are elected to be a Hermosa Beach City Council member, your term of office will be for a period of 4 years.

What are your top 3 priorities that you want to address and complete, during the 4 years that you have to serve?

Note: The Brown Act restricts your communication with other Hermosa Beach City Council members, when that communication, takes place outside of a City Council meeting open to the public, and when that discussion could lead to an agenda item being added a future City Council meeting.

This includes any communication, discussing a potential agenda item, to more than one City Council member, including use voice, email, text or using someone else to forward your opinions to a City Council member.

And you can’t communicate with one City Council member on one day, then wait a day and communicate on the same potential agenda item, to a different City Council member on the next day.  That is called a Serial Meeting and it violates the Brown Act.

So, any agenda item that you may want to, have placed on the City Council Agenda, the Brown Act restricts to you to talking or communicating with only ONE other Hermosa Beach City Council member, when you are NOT taking part in a Hermosa Beach City Council Meeting that is Open to the Public.

Why?  If you communicate with TWO other Hermosa Beach City Council members, you now have established a quorum of THREE Hermosa Beach City Council members including yourself, and you are now conducting a City Council meeting that is Not Open to the Public, and that meeting is violating The Brown Act.

Any City Council member can communicate their request at any City Council meeting, that is Open to the Public, to have an agenda item placed on a future agenda of a City Council meeting.  It usually requires that other City Council members also support the request for an agenda item to be added to a future City Council meeting.

The Basics of The Brown Act: This is a Must Read

Understanding the Brown Act (ca-ilg.org)

What are the actions you will take in the next four years, to address your goals?

1 minute response from each City Council Candidate

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2022 Debate Question 2: 

Give us your list of the 3 problem areas in the City, that can be addressed and controlled, by the enforcement of existing City of Hermosa Beach law or State of California law or U.S. Federal law during your 4 years in office? 

Note: You can communicate with any number of existing Hermosa Beach City members regarding the enforcement of existing City of Hermosa Beach, State of California or U.S. Federal laws, as long as this discussion does not include placing an agenda item on the City Council Agenda, to be discussed or voted on.

If elected, you will take an Oath of Office, which includes your promise to enforce all, City of Hermosa Beach, State of California and U.S. Federal laws.

The Brown Act, does not limit a City Council member’s ability to advocate or communicate for enforcement of existing City, State and Federal laws.

The Basics of The Brown Act: This is a Must Read

Understanding the Brown Act (ca-ilg.org)

What are the actions you will take to address the problems you have identified?

1 minute response from each City Council Candidate

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 Background Information:  Debate Question 3   

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Agenda Item From: Hermosa Beach City Council Meeting of January 12, 2016

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOWNTOWN CORE REVITALIZATION STRATEGY - PARKING STRATEGY

https://hermosabeach.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2545862&GUID=D9309A1D-B47B-4EDD-8E30-EEF5F073ECCE

The Downtown Core Revitalization Parking Strategy includes proposals for building large multi-level public parking structures in 3 possible areas, 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.   [BOLD Added]

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.   [BOLD Added]

3.  The Third multi-level parking structure is proposed to be located on the City owned land, directly west of the Hermosa Beach Community Center building on the corner of Ardmore and Pier Avenue, outside the downtown area.   [BOLD Added]

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  Code Amendments – Reduction of Parking Requirements   

There are many existing single story commercial buildings that were built from early 1920’s, into the 1950’s, in the Hermosa Beach Downtown area. 

Some people believe that these 70 to 100 year old single story commercial buildings provide a unique character and scale to the Hermosa Beach downtown area.

PLAN Hermosa and 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 in Hermosa Beach.

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From the: PLAN Hermosa - Integrated General Plan and Coastal Land Use Plan – pdf page 91

http://www.hermosabch.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=9872

Building Design and Orientation

“Development along Pier Avenue and Hermosa Avenue

should conform to recommendations of the Downtown

Revitalization Strategy . . .”

