CITY OF HERMOSA BEACHCITY COUNCILSPECIAL MEETING AGENDACall and Notice of Special Meeting:The Mayor of the City of Hermosa Beach has called a Special Meeting of the City Council to consider and take action on only those matters set forth on the agenda.ELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEMPORETuesday, February 24, 2026 6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.Council Chambers1315 Valley DriveHermosa Beach, CA 90254CITY COUNCILRob Saemann, Mayor Mike Detoy, Mayor Pro Tem Ray Jackson, Councilmember Michael D. Keegan, CouncilmemberDean Francois, CouncilmemberDavid Pedersen, City TreasurerAPPOINTED OFFICIALSSteve Napolitano, City ManagerJason Baltimore, Interim City Attorney EXECUTIVE TEAMBrandon Walker, Administrative Services DirectorAlison Becker, Community Development DirectorReanna Guzman, Interim City Clerk Lisa Nichols, Parks & Recreation DirectorLandon 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 (310) 318-0204 or at [email protected] 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 on action items listed on the agenda via the following: Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89968207828? pwd=bXZmWS83dmxHWDZLbWRTK2RVaUxaUT092 Phone: Toll Free: (833) 548 0276; Meeting ID: 899 6820 7828, then #; Passcode: 472825 eComment: Submit an eComment no later than three (3) hours before the meeting start time. Supplemental Email: Supplemental emails are available for agenda items only and must be sent 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 of 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. Please be advised that while the City will endeavor to ensure these remote participation methods are available, the City does not guarantee that they will be technically feasible or work all the time. Further, the City reserves the right to terminate these remote participation methods (subject to Brown Act restrictions) at any time and for whatever reason. Please attend in person or by submitting an eComment to ensure your public participation. Similarly, as a courtesy, the City will also plan to broadcast the meeting via the following listed mediums. However, these are done as a courtesy only and not guaranteed to be technically feasible. Thus, in order to guarantee live time viewing and/or public participation, members of the public shall attend in Council Chambers. 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. View City Council staff reports and attachments at www.hermosabeach.gov/agenda. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Mayor of the City of Hermosa Beach has called a Special Meeting of the City Council to take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to consider and take action on only those matters set forth on the agenda below.1.CALL TO ORDER Public Comments: 2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Public Comments: 3.NATIONAL ANTHEM Public Comments: 4.ROLL CALL Public Comments: 5.ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS Public Comments: 6.APPROVAL OF AGENDA Public Comments: This is the time for the City Council to discuss any changes to the order of agenda items.7.PUBLIC COMMENT Public Commentsmc guerryI think Nancy Schwappach's concerns about Ray Jackson are unwarranted. The city benefits by his representation on the CCC. It would hurt the city if a councilmember were punished for trying to work with the state.mc guerryI would like to thank Mike Detoy for listening to the residents of Hermosa Beach. For example, on two controversial votes, one being the decision about the last City Manager and the other one being the alignment of the K line to Torrance, over 95% of the public comments from actual Hermosa Beach residents were in favor of the way he voted. This shows his priority is Hermosa Beach, rather than personal grievances or outside loyalties.Howard Lee 2026 Regular Meetings Sched Approved By City Council In Nov 2025Click/Tap this comment and then click/tap the attachment to view a list of all "Regular" Council Meetings for 2026 as agreed to by the Council Nov 17, 2025. (list is From Agenda/Minutes page of the city website) Two meetings are study sessions as colored. Click/Tab attachment. The Mayor Rotation was also a Regular Meeting. None are "Special" meetings. Nancy SchwappachPlease see the attached related to the election of a new Mayor Pro TemKent AllenIs no one going to ask how The Deck was open and serving alcohol for six months without an on-premise liquor license? Let’s not pretend this was a string of daily “catered events”. Catering licenses are for occasional off-site events, not for running a bar that’s open to the public every day. Rotating five or six different permits to keep the drinks flowing isn’t a loophole; it’s an illegal workaround. And now we’re going to reward this by telling the ABC that this is a “Public Necessity”? Come on. What’s next…the Treasure Chest turning into a beer bar for the summer? How are we overlooking all this while dragging Roberts Liquor through countless hearings and a CUP modification for far less? I hope you will follow the Police Chief Phills recomendations and incorporate his points into a new CUP. tonyDear City Council, Once again BBK law is providing the city with biased legal advice narrowly tailored to exploit laws to support the City Managers position that is arbitrarily limiting general public comment in tonights Feb 24 council meeting. And to that end BBK Law provided factually inaccurate misleading half-truth that fails to opine on whether to allow public comment on non agenda items in a Special meeting is allowed not whether it can be prohibited. BBK law's attached email claims general participation cannot be allowed in a special meeting is simply not true. This meeting was scheduled as a REGULAR meeting with a light agenda on Nov 17. There are no emergency items on the agenda, the meeting been scheduled for months and NO urgent public interest is served by limiting this meeting to comment on agenda items only. But as it was in Suja's administration, the city has decided that the first place it is going to look to control meeting length and decorum and maintain behavioral norms is to limit general participation. There is nothing that prohibits having a public comment period during the mayoral transition but the city cleverly scheduled this item as a presentation not an agenda item so that eliminates the need for a dedicated public comment. We should be able to speak to the mayoral transition without giving our up general participation time. And there is nothing that prohibits public comment before the mayor selection and then having a general participation period before the consent calendar. IN FACT THAT IS THE WAY IT WAS DONE FOR YEARS! In California, a city council is