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Home My WebLink About05-21-2020 - Agenda Pkg - CC Special MeetingCity Council City of Hermosa Beach Special Meeting Agenda City Hall 1315 Valley Drive Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Mayor Mary Campbell Mayor Pro Tem Justin Massey Councilmembers Hany S. Fangary Michael Detoy Stacey Armato Virtual Meeting6:30 PMThursday, May 21, 2020 *************************************************************************************************************** THIS MEETING IS HELD PURSUANT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER N-29-20 ISSUED BY GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM ON MARCH 17, 2020. ANY OR ALL COUNCILMEMBERS MAY ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE BY TELECONFERENCE/VIRTUAL MEETING. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE BY TELECONFERENCE. *************************************************************************************************************** Public Participation & eComments City Hall will be closed to the public until further notice. Members of the public may email comments to anny@hermosabeach.gov until 4:00 p.m. on the meeting date. Members of the public may also participate by phone. TO PARTICIPATE BY PHONE: 1. Email anny@hermosabeach.gov to be added to the speaker list. Please indicate which item you would like to speak on. 2. Dial-in 10 minutes prior to the start of the meeting: •Toll-Free Dial-in: (833) 548-0282 •Meeting ID: 824 0623 4999, then # •Participant code: # (no code, press # to bypass) 3. PLEASE MUTE YOUR PHONE UNTIL YOU ARE CALLED TO SPEAK. Comments from the public are limited to 3 minutes per speaker. To unmute your line, press * 6. Submit eComments in three easy steps. Please note that your comment will become part of the official meeting record. You must provide your full name, but please do not provide any other personal information (i.e. phone numbers, addresses, etc) that you do not want to be published. 1. Go to the Agendas/Minutes/Video webpage and find the meeting you’d like to submit comments on. Click on the eComment button for your selected meeting. 2. Find the agenda item for which you would like to provide a comment. You can select a specific agenda item/project or provide general comments under the Oral/Written Communications item. 3. Sign in to your SpeakUp Hermosa Account or as a guest, enter your comment in the field provided, provide your name, and if applicable, attach files before submitting your comment. Page 1 City of Hermosa Beach Printed on 5/21/2020 May 21, 2020City Council Special Meeting Agenda NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING AND 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 on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. to consider and take action on only those matters set forth on the agenda below. 6:30 P.M. - SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL ANNOUNCEMENTS APPROVAL OF AGENDA PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Although the City Council values your comments, the Brown Act generally prohibits the Council from taking action on any matter not listed on the posted agenda as a business item. Comments from the public are limited to three minutes per speaker. City Hall will be closed to the public until further notice. Members of the public may email comments to anny@hermosabeach.gov until 4:00 p.m. on the meeting date. Members of the public may also participate by phone. TO PARTICIPATE BY PHONE: 1. Email anny@hermosabeach.gov to be added to the speaker list. Please indicate which item you would like to speak on. 2. Dial-in 10 minutes prior to the start of the meeting: •Toll-Free Dial-in: (833) 548-0282 •Meeting ID: 824 0623 4999, then # •Participant code: # (no code, press # to bypass) 3. PLEASE MUTE YOUR PHONE UNTIL YOU ARE CALLED TO SPEAK. Comments from the public are limited to 3 minutes per speaker. To unmute your line, press * 6. 1.REPORT 20-0296 CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF-STREET AND ON-STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Interim Emergency Management Coordinator Michael Edwards) Recommendation:Staff recommends that the City Council evaluate Strand and parking lot closures and provide direction. Page 2 City of Hermosa Beach Printed on 5/21/2020 May 21, 2020City Council Special Meeting Agenda 1. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Steve Zynda (submitted 5-20-20 at 9:25pm).pdf 2. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Mary Hazell (submitted 5-21-20 at 7:06am).pdf 3. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Lisa Perlot (submitted 5-21-20 at 7:31am).pdf 4. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Kathy Dunbabin (submitted 5-21-20 at 9:44am).pdf 5. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from John Sprouse (submitted 5-21-20 at 10:33am).pdf 6. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Tom Boyle (submitted 5-21-20 at 11:14am).pdf 7. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Pratik Basu (submitted 5-21-20 at 11:36am).pdf 8. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Michael B. (submitted 5-21-20 at 12:13pm).pdf 9. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Raymond Dussault (submitted 5-21-20 at 12:24pm).pdf 10. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Raulee Marcus (submitted 5-21-20 at 12:32pm).pdf 11. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Omer Salik (submitted 5-21-20 at 1:52pm).pdf 12. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from AJ Cunningham (submitted 5-21-20 at 2:08pm).pdf 13. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Angelina Gambino (submitted 5-21-20 at 1:59pm).pdf 14. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Jon Neuhaus (submitted 5-21-20 at 2:55pm).pdf 15. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Gary Brown (submitted 5-21-20 at 1:26pm).pdf 16. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Mike Bauman (submitted 5-21-20 at 12:13pm).pdf 17. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Timothy H (submitted 5-21-20 at 2:17pm).pdf 18. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Jon Mitchell (submitted 5-21-20 at 7:30am).pdf 19. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Megg Sulzinger (submitted 5-21-20 at 2:40pm).pdf 20. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Howard Fishman (submitted 5-21-20 at 2:45pm).pdf 21. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Nicole T. (submitted 5-21-20 at 2:50pm).pdf 22. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Ashley Puida (submitted 5-21-20 at 3:13pm).pdf 23. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Dean Francois (submitted 5-21-20 at 12:45pm).pdf 24. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Raymond Dussault (submitted 5-21-20 at 3:18pm).pdf 25. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Todd Barton (submitted 5-21-20 at 3:25pm).pdf 26. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Robby Haight (submitted 5-21-20 at 3:47pm).pdf 27. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Aaron Reed (submitted 5-21-20 at 3:48pm).pdf Attachments: Page 3 City of Hermosa Beach Printed on 5/21/2020 May 21, 2020City Council Special Meeting Agenda 28. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Amy Cline (submitted 5-21-20 at 3:49pm).pdf 29. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Moin Salah (submitted 5-21-20 at 3:50pm).pdf 30. SUPPLEMENTAL Email from Mary Ann and Alan Benson (submitted 5-21-20 at 3:28pm).pdf 31. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Robby Haight (submitted 5-21-20 at 3:55pm).pdf 32. SUPPLEMENTAL eComment from Traudl Weber (submitted 5-21-20 at 3:56pm).pdf 33. SUPPLEMENTAL Letter from Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce (submitted 5-21-20 at 4:59pm).pdf ADJOURNMENT Page 4 City of Hermosa Beach Printed on 5/21/2020 May 21, 2020City Council Special Meeting Agenda FUTURE MEETINGS AND CITY HOLIDAYS CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: May 26, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting June 3, 2020 - Wednesday - Adjourned Regular Meeting: 6:00 PM - Budget Workshop June 9, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting June 23, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting July 1, 2020 - Wednesday - Adjourned Regular Meeting: 6:00 PM - Study Session July 14, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting July 23, 2020 - Thursday - Adjourned Regular Meeting: 7:00 PM - Joint Meeting with all Boards/Commissions July 28, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting August 11, 2020 - Tuesday - No Meeting (Dark) August 25, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting September 2, 2020 - Wednesday - Adjourned Regular Meeting: 6:00 PM - Study Session September 8, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting September 22, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting October 7, 2020 - Wednesday - Adjourned Regular Meeting: 6:00 PM - Study Session October 13, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting October 27, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting November 4, 2020 - Wednesday - Adjourned Regular Meeting: 6:00 PM - Study Session November 10, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting November 12, 2020 - Thursday - Adjourned Regular Meeting: 6:00 PM - Appointment of Mayor & Mayor Pro Tem November 24, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting December 2, 2020 - Wednesday - Adjourned Regular Meeting: 6:00 PM - Study Session December 8, 2020 - Tuesday - 6:00 PM - Closed Session, 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting December 22, 2020 - Tuesday - No Meeting (Dark) Page 5 City of Hermosa Beach Printed on 5/21/2020 May 21, 2020City Council Special Meeting Agenda BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS: June 2, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting June 16, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Planning Commission Meeting July 7, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting July 15, 2020 - Wednesday - 7:00 PM - Public Works Commission Meeting July 21, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Planning Commission Meeting August 4, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting August 18, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Planning Commission Meeting September 1, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting September 15, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Planning Commission Meeting September 16, 2020 - Wednesday - 7:00 PM - Public Works Commission Meeting October 6, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting October 20, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Planning Commission Meeting November 5, 2020 - Thursday - 7:00 PM - Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting November 17, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Planning Commission Meeting November 18, 2020 - Wednesday - 7:00 PM - Public Works Commission Meeting December 1, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting December 15, 2020 - Tuesday - 7:00 PM - Planning Commission Meeting CITY OFFICES CLOSED FRIDAY-SUNDAY AND ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS: May 25, 2020 - Monday - Memorial Day September 7, 2020 - Monday - Labor Day November 11, 2020 - Wednesday - Veteran's Day November 26, 2020 - Thursday - Thanksgiving Day Page 6 City of Hermosa Beach Printed on 5/21/2020 From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2020 9:25 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Steve Z submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: I am in full support of reopening the strand to walking, running and cycling with enforced social distancing. The closure made sense early in the pandemic and is quickly becoming unnecessary. Being an avid cyclist, I took my cycling to the empty streets since everyone was staying at home. The past few weeks, I am finding the street becoming more and more congested and motorists impatient to share the roads with cyclists. Hermosa Beach needs to consider this Increased road risk in their safety considerations and let cyclists seek the safer refuge back on the strand. Thank You. From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 7:06 AM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Mary Hazell submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: I am in full support of opening the Strand for pedestrian, bike, and skateboard use, with social distancing measures observed. In the early stages of the pandemic it made sense to close the beaches and Strand to quell the use. Strand closure has pushed pedestrians and bicycles to surrounding streets that are ill-fitted to this type of use. As we learn more about how the virus is, and is not passed, having this outdoor space available makes sense. Thank you for your consideration, From: Lisa Perlot <lisaperlot@me.