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Hermosa Beach City Council Study Session of January 12, 2016 

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOWNTOWN CORE

REVITALIZATION STRATEGY - PARKING STRATEGY

https://hermosabeach.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2545862&GUID=D9309A1D-B47B-4EDD-8E30-EEF5F073ECCE

Recommended Action:

Recommendation

Confirm Council’s previous direction to continue to implement the Downtown Core Revitalization Strategy as a top priority, and provide input on the 11 proposed code amendments outlined in the Parking Strategy.

Parking Strategy:

During Spring 2015 the Planning Commission commenced consideration of potential parking-related code amendments to implement to Strategy, taking into account the results of the January 2015 Beach Access and Parking Study commissioned by the City.

The most relevant parking information from the Strategy is provided below.

There are two primary aspects of the parking strategy - first, the development of a public parking supply that is publicly managed with demand pricing to help control the distribution and availability of parking.

The public parking can be provided for by using in-lieu fees and parking charges to help pay for the program, and a specific financing plan for these will need to be developed. New public parking structures should be located to help alleviate peak loading on thoroughfares and for better traffic management.

The second component of the parking strategy involves modifications to the existing zoning requirements for new development in support of a pedestrian-oriented district where the continuity and quality of the pedestrian experience is given a priority and a certain amount of walking to parking facilities is part of the experience of place.”

Parking Strategy:

The Strategy identified 11 potential code amendments to encourage a more pedestrian-oriented district.  

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 and to encourage pedestrian and bicycle mobility.

 

2.     All parking in the pedestrian-oriented district should be allowed to be provided off-site, rather than the current 25% of parking for buildings with greater than a one floor-to-area ratio (FAR). This is only currently allowed in the SPA-11 zone (Pier Avenue east of Hermosa Avenue to Valley Drive) as an incentive to conserve iconic buildings (Section17.38.550(D)).

 

3.     There should be a reduced amount of required parking for commercial (office and retail) uses within the pedestrian oriented district. Currently one space per 250 SF is required for these uses, however, the Coastal Commission recently provided for a reduced standard of 1/333 SF, which is more consistent with other beach communities, contingent on a parking evaluation from the City which should be undertaken.

 

4.     There should be a reduced amount of required parking for restaurant uses within the pedestrian-oriented district. Currently, one space per 100 SF is required. Cities such as Redondo Beach utilize a one space per 250 SF for pedestrian-oriented districts, which should be considered in Hermosa Beach as well.

 

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. For example, in Redondo Beach, no additional parking is required for the first 12 seats of outdoor seating.

 

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 use 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, beyond what is already required by the City. This provision is currently limited to development along Pier Avenue. An equivalence of 4 bicycle spaces for one car space, up to 20% of the parking required for non-residential projects should be considered (which is the provision allowed in the City of Los Angeles and other cities’ zoning codes). This includes the required bicycle parking and any 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, based upon the zoning requirements of the existing use. Currently this is not allowed for some types of restaurants in the downtown district.

 

10. Parking requirements for commercial uses within the pedestrian- oriented district should be allowed in common facilities within a quarter mile walking distance. This is currently only allowed for second floor office space as an incentive to conserve iconic buildings in SPA-11 zone along Pier Avenue.

 

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 and BOLD 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.”     [UNDLINE and 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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Draft Executive Summary

Hermosa Beach Market and Economic Development Study

http://hermosabeach.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=226fdceb-e963-4fbf-a173-d3bf0015ccf2.pdf

Update   3/1/2021

Page 6 and 7

Business and Land Use Mix

•   As a means of identifying the appropriate tenanting strategy for Downtown, multiple interviewees suggested an organized means of obtaining residents’ input on their desired category of establishments.   

•   It was overwhelmingly agreed that the public safety concerns associated with a late-night bar scene have subsided significantly in the past decade, though the problem remains to some degree, particularly late at night.