not prohibited by state law from allowing general public comment at a special meeting, but it is not required to do so. Under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the specific rules for public participation differ between regular and special meetings. In California, a city council is not prohibited by state law from allowing general public comment at a special meeting, but it is not required to do so. Under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the specific rules for public participation differ between regular and special meetings Regular Meetings: The council MUST provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the body on any item of interest within its subject matter jurisdiction, even if those items are not on the agenda. Special Meetings: The law states that the agenda must provide an opportunity for the public to address the body concerning any item on the agenda. Crucially, while the law does not require a general public comment period for non-agenda items at a special meeting, THERE is nothing in the Brown Act that prohibits a council from voluntarily including one on the agenda. ---- BBK email Good Morning MrHiggins, The following responses are provided to your email below of February 22, 2026: There is no prohibition on scheduling a special meeting on a date that would otherwise have been a regular meeting date. The special meeting was properly noticed within the 24-hour written notice period and lists all business to be transacted in accordance with the Brown Act (California Government Code section 54956). Unfortunately, the City Council (“Council”) may not discuss or take action on any matter that is not otherwise specifically listed on the special meeting agenda. The Council has been provided a copy of your Cure and Correct Demand Letter (“Demand”). The Council has 30 days to respond to your Demand under the Brown Act, and the Council taking no action on said Demand is deemed a decision not to cure after 30 days pursuant to California Government Code section 54960.1(c)(2). The proposed contract with the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce has not been executed yet. Should you have any additional questions, please contact the Interim City Clerk by telephone at (310) 318-0204 or email at [email protected]. Respectfully, Alyssa Murray Howard Lee Re Incorrect Public Comment Item DirectionsNotwithstanding that this February 24, 2026 meeting is a de-facto Regular 2nd meeting for the month of February, it was somehow mislabeled as a SPECIAL meeting. It clearly is not a SPECIAL meeting. I had to waste a significant amount of time finding the meeting when this Council set the 2026 Calendar of Meetings for the public to be aware of. The November 17, 2025 meeting was when such was accomplished. In that meeeting Councilmember Jackson said it correctly when he suggested moving the Rotation of Mayor February 12 proposed meeting to the front of the February 24, Regular meeting and thus becoming part of same. Unfortunately there was only a draft resolution provided with the proposed schedule of meetings, and after the Council's convoluted discussion on November 17, 2025, the draft Resolution 25-XXXX, as modified was never returned to the Council, i.e. in the following December meeting, for concurrence by the Council on that meeting's Consent Calendar. The problem is that calling this February 24 a Special meeting, (I could not care less what you call it), caused someone to use the quick and dirty boiler plate for a SPECIAL MEETING when making this November 24 meeting's agenda. It is in actuality a Regular Meeting so the boiler plate was incorrect to use. As such that left directions above the PUBLIC COMMENT item indicating that a member of the public cannot speak on an item in the Council’s jurisdiction but which is not listed on the agenda. Thus as an example, the Librarian has already probably figured that she has no right to speak regarding something she may have desired to regarding the Library. (Kindly notify the Librarian that if she desires to speak, she is welcome to attend the meeting and do so.) Also a modified agenda should be posted ASAP indicating that the meeting’s agenda was mislabeled as a SPECIAL meeting, (IT IS NOT A SPECIAL MEETING) and that the PUBLIC COMMENT period is open for comment in person or by Zoom regarding anything in the Council’s jurisdiction as well as to matters on the agenda. Thank You, Howard Lee Howard LeePrior to the switch-over in July of 2024 from the Granicus agenda/minutes system contract to the present eScribe agenda/minutes system contract, every agenda had a list of all the remaining scheduled upcoming meetings for the balance of the calendar year at the bottom of the agenda. Why that stopped was never mentioned. That list of all the remaining scheduled meetings for the calendar year was extremely useful and needs to be restored to being displayed at the end of every agenda face. Council and staff, kindly indicate during this February 24, 2026 meeting that such will commence again starting with your March 10 meeting. Thank You, Howard Lee.tony for effective community engagementDear City Council, The 2/24 CCM, has the mayorial selection and has been classified as a special meeting even though it has been scheduled for months and has all the hallmarks of a regular meeting with a full consent calendar, public hearings on other business items and misc reports. So what public interest is possibly served by limiting public participation to AGENDA ITEMS ONLY? Normally we are allowed to comment on any item under the council's purview. I really thought transparency would be maximized and arbitrary and capricious restrictions on public comment would be minimized under the new city manager and council majority but the 2/24 agenda proves there is still work to be done. . Yes, its true the city MAY restrict public comment in a special meeting to agenda items only, but why would you? This was not an "emergency" type special meeting The brown act does NOT REQUIRE a special session restriction on general participation, it just allows it. Please consider fixing this at the outset of the 2/24 meeting and opening up the public participation to comments on both agenda and non agenda items under the councils purview. Thank you for considering tonyhigginsThis is the time for members of the public to address the City Council on item(s) listed on the special meeting agenda only. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker. This will be the only public comment taken. 