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Council/ Agency Meeting Held: 701111MAY-31 . 0110 -26 Deferred/ Continued to:
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Council Meeting Date: June 5, 2006 Department umber: ED 06- 22
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR CITY, COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS SUBMITTED BY: PENELOPE CULBRETH- GRAFT,. DPA, CITY ADMINISTRATOR PREPARED BY: STANLEY SMALEWITZ, DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT _ SUBJECT: FORM AN AD- HOC COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE CLOSURE OF
DOWNTOWN MAINSTREET TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC
Statement of Issue, Funding Source, Recommended Action, Alternative Action( s), Analysis, Environmental Status, Attachment( s) Statement of Issue: The formation of. an ad-hoc committee is necessary to study the issuesand strategizethe next stepsto potentiallyclosingdowntownMain Streetto vehicular traffic. The..-future developments of Pacific City and The Strand will. heavily impact the downtown`foot traffic and revisiting the possibility of a Main Street Pedestrian Mall is critical for its future vitality.
Funding Source: Not Applicable
Recommended Action: Motion= to:
Form an ad'-hoc-committee comprised of the City Council Downtown Economic Development Committee ( EDC), key staff members from required city departments and the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Board of Directors to study and strategize for a potential Main Street Pedestrian Mall ' Pilot Project.
Alternative Action( s):
Do not approve the proposed ad'-hoc committee thereby terminating the research . necessary to conduct the Main Street Pedestrian Mall Pilot Project.
Analysis: On May 3, 2006 City Council Officials and the Downtown BID participated in a joint study session at Santa Monica to learn about the successful closure to vehicular traffic on the Third Street Promenade. At the Downtown EDC meeting on May 11, staff presented their analysis on this study session and the next steps that need to be taken to
REREST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACAN
MEETING DATE: June 5, 2006 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER:., ED 06- 22 potentially close downtown Main Street to vehicular traffic. On May 24, 2006 staff received a letter_ from - the Downtown Business Improvement District reviewing - the issues to be addressed:in the committee study and work plan (Attachment 1), A draft framework (Attachment 2) presents some of the `key issues that need to be further researched by various departments. A proposed ad-hoc committee to study Main Street would be comprised of the City Council Downtown EDC; key city staff from required departments, and,, the Downtown BID Board. of Directors. This project requires the participation of multiple city departments to compile and prepare information needed, including but not limited to:
Research. various street closure projects nationwide
Parking feasibility. and alternatives
Street cleaning and maintenance
Identifyresourcesand in-kindservices
Identify potential blocks
Required permits. .
Signage and store directory '
Activities and organized street performers
Public art
Homeless
Investigate the' potential for a pilot street project
Prepare a budget of costs associated with 'any possible closure should the pilot project, be implemented.
The proposedcommitteewill be comprisedof the DowntownBID Boardof Directors, staff ` from, Economic. Development,- Planning, Public Works,. Fire, Police, Community Services, and the City. Council Downtown EDC. Should the City Council approve the formation of an ad-hoc committee; the City Administratorat her discretion, shall prioritizethis projectand . direct required city departments contribute staff-time to compile and prepare information necessary to study and strategize a potential pilot project. It. is anticipated that the ad- hoc committee shall meet on a weekly basis for one to two hours and report monthly progress to- the Downtown EDC.
Environmental Status: . Not Applicable
Attachment( s):
Number-
City Clerk' s
Page Description
1. Letter- from the Downtown Business Improvement District
2. . Staff Analysis: Draft Framework for Potential ' Downtown Main Street Pedestrian Mall
2- 5/ 30/ 2006 5: 35 PM
ATTACHMENT # 1
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
HUNTINOTONBEACH, CA
May 23 2006
RECEIVEDHonorable Mayor,
City Council and. Staff
MAYL G ZE06Huntington Beach, CA
CITYOFHUNTINGTONBEACH
RE: Main Street Proposed Closure and Related Matters ADMINISTRATIONOFFICE Dear Mayor, Council Members and Staff:
A majorityof MainStreetmerchantsarereportinga modestincreasein businessover. the same period of 2005. 2006 has been hampered a bit by inclement weather, but early signsof spring have brought increasedtraffic to Main Street.
If there were one question that remains unansweredin all of the BID area it would be: What are the City' s goals and objectives in its proposal to close Main Street? It is the generalconsensusof the Merchantswithin the BID that they would hope the answerwould be ( 1) Increase the, sales activities within the BID, ( 2) Provide a cleaner and- safer retail, commercial and entertainment environment within the BID area that would lead to increasedbusinessactivity, and (3) Provide sufficient parking which is visitor friendly within the BID area to help accomplish items 1 and 2.
It is our desire to work with you to develop and refine those goals and to establish a series of action- oriented plans to accomplish them. We know you agree that closing Main Street in and of itself will not cause any of the above to happen. Main. Street has been closed periodically over the last twenty years making it a one-way street, farmers' market, art fair, etc., with none of these venues being successful. Bandaids indicate bleeding. We are not sure where the cut is, except the streets and sidewalks remain dirty and current parking policies are penal in nature, enforcement and availability.