•   While some hope for a continued trend away from Hermosa’s image as a nightlife destination, others view the City’s drinking culture as integral to its identity and heritage.   

•   It was also noted that some restaurants/bars depend on the post dining hours drinking to make sufficient revenue to cover their costs.   

•   While Hermosa Beach has historically not been a strong location for Class A office space, it is in a unique position to capitalize on certain office trends given its demographic characteristics and quality of life.   

•   It was noted that the desirable environment, ample food and business services, and the trend toward business decision-makers wanting to work closer to home are supportive of the demand for Class A office space.   

•   The likely ongoing trend of increased work from home could be augmented by coworking office space that offers an alternative to the home office some of the time.

The development of mixed-use residential on infill sites downtown would add “rooftops” to support downtown restaurant and retail businesses, and activate the streets in the downtown core, as well as provide more ground floor commercial space.  

[UNDERLINE and BOLD Added on the above Bullet Points]

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Agenda Item From: Hermosa Beach City Council Meeting of January 12, 2016

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOWNTOWN CORE REVITALIZATION STRATEGY - PARKING STRATEGY

https://hermosabeach.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2545862&GUID=D9309A1D-B47B-4EDD-8E30-EEF5F073ECCE

The Downtown Core Revitalization Parking Strategy includes proposals for building large multi-level public parking structures in 3 possible areas, 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.   [BOLD Added]

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.   [BOLD Added]

3.  The Third multi-level parking structure is proposed to be located on the City owned land, directly west of the Hermosa Beach Community Center building on the corner of Ardmore and Pier Avenue, outside the downtown area.   [BOLD Added]

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Parking Strategy:

The most relevant parking information from the Strategy is provided below.

There are two primary aspects of the parking strategy - first, the development of a public parking supply that is publicly managed with demand pricing to help control the distribution and availability of parking.

The public parking can be provided for by using in-lieu fees and parking charges to help pay for the program, and a specific financing plan for these will need to be developed. 

New public parking structures should be located to help alleviate peak loading on thoroughfares and for better traffic management.

[UNDERLINE and BOLD Added]

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The recent Hermosa Beach Market and Economic Development Study, describes the concept of “smart urban design” and “the rehabilitation and re-tenanting of older buildings”, suggests the demolition and redevelopment of older single story buildings, to be replaced by new buildings in the downtown area. 

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Code Amendments – Reduction of Parking Requirements   

There are many existing single story commercial buildings that were built from early 1920’s, into the 1950’s, in the Hermosa Beach Downtown area. 

Some people believe that these 70 to 100 year old single story commercial buildings provide a unique character and scale to the Hermosa Beach downtown area.

PLAN Hermosa and 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 in Hermosa Beach.

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2022 Debate Question 3: 

What is your opinion regarding the financing and construction of the large multi-level public parking structures to service the downtown area, as laid out by PLAN Hermosa, and “the Downtown Revitalization Strategy”  ?

Do you want the City to proceed with code amendments to reduce parking requirements as called for in the ”Downtown Revitalization Strategy,”?   

Could these actions lead to our older unique single story commercial buildings being demolished, and replaced by new multi-story buildings?

1 minute response from each City Council Candidate

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  Background Information:  Debate Question 4  

Draft Executive Summary - From the Economic Development Committee Meeting of March 1, 2021

Hermosa Beach Market and Economic Development Study - Update   March 1, 2021

http://hermosabeach.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=226fdceb-e963-4fbf-a173-d3bf0015ccf2.pdf

Page 8

City Policy and Role of Civic Organizations

• Multiple interviewees noted that, in the past, Hermosa Beach’s business environment had a subpar reputation.

Some interviewees expressed that the City does not have a comprehensive commercial strategy.

Another issue mentioned during the interviews was the perception that the City has focused on Downtown Hermosa at the expense of other commercial nodes within the City.