8.PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS Public Comments: 8.aELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEMPORE AND CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION - 26-CCO-003 Attachments | Public Comments1.STAFF REPORT - ELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEMPORE - 26-CCO-003.pdf2.Attachment 1. Resolution No. 20-7265.pdf3.Attachment 2. City Council Committee List as of December 2025.pdf4.Attachment 3. California Health and Safety Code Section 4730.pdf5.Attachment 4. Draft Resolution (South Bay Cities Sanitation District Appointment).pdf(Interim City Clerk Reanna Guzman)Recommended Action:Staff recommends City Council: Elect a Mayor for a 9.6-month term ending December 8, 2026 upon the election of another Mayor; Elect a Mayor Pro Tempore for a 9.6-month term ending December 8, 2026 upon the election of another Mayor Pro Tempore; Appoint the new Mayor to the Los Angeles County-City Selection Committee; and Adopt Resolution to approve the new Mayor to the South Bay Cities Sanitation District Board of Directors and Mayor Pro Tempore (or Councilmember) to serve as Alternative Director (Attachment 4). 8.bRECOGNITION OF OUTGOING MAYOR Public Comments: 9.CONSENT CALENDAR Public Comments: 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.9.aWAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA Public Comments: Recommended Action: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.9.bCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Attachments | Public Comments1.Attachment 1. January 27, 2026 Regular Meeting.pdf2.Attachment 2. February 3, 2026 Regular Meeting .pdf(Interim City Clerk Reanna Guzman)Staff recommends City Council approve the minutes of the January 27, 2026 and February 3, 2026 regular meetings.9.cCHECK REGISTERS - 26-AS-018 Attachments | Public Comments1.STAFF REPORT - CHECK REGISTERS 2-24-2026 - 26-AS-018.pdf2.Attachment 1. 1-28-26.pdf3.Attachment 2. 2-4-26.pdf4.Attachment 3. 2-11-26.pdf(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Recommended Action:Staff recommends City Council receive and file the check registers for January 28, 2026 through February 11, 2026. The Administrative Services Director certifies the accuracy of the demands.9.dCASH BALANCE REPORT - 26-AS-017 Attachments | Public Comments1.STAFF REPORT - DECEMBER 2025 CASH BALANCE REPORT - 26-AS-017.pdf2.Attachment 1. December 2025 Cash Balance Report.pdf(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker) Recommended Action:Staff recommends City Council receive and file the December 2025 Cash Balance Report.9.eREVENUE REPORT, EXPENDITURE REPORT, AND CIP REPORT BY PROJECT - 26-AS-019 Attachments | Public Comments1.STAFF REPORT- REVENUE REPORT, EXPENDITURE REPORT, AND CIP REPORT BY PROJECT FOR DECEMBER 2025 - 26-AS-019.pdf2.Attachment 1. December 2025 Revenue Report.pdf3.Attachment 2. December 2025 Expenditure Report.pdf4.Attachment 3. December 2025 CIP Report by Project.pdf(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)Recommended Action:Staff recommends City Council receive and file the December 2025 Financial Reports.9.fCITY TREASURER REPORT - 26-AS-016 Attachments | Public Comments1.STAFF REPORT - CITY TREASURER REPORT - 26-AS-016.pdf2.Attachment 1. January 2026 Treasurer's Report.pdf(City Treasurer Dave Pedersen)Recommended Action:The City Treasurer recommends City Council receive and file the January 2026 City Treasurer’s Report.9.gCAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT - 26-PW-009 Attachments | Public Comments1.STAFF REPORT - CIP STATUS REPORT AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 2026 - 26-PW-009.pdf2.Attachment 1. Capital Improvement Program Status Report as of February 17, 2026.pdf3.Attachment 2. Estimated CIP Project Schedule FY 2025-2026 – Updated February 17, 2026.pdf(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)Recommended Action:Staff recommends City Council receive and file the Capital Improvement Program Status Report as of February 17, 2026.9.hADOPT AN ORDINANCE APPROVING ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT (TA 25-03) AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE HERMOSA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO APPEAL PERIODS OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISIONS - 26-CDD-019 Attachments | Public Comments1.STAFF REPORT - SECOND ZTA PC APPEALS - 26-CDD-019.pdf2.Attachment 1. Draft Ordinance .pdf3.Attachment 2. City Council Ordinance 25-1491 .pdfCEQA: The project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption per Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.(Community Development Director Alison Becker)Recommended Action:Staff recommend City Council: Determine the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt by title only and waive second reading of an Ordinance approving a Zone Text Amendment (TA 25-03), amending various sections of Title of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code pertaining to appeal periods of Planning Commission Decisions; and Direct the City Clerk to print and publish the summary ordinances in a newspaper of general circulation within 15 days following adoption and post it on the City’s bulletin for 30 days. 9.iREQUEST FOR A PUBLIC CONVENIENCE OR NECESSITY DETERMINATION FOR A DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LICENSE TYPE 42 (ON-SALE BEER & WINE) FOR THE DECK AT 1272 THE STRAND - 26-CDD-021 Attachments | Public Comments1.STAFF REPORT - 1272 THE STRAND PCN DETERMINATION- 26-CDD-021.pdf2.Attachment 1. City of Hermosa Beach Planning Commission Resolution 154-834.pdf3.Attachment 2. The Deck Public Convenience or Necessity Request Letter.pdf4.Attachment 3. Map of ABC Licenses within Census Tract 6210.05.pdf5.Attachment 4. California Business and Professions Code.pdf6.Attachment 5. Hermosa Beach Police Department Letter.pdf7.SUPPLEMENTAL Emailed comment for item 9.i.pdfDan CavanaghIn this climate where it is so hard for local businesses we need to become a business friendly community. This space that many in the community have loved has been closed for a long time. Let's support the new owners trying to make a difference in our community not to mention generate tax dollars. Kristina CantelliThis establishment carries a deep sense of history and nostalgia. It’s a genuine nod to Hermosa’s surf-town roots and rich local culture. The owners clearly respect that legacy and have been intentional about preserving it. Replacing that would be a real shame, and would undo the thoughtful work they’ve done to ensure this remains a well-run bar that’s respectful of the community.Barbara EllmanI strongly support granting a full alcohol license to The Deck. The owners have consistently demonstrated that they are responsible, community-minded business operators who contribute positively to our city. Beyond running a successful establishments, they have generously donated their time and resources to numerous local charities and