CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH
CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Closed Session at 5:00 PM and Open Session at 6:00 PM

Council Chambers

1315 Valley Drive

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

CITY COUNCIL
Mike Detoy, Mayor  
Michael D. Keegan, Mayor Pro Tem
Ray Jackson, Councilmember 
Dean Francois, Councilmember
Rob Saemann, Councilmember

David Pedersen, City Treasurer

APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Steve Napolitano, City Manager
Jason Baltimore, Interim City Attorney 

EXECUTIVE TEAM
Brandon Walker, Administrative Services Director
Martha Alvarez, City Clerk
Alison Becker, Community Development Director
Lisa Nichols, Parks and Recreation Director
Landon Phillips, Police Chief 
Joe SanClemente, Public Works Director 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 - To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) are available for check out at the meeting. If you require special assistance to participate in this meeting, you must call or submit your request in writing to the Office of the City Clerk at [phone] or at at least 48 hours before the meeting. 

 

PARTICIPATION AND VIEWING OPTIONS  

Hermosa Beach City Council meetings are open to the public and are being held in person in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Public comment is only guaranteed to be taken in person at City Hall during the meeting or prior to the meeting by submitting an eComment for an item on the agenda. As a courtesy only, the public may view and participate via the following: 

 

• Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89968207828? pwd=bXZmWS83dmxHWDZLbWRTK2RVaUxaUT092
• Phone: Toll Free: [phone]; Meeting ID: 899 6820 7828, then #; Passcode: 472825
• eComment:  On the HTML agenda, click an agenda item, then click on the blue “Leave comment” (on computer) / blue speech bubble (on phone/tablet) button to provide a comment for that item. Submit eComments no later than three (3) hours before the meeting start time.
• Supplemental Email: Submit a supplemental email for agenda items only to [email protected]. Supplemental emails should indicate the agenda item and meeting date in the subject line and must be received no later than three (3) hours before the meeting start time. Emails received after the deadline but before the meeting ends will be posted to the agenda the next business day. Writings distributed to all, or majority of all, of the City Council after the agenda has been posted shall be available for inspection at the City Clerk's Office located at 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 during regular business hours.

 

The City will also plan to broadcast the meeting via the following listed mediums.

 

• Cable TV: Spectrum Channel 8 and Frontier Channel 31 in Hermosa Beach 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CityofHermosaBeach90254 
• Live Stream: www.hermosabeach.gov/agenda
• Cablecast App: Available on supported devices and smart TVs

 

If you experience technical difficulties while viewing a meeting on any of our digital platforms, please try another viewing option. 

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1.

CLOSED SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 5:00 PM

2.

ROLL CALL

3.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA

This Public Comment period is limited to Closed Session agenda items only. Public Comment is limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

4.

RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION

4.a

MINUTES: Approval of minutes of Closed Session held on March 24, 2026

4.b

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR

California Government Code section 54957.6
City Negotiator: Tyler Cashman, Interim Human Resources Manager
Organizations: Teamsters, Professional and Medical Employees’ Union, Local 986

              Professional and Administrative Employee Group

5.

OPEN SESSION—CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM

6.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

7.

ROLL CALL

8.

CLOSED SESSION REPORT

9.

ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

10.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

This is the time for the City Council to discuss any changes to the order of agenda items.

• Recommended Action:

  To approve the order of the agenda.

11.

PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS

11.a

LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE SERVICES AND MCCORMICK AMBULANCE JULY - DECEMBER 2025 SEMI-ANNUAL REVIEW - 26-CMO-014

(Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends City Council receive and file the Los Angeles County Fire Services and McCormick Ambulance reports for July through December 2025.