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Excerpts from pdf page 41 or Report page 33 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD: 

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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.    

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.   

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 Excerpts from pdf page 42 or Report page 34 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD: 

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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. 

Essentially, one out of every twenty calls received by the HBPD are disturbance calls downtown.  

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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Findings from the ICMA Police Operations Report for the Hermosa Beach Police Department:

http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?event_id=333&meta_id=145053

 

"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

 

"Third, 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.”  -  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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2022 Debate Question 4:

What are your short and long term goals for the Hermosa Beach Downtown area?

Should the City put together a comprehensive commercial strategy, that can actually be financed and implemented for the Hermosa Beach Downtown area?   And should this real-world development plan, show in concept and in visual detail, what the end results are?

Should the City: Empanel a Calls for Service Committee in order to evaluate service demands and attempt to reduce nonemergency responses?

Does the City staff and the City Council spend too much time, money and effort on implementing piece-meal downtown revitalization parking code details, that are not connected to a comprehensive commercial plan for the Downtown area?

1 minute response from each City Council Candidate

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  Background Information:  Debate Question 5  

This debate question refers to the findings and recommendations from two peer-reviewed research studies and the Findings from the Hermosa SHINES Ordinance, regarding the relationship of alcohol outlet density to increased violent crime in a city.  And violent crime Findings from the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD.

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1.   Findings from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health report: "Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County"

Communities with a high density of restaurants, bars or stores selling alcohol were much more likely to have increased rates of violent crime.

"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,"

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2.   Findings from the Urban Institute Justice Policy Center report: Alcohol Outlets as Attractors of Violence and Disorder”

 

The research conducted over the last few decades has suggested that drinking establishments,

particularly bars, attract clientele more likely to include motivated or potential offenders.

 

The results from the models examining aggravated assault reveal that the density of

on-premise outlets is a significant predictor of aggravated assault.

 

In essence, regardless of the behavioral mechanism that “produces” violence, bars act as attractors of violence.

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3.     Findings from the: Hermosa SHINES Ordinance – Draft - May 13, 2021

 

The City Council also desires to reduce adverse impacts on the community that result from the operation of the alcohol establishments.  

 

Repeated and consistent crimes related to the sale and service of alcohol in the Downtown District include without limitation disorderly conduct, larceny, public urination and defecation, vandalism, and driving under the influence.

 

The disproportionate alcohol-related crime rates have created an adverse impact and disruptions to the community, resulting in a collective, consistent and long-term nuisance.

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4.     Findings 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. 

Examination of the comparisons presented in Table 1 indicates that Hermosa Beach has a comparably high crime rate. 

Out of the seven jurisdictions with similar population, Hermosa Beach has the 4th highest violent crime rate and the highest property crime rate. 

When compared with neighboring communities regardless of population, Hermosa Beach has the second highest rate of both violent and property crime. 

[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

 

NOTE:  From the above, ICMA Report: Violent Crime Ranking for the 6 Neighboring South Bay Communities:

1.   Hermosa Beach had more than Double the Violent Crime Rate, when compared to  Manhattan Beach.

2.   Hermosa Beach had more than Double the Violent Crime Rate, when compared to Torrance.

3.   Hermosa Beach ranked number 1 in the Violent Crime Rate, when comparing the other South Bay Cities that border the ocean.

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2022 Debate Question 5:

Do you agree with the Findings from the following research reports?

The "Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Los Angeles County" and the Alcohol Outlets as Attractors of Violence and Disorder” research reports.

And do agree with the Findings from: the Hermosa SHINES Ordinance the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD?

Have you been aware, and do you think the Hermosa Beach public is aware, of the severity of the ongoing alcohol-related crime problems in the Downtown area?

1 minute response from each City Council Candidate

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 2022 Debate Questions from the Audience:

Each audience member that asks a question, must pose their question for all City Council Candidates, to answer the same question.