community events.I believe they have earned the trust and support of our city.Mark WestWith new local ownership, this beloved neighborhood bar has been thoughtfully refreshed and brought back to life. Without their investment and stewardship, this space would likely remain vacant and become an eyesore for the community. The owners, and their individual establishments, have demonstrated themselves to be responsible operators both individually and as a team. I am confident they will continue to manage this space with care and professionalism as they take on the responsibilities associated with this license. Our local businesses thrive when dedicated owners step forward to revitalize community spaces. I respectfully encourage approval of their license.Eric HorneHello Mayor and Council. This is a rare opportunity in Hermosa Beach. The new owners of The Deck have done something we almost never see anymore: they’ve taken a classic Hermosa institution and brought it back with the same spirit that made it special in the first place. Year after year we watch legacy businesses close. Many of the new additions to town are phenomenal, but continuity matters too. People want to walk down to the Pier and grab a cocktail at a place that’s been part of Hermosa’s story for decades. That sense of local history and identity is part of what makes downtown feel like Hermosa. The Police Department does not oppose this request. And the owners are local, responsible members of this community, not an outside bar group testing the limits of our town. This is not a new bar concept pushing into a quiet neighborhood. It is a reopening of an historic location in a district our General Plan designates as a social and commercial center. If we want to be a business-friendly city—and I believe everyone on this Council has said that we do—this is the moment to demonstrate it. Placing this on consent and granting the Public Convenience or Necessity determination spares the local business owners from unnecessary delay and bureaucracy. In an era of inflation and tight margins, allowing them to operate a full bar lets them compete on equal footing with their neighbors. This is a no-brainer. Let’s welcome back a new and improved Hermosa classic and approve the PCN tonight.Solange Comer The Deck has been a local treasure and I hope it will continue to be for a long time. I am in full support of a beer and wine request. Richard A.I strongly support approval of The Deck’s beer and wine license. The owners have a proven track record as responsible, community-minded operators through Uncorked Wine Shop and Hermosa Brewing Company, both of which have consistently demonstrated professionalism, compliance, and respect for our neighborhood. Granting this license would allow them to bring back a community gathering spot that has been a treasured part of Hermosa Beach and the South Bay for 60+ years. I respectfully urge the Hermosa Beach City Council to approve this application. Stephen McCallStrong support. The Deck has long been an iconic, casual spot along our beachfront. Supporting The Deck means supporting local ownership, local jobs, local tourism and Hermosa times.David BrandinI strongly support approving the Type 42 license for The Deck at 1272 The Strand. Hermosa Beach thrives when local businesses are given the opportunity to succeed. The Deck is a long standing part of our community and its reopening brings life, activity, and economic support to the Strand. In a time when many small businesses are struggling, we should be focused on reducing unnecessary barriers rather than creating additional red tape. This request is not about expanding nightlife beyond reason. It is about allowing a local establishment to operate competitively and sustainably within the framework already permitted by the city. Supporting responsible operators helps preserve the character of Hermosa while keeping storefronts occupied, employees working, and visitors spending locally. -DavidKent AllenIs no one going to ask how The Deck was open and serving alcohol for six months without an on-premise liquor license? Let’s not pretend this was a string of daily “catered events”. Catering licenses are for occasional off-site events, not for running a bar that’s open to the public every day. Rotating five or six different permits to keep the drinks flowing isn’t a loophole; it’s an illegal workaround. And now we’re going to reward this by telling the ABC that this is a “Public Necessity”? Come on. What’s next…the Treasure Chest turning into a beer bar for the summer? How are we overlooking all this while dragging Roberts Liquor through countless hearings and a CUP modification for far less? I hope you will follow the Police Chief Phills recomendations and incorporate his points into a new CUP. BELINDA L OAKESI am writing to express my strong support for the approval of the Public Convenience or Necessity determination for The Deck at 1272 The Strand in connection with their request for a Type 42 ABC License. The Deck’s reopening has been a positive addition to Hermosa Beach. After sitting vacant for years, I was so happy that it was brought back to life by local business owners who are not only deeply invested in their businesses, but deeply invested in our community. While open over the past summer, The Deck delivered exactly what residents and visitors appreciate: a relaxed, welcoming, small‑scale gathering space that fits the spirit and character of Hermosa Beach. The Deck add vitality to The Strand without adding disruption. Approving this Type 42 license will allow The Deck to operate as intended—a casual beer‑and‑wine space, supporting local economy, local community members, as well as local tourism. Jacene DimsonWith new & local ownership, this beloved local bar is back and refreshed. This space would be completely unused and an empty eyesore if it weren't for them. They are responsible business owners separately -- and together, I trust that they will take care of this space and the responsibility of managing it with the addition of this license. Our local businesses deserve support. Please grant their license. A. AndersonWe don't need yet another bar in Hermosa. How are these people getting this through. This has a smell of corruption. They don't even sell food its just more alcohol and more drunk idiots causing problems.Bob KHonorable Mayor and Members of the City Council, I respectfully request that Item 9.i (Public Convenience or Necessity determination for 1272 The Strand) be removed from the Consent Calendar and scheduled for full deliberation. This is a discretionary determination under Business and Professions Code §23958 in an overconcentrated census tract. The tract is authorized for six on-sale licenses and currently