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 7:30 AM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: City Council Meeting Hello, Please pass along my request to open the Strand to pedestrian traffic. Our neighboring town has opened theirs. It seems it would be easy to limit the bike traffic to be in compliance with the County orders. If our city can close down parking, I don’t see why it can’t erect a NO BIKING sign on the Strand and open it up to pedestrians. Please give back some freedoms to your people. We have complied for so long, and our COVID numbers are low. Instead of focusing on death, let us focus on LIFE. Sincerely, Lisa Perlot From: kathryn dunbabin <kathydunbabin@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:44 AM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov> Cc: Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: May 21, 2020 City Council meeting Hermosa Beach City Council Members... As a 40 year home owner and resident…. please allow use of our public open spaces…the beach, the Strand, sidewalks for restaurants’ tables and chairs (business must provide cleaning people) and other businesses ie retail....while enforcing social distancing and masks where required. Thank you. Kathy Dunbabin From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:33 AM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting John Sprouse submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: I support full reopening of all businesses, parks, recreation areas, beaches, churches with precautions. The death and hospitalization rates are much lower than originally projected and the approach needs to change accordingly. The economic damage to people is too severe and we can't have you drag your feet any more. The actual data and science is clear. Even the CDC in recent days has reversed course to say the virus is not spread on surfaces, pools or being outside. The emergency is not the virus anymore. The emergency is opening the economy. From: Tom Boyle <tboyle2450@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:14 AM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: Anny: I wish they would address slowing down traffic on Hermosa Ave. I am particularly concerned that a stop sign is needed on Hermosa Ave at 25th street. Cars come off 27th and turn south on Hermosa Ave and speed up. They don't stop for the cross walk at 25th. To be fair, they can't see people crossing because cars parked on the median block their view. This is the 3rd time I have written about this. Others have written as well. The city sends out a guy at 11:00AM on a Wednesday in November (when no cars are parked on the median) and concludes there is no problem. The city has tremendous liability. There should be an effort to slow down cars anyway. Most drivers speed while they text. Thanks for listening, Tom Boyle (very concerned resident) -- Tom Boyle tboyle2450@gmail.com From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:36 AM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Pratik Basu submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: I oppose reopening the Strand and the city's parking lots during one of the busiest weekends of the year: Memorial Day Weekend. While the beach has been re-opened only for physical activities, most of the people have been sitting in groups without masks, thankfully socially distant from other groups. Trying to break up these groups is an undue burden on the city's law enforcement agencies. The Strand will prove to be even more challenging given how social distancing is fairly impossible because of how narrow it is. By opening up the Strand and the city's parking lots, you will be inviting a massive surge of out-of-town crowds during the three-day weekend, significantly raising the possibility of COVID-19 spread and straining the city's resources. Thank you for your time and consideration. From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:13 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Michael B submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: It is time to OPEN up the Strand, public parking lots, and ALL Businesses as soon as possible. 1. The U.S. Constitution supersedes any illegal state or local order or ordinance. 2. Freedom of Choice: those who are still fearful or concerned for THEIR HEALTH, have the CHOICE to stay home or put on an N95 or N100 mask. Science has proven that cloth masks do absolutely nothing. 3. There is no logic in having the Strand closed, but walking on the sand 2 feet to the west is “okay”. 4. Manhattan Beach has opened their Strand and Redondo Beach has their bike paths open. Hermosa Beach should not be the laggard. 5. Numerous local Hermosa Beach businesses have already permanently closed due to these illegal measures, so let’s start supporting our local businesses and their employees. I could list another 10 reasons, but stopping for brevity. Let common sense rule the day. From: Raymond Dussault <dussaultraymond@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:24 PM To: City Clerk <cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; suja@hermosabeach.org Subject: Tonight's Emergency Meeting Dear Council, It is heartening to see you responding to the community. However, we are way behind everyone else. The Manhattan Beach City Council just voted 5-0 to allow their retail establishments to open up. This shows great leadership, compassion and an eye on the future. I appreciate that now that Supv. Hahn has opened all bike paths (and the science is overwhelming that there is minimal risk for biking) you are considering opening ours. Definitely, please do open bike paths unanimously. However, our businesses are dying! None of you know what it's like to own a business but please add opening all Hermosa retail immediately to your agenda tonight. It was a courageous move and you are capable of the same courage. We constantly hear, "We have to be in line with our neighbors." Well, get in line with Manhattan Beach on this issue. Unfortunately, the State holds the power through ABC over restaurants and bars but opening retail will save many businesses and send a clear signal to the county and the state. Please add this email to tonight's council agenda. Sincerely, Raymond Dussault Hermosa Beach, CA (916) 205-1844 From: Raulee Marcus <rauleem@aol.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:32 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov> Cc: Raulee Marcus <rauleem@gmail.com> Subject: Comments for tonite meeting. Hi, I’d like to propose the following to help open the strand while still keeping it safe. 1. No bikes at all. All bikes can use the bike path or street. 2. Like grocers that are trying to keep safe, the most at risk (seniors and compromised), the strand should be closed from 6-10 am (or some such) for only seniors and compromised to walk. No running during those hours. 3. Runners can only use the strand from 10- 4 pm. Others can walk at that time without limits. After 4 pm, no runners but walkers of any age and condition. 4. Masks are strongly encouraged especially if distances of 6 feet can’t be maintained. 