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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  Background Information:  Debate Question 6   

There seems to be two schools of thought, regarding how to deal with the alcohol related problems in the Downtown area

The First School of Thought is:

1.   The Downtown Area creates insignificant negative impacts and provides an overall net benefit to the City of Hermosa Beach.

 

Findings from the: Hermosa Beach Market and Economic Development Study - Update   3/1/2021

We have explored the ramifications of these changes through interviews with key stakeholders in the community, and have reflected what we have learned in the summary observations described in this executive summary.

 

an opportunity the City can build upon; the evolution of the business mix and the reduction of externalities from bars on Pier Plaza;

It was overwhelmingly agreed that the public safety concerns associated with a late-night bar scene have subsided significantly in the past decade, though the problem remains to some degree, particularly late at night.   

While some hope for a continued trend away from Hermosa’s image as a nightlife destination, others view the City’s drinking culture as integral to its identity and heritage.  

It was also noted that some restaurants/bars depend on the post dining hours drinking to make sufficient revenue to cover their costs.   

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The Second School of Thought is:

2.   The Downtown area creates significant negative impacts and it requires significant time, effort and financial resources, to the detriment of the rest of the City of Hermosa Beach.

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Findings from the: Hermosa SHINES Ordinance – Draft - May 13, 2021

·        Pier Plaza serves as a popular venue for outdoor events and dining, connecting Downtown to the beach, pier, and The Strand. However, the area also contains a high concentration of on and off sale alcohol serving establishments. 

 

·        The correlation of the sale of alcohol and negative impacts on the community are well documented in peer-reviewed scholarly literature. 

 

·        In as much as the city cannot continue to sustain the disproportionate deployment within the Downtown District, additional regulations are required to abate the collective nuisance and minimize the impacts on the community resulting from the operation of alcohol serving establishments.

 

·        This disproportionate expenditure on an area that consists of only 5% of the city land area is not an effective deployment of police resources, which should be more evenly deployed throughout the city.

 

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Findings from the ICMA Police Operations Report for the Hermosa Beach Police Department

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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“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

"Third, 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.”  -  HBPD ICMA Report  Pdf Page 25

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Findings from the Reducing Alcohol Harms in LA County report:

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."

Hermosa Beach data from the report includes:

Hermosa Beach ranked 114 out of 117 cities or communities in Los Angeles County listed for On-Premises alcohol outlet density / AOD.

- Hermosa Beach had the 4th highest alcohol outlet density for On-Premises [On-Sale ABC License] 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 an 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 Wine Shops, with an Off-Sale ABC Alcohol License]

 

1. Hermosa Beach has more than 4 times the On-Premises alcohol outlet density compared to all of Los Angeles County.

Hermosa Beach has 38.6 On-Premises alcohol outlets per 10,000 of population.

Los Angeles County has 8.9 On-Premises alcohol outlets per 10,000 of population.

 

2. There are 7 South Bay cities that border the Pacific Ocean.  Those 7 South Bay cities are:

El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes.

Hermosa Beach ranked number 1 in the rate of violent crime for the 7 South Bay cities that border the Ocean.

 

3. Hermosa Beach had more than Double the rate of violent crime, when compared to Manhattan Beach.

Hermosa Beach also has 1.7 times the On-Premises Alcohol Outlet Density, when compared to Manhattan Beach.

Hermosa Beach had 3.5 Violent Crimes per 10,000 of population.

Manhattan Beach had 1.4 Violent Crimes  per 10,000 of population.

Hermosa Beach has 38.6 On-Premises AOD compared to 22.5 On-Premises AOD for Manhattan Beach.

 

4. Hermosa Beach had more than 3 times the rate of violent crime, when compared to Rancho Palos Verdes.

 

Hermosa Beach also has 9.6 times the On-Premises Alcohol Outlet Density, when compared to Rancho Palos Verdes.

 

Hermosa Beach had 3.5 Violent Crimes per 10,000 of population.