contains twenty-eight. Approval would authorize a twenty-ninth license, requiring the Council to affirmatively find that issuance would serve public convenience or necessity and would not tend to create a law enforcement problem. The Police Department memorandum acknowledges that the downtown area generates a disproportionate share of calls for service and notes a correlation between late-night alcohol establishments and assault, DUI, and nuisance activity. The memorandum indicates support for the PCN if certain mitigation measures are implemented. However, those measures are expressly described as recommendations to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), which retains discretion to accept, modify, or reject them. The memo also clarifies that any ABC conditions would not modify the existing Conditional Use Permit. Accordingly, the Council is being asked to make a “no law enforcement problem” finding while relying on mitigation measures that are not binding City conditions and are outside the City’s direct control. If the Council’s determination depends on those measures, the record should clearly reflect that reliance and explain how the finding remains supported if ABC does not adopt them in full. In addition, the staff report relies on the CEQA Common Sense Exemption. Given that the Police memorandum acknowledges potential public safety impacts associated with additional alcohol service in this area, careful deliberation before invoking that exemption would strengthen the City’s record. Because this is a discretionary statutory override in an overconcentrated area with acknowledged public safety considerations, placement on the Consent Calendar limits meaningful public discussion and the opportunity for the Council to articulate findings on the record. Removal from Consent would allow transparent deliberation and ensure that the administrative record reflects thoughtful consideration of the statutory criteria. There is no statutory urgency requiring action tonight; §23958 provides a 90-day period for local determination. Removing this item from Consent would not prejudice the applicant but would allow a more complete and defensible process. For these reasons, I respectfully request that Item 9.i be removed from the Consent Calendar and scheduled for full consideration. Howard Lee Re This Needs To Go To Plan CommPlease click/tap this comment and then click/tap the blue attachment to read my eComment.CEQA: Determine that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.(Community Development Director Alison Becker)Recommended Action:Staff recommends City Council: Find that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; Determine that the issuance of a liquor license at The Deck, located at 1272 The Strand, will serve Public Convenience or Necessity and would not tend to create a law enforcement problem; Grant the application for determination of Public Convenience or Necessity for the sale of alcoholic beverages, beer only, for on-sale consumption at The Deck, located at 1272 The Strand; and Instruct City staff to transmit this determination to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control as required findings under Business and Professions Code Section 23958.4. 10.PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Comments: 10.aAPPROVAL OF IMPACT LEVEL III NEW 2026 SPECIAL EVENT—AFTER DARK TOUR LA 2026 Public Comments: (Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols)Recommended Action:Staff recommends City Council continue the Public Hearing to the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.11.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Public Comments: 11.aLOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCE MONTHLY REPORT—DECEMBER 2025 Attachments | Public Comments1.LACoFD and McCormick - December 2025.pdf(Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright)11.bPARKING CITATION AND METERED REVENUE REPORT—JANUARY 2026 Attachments | Public Comments1.Parking Citation and Metered Revenue Report - January 2026.pdf(Senior Management Analyst Ken Bales)11.cACTION MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 6, 2026 Attachments | Public Comments1.Action Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting of January 6, 2026(1).pdf(Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols)12.ADJOURNMENT Public Comments: No Item Selected Attachments (0) | Public Comments (0)This item has no attachments.1.LACoFD and McCormick - December 2025.pdf1.Parking Citation and Metered Revenue Report - January 2026.pdf1.Action Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting of January 6, 2026(1).pdf1.STAFF REPORT - CIP STATUS REPORT AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 2026 - 26-PW-009.pdf2.Attachment 1. Capital Improvement Program Status Report as of February 17, 2026.pdf3.Attachment 2. Estimated CIP Project Schedule FY 2025-2026 – Updated February 17, 2026.pdf1.STAFF REPORT - CITY TREASURER REPORT - 26-AS-016.pdf2.Attachment 1. January 2026 Treasurer's Report.pdf1.STAFF REPORT- REVENUE REPORT, EXPENDITURE REPORT, AND CIP REPORT BY PROJECT FOR DECEMBER 2025 - 26-AS-019.pdf2.Attachment 1. December 2025 Revenue Report.pdf3.Attachment 2. December 2025 Expenditure Report.pdf4.Attachment 3. December 2025 CIP Report by Project.pdf1.STAFF REPORT - DECEMBER 2025 CASH BALANCE REPORT - 26-AS-017.pdf2.Attachment 1. December 2025 Cash Balance Report.pdf1.STAFF REPORT - CHECK REGISTERS 2-24-2026 - 26-AS-018.pdf2.Attachment 1. 1-28-26.pdf3.Attachment 2. 2-4-26.pdf4.Attachment 3. 2-11-26.pdf1.STAFF REPORT - ELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEMPORE - 26-CCO-003.pdf2.Attachment 1. Resolution No. 20-7265.pdf3.Attachment 2. City Council Committee List as of December 2025.pdf4.Attachment 3. California Health and Safety Code Section 4730.pdf5.Attachment 4. Draft Resolution (South Bay Cities Sanitation District Appointment).pdf1.Attachment 1. January 27, 2026 Regular Meeting.pdf2.Attachment 2. February 3, 2026 Regular Meeting .pdf1.STAFF REPORT - 1272 THE STRAND PCN DETERMINATION- 26-CDD-021.pdf2.Attachment 1. City of Hermosa Beach Planning Commission Resolution 154-834.pdf3.Attachment 2. The Deck Public Convenience or Necessity Request Letter.pdf4.Attachment 3. Map of ABC Licenses within Census Tract 6210.05.pdf5.Attachment 4. California Business and Professions Code.pdf6.Attachment 5. Hermosa Beach Police Department Letter.pdf7.SUPPLEMENTAL Emailed comment for item 9.i.pdf1.STAFF REPORT - SECOND ZTA PC APPEALS - 26-CDD-019.pdf2.Attachment 1. Draft Ordinance .pdf3.Attachment 2. City Council Ordinance 25-1491 .pdfThis item has no public commentmc guerry (No Position)I think Nancy Schwappach's concerns about Ray Jackson are unwarranted. The city benefits by his