12.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jose Bacallao

NO to racism, bigotry and hate. I want to remind the good people of Hermosa Beach that voting matters. Your vote is important. We cannot stay silent while political leaders and government officials project racism, bigotry, and hate in our community. Council members and the City Manager, where is your dignity? Councilmember Ray Jackson, I know what it feels like when a bigot in our community degrades and harms one of our children. It happened to my child too. It happened in this community, at the hands of men in this community. Now your child has had to feel this pain. Ray, I am so sorry that you have had to experience this abuse; our family stands with you and yours. This behavior cannot be tolerated. It should not be accepted or allowed in our community. These incidents are a reminder that we still live in a community where racism and bigotry are tolerated. It’s an embarrassment, and it needs to end. Where is your dignity? I call on the City Council and the City Manager to develop and implement new policies and practices to eradicate racism, bigotry, and hate in governance and operations. Hold individuals and these behaviors accountable. Formally proclaim to our residents how you will guarantee that all members of our community will be treated with respect and dignity, especially our children. We live in a strong and caring community, and now is the time for all residents to come together, once again and speak out. We all need to demand change and action. I am calling on the people of Hermosa Beach to communicate with the City Manager and the City Council members to demand change. We cannot tolerate any behavior from the City or Government that promotes racism, bigotry, or hate. I agree with you and stand with you, Councilmember Ray Jackson: “Leadership requires integrity, accountability, and respect. Racism has no place in the leadership of our city. Hermosa Beach deserves better.”

Michell Oddell

Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council, As a longtime resident of Hermosa Beach, I am writing about an incident I recently became aware of that, to my knowledge, still has not been addressed publicly. I do not usually involve myself in city politics, but this is serious enough that I felt compelled to speak up. I understand that Councilmember Raymond Jackson reportedly used homophobic and derogatory language in council chambers when referring to the City Manager as another councilmember’s “butt buddy.” I am embarrassed to even have to repeat those words in this letter. Councilmembers may disagree, and residents understand that public service can involve friction. But this is not simply a disagreement between elected officials. If that statement was made, it involved derogatory language directed at a city employee who serves in a subordinate role to the Council. That is altogether different. It is disrespectful, harmful to morale, and unworthy of public office. I respectfully ask that this matter be addressed publicly. If the statement was made, Councilmember Jackson should apologize to the City Manager and to the community. If there is any dispute about what was said, then the City Manager should clarify the facts so the public has an accurate understanding of what occurred. My hope is not to prolong this matter, but to see it handled properly so the city can move forward with honesty, decency, and respect for its staff. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Michell Oddell

Cara Marshall-Bryan

Beach House Hotel (1300 The Strand, cross streets Beach Drive/14th Street) is fully supportive of the Marathon and the positive impact it has on the community; however, we have significant concerns about the proposed route. As shown on the map, the 12,000 runners would pass directly through Beach Drive—our Front Drive, the hotel’s main entrance, our valet parking garage, and the primary pedestrian path for guests and local patrons on foot or bike. We do not see a scenario in which this works if Beach Drive is blocked to vehicles, guests, and the community for approximately seven hours, 4pm–11pm on a Saturday night. This raises several operational questions and safety concerns: • How would guests arrive or depart the property • How would we valet incoming vehicles or retrieve cars for departing guests • How would we safely manage pedestrian flow for guests and the public Given the volume of runners and the duration of the closure, this route would severely disrupt hotel operations and guest access. We propose an alternative route other than Beach Drive that supports the Marathon while maintaining safe and functional access to the hotel and surrounding businesses.