We support leadershipthat provides a working Plan developed in concert with the members of the BID. This Plan should resultin a comprehensiveset of circumstances helping to accomplish the three general consensus issues listed above. Independent of that forum, I have been instructed by the Executive Committee of the BID to state that-the current Proposal falls short of the issues discussed above.
If I can be of assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to contact. me.
Mos s ly
phen C. Daniel, President
HB Downtown BID
Attachment: List of Issues presented by BID Members
Downtown Huntington Beach Main Street Closure
Goals & Priorities
Goals of the Street Closure Project:
Establish measurablegoals that will incrementally determine the successor failure of the project: Evaluate progressmonthly
1. Restaurants
2. Retail,
3. Services
Establish an" Escape Clause", should defined goals fair to materialize.
Minimize. the ' Downside" effect that would impa local merchants Increase Sales Tax Revenue ( Overall increase of sales'of downtown merchants/improvethedowntownbusinessprospects)
Create a more popular Destination Area for Local Residents Off Season support
Increase Visitor& Tourist traffic
Beautify the Downtown BusinessArea:
Art
Plantings
Cleanliness/Daily maintenance
Obtain additional parking:
Affordability,
Accessibility.
Adequate.quantity
Minimize impact of any redevelopment of the Downtown area .
Createmore" Events"thatwill drawpeopleto theMain Street"Promenade" Challenges Facing the City and the BID
Parking: more, convenient and affordable
Lossof 57Main Stparkingplaces (3 blocks)
Impactonpublic parkingentranceson Olive andWalnut
Employee parking .
Undesirable elements:
Adverse impact of the Homeless, Transients, Street
Entertainers and Pan Handlers on local business
Cleanliness
Daily maintenance, trashcollection, streetcleaning
Toilet facilities
Traffic flow:
Loss of our Main Arterial access and egress
Redirecting the traffic from the Main Street through
adjacent residential side streets, residential impact
Impact on Post Office access
Downtown Huntington Beach Business Improvement District AGENDA
At Large Members Meeting
Open to all Bid Members and The General Public
Thursday January 26, 2006 ' 5: 30,pm
W S Pizza & Grill • 200 Main St. 71. 4- 374- 2224 - Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Welcome
Presidents Report:
Christmas Wrap Up
Financial Update:
NaidaOsline: SpecificEventsDirector,-City Of HuntingtonBeach Calendar Of Events for 2006.
Pacific Shoreline Marathon- Update:
SundayFebruary5, 2606
Committee Assignments:
Proposed Main Street Closure:
Primary Goal Of City Council in Closureof Main Street?
Obtain facts from" Main St". Company in Minnesota
Closure Of blocks 1,, 2, 3
Homeless, Transients, Street Entertainers, Pan Handlers AffordableParking4. ReplacementParkingfor existing/lostparkingspots Cost Of Re- Development
TemporaryClosure( Weekend' s & Special Events)/- Permanent Closure `.
MeasurableGoals: What determinesthe successorfailure of the project.
Escape Clause . . . what if?
LostBusinessduringre-development. How will businessessurvive?.
What happensto traffic flow when segmentsof Main St areclosed?What effect will it have on other streets and neighborhoods?
Whatlessonswerelearnedin HuntingtonBeachfromthepreviousfailedattemptatMain Street closure?
Downtown Marketing Plan
Priority Projects List for 2006
New Business
Adjourn
6. COST
How muchwill it costandwho will pay?
A. IncreasedStreetCleaning
B. ' Loss of Parking Revenue
C. - Increased Law Enforcement
D. Possible loss of Retail Income
E. Possible loss of Sales Tax Revenue
F. The" cost of the closure
G. Will theCity of H.B. reimbursethemerchantsfor anylossof revenue? H. Thecostof changingit back
CONCLUSION
WeareaMainStreetandnotathirdstreet. WeareaMainStreetandnotapromenade.
Thereis no:realbenefitin closingMain Street. Themajorityof themerchantsarenotin favor- of closing- Main Street. The City Council, voted it down in 2004! Why is it back?
12..We need-to look at wholedowntownareato keepit improvingasTheStrand, PacificCityandincreasedbusinessescomeonline. Weneedtohaveagame planfor improvementoverthenextfew years. 1• 3-5 year-planfor parking, traffic, cleaning, security, police and basic infrastructure: We have not had timetoaccomplishaplan.Let'stry andaccomplishaplanandfuturebefore spendingtimeandmoneyto close-MainStreetthatisnotbrokenjustneedsa little care and cleaning.
We are.spendingstaffandourtime andmoneyto studytheimpacts.of closingMain Street. Thelast-;time we did this studyit wasvoteddown.It wasfelt that some improvementshadto bemadefora truetest. It wasalsoaproblemdecidingwhat wasbest.theSecondblock wasto only block thatcouldbetruly closedfeasiblefor test; closure". Cost in 2004 was $41,200.00 basic closure plus lost revenuesfor parking ( not including tickets) $ 27396. 00 Total cost three months $ 68596. 00. This couldbeusedfor 2 hourfreeparkingandmaintencebettertool to increasesalesand ambiance of Main Street. .
2 Z
If recent newspaper headlines are to be believed, Huntington Beach' s downtown will soonbereceivinga SantaMonica Promenadefacelift.