representation on the CCC. It would hurt the city if a councilmember were punished for trying to work with the state.mc guerry (No Position)I would like to thank Mike Detoy for listening to the residents of Hermosa Beach. For example, on two controversial votes, one being the decision about the last City Manager and the other one being the alignment of the K line to Torrance, over 95% of the public comments from actual Hermosa Beach residents were in favor of the way he voted. This shows his priority is Hermosa Beach, rather than personal grievances or outside loyalties.Howard Lee 2026 Regular Meetings Sched Approved By City Council In Nov 2025 (-)Click/Tap this comment and then click/tap the attachment to view a list of all "Regular" Council Meetings for 2026 as agreed to by the Council Nov 17, 2025. (list is From Agenda/Minutes page of the city website) Two meetings are study sessions as colored. Click/Tab attachment. The Mayor Rotation was also a Regular Meeting. None are "Special" meetings. Nancy Schwappach (No Position)Please see the attached related to the election of a new Mayor Pro TemKent Allen (No Position)Is no one going to ask how The Deck was open and serving alcohol for six months without an on-premise liquor license? Let’s not pretend this was a string of daily “catered events”. Catering licenses are for occasional off-site events, not for running a bar that’s open to the public every day. Rotating five or six different permits to keep the drinks flowing isn’t a loophole; it’s an illegal workaround. And now we’re going to reward this by telling the ABC that this is a “Public Necessity”? Come on. What’s next…the Treasure Chest turning into a beer bar for the summer? How are we overlooking all this while dragging Roberts Liquor through countless hearings and a CUP modification for far less? I hope you will follow the Police Chief Phills recomendations and incorporate his points into a new CUP. tony (No Position)Dear City Council, Once again BBK law is providing the city with biased legal advice narrowly tailored to exploit laws to support the City Managers position that is arbitrarily limiting general public comment in tonights Feb 24 council meeting. And to that end BBK Law provided factually inaccurate misleading half-truth that fails to opine on whether to allow public comment on non agenda items in a Special meeting is allowed not whether it can be prohibited. BBK law's attached email claims general participation cannot be allowed in a special meeting is simply not true. This meeting was scheduled as a REGULAR meeting with a light agenda on Nov 17. There are no emergency items on the agenda, the meeting been scheduled for months and NO urgent public interest is served by limiting this meeting to comment on agenda items only. But as it was in Suja's administration, the city has decided that the first place it is going to look to control meeting length and decorum and maintain behavioral norms is to limit general participation. There is nothing that prohibits having a public comment period during the mayoral transition but the city cleverly scheduled this item as a presentation not an agenda item so that eliminates the need for a dedicated public comment. We should be able to speak to the mayoral transition without giving our up general participation time. And there is nothing that prohibits public comment before the mayor selection and then having a general participation period before the consent calendar. IN FACT THAT IS THE WAY IT WAS DONE FOR YEARS! In California, a city council is not prohibited by state law from allowing general public comment at a special meeting, but it is not required to do so. Under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the specific rules for public participation differ between regular and special meetings. In California, a city council is not prohibited by state law from allowing general public comment at a special meeting, but it is not required to do so. Under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the specific rules for public participation differ between regular and special meetings Regular Meetings: The council MUST provide an opportunity for members of the public to address the body on any item of interest within its subject matter jurisdiction, even if those items are not on the agenda. Special Meetings: The law states that the agenda must provide an opportunity for the public to address the body concerning any item on the agenda. Crucially, while the law does not require a general public comment period for non-agenda items at a special meeting, THERE is nothing in the Brown Act that prohibits a council from voluntarily including one on the agenda. ---- BBK email Good Morning MrHiggins, The following responses are provided to your email below of February 22, 2026: There is no prohibition on scheduling a special meeting on a date that would otherwise have been a regular meeting date. The special meeting was properly noticed within the 24-hour written notice period and lists all business to be transacted in accordance with the Brown Act (California Government Code section 54956). Unfortunately, the City Council (“Council”) may not discuss or take action on any matter that is not otherwise specifically listed on the special meeting agenda. The Council has been provided a copy of your Cure and Correct Demand Letter (“Demand”). The Council has 30 days to respond to your Demand under the Brown Act, and the Council taking no action on said Demand is deemed a decision not to cure after 30 days pursuant to California Government Code section 54960.1(c)(2). The proposed contract with the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce has not been executed yet. Should you have any additional questions, please contact the Interim City Clerk by telephone at (310) 318-0204 or email at [email protected]. Respectfully, Alyssa Murray Howard Lee Re Incorrect Public Comment Item Directions (For)Notwithstanding that this February 24, 2026 meeting is a de-facto Regular 2nd meeting for the month of February, it was somehow mislabeled as a SPECIAL meeting. It clearly is not a SPECIAL meeting. I had to waste a significant amount of time finding the meeting when this Council set the 2026 Calendar of Meetings for the public to be aware of. The November 17, 2025 meeting was when such was accomplished. In that meeeting Councilmember Jackson said it correctly when he suggested moving the Rotation of Mayor February 12 proposed meeting to the front of the February 24, Regular meeting and thus becoming part of same. Unfortunately there was only a draft resolution provided with the proposed schedule of meetings, and after the Council's convoluted discussion on November 17, 2025, the draft Resolution 25-XXXX, as