tonyhiggins

Dear City Council Please consider the list of fiscal.challenges below: 1. CAPITAL BUDGET DEFICITS : Hermosa Beach faces a sobering reality: Over $50 million in high-priority unfunded Capital Improvement Projects including $20M for a new City Yard, $10-15M+ for a renovated Police Station, $5-15M for deferred maintenance on the Old Civic Center building and $10M for essential Pier and City Hall upgrades. Note: A new Hb Police station could cost substantially more than the $10-15M listed above. Most of these projects have existed for years without clearly identified funding strategies, reliable cost estimates or realistic project timelines This was understandable as staff was instructed to focus on completing funded projects. But our new City Manager has been on the job for about a year and its time for him to present budgetary estimates, funding strategies and project timelines for the the above projects in the upcoming April & May budget planning sessions. The honeymoon is over and council elections are upon us. 2. OPERATING DEFICITS: Compounding our capital budget problems is a projected $14.2M operating budget deficit by 2031. On top of this, Mayor Detoy signaled that the new Fire & Lifeguard contracts add more to this deficit and could threaten the city’s solvency in the next few years. The consider operating expenditures are growing at three times the rate of revenue according to the Hermosa Review newsletter. See attached graph. 3. NEW PIER AFFORDABILITY: Some members of our city council insist we "must" build a new pier despite construction and financing costs estimated at $80-90M, with an additional $60M in maintenance through 2070. IMV to reestablish fiscal credibility the City must prove it can make hard choices today: One choice sticks out, do we really need a new pier and if so what are we willing to give up for it? 4. NEW SALES TAXES: Should residents expect to see another sales tax increase initiative this November? Thats $3M in much needed revenue but at least 1/2 of that will fall on the backs of local residents. 5. SHORT TERM RENTALS; Some members of the City Council are advancing a narrative that Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) in residential neighborhoods and the 14% Transient Occupancy Tax it brings are an essential to solving the city's ongoing fiscal problems. Maybe we have no choice but to embrace STVRs in our residential neighborhoods; but i fear that in the city's rush to cash-in it will propose and accept ineffective & unenforceable resident quality of life protections. The worry is will effective resident quality of life protections be viewed an impediment to filling city coffers? Maybe a resident will be lucky enough to live live next to a responsible SVTR owner or maybe not. Its a ****-shoot. We MUST have effective and enforceable quality of life protections NOW; with enforcement fully paid for by STVR owners. Also, if the City is serious about revenue, will they hold previously unregistered STVR property owners accountable for back TOT taxes? 7. COMPETING VISIONS: We are also at a crossroads of two potentially competing visions. One vision calls for a steady diet of large special events, international tourism and with a high dose of expensive restaurants paired with a vibrant rowdy nightlife to attract tourism and the bar crowd. The competing vision strives preserve a safe, family-friendly coastal community with great schools that highlights participatory outdoor sports like surfing, swimming and beach volleyball, dog walking and spirit lifting shoreline walks. This second vision could easily fall prey to a voracious business district and Chamber of Commerce appetites angling to cash-in on large special events like the Nike 1/2 Marathon or the Triathlon that have substantial impacts that spill into residential neighborhoods. Given our fiscal realities, can these two competing visions of Hb coexist in a small 1.4 sq mi city; and if so how is this best accomplished? 7. A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: Can a 1.4 square-mile city survive the weight of its own bureaucracy or is the only sustainable long term solution a public to public partnership with MB or RB? Should staff be asked to eliminate their own jobs if a public partnership with another city is in the best interests of our residents? The answers are way above my pay-grade but I'm very interested in what residents and the council think given the magnitude of the fiscal problems the choices the city is facing. Free Tip: By way of thinking outside of the box as Councilman Saemann suggested; If the over-riding goal is tourists and you want a quick draw while attracting some State and National attention, then drop the puritan ethics ethics and allow some topless beaches that will surly bring in more young folks with money than hot air balloon rides. We own our beach!

This is the time for members of the public to address the City Council on any items within the Council's jurisdiction and on items where public comment will not be taken (City Manager Reports, City Councilmember Comments, Consent Calendar items not pulled for separate discussion, and Future Agenda Items). If public comment is provided on a Public Hearing or Municipal Matter item, public comment on the same item will not be accepted when the item is heard at a later part of the meeting.

The public is invited to attend and provide public comment. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker from those present in City Council Chambers and via the remote participation options listed on the agenda. This time allotment may be modified due to time constraints at the discretion of the Mayor or City Council. 

No action will be taken on matters raised during public comment, except that the Council may take action to schedule issues raised during public comment for a future agenda. Speakers with comments regarding City management or departmental operations are encouraged to submit those comments directly to the City Manager. Members of the public will have a future opportunity to speak on items pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion, Public Hearings, and Municipal Matters when those items are heard.

13.

CITY COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS

14.

UPDATES ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

This is the time for members of the City Council to report on their attendance at ad hoc subcommittees or standing committee meetings, conferences, or other official activities as City representatives. 

15.

CONSENT CALENDAR

The following matters will be acted upon collectively with a single motion and vote to approve with the majority consent of the City Council. Councilmembers may orally register a negative vote on any Consent Calendar item without pulling the item for separate consideration before the vote on the Consent Calendar. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember removes an item from the Consent Calendar, either under Approval of the Agenda or under this item before the vote on the Consent Calendar. Items removed for separate discussion will be provided a separate public comment period.