Unfortunately, that's not the case. SantaMonica has spenthundreds of millions of dollars to revitalizetheir downtownareawhich featuressix parkinggarageswith freeparking, extensive landscaping and streetscaping, public art, entertainment and umpteen movie screensthatdrawsmillions of peopleeachyear.
Huntington Beach's proposal: Stick up someconcretebarriers at eachend of the street and presto! we have a downtown pedestrianmall.
The problem is that city officials have long neglectedto provide adequateresourcesto' maintain the downtown infrastructure.
Downtownmerchantshavebeenaskingthecity for thelastdecadeto providemore parking choices for residents, but city bureaucratsdon't have the political will to create affordable downtown parking.
Downtownmerchantshavealsoaskedthecity to providemorefrequenttrashremoval and streetcleaning, along with more security andpolice presence, only to be told there's no money to' do it with.
Howcanthecityaskthedowntownmerchantsto signontoanyplanwhenthe'city doesn' t maintain the current infrastructure?
Members of the Downtown Huntington Beach Business Improvement District would like nothing more than to see the city plan and deliver a downtown pedestrian mall that locals canbeproudof andthatprovidesaplacefor familiestogatherandenjoyapeacefulstroll along a beautifully landscaped.walkway. That would be a fitting welcome for the millions of people who visit downtown Huntington Beach eachyear.
But temporary cement barriers at each end of Main Street? That is not the solution.
If youtakeawalkdowntown.thesedays, you'll-noticethatnew, vibrantbusinessesareon theincrease. You'll seecoupleswalkingto thebeach, familiesshoppinganddining togetheranda generalvitality up anddownMain Streetall theway upto the fourth, fifth and sixth block.
Butyou'll alsoseethehighestparkingratesin OrangeCounty, streets,andsidewalksthat needto be cleaned, a growing homelesspopulation and a need for more traffic enforcement.
Despite these problems, downtown businesses are thriving.
Subject:, Street Closure concern list
Date Saturday, May 13, 2006 11: 51 AM
From: BRETTDUKES@aoi. com
To: < store4482@theupsstore. com>
Hi Steve,
Here' s mine in no particular order_
All infrastructure issues, including:
Developinga comprehensiveparkingplan, with a funding plan as well.
Developa restroomplan, with a maintenanceplan, with funding.
Developa,beautificationand maintenanceplan, with funding.
Ensure use of bollards.
Develop a shuttle program, with funding.
Do we havethe ability to attracta,productivetenant mix with our lack of adequateparking? Put off any implementation until at least 2009,, to ensure it is done correctly the first time.
Who manages it?.
I' m sure I' ll think of more......
Thanks;
Brett Barnes
Managing Partner
Duke' s Huntington Beach
Vol. 1
h
May 21,
Issue 1 Dowrtown Disp
The Newsletter of the Downtown HuntingtonImprovement
Downtown Merchants Say More Time a nd
Study Needed for , Main 5treet Closure
Clty Wants. Labor Day
Monica' s downtown area, with plans
What are your Opinions for 2000 more in the near. future..
Closure; Downtown on closing. Main Street? Z. Millions of dollars were spent on Merchants Urge Caution The Downtown BID wants to relandscaping Third Street. Sidewalks know what you think Please fill and streets were reconstructed to make You' ve probably heard by now that them pedestrian.friendly. The former the City. Council has again brought up
out the attached survey to let your asphalt of old Third Street was over- the issue of closing Main Street to
opinion be known.
laid with hexagon- shaped tile, withAlso be sure to attend the next traffic to allow pedestrian access on both endsof the avenuesecuredby the streets from Orange to PCH. generalDowntwon BID meeting, large fountains.
In 2004 the idea was defeated after
June 1, at 5: 30PM at Coach' s
Resta 3. Vital to the pedestrian mall' s
opposition by Downtown business urant.
successis thepresenceof threemovie
owners. At that time, there was no General Meeting, theater multiplexes, which attract Downtown Business Improvement thousandsof people to the mall. Other District ( BID), only a loose coalition Downtown B I D
entertainment attractions include a
of downtown merchants who opposed June 1 variety of streetperformers. the measure before the City Council. 4. More than $ 300 million was When' Councilmember Dave 5. 30 PM invested in the Third Street Prom- Sullivan became mayor this past year, Coacl' l' s Restaurant enadeproject which began nearly 20 he stated that closing Main Street was
yearsago.Extensive planning and
one of his priorities for the coming studieswere undertakenby city staff, year. It' s not a coincidence that this is director of the Bayside District of local businesspeopleand an array of an election year and, the idea of clos- Santa Monica, and Santa Monica: real urban planners and architects. ing Main Street is widely popular - estate developers and urban planners The meeting left Downtown BID among city residents, fueled by a on May 3. memberswith thefeelingthatthere" cheerleading local press. Of course At the meeting in Santa Monica, were many obstacles in the way of a the idea is a crowd- pleaser. Most Downtown BID members Bob Bolen, successfulpedestrianmall on Main people imagine a landscaped, Steve Grabowski , Steve Daniel, Brett Street. streetscaped walkway such as Santa Barnes and Ron McLin heard about Nevertheless, Huntington Beach Monica' s Third Street Promenade and the Third Street Promenade' s success press reports of the study sessions left neither the Independent nor the Wave and how it' s become of the few the unrealistic impression that Down- have looked at the issue in serious thriving pedestrian malls in the United town Huntington Beachmay betrans- depth. States. formed into something like the Third The city jumpstarted the proposal to The are. several keys to Santa Street Promenade, even though Hun- close Main Street, when incoming Monica' s success: tington Beach doesn' t have the vast Economic. Development Director 1. Affordable abundant parking. resourcesthat were investedby the Stanley Smalewitz and his staff pro Santa Monica has six public parking City of Santa Monica. posed a" study session" with members garages, all of which offer 2- hour free On May 11,city economic develop- of the City of Santa Monica Economic parking. There are- nearly 8500 public ment staff, Councilmen Gil Coerper, Development staff, the executive and private parking spots in Santa See Main Street on page 3 What s On ' Your Mind?-
It' s our job to be a voice for What issuesare confronting your business at this time? - downtown businesses and we take
thatjob seriously.