 

Rancho Palos Verdes had 0.9 Violent Crimes per 10,000 of population.

 

Hermosa Beach has 38.6 On-Premises AOD compared to 4.0 On-Premises AOD for Rancho Palos Verdes.

 

5.  Hermosa Beach had more than 10 times the rate of violent crime, when compared to Palos Verdes Estates.

Hermosa Beach also has 10.7 times the On-Premises Alcohol Outlet Density, when compared to Palos Verdes Estates

Hermosa Beach had 3.5 Violent Crimes per 10,000 of population.

Palos Verdes Estates had 0.3 Violent Crimes per 10,000 of population.

Hermosa Beach has 38.6 On-Premises AOD compared to 3.6 On-Premises AOD for Palos Verdes Estates.

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2022 Debate Question 6:  

Do the negative impacts outweigh the positive impacts from alcohol sales, after 11pm in Hermosa Beach downtown area?

Are the problems related to alcohol-related crime in the downtown area, easy to solve, or do these problems require a major rethink of the City’s enforcement policy and a rethink of the Downtown Economic Development Plan?

Do you ever see the, “late-night bar scene” as a big money maker for the City of Hermosa Beach?

1 minute response from each City Council Candidate

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  Background Information:  Debate Question 7    

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.

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ICMA Police Operations Report for the Hermosa Beach Police Department

Excerpts from pdf page 18 or Report page 10 of the ICMA Police Operations Report for the HBPD: 

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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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Findings from the: Hermosa SHINES Ordinance – Draft - May 13, 2021

 

On evenings and weekends, many of the on-sale establishments operate at standing room only capacity, which is well beyond their seating capacity. Patrons crowd into the establishment to consume alcoholic beverages, while additional patrons queue up outside, waiting to get into the business.

 

The queueing at multiple establishments, creates an environment where large numbers of intoxicated individuals are congregating and loitering in a small, concentrated area.

 

Limiting capacity to patrons who have an available seat will also have a far-reaching impact to reduce the negative impacts in the Downtown District.

 

A standing-room only atmosphere makes it difficult for servers to monitor intoxication and facilitates the overserving of alcohol.

 

Requiring patrons to have an available seat in order to be served serves two purposes.  First, it allows servers to monitor patrons and prevent overserving of alcohol. It also has been proven to be an effective tool at reducing alcohol related crimes and disturbances.

The existing code regulations and policies the City has implemented over the years to address negative impacts to the community in the Downtown District have not been successful at curtailing the disruptive, party-like, nuisance atmosphere.

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Hermosa Beach Police Department

HBPD 10 Year Crime Statistics

https://www.hermosabeach.gov/our-government/city-departments/police/reports-police/ten-year-crime-statistics

Manhattan Beach Police Department

MBPD 20 Year Crime Statistics

https://www.citymb.info/home/showpublisheddocument?id=42050

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Pre-COVID  10 Years – 2010 to 2019

Part 1 Aggravated Assault – Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach per capita Comparison

____________________________________________________________________________________

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For 120 months, 2010 thru 2019:

 Hermosa Beach had 2 times the Part 1 Aggravated Assault crime rate,

 compared to Manhattan Beach.

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For 60 months, 2015 thru 2019:

 Hermosa Beach had 2.18 times the Part 1 Aggravated Assault crime rate,

 compared to Manhattan Beach.

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Hermosa Beach had a 105% Increase in Part 1 Aggravated Assault from 2017 to 2019,

during the same period Manhattan Beach experienced a 41.1 % Decrease in Part 1 Aggravated Assault.

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Pre-COVID  10 Years – 2010 to 2019

Part 1 Rape – Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach per capita Comparison

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For 120 months, 2010 thru 2019:

 Hermosa Beach had 1.76 times the Part 1 Rape crime rate, 

 compared to Manhattan Beach.

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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.