5. There have to be fines imposed at least early on or we will all be saying let’s just do what we want. I hope this is helpful. We all want to get opened up but we don’t want to have to close again and waste the hard work or risk lives, by opening poorly. Thanks, Raulee Marcus, 3335 Highland, Hermosa Beach. From: Omer Salik <osalik@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:52 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: Special Meeting - May 21, 2020 Council members, I support the immediate opening of the strand to pedestrians and cyclists with social distancing and face covering requirements. These open spaces have been shown to be low risk and the ongoing closure of these spaces materially reduces the quality of life for those in our community and is creating higher-risk congestion along other running paths, such as the greenbelt. I further support the opening of our retail stores with social distancing and face covering requirements. However, off-street public parking should continue to be limited or closed so as to reduce the risk of overcrowding, particularly during the upcoming holiday weekend. Respectfully, Omer Salik From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:08 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting AJ Cunningham submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: We were told to "lockdown" so that hospitals had a chance to staff up and get enough PPE/ventilators for a pandemic. Since this virus has circulated for many months, we now have real data: It is PROVEN no worse than the flu for most people. Let's deal with it like the flu. Elderly and people with health issues should take precautions, the rest of us be normal. Live life! If you feel sick, stay home. End of story. Nothing else makes any sense. If we can now board a plane with no mask, Hermosa Beach should immediately open up EVERYTHING yesterday and get back to normal. From: angelina <angatbeach@hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:59 PM To: City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Mayor Mary Campbell <mcampbell@hermosabeach.gov> Cc: City Clerk <cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: HBCC - Mtg 5/21 - Letter Good Afternoon Mayor Campbell & HBCC, Thank you in advance for reading my letter. We are over 70 days into this COVID19 lockdown and I have done my very best to stay on top of all news pertaining to the reopening of beach communities comparable to HB. Unfortunately I continue to see other beach cities blast past Hermosa Beach in terms of progress. The rally that the MB Mayor/MBCC coordinated was absolutely inspiring! There were tears and hugs but most importantly there was comradery. It is clear from their results, open Strand, Farmers Market reinstated, retail openings ect that they are actively working with their residents to get their community open ASAP! In regards to our Strand being closed my concerns are not purely selfish. I see residents hourly walking, running and moms strolling thru town trying their best to get sunshine and exercise. I have seen MANY close calls where vehicles just did not see the (walkers-bikers, moms with kids ect) and nearly hitting them! Nobody wants to see anyone injured due to an unnecessary Strand closure! I am also concerned for our visitors as well, who if the Strand is closed will without a doubt end up partying in alleys & walk streets causing more congestion and raising the likelihood of an injury. When the time comes and HBCC has in person town halls again do you really think people are going to thank you for closing our Strand & severely restricting beach access? Not happening. Most will look back on this time and think about all the friends who lost their jobs, homes & businesses. All the celebrations and holidays that they missed. For the South Bay, our beach is the one place we can set aside the challenges of life. The case for reopening our Strand and reinstating full beach access is very overwhelming strong. I urge you all to please, reinstate strand and full beach access ASAP. May you all have a wonderful Memorial weekend! Warm regards, angelina gambino Hermosa Beach From: JondNeuhausgmail <jondneuhaus@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:55 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov> Cc: Mayor Mary Campbell <mcampbell@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: Re: Tonight's meeting Hi my name is Jon Neuhaus. I am not sure if I will be able to attend this evening’s City Council meeting yet I wish to share my thoughts for respectful consideration. I suspect I may not be the only one to share these comments. I share them respectfully to the Mayor and the City Council. I respectfully request that Hermosa Beach residents be able to stand, sit, lie down, and play on the dry sand. I am not sure nor aware of any medical study that supports the contention that standing or lying (alone) on *dry* sand, out in the sun and/or exercising in the warmth - where respiratory viruses are less prone survive - is less beneficial/riskier to one’s health, especially when compared to standing on wet stand or remaining quarantined inside. My respectful request respects social distancing, while allowing for family units to remain together. I am supportive of restrictions to keep our beach from overcrowding, especially during the holiday weekend(s). This can be accomplished by restricting parking availability from those outside Hermosa Beach, as I have noticed recently to be the case by limiting (at least some) local parking lots to those with residential parking passes. Thank you Jon 25 year Hermosa Resident PS. In a separate session I welcome the opportunity to revisit my proposal for limited access to Hermosa Residents and their dogs to Hermosa’s beach, in a controlled, limited, licensed and supervised fashion. I recopy in my email with the Mayor, below. I ask for/invite consideration in the weeks ahead. I would be glad to speak with a designated member of the Mayor’s office and, if necessary a member or members the council who would consider my proposal. I copy in the email trail of my correspondence, below. Thank you April 11 Proposal: Hi Mayor Campbell, I hope that this note finds you and those close to you safe and well. Thank you and the members of our city’s public servants for their extra efforts during these challenging times. Like I am sure you do as well, I look forward to when we can enjoy the many reasons why we choose to live in Hermosa: the people, the shops, the beach, the strand, and more. Meanwhile, I am following-up on an idea that I sent under separate cover (by FB Messenger). I thought of re-sharing it here, for the City’s consideration, at the appropriate time. By way of brief reference, I am a 25+ year resident of Hermosa Beach, the last 7 of which I have been a dog owner. (If you have seen a golden lab carrying a rose on walks… that’s Stan the Man.) For the past 7 years, I have come to believe that we are missing something that cold be a source of revenue, jobs, and an outlet for among our most friendly residents, our pups. I respectfully suggest/propose a limited program that would allow residents who are dog owners to have limited, supervised, licensed access to a small portion of the beach. I welcome discussion and input. To begin the conversation, I suggest a program that would involve the following details: • Licensing is required and available only to Hermosa Beach residents. The annual cost could be $250 (or whatever the Council deems appropriate); • Funds could be used in part to hire supervision/staff who could confirm those who visit are licensed. This would confirm that only those who access the area are Hermosa residents. • Further, those who are supervisors could confirm that