modified was never returned to the Council, i.e. in the following December meeting, for concurrence by the Council on that meeting's Consent Calendar. The problem is that calling this February 24 a Special meeting, (I could not care less what you call it), caused someone to use the quick and dirty boiler plate for a SPECIAL MEETING when making this November 24 meeting's agenda. It is in actuality a Regular Meeting so the boiler plate was incorrect to use. As such that left directions above the PUBLIC COMMENT item indicating that a member of the public cannot speak on an item in the Council’s jurisdiction but which is not listed on the agenda. Thus as an example, the Librarian has already probably figured that she has no right to speak regarding something she may have desired to regarding the Library. (Kindly notify the Librarian that if she desires to speak, she is welcome to attend the meeting and do so.) Also a modified agenda should be posted ASAP indicating that the meeting’s agenda was mislabeled as a SPECIAL meeting, (IT IS NOT A SPECIAL MEETING) and that the PUBLIC COMMENT period is open for comment in person or by Zoom regarding anything in the Council’s jurisdiction as well as to matters on the agenda. Thank You, Howard Lee Howard Lee (For)Prior to the switch-over in July of 2024 from the Granicus agenda/minutes system contract to the present eScribe agenda/minutes system contract, every agenda had a list of all the remaining scheduled upcoming meetings for the balance of the calendar year at the bottom of the agenda. Why that stopped was never mentioned. That list of all the remaining scheduled meetings for the calendar year was extremely useful and needs to be restored to being displayed at the end of every agenda face. Council and staff, kindly indicate during this February 24, 2026 meeting that such will commence again starting with your March 10 meeting. Thank You, Howard Lee.tony for effective community engagement (No Position)Dear City Council, The 2/24 CCM, has the mayorial selection and has been classified as a special meeting even though it has been scheduled for months and has all the hallmarks of a regular meeting with a full consent calendar, public hearings on other business items and misc reports. So what public interest is possibly served by limiting public participation to AGENDA ITEMS ONLY? Normally we are allowed to comment on any item under the council's purview. I really thought transparency would be maximized and arbitrary and capricious restrictions on public comment would be minimized under the new city manager and council majority but the 2/24 agenda proves there is still work to be done. . Yes, its true the city MAY restrict public comment in a special meeting to agenda items only, but why would you? This was not an "emergency" type special meeting The brown act does NOT REQUIRE a special session restriction on general participation, it just allows it. Please consider fixing this at the outset of the 2/24 meeting and opening up the public participation to comments on both agenda and non agenda items under the councils purview. Thank you for considering tonyhigginsDan Cavanagh (For)In this climate where it is so hard for local businesses we need to become a business friendly community. This space that many in the community have loved has been closed for a long time. Let's support the new owners trying to make a difference in our community not to mention generate tax dollars. Kristina Cantelli (For)This establishment carries a deep sense of history and nostalgia. It’s a genuine nod to Hermosa’s surf-town roots and rich local culture. The owners clearly respect that legacy and have been intentional about preserving it. Replacing that would be a real shame, and would undo the thoughtful work they’ve done to ensure this remains a well-run bar that’s respectful of the community.Barbara Ellman (For)I strongly support granting a full alcohol license to The Deck. The owners have consistently demonstrated that they are responsible, community-minded business operators who contribute positively to our city. Beyond running a successful establishments, they have generously donated their time and resources to numerous local charities and community events.I believe they have earned the trust and support of our city.Mark West (For)With new local ownership, this beloved neighborhood bar has been thoughtfully refreshed and brought back to life. Without their investment and stewardship, this space would likely remain vacant and become an eyesore for the community. The owners, and their individual establishments, have demonstrated themselves to be responsible operators both individually and as a team. I am confident they will continue to manage this space with care and professionalism as they take on the responsibilities associated with this license. Our local businesses thrive when dedicated owners step forward to revitalize community spaces. I respectfully encourage approval of their license.Eric Horne (For)Hello Mayor and Council. This is a rare opportunity in Hermosa Beach. The new owners of The Deck have done something we almost never see anymore: they’ve taken a classic Hermosa institution and brought it back with the same spirit that made it special in the first place. Year after year we watch legacy businesses close. Many of the new additions to town are phenomenal, but continuity matters too. People want to walk down to the Pier and grab a cocktail at a place that’s been part of Hermosa’s story for decades. That sense of local history and identity is part of what makes downtown feel like Hermosa. The Police Department does not oppose this request. And the owners are local, responsible members of this community, not an outside bar group testing the limits of our town. This is not a new bar concept pushing into a quiet neighborhood. It is a reopening of an historic location in a district our General Plan designates as a social and commercial center. If we want to be a business-friendly city—and I believe everyone on this Council has said that we do—this is the moment to demonstrate it. Placing this on consent and granting the Public Convenience or Necessity determination spares the local business owners from unnecessary delay and bureaucracy. In an era of inflation and tight margins, allowing them to operate a full bar lets them compete on equal footing with their neighbors. This is a no-brainer. Let’s welcome back a new and improved Hermosa classic and approve the PCN tonight.Solange Comer (For)The Deck has been a local treasure and I hope it will continue to be for a long time. I am in full support of a beer and wine request. Richard A. (For)I strongly support approval of The Deck’s beer and wine license. The owners have a proven track