Helpusto knowwhatissueswe
should focus on. As we enter a
new year for the BID, your feed-
back will, help usto shapethe
downtown agenda.
Pleasebring this form with you
when you cometo thenext General
Meeting June 1or you may e-mail
your concernsto the Downtown
BID at dhbbid@socal. rrcom
What issues do you think the Downtown BID should focus on? Main Street proposal was flawed for the following
continued from page 1 reasons: Help Keep .the
Dave Sullivan and members of the 1. There is not enough time between Fireworks Downtown!
Board of the Downtown BID met at a now andLabor Day to do the amount regularly scheduled economic devel- of planning necessary for even a trial The Downtown BID hasjoined with opment meeting, to discuss what was closure, especially when downtown theHuntington BeachFourth of July learned in Santa Monica. merchants are approaching the busiest Committee in aneffort to keepthe Downtown BID members were season of the year. annualfireworks display at the pier. surprised by the presentation of a 2. City staff are rushing a closure The Fourth of July Committee has proposal to close Main Street begin- without studying the traffic impact, the Provided attractive donation boxes for ning Labor Day, since the proposal parking impact and the economic downtown merchantsto place on, was not on the agenda. impact on downtown businesses. counters to encourage our customers to BID members were dismayed that a The Downtown BID board are donate to this popular cause. proposal had been made so quickly,. adamant in requesting that proper Eachyear,theFourthof JulyCom- with no consultation from downtown economic impact studies, parking mittee, a volunteer organization, is merchants. As a part of the closure studies and traffic studies are con- charged with raising up to$ 400, 000- . plan, city staff asked that the board of ducted before any further plans for a for the costsof the Fourth of July the Downtown BID participate in a closure go forward. Paradeand Fireworks. Pleasehelp us series of meetings this summer to iron The Downtown BID board also believe with keeping this important downtown out the details of a trial closing. that closing Main Street by Labor Day is event downtown! The Downtown BID board then met too ambitious, because a closure requires Visit us on the web at:
on May 16th to discuss all the Bevel- more planning andmore time to properly opments. All agreed that the city' s study.
www. hbdowntown. com
Santa Monica Third Street Promenade
Current Available Parking
City Owned Parking. . . . . . . . .3, 224 Spaces
SM Place ( City Owned). ... . . . . 700 Spaces
Total City. Spaces 4,924 Spaces
Private- Spaces. ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 500 Spaces Total Spaces 8,424 Spaces .
Future City Spaces.,. . . . .'.. 1, 712 Spaces
Total Future Space 10' 13'6 Spaces
City,*Cleans Street & Sidewalks
They. Have a Chronic Homeless Problem _
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EMERGENCYdia ................................................... [ j . If you see someone engaged in Illegal t
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l.. aveSanta Monica, Saad Galal was managing his i homelessnessissues,leavefor ongoing souvenir shop in the USUdI Way — One, eye a message for HLP Team Police Officers at.....:... a5E.S953
Insteadofgivinghandouts,donateortowards helping potential customers and the i volunteeryourtlme.Tofindoutmore,tali 314 0071
Eyy w
otherwatching a homeless man who had' just j [
he Westsde
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s
s9M1THECHAMBER' S CARDS
i homelessout if theysmellor areharassing INCLUDE HELPFUL TIPS AND CONTACTS.., b . k customers, the vacant look in the mans '
j eyes told him to handle the situation in a
j different manner.