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Hermosa Beach had a 75% Increase in Part 1 Rape from 2017 to 2019,

during the same period Manhattan Beach experienced a 45 % Decrease in Part 1 Rape.

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Hermosa Beach had a 133% Increase in Part 1 Rape from 2018 to 2019,

during the same period Manhattan Beach experienced a 37.5 % Decrease in Part 1 Rape.

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New 2021 Hermosa Beach Part 1 Crime Stats are now included in the information below. 

All the Crime Stats come from the HBPD Crime pdf’s and MBPD Crime pdf’s from each City’s website.

______________________________________________________________

 

For the 4 year period of 2018 to 2021,

 

Hermosa Beach had a 133% Increase in Part 1 Rape

 

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For the 4 year period of 2018 to 2021,

 

Hermosa Beach had a 72% Increase in Part 1 Aggravated Assault

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For the 4 year period of 2018 to 2021,

 

Hermosa Beach had a 120% Increase in Part 1 Robbery

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For the 3 year period of 2018 to 2020:

 

Hermosa Beach had a 66% Increase in Part 1 Rape, during the same 3 year period

 

Manhattan Beach had a 50% Decrease in Part 1 Rape.

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For the 3 year period of 2018 to 2020:

 

Hermosa Beach had a 36% Increase in Part 1 Aggravated Assault, during the same 3 year period


Manhattan Beach had a 23% Decrease in Part 1 Aggravated Assault.

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For the 3 year period of 2018 to 2020:

 

Hermosa Beach had a 140% Increase in Part 1 Robbery, during the same 3 year period

 

Manhattan Beach had a 8% Decrease in Part 1 Robbery.

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______________________________________________________________

 2022 Debate Question 7:

To what do you attribute the decade long history of higher crime rates for Part 1 Rape and Part 1 Aggravated Assault in Hermosa Beach, when compared directly to Manhattan Beach?

The Findings from the Hermosa SHINES Ordinance mentions problems with Over-Crowding and Over-Serving of Alcohol that takes place at bars and restaurants in the Downtown area.

There are California ABC Laws that prohibits the Over-Serving of Alcohol at bars and restaurants.  There are also California Fire Codes that prohibits the Over-Crowding of bars and restaurants.

As a beginning point, should the California ABC Law and California Fire Codes be strictly enforced to protect the public, reduce legal liability to the City, and eliminate Over-Serving of Alcohol and Over-Crowding of bars and restaurants in Hermosa Beach?

1 minute response from each City Council Candidate 

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  Background Information:  Debate Question 8 and 9  

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 – CVC Section 22500 states that it is illegal for a vehicle to block access to a sidewalk.  

The CVC Section 22500 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.  

[ Above 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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Parking and Sidewalk Access Reminders

Please remember to be aware and park with care!  Maintaining access to sidewalks ensures that everyone can safely travel without stepping into traffic.

The City of Hermosa Beach maintains a Safe Routes to School program and has identified multiple safety corridors throughout the city where crossing guards can assist at the most congested intersections. Please use the "Contact Us" link for more information.

California Vehicle Code Section 22500 specifically provides that:

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.

Did you know the City has designated “Safe Routes to School?”

These are the streets that children traverse on their wat to schools.

They include:

Valley Dr.                            2nd St.

Pier Ave.                             5th St.

Ardmore Dr.                       8th St.

Monterey Blvd.                 14th St.

Prospect Ave.                    16th St.

The Strand                         21st St.

Morningside Dr.                27th St.

Longfellow Ave.              

Artesia Blvd.                    

Gould Ave.                       

If your vehicle is blocking sidewalk access, handicapped persons and other pedestrians are forced into our City streets.

Is the vehicle in your driveway or the front of your residence blocking sidewalk access?

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.

Check to make sure your sidewalk is accessible to ensure our children’s safety.

Are you sharing the road with young pedestrians?

--- Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic.

          --- In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.

          --- Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.

--- Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.

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California Vehicle Code - 21368

https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/vehicle-code/veh-sect-21368.html

Whenever a marked pedestrian crosswalk has been established in a roadway contiguous to a school building or the grounds thereof, it shall be painted or marked in yellow as shall be all the marked pedestrian crosswalks at an intersection in case any one of the crosswalks is required to be marked in yellow.  

Other established marked pedestrian crosswalks may be painted or marked in yellow if either (a) the nearest point of the crosswalk is not more than 600 feet from a school building or the grounds thereof,

There shall be painted or marked in yellow on each side of the street in the lane or lanes leading to all yellow marked crosswalks the following words, “SLOW--SCHOOL XING,” except that such words shall not be painted or marked in any lane leading to a crosswalk at an intersection controlled by stop signs, traffic signals, or yield right-of-way signs.  A crosswalk shall not be painted or marked yellow at any location other than as required or permitted in this section.

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Note: The rear entrance/exit of the Valley School exits on to Loma Dr. near 16th St. 

This rear entrance of the Valley School, at one time had an established marked School Crosswalk crossing Loma Dr. 

This marked School Crosswalk more than a decade ago, was paved over or seal coated over and the marked School Crosswalk was never replaced.

California Vehicle Code – 21368 states: “Whenever a marked pedestrian crosswalk has been established in a roadway contiguous to a school building or the grounds thereof, it shall be painted or marked in yellow as shall be all the marked pedestrian crosswalks at an intersection… ”

This marked School Crosswalk at the rear of the Valley School was established at one time, and was paved over or seal coated over and this marked School Crosswalk and should have been replaced because, CVC 21368 states: Whenever a marked pedestrian crosswalk has been established in a roadway contiguous to a school building or the grounds thereof, it shall be painted or marked in yellow…”

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Findings from the ICMA Police Operations Report for the Hermosa Beach Police Department

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.

• 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.

Several community members noted the lack of traffic enforcement; both for moving violations and parking violations. These observations were validated by the sworn personnel.

______________________________________________________________

 2022 Debate Question 8:

Should Safe Routes to School sidewalks be available for all Hermosa Beach school children and residents to use without parked cars obstructing the sidewalks, at any time of day and 365 days a year, just like 8th Street?

Should California Vehicle Code Section 22500 be strictly enforced to prevent cars from obstructing sidewalks in Hermosa Beach on Safe Routes to School or not?

Does the following Finding from the ICMA Police Operations Report for the Hermosa Beach Police Department seem valid to you?

“Several community members noted the lack of traffic enforcement; both for moving violations and parking violations. These observations were validated by the sworn personnel.”

Should the City of Hermosa Beach follow the guidelines of California Vehicle Code Section 21368 and upgrade or install new marked School Crosswalks on intersections up to 600 feet from a school building or the grounds thereof?

1 minute response from each City Council Candidate

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 2022 Debate Question 9:

To what do you attribute the following ongoing threats to public safety in Hermosa Beach?

1.     Why can’t we control the Part 1 Violent Crimes of Rape and Aggravated Assault in Hermosa Beach, in the same way Manhattan Beach does.

2.     Why can’t we stop putting our children and residents in danger in Hermosa Beach, by not allowing cars to obstruct our sidewalks on Safe Routes to School, like other cities do, by strictly enforcing California Vehicle Code 22500.

3.     Why can’t we have Marked School Crosswalks on all street entrances that border Hermosa Beach schools, in order to protect our school children, as other cities do, by using California Vehicle Code 21368.

These 3 problems have been allowed to exist for decades in Hermosa Beach, and all efforts that have been directed to address these problems, has had little or no effect on addressing the outcomes. 

Is there a common thread of neglect, indifference or willingness to look the other way in Hermosa Beach, that allows these public safety problems to continue for decades?

What are your thoughts regarding other public safety problems that you are concerned about?

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 2022 Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate

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