• Recommended Action:

  To approve the consent calendar.

15.a

WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA

Recommendation: 
Staff recommends City Council waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.

15.b

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

(City Clerk Martha Alvarez)

• Recommended Action:

  To approve the minutes of the March 24, 2026 regular meeting.

15.c

CHECK REGISTERS - 26-AS-030

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the check registers for March 18, 2026, through April 1, 2026. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands.

15.d

APPROVAL OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH WILLDAN ENGINEERING FOR ON CALL DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW AND STAFF AUGMENTATION SERVICES - 26-CDD-044

Laura Pena

Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Staff - I respectfully ask that the Willdan Engineering Agreement be pulled from the consent calendar for a brief discussion. I understand the department has been working through workload demands, staffing transitions, and evolving process requirements, and outside support is appropriate. My concern is simply that this item appears to be more than a routine contract amendment and would benefit from a few follow up questions in open session. The proposed increase is significant. The amendment would raise the annual NTE amount from $200,000 to $450,000 and increase the total five year contract authority from $1,000,000 to $2,250,000. Given the size of that increase and our current midyear budget concerns, I believe it is essential as well as helpful for the public and Council to ask a few questions before approving it. 1. How much of this contract is being used for specialized technical plan review versus broader staff augmentation and continuity of operations? 2. What baseline performance data does the City have today on turnaround times, resubmittals, inspections, and customer service, and how will Council measure whether this additional spending is improving outcomes? 3. To what extent are these costs truly offset by application, plan check, and permit fee revenue, and is the City relying on this contract as a short term bridge or as part of a longer term operating model? 4. How does this amendment fit into the larger plan for staffing stability, process improvements, and public facing updates, including the delayed open house and the Accela portal changes? I believe a short discussion on these questions would strengthen transparency, give Council helpful context, and support better public understanding. Pulling the item from consent would not signal opposition to the contract or to staff. It would simply recognize that this is an important operational and fiscal matter that deserves a few clarifying questions. As always, I appreciate your thoughtful consideration. Laura Pena

CEQA: Determine the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Community Development Director Alison Becker)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends City Council:

  1. Determine the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.(CEQA);
  2. Approve the proposed first amendment to the agreement with Willdan Engineering for on call development plan review and staff augmentation services to increase the annual not to exceed amount by $250,000, for a revised annual not to exceed amount of $450,000, for the remainder of the existing contract term. (Attachment 1);
  3. Approve a revised total not to exceed contract amount of $2,250,000 over the full five year term of the agreement with Willdan Engineering; and
  4. Authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed first amendment, approve minor modifications if necessary, and execute all related documents, with the City Clerk attesting the amendment subject to approval by the City Attorney.

15.e

FISCAL YEAR 2024–2025 ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT AND SINGLE AUDIT REPORT (INCLUDING INDEPENDENT AUDITOR REPORTS) - 26-AS-029

(Finance Manager Henry Chao)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024–2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) (Attachment 1) and the FY 2024–2025 Single Audit Report (Attachment 2), which includes the reports from Gruber and Lopez, Inc., the City’s independent auditors.

15.f

ADOPT A RESOLUTION AND AWARD A CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) 626 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT) - 26-PW-019

tony

Dear City Council The Public Works department seems to be completing more projects at a faster clip than in years past. That said, related to 4/14 CCM Agenda 15f. [ADA Sidewalk Improvements] someone needs to ask why Public Works need a 20% contingency fund on a project involves the reconstruction of 11 curb ramps and 419 square feet of existing sidewalk along Monterey Boulevard. This is seems like arelatively straight forward project. There should be a very specific explanation of why a 20% contingency fund is required in the staff report. Was a 20% contingency fund part of the proposals we received or added by public works? And the fact that this explanation wasn't included in the staff report or questioned by the council calls into question the fiscal prudence of both. I believe we have a situation where Director and City Manager performance reviews and compensation are tied to completing of a certain percentage of projects on-budget. But excessive project contingency funds may mean that almost any project will be considered completed on-budget. When on-budget project performance is a key metric in evaluating staff performance then excessive project contingency funds can inflate both performance evaluations and compensation. I hope the council and city manager will squarely address this matter. Respectfully, tonyhiggins