residents are appropriately monitoring and cleaning up after their dogs each visit. • Failure to effort/clean up would result in a fine. • Repeated offenses could result in suspension of the license for the remainder of the year. • Licensing would need to be renewed each year. • A coned-off section, perhaps ‘2-lifeguard stations long;’ • This would be in an area that is considered least populated by beachgoers; • Dogs would be allowed to run off-leash in this area but would need to be closely supervised by their owners; • Access would be limited to the following hours: Sunrise to -10am; 5pm - Sundown; I have been a man-year visitor of Rosie’s Dog Beach. It is unsupervised, large, and a place that has many dog owners and dogs who are, in the vast scheme, well-behaved and well-looked after. I am not proposing such a ‘dog beach. ’ My proposal is far more limited: it is only for Hermosa residents; those who have a license; who show continued care for their dogs, and, appropriately take advantage of the opportunity during the limited time allowed. This would be a gift not only dog owners but our wonderful animals, for their physical and mental health. As one who also sponsors the training of service dogs each year, I can speak at great lengths how important such outlets can be, and how such gift and care can in return add to our own lives and interaction. Hermosa is a ‘dog-friendly’ town, wonderfully so. I respectfully ask to add a small, limited, yet wonderful addition for Hermosa’s (best) residents. Thank you, Jon Response: On Apr 12, 2020, at 11:19 PM, Mayor Mary Campbell <mcampbell@hermosabeach.gov> wrote: Good Morning, Jon - Thank you for your message and thoughtful suggestions. This has actually come up before, as well as other ideas about a possible dog park. There is definitely a group of people in town who would like to pursue this as a possibility. I do not know if it has even been seriously considered, however. Let me try to find out if there is any information of the right contact person for you to potentially connect with. Thanks again, and I hope you are staying well! My best, Mary My response to the response: On Apr 13, 2020, at 6:14 AM, JondNeuhausgmail <jondneuhaus@gmail.com> wrote: Thank you - I appreciate the timely response. Glad to hear that there is some discussion. As you might expect, especially given how we live near the beach and the specificity of my proposal: a dog park off the beach isn’t the ask. I hope it will be thoughtfully considered. Thank you again. From: gary brown <thesmithy@hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:26 PM To: City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: Open Hermosa! May 21, 2020 NOW IS THE TIME! My hope is that our Council, will finally, vote to open this city. All of the dire predictions, based on flawed models, have proved wrong. We know that being outside is good for our health and bad for the virus. “Safer at Home” was fear mongering. Yes, it worked, as people are seen wearing a mask while driving by themselves and exercising, overriding common sense by not getting enough oxygen. Manhattan Beach allows walking on the Strand, but no bikes. Hermosa, nothing! Let’s get this town open! We all know how to social distance. Those who continue to be fearful will stay home. Gary Brown From: azcamike@yahoo.com <azcamike@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:13 PM To: City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: Open the Strand, Parking Lots, and All Businesses Dear Hermosa Beach City Council and City Clerk: It is time to OPEN up the Strand, public parking lots, and ALL Businesses as soon as possible. 1. The U.S. Constitution supersedes any illegal state or local order or ordinance. 2. Freedom of Choice: those who are still fearful or concerned for THEIR HEALTH, have the CHOICE to stay home or put on an N95 or N100 mask. Science has proven that cloth masks do absolutely nothing. 3. There is no logic in having the Strand closed, but walking on the sand 2 feet to the west is “okay”. 4. Manhattan Beach has opened their Strand and Redondo Beach has their bike paths open. Hermosa Beach should not be the laggard. 5. Numerous local Hermosa Beach businesses have already permanently closed due to these illegal measures, so let’s start supporting our local businesses and their employees. I could list another 10 reasons, but stopping for brevity. Let common sense rule the day. Sincerely, Mike Bauman Hermosa Beach inhabitant for 19 years and business owner From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:16 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Timothy H submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: It is time to fully open the strand to pedestrians and cyclists. The rest of LA county is open to the public, why is Hermosa the outlier? Cycling on the street is becoming dangerous as the automobile traffic has continued to increase. The danger to cyclists on these streets can be minimized by re-opening the strand. If stores such as Target and Costco can have hundreds of people shopping I see no reason that we can’t socially distance on the strand. From: jon Mitchell <jonobgood@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 7:30 AM To: City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: open hermosa beach Please consider fully opening Hermosa beaches (and businesses) immediately. Allow beach volleyball, and sitting on the beach. LA county's extended shutdown is irrational. I am from Santa Monica, but spend almost every weekend in Hermosa at youth volleyball tournaments, or playing myself South of the pier. The County's July 4 opening is irrational, and not based on "data". The curve is flat, hospitals have capacity, it is time to open. California (3,240 dead) is NOT New York (28,339 dead). It is time to move away from "lockdown mentality". Georgia has been fully open for three weeks, their numbers continue to drop. Florida locked down 10 days AFTER California, their numbers are similar to California. (both have fully opened beaches) Please be brave and lead the way . LA County's beach policy is based on an irrational "fear of a spike" or their "models" (consistently wrong). There is no research that shows outdoor beach activity is dangerous. In fact multiple studies show that viral transmission is dramatically diminished outdoors by sunlight and wind. Please consider fully opening now. You would lead the way toward doing the right thing, and your local businesses would benefit too. thank you for reading this, jon mitchell Santa Monica CA From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:39 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Megg Sulzinger submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: I am fully in support of reopening our strand. LA County has given the green light for all bike paths/strands to be open, please follow our neighboring cities as you have previously stated multiple times you will do. I am NOT in favor