Ihundreds of homeless individuals who
Within a few minutes, the man' took his gather in the heart of this beachsidetown. l
arm and went like this," Gala[ said, making a Instead of relying on instinct, chamber motion across his body with his arm curved officials hope business owners and their rN - like a scythe.
workerswill reachforoneofthe6,00onewly tAr
In one movement, the homeless man distributed 3 1/ 2 by six inch cards that will J q "' knocked every item off a nearbyshelf onto help them- handle situations like the one the floor. But Galal did not confront the Galal faced. The cards, which are similar to F man, who he . feared was' Mentally ill. the ones the City began issuing to visitors, Instead, he cleaned up the mess and went residents and City employees• in March r back to business. include helpful tips and phone contacts. P For merchants, such- as Galat, dealing If everyone responds the same way, i,` with the homeless is part of the daily routine then you won' t have situations as much of conductingbusiness Downtown. To" help where someone wants•to do something out them cope with the problem, the Chamber of of the. kindness of their. hearts, but are Commerce has launched a. program that actuallyenablingthe homeless,".saidKathyi provides guidelines for dealing- with_ the I Dodson,thechamber'spresidentandCEO. continued on page g
WAA WHERE SEEMS TO BE A REAL-
CHANGE IN THE CITY COUNCIL
AND THE ARE APPROACH TO
MERCHANT FAQ HOMELESSNESS THAT HAS BEEN
LT. FRANKFABREGA, THE S. M. RD. VERY POSITIVE."
SPOKESMAN, ANSWERS FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS POSED BY KATHY DODSON
DOWNTOWNMERCHANTS.
continued from page 5
Q. Ifatransientisscreaming'atthetopofhisiher
lungsonwhatbasiscanyoucallthecops? The Chamber has also taken on the task A: Anybody can call the police at any time. of tackling homelessnessin a more regional When police get there, they will make a manner.
determination how to progress with the subject. CityCouncil memberBobbyShriver,wh0The board has voted to back using the Q: What is the definition, of" aggressive Veteran' s Administration building near i is spearheading the effort house homeless panhandling^ as opposed to panhandling in Westwood as a center to help and house ` veterans at the VA facility in Westwood, has - general? What action can be taken against homeless veterans, many of whom sleep on j i beenurging greater political involvement aggressive panhandling? the streets of the Westside, which claims the Individuals can have a positive Impact A: Aggressive panhandling is if l stop to ask
b letting their elected. officials know that
you for5o cents and you sayno and l largest share of homeless vets in the county, ! y g continue to be persistent both physicallyand according to the census. The decision on how more and more people are following this verbally, or continue to follow you. lfthis the land will be used is pending before i issue and expecting them to act," Shriver
happens, you can call the police department Said. " Homelessness Is d Political problem,!:
and on officer will go to the scene. if it' s a
federaLofficials, who are expected to decide : p
misdemeonorandrheojficerwasnotpresent the matter soon. and has a political solution. Every political , to witness the incident, the officer will ask if In addition, at a historic April 28thi solution begins with pressure from the ; you want to make an arrest. lfyoudon' t, the
meeting of the WestsideCouncil Chambers of public.
officer will conduct a field interview to identify Shriverurgeswritingtocount supervisor the person and determine if thereisawarront Commerce organized by the local Chamber, i g g y p for his orhera.nest. business leaders addressed key problems ZevYaroslaysky,who representsthe Westside; the homeless pose in larger business L.A. MayorAntonio Villaraigosaand membersi Q. Ifa transient refuses to leave a place of communities, as well as explored potential i ; of the City Council. Santa Monica council' business after being asked by shopkeepers,
solutions to the problem. memberRichardBloom,a participantof Bring what steps do you suggest to get them to p
L.A. Home, a taskforce that spent two earsleave? The Chamber has been hard at work : p y A: We would ask the shopkeeper to call the organizing the meeting, which was not open carving out a regional approach to end police deportment. When the officerarrives,
t0 the public and was informational in ; homelessnessintenyears,agrees. he orshewill talk to the shopkeeperto find
but what the incident is about. They will then nature, Dodson said, adding that she hopes ; The public should pay particular i ask the subject to leave. But there has to be a it will be only the first of many meetings to attention to those politicians who profess reason, such as. bothering customers or address the issue:- that their communities bear no responsibility standing in the doorway. Shops are public There seems to be a real change in the or refuse to assist in the solution," Bloom places that are open to the general public. if
said." Instead of knee-jerk refusals to accept.the person refuses to leave, they will be City. Council and the area' s approach t0 l p ' arrested for trespassing if the shopkeeper homelessness that has been very positive," i ; any social services in our communities, the wontsto press criminal charges. Without the she said. " The top leaders for Westside ` public should demand of their elected shopkeeper' s consent, the police can' t force i officials that essentialservicesbe provided in the person out.
Chambers were in attendance:
We want to take action to get people 4aresponsiblemanner." Q: Ifan individual feels threatened oris' together and examine what are some really Thechamber's effortsarenopanaceato threatened by a transient, what can that fresh ideas out there," said Dodson, who , ; thevexingproblemofhomelessness,Dodsonf person do to report this and what action will I acknowled es, but the are a start. j be taken? noted that there has been more of a political ; g y will to act on the issue of homelessness, both Wewantedto tacklesomebite-sizedI .A: ! nallcases,thepolicedepartmentshould be notified. Ifit rises to the level ofocriminal locally and in regional governments. I pieces to help us get a handle on the larger action, the police will take a report and go to problem of homelessness," she said." We're the scene. lfthe person is still there, the
at the beginning of this effort."
police will ask if the caller wants to make' o I
citizen' s arrest. An officer cannot arrest
someone fora misdemeanor crime not
witnessed in his orher resence.