CEQA: Determine that the Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), Class 1. The proposed work involves the repair and minor alteration of existing sidewalks and curb ramps to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance without expanding its use or capacity, and staff further recommends that the City file a Notice of Exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15062.
(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends City Council:

  1. Determine that the Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), Class 1. The proposed work involves the repair and minor alteration of existing sidewalks and curb ramps to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance without expanding its use or capacity, and staff further recommends that the City file a Notice of Exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15062;
  2. Award a construction agreement for the Project to TVR Construction Engineering, LLC (TVR) in the amount of $89,285 (Attachment 1);
  3. Authorize the Director of Public Works to establish a Project contingency amount of $17,857 (approximately 20% of the contract amount) and approve agreement change orders up to the amount of the approved Project contingency;
  4. Adopt the attached Resolution approving the construction of the Project, awarding a public works agreement, and establishing a Project payment account” (Attachment 2);
  5. Authorize the City Manager to execute the construction agreement and proposed contract amendment, approve minor modifications if necessary, and execute all related documents, with the City Clerk attesting the agreements subject to approval by the City Attorney;
  6. Authorize the Director of Public Works to file a Notice of Completion following final completion of the project; and
  7. Authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to file a Notice of Exemption with the Los Angeles County Clerk in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15062.

15.g

APPROVE LETTER OF OPPOSITION UNLESS AMENDED FOR SENATE BILL 866 HOMELESS HOUSING, ASSISTANCE, AND PREVENTION PROGRAM: HOUSING ELEMENT - 26-CMO-018

(Senior Management Analyst Sara Russo)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends City Council approve a letter of opposition unless amended for Senate Bill 866 (Attachment 1).

16.

PUBLIC HEARINGS—TO COMMENCE AT 6:30 P.M

16.a

APPROVAL OF IMPACT LEVEL III NEW SPECIAL EVENT – AFTER DARK TOUR LA 2026 - 26-PR-016

Catherine Messman

Dear City Council, I am a Hermosa Beach resident who has participated in a number of Hermosa Beach Triathlons over the years as well as other Los Angeles area races. I fully support the City hosting and would be thrilled to participate in the Nike After Dark 13.1. Best, Catherine Messman

Michelle Crispin

Dear Mayor and City Council, The Chamber has met with the Nike After Dark team twice and are encouraged by their vocal commitment to engage Hermosa businesses as part of the event. Feedback from our local business community has been positive, and there’s enthusiasm around the opportunity this event presents. With the right activations in place, we believe it can be a strong highlight for the City while driving meaningful foot traffic to our businesses. Based on these conversations, the Chamber supports moving forward with the event. We look forward to working with the Nike After Dark team to ensure local businesses are actively integrated and that the event delivers real value to the community. ~ Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

Cara Marshall-Bryan

Beach House Hotel (1300 The Strand, cross streets Beach Drive/14th Street) is fully supportive of the Marathon and the positive impact it has on the community; however, we have significant concerns about the proposed route. As shown on the map, the 12,000 runners would pass directly through Beach Drive—our Front Drive, the hotel’s main entrance, our valet parking garage, and the primary pedestrian path for guests and local patrons on foot or bike. We do not see a scenario in which this works if Beach Drive is blocked to vehicles, guests, and the community for approximately seven hours, 4pm–11pm on a Saturday night. This raises several operational questions and safety concerns: • How would guests arrive or depart the property • How would we valet incoming vehicles or retrieve cars for departing guests • How would we safely manage pedestrian flow for guests and the public Given the volume of runners and the duration of the closure, this route would severely disrupt hotel operations and guest access. We propose an alternative route other than Beach Drive that supports the Marathon while maintaining safe and functional access to the hotel and surrounding businesses.