of opening our public parking lots. We have seen time and time again the people who come from other cities inland who do not respect our city or our police department. They do not follow the rules in place, they leave their trash all over our streets and cause many issues for residents like cars racing up and down Hermosa Ave, Manhatta Ave, Monterey Blvd and Herondo at all hours of the night. I am also in favor of following our neighboring city of Manhattan Beach in voting to open our retail businesses as well as fighting against the blanket requirements for LA County restaurants to re-open. Manhattan Beach has taken a very strong stance to support our local businesses and restaurants, it would be refreshing for Hermosa to stop falling in line and know that based on the data we should be able to reopen restaurants with limited capacity and retailers with the necessary safety rules in place. In summary, please open our strand, retailers, restaurants (not at full capacity) but DO NOT open our public parking lots, especially right before a holiday weekend. Thank you. From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:45 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Howard Fishman submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: Notwithstanding the lack of a staff report, please reopen the Strand while maintaining social distancing. With County Bike Paths now reopened, there is no reason not to. Thank you. From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:50 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Nicole T submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: Please open the strand in Hermosa Beach. Manhattan Beach has opened their strand, and LA County today opened bike trails. Thank you! From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:13 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Ashley Puida submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: Thank you Madam Mayor and City Council members for your consideration in this matter. I live on the strand and increasingly Beach Dr has become “the new strand”. It is becoming more and more dangerous, especially for young children who are harder to see when backing out of our parking spaces. I fully support opening our strand for pedestrians, bicycles, skateboards, and the like. Furthermore, having the parking lots closed is putting a terrible strain on residential parking. Also, I interact with business owners daily and the majority would like the parking lots open as well. If there is little parking here many people will leave and bring their business to our neighbors whose parking lots are open. In regards to sunbathing on the beach I do not see why if people are social distancing they can’t sit on a towel and enjoy the sun. On another note I would like to commend our local police department for the wonderful job they have been doing in the community! Thank you again for your service to our community and for your time and consideration. View and Analyze eComments From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:45 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Dean francois submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: GET THE STAFF REPORT ONLINE NOW!! Agenda item is too broad and no staff report as of noon day of meeting. Public nor council has ability to deliberate or provide valuable input. This council has had ample time to place items such as this on the agenda and has not gotten 3 to agree to it. Unless it is an emergency, this would be a violation of brown act if anything is adopted tonight. The PD has not been able to enforce or even educate peeps on distancing in Plaza, nor repond to violations. I can’t blame them it is hard to do and they haven’t been given the guidance on how to set priorities and may be overwhelmed. This is a good time to do that tonight!! Since you finally have it on agenda. You need the PD here at your online meeting. Restaurants serving patrons already on outside tables and peeps lingering at entrances. While wearing masks outside shouldn’t be a priority I would feel comfortable opening the strand once PD has done a job so far. We all see what is going on and the word is out HB isn’t doing anything. Even large auto traffic increases at 830pm of visitors leaving HB when PD finally make an appearance. HB seems to have the worst violators anywhere. I understand frustration of not opening business but we are all in this together and HB is not alone. Slow opening is the beast way but never again no matter how bad the covid comes back should we ever close parks open space and beaches!!! If any action tonight, suggest restrict parking by closing off meters to only residential parking. Keep lots/garages closed. Then reopen after Monday on a sliding basis leaving the lots/garages as last resort. As a minimum allow city manager the authority to do it if crowds are too much this weekend. It could get scary!! It may be a problem this weekend with hot weather forecasted. We need strand to reopen but after Monday. Perhaps cycling and continue walkers and only allow brief pauses for stretches or small conversation of non-households 6 ft away. Others should go to the beach. Where we really only need to be education on groups not 6 ft apart. If we focus on that one rule we can forget about who is exercising and who needs an umbrella to stay out of the sun. GET THE STAFF REPORT ONLINE NOW!! From: Raymond Dussault <dussaultraymond@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:18 PM To: Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov>; Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: Fwd: Charging for Outdoor signage during this major crisis Please attach this email to the agenda. Thank you. Ray ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Raymond Dussault <dussaultraymond@gmail.com> Date: Thu, May 21, 2020 at 12:08 PM Subject: Charging for Outdoor signage during this major crisis To: <cityclerk@hermosabch.org>, <citycouncil@hermosabch.org>, Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>, <suja@hermosabeach.org> Hi All. I am very frustrated. On March 24,2020, the City Council voted to waive all fees and enforcement on outdoor signage, like banners and A-frames. This was a good decision and has been a big help to open businesses. Unfortunately, it sounds like no one communicated the council's decision to City Staff. I know for sure that American Junkie had to endure an approval process and was charged a $100 fee to hang a "We're Open" banner in front of their business. I have heard a few other businesses were told they had to submit a request and pay a fee, in complete contradiction to the council's direction on March 24. This is, of course, no time to be nickel-and-diming and throwing up trivial bureaucratic hurdles for our businesses when the vast majority of our businesses are unlikely to even survive. I request an affirmative statement that City Staff has been informed and will act in line