WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS
NOT READ INTO THE RECORD
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 3:56 PM
From: "Steve Mayer"
To: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Item 5: LA Marathon – Public Comment
Honorable Mayor and Vice Mayor:
I have some observations and suggestions.
First, there is reference in the Agenda Report that a Beverly Hills charity, the Concern Foundation, received donations from the McCourt Foundation. The Concern Foundation is located in Los Angeles.
Second, there is reference in the Agenda Report to a Charitable Solicitations Commission filing. In 2020, the filing noted gross revenues of $6,848,332 against expenses of $5,137,885. A similar 2019 filing could not be easily located.
Third, Staff contends that the Marathon is eligible for the non-profit rate. On page 59 of the fee schedule (https://www.beverlyhills.org/cbhfiles/storage/files/68034011446533911/FY21- 22Taxes,FeesandCharges.pdf), however, it clearly states that the rate is for "Non-Profit + Beverly Hills Based." The McCourt Foundation offices are in Los Angeles on Figueroa Terrace.
If using the current fee schedule, the Non Resident Rate is $14,115 compared to a Beverly Hills-based non-profit rate of $3,528. If the McCourt Foundation commits the difference to Beverly Hills-based charities, this issue likely becomes mute for the Council.
As to the more important issue for residents, there is a substantial problem of notification for residents in one part of the City, as well as to all business workers who work Sundays.
When the LA Marathon first began, there were letters mailed to every household, two telephone robocalls in the days leading to the event to alert residents of the Marathon, large 6' x 4' signs posted on both sides of affected intersections, a-frame barricades a block before Doheny and Burton Way where courteous rangers and BHPD cadets distributed printed handouts of detour routes.
None of that is done today. The result is rancor and bedlam for 100 drivers on the streets leading to Doheny and Burton Way.
The previous notifications systems should be restored, at the least, for the area bounded by Doheny, Burton Way and Civic Center. If not, with the election right around the corner, it is something potential voters will remember.
In closing, several hundred Beverly Hills workers use Metro. Previously, on-bus flyers were distributed two weeks before the race. Last November, there was no such notification. The only notice were bus stop signs (which were materially inaccurate) posted just days before. Something more needs to be done for the workers.