A DECIDED ONE DAY
THAT 3® MEN®® Y: HAS
w
I TO ® O SOMETHING.continued from page
COMMUNITY Q& A
movie house that has sat vacant since the LASZLO VANDDR Q: What can a business or individual 1994 Northridge earthquake. do to have a positiveimpact on the ! " It'saverydifficultsituationwhenyou're homeless population? dealing with human beings," said Fischer, whosegentledemeanorseemsin stark
contrastto the fiery tattooclimbingup one f
r.
arm. " You have some good, you have some I Vandor the " block commander" x BILLTUCKER' bad. There' s no cut- and- dry situation across I ' considers himself a benevolent guardian, Board Choi, the board." 1 though, distinguishing the" good guys" from Boyside District, l Fischer' s policy is to take matters into his the" dirt." Corporation,
i own hands when dealing with people inside I'm not talking about your regular A: Individuals and businesses seeking to make a
i his store, or when causing trouble
positive impact in their area should encourage and
they' reg homelessperson that we're telling to get off
outside. He rarely calls the police, but he our street," he said. " Many homeless are isupport a regional approach to addressing the homelessprobtem. weareall linked together with works closely with them on a regular basis, I cleanandmakeaneffortto getup in life. I'm the common goal of reducing or solving this Fischer said. talking about the violent types who are overly problem in a. humane manner; however, without I know the Cops," he said." They have a :' aggressive.". the cooperation and support of au the interested " nightmare time out there." i i But when trouble comes- such as'when parties, the solution will be doomed to failure. It I boil it down to respect," Fischer , homeless people steal from the' liquor storemust be addressedin a united fashion. j concluded. i next door- Vandor is quick to act. " If 1 see tTWO
BLOCKS SOUTH on Broadway, Laszlo someone hanging out in front of the liquor Vandor, a hair stylist with David McCann' s 1 store or around the corner, I call the police," M HONE salon, has taken a more active approach to I. ; Vandor said. y Fire chief dealing with the homeless on his block. i Whenthe policearen't around, he's notSanta Monica I decided one daythat somebody has to afraid to take matters into his own hands InFire Department i I do something," said Vandor, a Hungarian the latest. incident, a homeless manaried toA: If you see someone who looks like they need i immediate medical help, don' t ignore it- call 9,
immigrant who has worked at the salon For i ! fight a store clerk next door, spitting on him and request assistance.' Don' t enable people to five years. Everyday, Vandor deals with the and using racial slurs. continue life on the streets. Instead of giving homeless who hangout outside the shop. 1 i " 1stopped doing highlights and went out handouts, donate food, clothing and money' to They sleep, urinate, defecate, smoke and put the guy under citizen' s arrest," homeless agencies and food banks. Vote for
joints and drink alcohol right out front here, Vandor said. elected officials or ballot measures that address
said Vandor, addingthat it was worse when i
the regional impact of homelessness., This is a } But the store clerk - a much smaller
national, state and countywide problemthat the
double benches were located outside his i Asian man - didn't want' to press charges,; City of Santa Monica can' tsolve alone. Store, and the homeless would set up camp ; i because he was afraid and would Have to deal j i
i there.
1 with the man again.
Now, Vandor informally patrols his 1 Still, Vandor continues his patrols, which
KATHY DODSON
stretch of street with the help of business several neighboring merchants say they President& CEO,
clerks who work nearby. It is part of a appreciate.
Santa Monica grassroots effort Vandor calls a" clean block" 1 Carol Seo works at the liquor store next Chamber of Commerce approach. door to DavidMcCann's salon. The womanI A: The most important thing anyone can do is to A homeless person I was moving along smiledslightlyasshetalkedaboutVandor's help people transition out of homelessness. This is asked me one day who I was and what I was ! efforts, which she said she backs. not done by giving handouts, but by working with ` d0ing, and I joked that I was the ' block I like what Laszlo's doing when he'sthe many professionals in Santa Monica who I commander.' It just kind of came out." 1 i around," she said." I feel safer knowing thatdedjobscate( Chrysalis),
tlives to
deal wwith mentah11lnesseless
find
Upi. Step P he' s out there." I
On Second), provide showers and meals ( OPCC) Se0, who tries not to work nights and many others. Donate orvotunteeryourtime— because She feels it i5 less risky, wryly i
a great place to start is the Wesiside Shelter and
Hunger Coalition at www. westsideshelter. org.
e
BY ED . MOOSBRUGGER
Setting the Essence ® f
Catiforn ia
Tourism [ eadeCSmaywantyourhelpin
imprinting the city's new destination branding
s
program on the fabric of Santa Monica. cleanliness/ safety, attraction/ sightseeing, the weather, And just what is the promise to visitors that they location, transportation and visitor services. want Jthecommunity to embrace and bringtolife? The top ten perceived weaknesses are y-' Here it is, developed after more than of year homeless/ solicitors/ teen dro outs, traffic, expense, lack ofP YP of research and analysis: experience/ atmosphere, lack of public transportation, n4.