with the council's direction that occurred at the public council meeting on March 24. I also request that all fees be reimbursed immediately in line with that decision. I have no financial interest in these businesses. I am just shocked that City Staff is so out of touch with how much businesses are hurting right now. Please attach this email to the council's agenda this evening as well. Raymond Dussault Hermosa Beach, CA (916) 205-1844 -- Raymond Dussault Market Development Manager Anheuser-Busch Los Angeles, CA (916) 205-1844 From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:25 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Todd Barton submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: HONOR YOUR sacred OATH OF OFFICE And OPEN THE CITY/Strand OR FACE employment termination and prosecution for Violating the US Constitution... From: Robby Haight <robbyhaight@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:47 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: Special Meeting Hello, I would like to make comment: The beach belongs to the tax paying citizens of Hermosa Beach, it is not the property of the city to control. The freedom to assemble is included within our constitutional rights, and taking those rights away is Tyranny. I understand that this virus is serious and people are dying, but this should have nothing to do with taking of people’s liberty as Americans, it should be the choice of the people if they want to involve themselves in risk. Not to mention the economic impact of many people losing their jobs and many business shutting down based on government mandated orders. What gives you the power to keep people from laying down on the sand? From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:48 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Aaron Reed submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: Madam Mayor and city council. I support opening the strand and parking. Living here on the strand I have watched people forced into the streets (Beach Drive and Hermosa Avenue) for the entirety of the lockdown. Both are dangerous options when compared to the strand that was designed for pedestrians. Beach Dr. has become so congested near the speed gates at times it has been difficult for myself and my neighbors to park or pull out. At the same time I witness so many people struggle to maneuver around these unnecessary obstacles. Because I live on the strand I ask people passing by what they think. It’s constant frustration and slandering of the government. It seems as a whole people are convinced our leaders are incompetent. I like to think they are not. Nobody wants their kids to be dodging dumpsters, speed gates, cars and each other when we can use the strand and return to our daily stroll on some of the most beautiful coastline California has to offer. With Redondo and Manhattan open we have become a bottle neck for mobility. Our strand is the life force of the restaurants and shops we all love so much and they are suffering. I Understand initial intentions of gradually opening but we typically work together with our neighboring cities for good reason. Moving on, restricting parking has not only stiffened our local businesses but it has also created great strain on the residents trying to park with Hermosa city permits. Right now we need to do our very best to promote business as much as we can. Many businesses will not survive this drought of operations. The last thing we want is a bunch of deep pocket corporations to swoop in and buy out our local beach residents. That is a change we don’t want. Lastly, I want to thank our police department for a great job handling everything the way they have. Their job has become incredibly difficult during this pandemic. Thank you for addressing this issue in a special meeting today. I hope we can have a similar meeting soon to promptly open our businesses. From: Liz Ward <1snowdogg@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:22 PM To: City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: OPEN THE CITY NOW! Dear Council Members, I would like to implore you to open Hermosa Beach immediately in full. We fully complied with your request to "lockdown" due to the fear a global pandemic would overrun our hospitals. That was THE reason. You needed time to staff up and obtain enough PPE/ventilators for the hospitals. Now hospitals sit empty and are laying people off. This virus has circulated the Earth for 6 months. We have REAL DATA, not fear-based models. This Corona-virus has proven no worse than the flu for most people. So we need to treat it like we treat the flu. The elderly and people with underlying health issues should take precaution as they see fit. The rest of us should work. If you feel sick, stay home. Enough said. Anything else is an overreaction to something with a 99% cure rate. This is just like the flu. We have been living with flu for years. Some years are worse than others. So be it. Anything else is an amazing over-reaction. Businesses have suffered enough. Many will be closed for good. Our city needs to get back to NORMAL. Not any "new weird normal," but the old normal. We should stop the drama and open ALL of Hermosa Beach (no silly masks or useless social distancing) yesterday. We live with the flu. We can live with this (especially if everyone "has it but doesn't know they have it"). Please OPEN HERMOSA now. Thank you, Amy Cline From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:50 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Moin Salah submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: As a front-line healthcare worker, Hermosa Beach father to two elementary school students, and Hermosa Beach resident, I'd like to start off by commending the HB City Council for the efforts regarding Covid-19. I implore all of you to keep practicing safe social distancing, wear those masks when you are within 6 feet of people outside your household, and support our local businesses! I'd love to see the Summer Streets program start ASAP and potentially become a permanent part of our city's legacy. As we all know, Hermosa Avenue is NOT used as a commuter thoroughfare, so this would have minimal traffic disruption for the great upside of "driving" bicycle/foot traffic to our local businesses! I'd also like to see the Strand reopened to bike/skateboard traffic only until Summer Streets has started. Once that has commenced, shift all bike/skateboard traffic to Hermosa Avenue and leave the Strand for people to walk and run. Keep up the great work HB City Council! From: Al Benson <albenson3@outlook.