tonyhiggins... edit

please disregard earlier post. sorry for edit Dear City Council. Pease do not let the Nike 1/2 marathon turn our residential neighborhoods inside out and upside down! If Redondo wants a massive Nike 1/2 marathon special event there is nothing to prevent hermosa residents who want to participate from heading there and doing so. Also please note thatin addition all the previously announced residential closure closures along hermosa ave the strand there was a new wrinkle added to the event. 27th street and Gould adjacent to Valley Park was added as a last minute road closure that will close these highly trafficked roads in both directions from ~4pm to 10pm on event saturday. i guess the silver lining for some is the saturday night bar crowd will be turned away from Hermosa. tonyhiggins

tonyhiggins

Dear City Council. Pease do not let the Nike 1/2 marathon turn our residential neighborhoods inside out and upside down If Redondo wants a massive Nike 1/2 marathon special event there is nothing to prevent hermosa residents who want to participate from doing so. Please note in addition all the previously announced road closure impacts along hermosa ave and the strand there was a new wrinkle added to the event. 27th street and Gould adjacent to Valley Park was added as a last minute bi-directional road that will close these highly trafficked roads ~4pm to 10pm on event saturday. i guess the silver lining for some is the saturday night bar crowd will be turned away. tonyhiggins

Continued from Meeting of March 10, 2026
(Lead Special Events and Filming Coordinator Kalyn Kaemerle)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends City Council:

  1. Approve the inclusion of Impact Level III new special event, After Dark Tour LA 2026 on Saturday, October 24, with teardown on Sunday, October 25, on the 2026 Special Events Calendar as proposed; or
  2. Approve the inclusion of Impact Level III new special event, After Dark Tour LA 2026 on Saturday, October 24, with teardown on Sunday, October 25, on the 2026 Special Events Calendar contingent on additional negotiations or event modifications as directed by City Council; or
  3. Deny the inclusion of the After Dark Tour LA 2026 on the 2026 Special Events Calendar.

16.b

INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 12.30 SPECIAL EVENTS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY, 12.20.300 SOLICITATION AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL EVENT PER-VENDOR DAILY FEE - 26-PR-003

tonyhiggins

Dear City Council, The chamber's dirty secret is that these high impact special events and late night bars are a financial loser for the city & home owners of Hermosa and as such they are essentially business district subsidies at a time we should be looking at our fiscal challenges and cutting costs. Im sorry but if we start selling westside residental quality of life to fill city coffers and subsidize out of town business interests its a slippery slope. The city hasn't done an analysis business revenue versus total direct and indirect costs since in more than 10 years and given our fiscal challenges that is inexcusable. Take the Nike event the chamber is also promoting. The bottom line for me is there is absolutely nothing preventing Hermosa residents from enjoying the benefits of participating in this event or cheering people on IN REDONDO BEACH. We dont need to turn our residential neighborhoods inside out. Nike is offering what... 80k to our general fund for city coffers? Nike says they will also cover the city's direct staff and hbpd costs but what about the indirect costs like all city staff time already spent studying, negotiating and planning for this event? Those costs are not covered. If thats included the Nike contribution likely doesnt even cover the city costs. Its a net loser. And please dont tell me that the benifts will trickle back to the city in the form of TOT and sales taxes. I have not heard one city official stand up and say I can verify Nike's fiscal benefit analysis. Will our City Manager? Has anyone on the council asked him? Bottom line - if the Chamber is looking for the city and homeowners to subsidize special events and the bar district then keep the negative impacts off our beaches and out of the residential neighborhoods. tonyhiggins

tonyhiggins

Dear City Council, The chamber's dirty secret is that these high impact special events and late night bars are a financial loser for the city & home owners of Hermosa and as such they are essentially business district subsidies at a time we should be looking at our fiscal challenges and cutting costs. Im sorry but if we start selling westside residental quality of life to fill city coffers and subsidize out of town business interests its a slippery slope. The city hasn't done an analysis business revenue versus total direct and indirect costs since in more than 10 years and given our fiscal challenges that is inexcusable. Take the Nike event the chamber is also promoting. The bottom line for me is there is absolutely nothing preventing Hermosa residents from enjoying the benefits of participating in this event or cheering people on IN REDONDO BEACH. We dont need to turn our residential neighborhoods inside out. Nike is offering what... 80k to our general fund for city coffers? Nike says they will also cover the city's direct staff and hbpd costs but what about the indirect costs like all city staff time already spent studying, negotiating and planning for this event? Those costs are not covered. If thats included the Nike contribution likely doesnt even cover the city costs. Its a net loser. And please dont tell me that the benifts will trickle back to the city in the form of TOT and sales taxes. I have not heard one city official stand up and say I can verify Nike's fiscal benefit analysis. Will our City Manager? Has anyone on the council asked him? Bottom line - if the Chamber is looking for the city and homeowners to subsidize special events and the bar district then keep the negative impacts off our beaches and out of the residential neighborhoods. tonyhiggins