Santa Monica... the best way to discover LA cleanliness/safety, need of more restaurants, grumpy or an unforgettable beach city experience filled with meanlocals,weather and grocerystores. eye- catching people, cutting edge culture and bold As you can see, perception is in the eye of each innovations. It is the essence of the California lifestyle." individualvisitor. Somesaythe localsare friendly,others say If you' re like me, it will require a little translation to put they are grumpy. It probably depends on who they dealt this into practice. And that is the: phase the Santa Monica with.Andthatiswhyprogramsto encouragethecommunity Convention & Visitors Bureau has entered. following a Santa to welcome visitors are important. It can be as simple as Monica Destination Brand Summit on March 24 at the Loews cheerfully helpingvisitors find their way around Downtown.
Santa Monica Beach Hotel Severalprogramsare plannedthis yearto makethe Many of the planned programs, including training promise of the Santa Monica brand'a reality. They include opportunities, will be aimed at businesses, but City leaders guest contact servicetraining, sales staff training, a training want the whole community involved, guide, SMCVBstaff brand training and beachsummit.
As the Santa Monica Destination Brand Blueprint says, Thegoalof" beingbetter at the beach" is a big one, said This is a community wide initiative that will involve city GarySherwin, presidentof BelievableBrands,a consultant leaders and . residents, the business community, and all to the SMCVB. others that depend on a vibrant and healthy economic flow Thepeople in attendance at the brand summit seem to, to- Santa Monica." agree because when Sherwin called for ideas to improve the It' s not just about jobs, said Duane Knapp,president of beachexperience,numerousattendeesspokeup.
BrandStrategy Inc., whichhelped the SMCVB develop the Just a few of the many ideas given were a beach branding program, conciergeconcept, festivals on the beach, a sand tram and It' s_ also about the lifestyle of Santa Monica residents, beach tours and eliminating eyesores such as the city because a strong tourism industry supports many things, dumpstersthat spoil the view when emergingfrom the including restaurants, that local people also enjoy, he told McClure Tunnel. Other ideas were better signs to help the brand summit. pedestriansknowwheretheyareandhowtogetwherethey No part of the city. has more at stake than Downtown, want to go, cheaper beach parking rates and more short- because its. hotels, restaurants, . shops, arts and term parking. entertainment are key parts of the product Santa Monica Theactive participation of the people who attended the offers to visitors. brandsummitwasencouraging,sinceaneffectivebranding It' s all. about perception," Knappsaid." How you want programwill require that. people to feel... It' s delivering the experience people want." ABrandPromise...shouldbeafocalpointfor everyone Although Santa Monica has a strong tourism industry, in thecommunitysoit isclearlyunderstoodbybothvisitors the city can do more. and residents, what defines the unique Santa Monica There are significant latent positive perceptions about experience," Sherwin wrote in'.a recent SMCVB newsletter.
Santa Monica, but the city is not really well known in some The stakes are high:- key markets, such as Chicago, New York and London, Knapp The high room rates that hotel visitors pay in Santa told the brand summit meeting. Monica meansthey have high expectations of what they will Both strengths and weaknesses emerged in interviews experience, said hotel consultant Bruce Baltin, senior vice and focus groups conducted as part of the brand president of PKFConsultingin LosAngeles. development process. Many of these will be no surprise to It is important to deliver,"' he said.
Downtown residents, employees and business owners. That is the essence of the brand campaign in which The top ten strengths are friendly/ healthy people, the SantaMonica will be sold as a destination with unique and beach, shopping, the experience/ atmosphere, distinctive attributes.
Downtown. Em to ®® lust showproofofyouremploymentin theDowntown SantaMonicaareato start receivingdiscountsfrom'
D•
the following participating businesses.Checkwith the
iscount Program businessesfor additionallimitationsandrestrictions that may apply. Businesses with an asterisk(*) extend
Enjoy the Perks of Working Downtown! discounts to all Santa Monica employees. Merchants Mr for the most updated list of participants, located in the Santa Monica Place Mall are noted as
BAYSIDE DISTRICT
i log on to downtownsm. com SM Place." Offers expire December3l, 2006.
Beauty
Bay Cities Beauty Supply Co. 310- 393. 3700 10% off
David McCannSalon 310. 917. 9177 20% Off
Salon Vivace( SM Place) 310. 26o. oli3 20% off, haircuts, hair care Bookstores
Arcana: Books On The Arts* 310- 458•14§ 9 lo% off, in-store purchasesonly Clothing
Hanna Hartnell Studio` 310. 393. 6587 io% off, regularitemsonly Leather Expo ( SM Place) 310•458. 2884 GWP- Free.Leather Day Timer with every leather jacket purchase of 150 or more while supplies last
Max Studio 310 587 3226' lo% off
Dining
Angelato Cafe* 310. 656. 9999 io% off-
Barney' s Beanery 31o. 656. 5777 io%. off, alcohol excluded Benihana* 3.10- 395.1688 lo% off dining room only; not valid on holidays or with Emperor' s.Club, or any other discount.