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:28 PM To: City Clerk <cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov> Cc: Hany Fangary (hsfangary@gmail.com) <hsfangary@gmail.com>; Justin Massey (Justin.massey@gmail.com) <Justin.massey@gmail.com>; Michael Detoy (Mikedetoy@gmail.com) <Mikedetoy@gmail.com> Subject: Please submit this e-mail for Written Communications for the May 21, 2020 Hermosa Beach City Council Special Meeting To: Hermosa Beach City Clerk – cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov From: Mary Ann and Alan Benson Subject: Please submit this e-mail for Written Communications for the May 21, 2020 Hermosa Beach City Council Special Meeting Written Communications for the May 21, 2020 Hermosa Beach City Council Special Meeting Hermosa Beach City Council Members, In response to The Strand and Parking re-opening in Hermosa Beach, please take account the following considerations: 1. There has been a huge influx of cyclists riding the streets in Hermosa Beach since The Strand has been closed. Many of these adult and child cyclists have only used The Strand and are not as street savvy as other cyclists. This reality presents additional physical dangers to both cyclists and pedestrians. 2. Currently the number of people that you would normally see walking, jogging or cyclin g on The Strand in Hermosa are now on (Beach Drive) which is the alley way behind The Strand homes. This new use of Beach Drive has created a duplication of The Strand. 3. The number of people with pets, who previously walked on The Strand, can’t take advantage of the now opened beach. Allowing pet owners to walk up against the Strand wall barrier, on the sand side, could help with “Social Distancing”. 4. If The Strand re-opens in Hermosa for the first time on July 4th, along with the Los Angeles County-wide re-openings, it will be madness on The Strand. A softer, earlier re-opening would ease people into being socially responsible on The Strand, which is the primary concern for everyone. If a “soft re-opening” of The Strand is an option, it would be a good idea for people not to congregate on The Strand, which is now what takes place on the beach. Thank you for your attention in this important matter. Mary Ann and Alan Benson From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:55 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Robby Haight submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: I am in support of fully opening the strand, the beach, and all restaurants and stores. I am confused as to what authority has been given that allows you to enforce a ban on laying down on a towel on the sand. This appears to be tyranny when constitutional rights (such as the freedom to assemble) is taken away. Businesses are shuttering due to lack of revenue based on government order, people are losing their jobs etc. The founders of this country fought and many died in order to declare our freedom and liberty, and this is being taken by enforcing the acts that I mentioned above. The constitution does not support these actions, and the repercussions have already been devastating . The people should have the FREEDOM to decide if they are willing to put themselves at risk in order to walk on the strand, lay on the beach, or sit at a restaurant. From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:56 PM To: Ann Yang <anny@hermosabeach.gov>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov>; Suja Lowenthal <suja@hermosabeach.gov> Subject: New eComment for City Council Special Meeting New eComment for City Council Special Meeting Traudl Weber submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Special Meeting Item: 1. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERTAINING TO THE STRAND AND CITY OFF -STREET AND ON- STREET PARKING FACILITIES (Staff Report will be available on May 21, 2020) eComment: Open up ALL businesses now....or no more cute little thriving Hermosa Beach ! And people can CHOOSE going to a store, establishment etc.. If not, soon we will be looking at empty store fronts, even more homeless people , lots of dirt and trash etc! Also open The Strand and the Beach completely. Open the parking lot after Memorial weekend. There is something wrong w/this picture: We the taxpayers, are not allowed to work and make money.... because our Governor and others in Sacramento have shut down our businesses.... but he/they still receive Their paycheck ! 1007 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 www.hbchamber.net 310-376-0951 Dear Madam Mayor, City Council and City Manager, Thank you for setting up this meeting and showing how much you care about our community. The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce shares your concerns and we agree that it is crucial that we get our businesses up and running as soon as is safely possible. There are 4 things we request happen immediately. Absent that, we run the inevitable risk of having our streets lined with vacant storefronts as we enter the critical summer months. 1. Open city parking lots. Parking fees and taxes collected will reduce our projected $8 million deficit. This would also minimize the inconvenience to residents when visitors park on our streets and leave litter. Parking is vital to supporting our businesses. Posting electronic signs indicating that parking lots are now open will reduce traffic circling unnecessarily. 2. Allow all retail businesses in the city to re-open immediately and eliminate all of the temporary local restrictions. Manhattan Beach City Council voted 5-0 to do that today. Please give our businesses the opportunity to compete for their survival! If Costco and Target can be open, our local businesses must also be allowed to do so. We trust that our business operators will run their establishments in a way that is respectful of the guidance, we ask you to share that trust. 3. With regulatory relief #14, Governor Newsom has just today approved on-premises outdoor dining if the establishment has ABC approval. Give authorization to staff tonight that with these guidelines, businesses can apply with the ABC for a temporary premises expansion. They are only permitted to do this with city approval, and it will take time for businesses to submit for, and get approval with, the ABC. It is vital that we do this tonight, because it will still take time for businesses to complete the process with ABC. 4. Direct staff that Code enforcement use a very light touch as our businesses struggle to re- open in this new environment. The business will act in good faith and use their best efforts to comply with all regulations and social distancing guidelines. Shuttered businesses do not help our city. It is in everyone’s interest that we reopen as quickly as possible. The summer months are vital for our businesses and Memorial Day weekend is a critical weekend for all of us. We are not asking Hermosa Beach to lead the way or to take undue risks with in re-opening. We are simply asking that our city move in coordination with our surrounding jurisdictions. Sincerely, Marje Bennetts Shirley Pe Co-Chairperson / Co-Chairperson/ General Manager Sales Specialist Beach House Hotel Hermosa Sunrise Senior Living CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Thursday, May 21, 2020 6:30 P.M. Stream the meeting live at: www.hermosabeach.gov