record as responsible, community-minded operators through Uncorked Wine Shop and Hermosa Brewing Company, both of which have consistently demonstrated professionalism, compliance, and respect for our neighborhood. Granting this license would allow them to bring back a community gathering spot that has been a treasured part of Hermosa Beach and the South Bay for 60+ years. I respectfully urge the Hermosa Beach City Council to approve this application. Stephen McCall (For)Strong support. The Deck has long been an iconic, casual spot along our beachfront. Supporting The Deck means supporting local ownership, local jobs, local tourism and Hermosa times.David Brandin (For)I strongly support approving the Type 42 license for The Deck at 1272 The Strand. Hermosa Beach thrives when local businesses are given the opportunity to succeed. The Deck is a long standing part of our community and its reopening brings life, activity, and economic support to the Strand. In a time when many small businesses are struggling, we should be focused on reducing unnecessary barriers rather than creating additional red tape. This request is not about expanding nightlife beyond reason. It is about allowing a local establishment to operate competitively and sustainably within the framework already permitted by the city. Supporting responsible operators helps preserve the character of Hermosa while keeping storefronts occupied, employees working, and visitors spending locally. -DavidKent Allen (Against)Is no one going to ask how The Deck was open and serving alcohol for six months without an on-premise liquor license? Let’s not pretend this was a string of daily “catered events”. Catering licenses are for occasional off-site events, not for running a bar that’s open to the public every day. Rotating five or six different permits to keep the drinks flowing isn’t a loophole; it’s an illegal workaround. And now we’re going to reward this by telling the ABC that this is a “Public Necessity”? Come on. What’s next…the Treasure Chest turning into a beer bar for the summer? How are we overlooking all this while dragging Roberts Liquor through countless hearings and a CUP modification for far less? I hope you will follow the Police Chief Phills recomendations and incorporate his points into a new CUP. BELINDA L OAKES (For)I am writing to express my strong support for the approval of the Public Convenience or Necessity determination for The Deck at 1272 The Strand in connection with their request for a Type 42 ABC License. The Deck’s reopening has been a positive addition to Hermosa Beach. After sitting vacant for years, I was so happy that it was brought back to life by local business owners who are not only deeply invested in their businesses, but deeply invested in our community. While open over the past summer, The Deck delivered exactly what residents and visitors appreciate: a relaxed, welcoming, small‑scale gathering space that fits the spirit and character of Hermosa Beach. The Deck add vitality to The Strand without adding disruption. Approving this Type 42 license will allow The Deck to operate as intended—a casual beer‑and‑wine space, supporting local economy, local community members, as well as local tourism. Jacene Dimson (For)With new & local ownership, this beloved local bar is back and refreshed. This space would be completely unused and an empty eyesore if it weren't for them. They are responsible business owners separately -- and together, I trust that they will take care of this space and the responsibility of managing it with the addition of this license. Our local businesses deserve support. Please grant their license. A. Anderson (Against)We don't need yet another bar in Hermosa. How are these people getting this through. This has a smell of corruption. They don't even sell food its just more alcohol and more drunk idiots causing problems.Bob K (Against)Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council, I respectfully request that Item 9.i (Public Convenience or Necessity determination for 1272 The Strand) be removed from the Consent Calendar and scheduled for full deliberation. This is a discretionary determination under Business and Professions Code §23958 in an overconcentrated census tract. The tract is authorized for six on-sale licenses and currently contains twenty-eight. Approval would authorize a twenty-ninth license, requiring the Council to affirmatively find that issuance would serve public convenience or necessity and would not tend to create a law enforcement problem. The Police Department memorandum acknowledges that the downtown area generates a disproportionate share of calls for service and notes a correlation between late-night alcohol establishments and assault, DUI, and nuisance activity. The memorandum indicates support for the PCN if certain mitigation measures are implemented. However, those measures are expressly described as recommendations to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), which retains discretion to accept, modify, or reject them. The memo also clarifies that any ABC conditions would not modify the existing Conditional Use Permit. Accordingly, the Council is being asked to make a “no law enforcement problem” finding while relying on mitigation measures that are not binding City conditions and are outside the City’s direct control. If the Council’s determination depends on those measures, the record should clearly reflect that reliance and explain how the finding remains supported if ABC does not adopt them in full. In addition, the staff report relies on the CEQA Common Sense Exemption. Given that the Police memorandum acknowledges potential public safety impacts associated with additional alcohol service in this area, careful deliberation before invoking that exemption would strengthen the City’s record. Because this is a discretionary statutory override in an overconcentrated area with acknowledged public safety considerations, placement on the Consent Calendar limits meaningful public discussion and the opportunity for the Council to articulate findings on the record. Removal from Consent would allow transparent deliberation and ensure that the administrative record reflects thoughtful consideration of the statutory criteria. There is no statutory urgency requiring action tonight; §23958 provides a 90-day period for local determination. Removing this item from Consent would not prejudice the applicant but would allow a more complete and defensible process. For these reasons, I respectfully request that Item 9.i be removed from the Consent Calendar and scheduled for full consideration. Howard Lee Re This Needs To Go To Plan Comm (-)Please click/tap this comment and then click/tap the blue attachment to read my eComment.