Border Grill 310-451. 1655 20%OffMonday-Fridaylunch/dine'-in only not valid with other discounts, . alcohol excluded
Cento& Fanti ( SM Place) 310- 451.3031 10%off regularentreeonly,not validwith specials Charlie Burger( SM Place) 310- 395: 1077. lo% off regular entree Charlie Kabob( SM Place) 310. 393. 5535 io% off regularentreeonly,not validwith specials Coffee Bean& Tea Leaf 310•394. 9737 10%off, ThirdSt Promenadelocationonly Fatburger* 310393. 7331 10% off
Gotham Hall 310.394. 8865 20% off food and bar items
Great Steak and Potato( SM, Place) 310- 576. 7470 1o%off combomealsonly Hot Dog on a Stick( SM Place) 310. 395- o668 io.% off I Cugini 310. 451. 4595 20%off lunchonly Monday--Saturday,alcohol,tax andgratuity excluded It Fornaio 310-451. 7800 20%offlunch,11:30a.m.- 3p.m.,limitpartyofsix,alcoholexcluded Locanda del Lago 310- 451. 3525 io% off, parties8 or moreexcluded Monsoons Cafe 310 576 9996 io% off
Mrs. Fields Cookies( SM Place) 310- 3953575 Buy3.cookiesor browniesandget i FREE Ocean Avenue Seafood* 310 394 5669 10% off
Trastevere 319.i985 10% off
Yankee Doodles* 310• 394. 4632 20%off lunchonlyMonday- Friday,alcohol,tax andgratuityexcluded Ye Olde Kings Head Pub& Restaurant 310- 451. 3402 20%off lunchonlyMonday- Friday,food only, speciallybooked parties excluded
All Santa Monica Employees Continued on other sides
ATTACHMENT # 2
Proposed Study and Strategy
for Downtown Pedestrian Mall
Analysis of Issues Confronting.
Transition to a Pedestrian Mall
Economic impact to merchants, property
owners and City
Scope of closure including required
permits
Paring alternatives
n Signage and Street Directory
Street Cleaning and Maintenance
Activities & organized street performers
Homeless Issues
Public Art
Security
Stepsfor Analyzing
Issues Raised
Form an. ad- hoc committee
Research various street closure projects
nationwide
Determine feasibility/ scope/budget and
schedule associated with a Pilot Project
Monthly reporting to Downtown . EDC
Formation of Ad- hoc Committee
Committee Members:
Downtown BID Board of Directors ,
Economic Development. Department. Representatives "
Public Works Department Representatives
Planni tic,; Department Representative
Community services Department Representative
Police Department Representative
Fire Department Representative
City Council Downtown EDC
Committee will report back to the
Downtown EDC on a monthly basis.
2 RCA ROUTING SHEET
INITIATING_ DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
SUBJECT: Approve Committee for Study of Main Street Pedestrian Mall
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: tune 5, 2006
RCA ATTACHMENTS STATUS
z
Ordinance ( w/ exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Attached Not Applicable
Resolution ( w/ exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Attached Not Applicable
Tract Map, Location Map and/ or other Exhibits Attached El Not Applicable
Contract/ Agreement ( w/ exhibits if applicable) Attached Signed in full by the City Attorney) Not Applicable Subleases, Third Party Agreements, etc. Attached
Approved as to form by City Attorney) Not Applicable
Certificates of Insurance ( Approved by the City Attorney) Attached Not Applicable
Fiscal Impact Statement ( Unbudgeted, over$ 5, 000) Attached Not Applicable
Bonds ( If applicable) Attached
Not Applicable
Staff Report ( If applicable) Attached
Not Applicable
Commission, Board or Committee Report ( If applicable) Attached Not Applicable
Findings/ Conditions for Approval and/ or Denial Attached Not Applicable
EXPLANATION FOR MISSING ATTACHMENTS:,'
r
REVIEWED t
w:, RETURNED FORWARDED
Administrative Staff
Assistant City Administrator Initial
City Administrator Initial
City Clerk V
EXPLANATION FOR RETURN-.OF ITEM'
Only)(Below Space For City Clerk' s Use
RCA Author: Punongbayan
i
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION
Joan L. Flynn, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
TO: HonorableMayorandCityCouncil
FROM: Joan L: Flynn, City Clerk
DATE: June 5, 2006
SUBJECT: LATE COMM UNICATIONS7O THE' CITY COUNCIL FOR THE JUNE 5, 2006 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Attachedarethe LateCommunicationsto the CityCouncilreceivedafterdistributionof theAgenda Packets:
consent Calendar
E- 4: VoicemailcommunicationsubmittedbyAnthonyOurenzoand RobertMull, residentsof Seventh Street, stating support for the closure of Main Street into a Promenade and requesting Council consider a Traffic impact Report.be-done concerning how the overflow traffic will impact their neighborhood.
E- 12. Communication submitted by Paul Emery, Deputy City Administrator, dated June 2, 2006, and titled Late Communication-ItemE-12, AdoptResolutionfor the PropertyTaxExchangeBetweenthe Cityof Huntington Beach and the County of Orange for the Signal Landmark Property Annexation and Approve the Out of Service Area Agreement, noting the omission of the Legal Description referred to as Exhibit " A" in Attachment No: 2.
Administrative Items
F- 1. Communication submitted by Jill Hardy, Chair, on behalf of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee Members, Mayor Pro Tern Coerper and Councilmember Hansen, dated June 5, 2006, and titled Item F-1 Intergovernmental Relations Committee Recommendations, submitting copies of two amended bills.