Michelle Crispin

Dear Mayor and City Council, On behalf of the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, thank you for your efforts to establish a clearer framework for special events on the beach and for recognizing the importance of creating opportunities for local businesses, including the proposed discounted vendor fee for Hermosa Beach businesses. We see real potential in allowing vendor sales in connection with approved special events. With the right structure, this policy can strengthen events, support local businesses, and enhance the overall visitor experience in Hermosa Beach. That said, the success of this program will depend on thoughtful implementation. From the Chamber’s perspective, the key question is not simply whether vendors are allowed, but whether the program is designed to support the year-round businesses that already invest in and sustain our local economy. To that end, we respectfully request that the City Council direct staff to incorporate the following as the policy moves forward: - Local-first preference for Hermosa Beach businesses in vendor selection, building on the City’s proposed discounted vendor fee for local businesses - Reasonable limits on outside vendors offering products already sold by nearby brick-and-mortar businesses - Event design requirements that actively drive foot traffic into Pier Plaza and surrounding commercial areas - Clear connection between beach activity and economic benefit for existing local businesses We also recommend that the City approach this as a pilot program, with post-event feedback and business impact reporting to evaluate whether the policy is achieving its intended outcomes. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued support of Hermosa Beach’s business community. We appreciate the opportunity to provide input and look forward to continued collaboration on policies that strengthen both our events and our local economy. ~ Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

CEQA: The proposed ordinance is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b)(5) as it is an organization or administrative activity of the City that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
(Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends City Council:

  1. Determine the proposed ordinance is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b)(5) as it is an organization or administrative activity of the City that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment;
  2. Introduce by title only and waive the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 12.30 Special Events on Public Property, 12.20.300 Solicitation to allow for the sale of prepared food, nonalcoholic beverages, and/or merchandise on the beach by special event-associated vendors; and
  3. Adopt a resolution amending the City’s Master Fee Schedule to establish a per-vendor daily fee for such vendors.

16.c

PUBLIC HEARING - RESOLUTION ADOPTING FEES FROM A FEE STUDY UPDATE

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends City Council continue the Public Hearing to the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

17.

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

17.a

RECISSION AND RECONSIDERATION OF PICKLEBALL RESERVATION AND MEMBERSHIP FEES - 26-PR-019

Todd Tullis

I am in support of Staff’s Recommended Action. In Council’s deliberation on this topic in the previous meeting, no reason(s) were mentioned for raising the fees; it would be helpful for the public, Commission, and Staff to understand Council’s reasoning on this.

tonyhiggins

Clarification to my previous written communication. i am all for the city funding and subsidizing youth recreational programs like baseball & basketball or senior citizen Lawn Bowling at clark field. But IMV pickleball costs must be fully recovered by membership fees and hourly court rentals given the magnitude of the City's fiscal problems.

tonyhiggins

Dear City Council, The city is facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis with $50M+ in unfunded urgent capital projects and a projected operating budget deficit of $14.2M by 2031. It only gets worse when you consider calls for a new $100M pier and a new fire contract that Mayor Detoy claims could bankrupt the city. That brings us to pickle ball membership and fees. AI: In affluent, upper-middle-class neighborhoods, membership at private pickleball clubs typically involves an initiation fee ranging from $150 to $1,250 and monthly dues between $120 and $250 for individuals. Hourly court fees for non-members or low-tier members in these areas generally range from $25 to $50 per hour, though some premier locations can exceed $100 per hour If you choose not to commit to a full membership, costs are generally structured per person or per court hour.  Standard Hourly Rentals: In affluent areas like West Hollywood or Sherman Oaks, private court rentals typically cost $30 to $50 per hour. Pickleball is not popular with teenagers and young children. It's primarily played by well to do residents and their friends AND they must be asked to contribute solving our fiscal crisis.

(Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends City Council:

  1. Find and clarify that the City Council’s action at its March 24, 2026, meeting regarding pickleball reservation and membership fees constituted direction to staff, not final adoption of a fee schedule;
  2. Rescind any interpretation of the March Meeting action as final approval of fee increases out of an abundance of caution; 
  3. Direct staff to conduct a cost recovery analysis and market comparison of pickleball reservation and membership fees;
  4. Direct the Interim City Attorney to provide written notice to the individuals who submitted cure and correct demands that the City Council has taken action to cure and correct any interpretation of its prior action that would suggest that pickleball fees were increased; and
  5. Provide direction on next steps, selecting one of the following options:
     1. Option A: Direct staff to report findings and recommendations directly to City Council at a future meeting for consideration and action; or
     2. Option B: Direct staff to report findings to the Parks and Recreation Commission for review and recommendation and subsequently return to City Council for final consideration and action.

17.b

PARKING IN-LIEU FEE REPORT - 26-AS-026

(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends City Council receive and file a Parking In-Lieu Fee Report.

17.c

INFORMATIONAL ITEM REGARDING CONSIDERATION OF A BID PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTION OF THE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FIESTA HERMOSA - 26-PR-010

Michelle Crispin

Dear Mayor Detoy and City Council, Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the informational item regarding a potential bid package for the production of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Fiesta Hermosa. We appreciate the City’s partnership on this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade - it made a real difference, and we’re grateful for the support. We also recognize the City’s efforts to ease some of the indirect costs tied to Fiesta Hermosa, which has helped keep the event viable. But Fiesta Hermosa is not just another event - it is the Chamber’s primary source of funding. For over 50 years, the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce has produced Fiesta Hermosa. This is not simply an event we participate in, it is an event the Chamber created, built, and has continuously managed for decades. It has become one of the most recognized traditions in Hermosa Beach, and that continuity matters. The institutional knowledge, relationships, and operational experience behind Fiesta are the result of long-term stewardship, not something that can easily be transferred or replicated. Equally important is the role Fiesta plays in sustaining the Chamber itself. As a nonprofit, the Chamber relies on Fiesta Hermosa as its largest and most critical revenue source. The funds generated from Fiesta directly support our ability to serve Hermosa’s business community - through marketing, advocacy, economic development efforts, and year-round programs that drive visibility and activity for local businesses. Unlike many Chambers, including some of our neighboring cities, we do not receive direct, ongoing operational funding from the City to carry out this work. In many communities, Chambers are funded through formal contracts or dedicated tourism dollars to support economic development and business services. If Fiesta Hermosa were removed from the Chamber, the impact would be immediate and significant. It would fundamentally reduce our capacity to operate and to deliver on our mission. In practical terms, it would mean fewer resources, fewer programs, and less support for the very businesses the City is working to strengthen. We understand the City’s desire to evaluate different approaches to event production. However, removing Fiesta from the Chamber would not be a neutral operational change - it would have direct consequences for the local business community due to the loss of the Chamber’s primary funding source. We believe the best path forward is to maintain the current structure, rather than separating the event from the organization that has sustained it for more than five decades. We remain committed to collaboration and to ensuring Fiesta Hermosa continues to reflect the character of our community while supporting the businesses that make Hermosa Beach what it is. ~ Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

Informational items are for discussion only. No action will be taken. A City Council majority may request an action item to return at a future meeting.
(Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols)

• Recommended Action:

  Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the informational item regarding consideration of a bid package for production of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Fiesta Hermosa.

18.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

This is the time for Councilmembers to schedule future agenda items and to ask questions about the status of previously approved future agenda items. No discussion, debate, or public comment will be taken. Councilmembers should consider the city's work plan when considering new items. The tentative future agenda items document is provided for information only. 

18.a

TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - 26-CMO-020

Attached is the current list of tentative future agenda items for Council’s information.

19.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

20.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

This is reserved for items that do not require City Council action. The City Council may request a future agenda item to discuss an informational item. Otherwise, discussion of informational items will not be taken. 

20.a

Parking Citations and Metered Revenue Report - March 2026

(Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales)

21.

ADJOURNMENT