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CITIZEN DEVELOPMENT AND ENRICHMENT
COUNCIL COMMITTEE
AGENDA
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
4:00 PM
LeROY J. JACKSON COUNCIL CHAMBER
3031 TORRANCE BLVD.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Manager’s office at (310) 618-5880. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28CFR35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]
Direct questions or concerns to the City Council at (310) 618-2801, City Manager at (310) 618-5880, or the individual department head prior to submission to the City Council. Parties will be notified if the complaint will be included on a subsequent agenda.
PARTICIPATE BEFORE THE MEETING by submitting a public comment on the OneMeeting Public Portal at https://torranceca.primegov.com/public/portal?fromiframe=true. Hard copies of public comment may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. All comments submitted before 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, will be published for public review prior to the meeting. Comments received after the deadline, but prior to the adjournment of the meeting will be added to the record.
The agenda was posted on the Public Notice Board at 3031 Torrance Blvd and on the City’s Website on Thursday, March 20, 2025 /s/ Rebecca Poirier
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL ____ Gerson ____ Mattucci ____ Chair Lewis
3. FLAG SALUTE
4. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
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5. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
5A. Community Services – Approve Conceptual Float Design for the 2026 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and Provide Recommendation on Funding Allocation. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that the City Council Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee:
1. Approve the conceptual float design for the City’s float entry in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2026; and
2. Provide a recommendation to the City Council on a funding allocation to support the construction of the City’s entry for the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade.
5B. City Manager – Review and Provide Direction on Appropriated Resource Contributions and Cottage Food Ordinance related to the Neighborhood Coordinated Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights Display.
Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the City Manager that the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee:
1. Review and Provide Direction on the Appropriated Resource Contributions to the Neighborhood Coordinated Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights Display
2. Provide Direction to the Cottage Food Ordinance as it relates to the Neighborhood Coordinated Seaside Holiday Lights Display.
5C. City Manager – Review and Provide Direction on Proposed City Website Design and Concepts Recommendation of the City Manager that the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee review and provide direction on the proposed City website design and concepts.
6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
This portion of the meeting is reserved for comment on items not on the agenda or on topics of general interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee.
Under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee cannot act on items raised during public comment but may respond briefly to statements made or questions posed; request clarification; or refer the item to staff.
7. CLOSING REMARKS
8. ADJOURNMENT
5A
Date: March 26, 2025
To: Chair and Members of the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee From: John La Rock, Community Services Director
By: Monica Harte, Cultural Arts Manager | [email protected] Subject: Community Services – Approve Conceptual Float Design for the 2026 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and Provide Recommendation on Funding Allocation.
Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that the City Council Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee:
1. Approve the conceptual float design for the City’s float entry in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2026; and
2. Provide a recommendation to the City Council on a funding allocation to support the construction of the City’s entry for the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade.
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
In 2025 the long-time float builder used by the Torrance Rose Float Association (TRFA), Fiesta Floats, closed for business, and with assistance from the Tournament of Roses organization the TRFA chose Artistic Entertainment Services (AES) to build the 2025 Rose Float. The Float won the Princess Award, but there were logistical issues during Official’s Night and the float had to be towed during the parade. Craig Bugajski, CEO and President of AES, has provided TRFA an informal quote of $150,000 to build the 2026 Torrance float.
In addition to the AES quote, Michael Abboud, a long-time float designer with Fiesta Floats, reopened Fiesta Floats as Fiesta Productions and has provided TRFA a quote of approximately $235,000 to build the 2026 Torrance float. It should be noted that Michael Abboud was invited by TRFA to attend the selection meeting for the Conceptual Float Design student competition to offer his expertise. TRFA did not extend an invitation to AES.
With the start of the 2025-26 academic year, the TRFA opened their Conceptual Float Design competition to Torrance public and private high schools. The theme for the 2026 Rose Parade is "The Magic in Teamwork," celebrating accomplishments that are achieved by working together. 1 Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee
March 26, 2025
The objectives of the "Conceptual Float Design Contest" are:
•To broaden awareness and interest in the City of Torrance Rose Parade Float. •To engage youth in the parade and our city's float.
This is the eighth time TRFA has held a design contest for Torrance High School students to present a conceptual design for the float; it has been a very successful process to date. TRFA received 15 float design submissions relating to the 2026 Parade theme. In February, 2025 the TRFA Board and a representative of Fiesta Productions reviewed the submissions and unanimously selected a proposal from Elizabeth Le of West High. (Attachment 1). Fiesta Productions provided a professional float design interpretation of the student design at the request of TRFA (Attachment 2).
As part of the proposed FY 2026 City Budget, an allocation of $125,000 is requested to support the 2026 Tournament of Roses Torrance Float. It should be noted that the cost of the Fiesta Productions float is quoted at approximately $235,000. The TRFA has traditionally raised $25,000 to support the float construction, with the City’s funding support of $125,000 providing the balance.
Staff is concerned that TRFA’s selection of Fiesta Productions may result in a funding gap of approximately $110,000.
Following direction from the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee to the City Council, staff will provide a report to the City Council to approve the conceptual design and to appropriate funds to the Torrance Rose Float Association for the construction of the 2026 float entry in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
The Community Services Director and the TRFA Board request that the City Council Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee consider the funding allocation supporting the Torrance 2026 Rose Float and approve the conceptual float design by Elizabeth Le and recommend that the City Council approve the recommended funding amount and the conceptual float design at a future meeting.
ATTACHMENT
1. Student design submission by Elizabeth Le of West High School
2. Conceptual design from Fiesta Productions
2 3
4 5B
Date: March 26, 2025
To: Chair and Members of the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee From: Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
By: Jamie Le, Assistant to the City Manager | [email protected] Subject: City Manager – Review and Provide Direction on Appropriated Resource Contributions and Cottage Food Ordinance related to the Neighborhood Coordinated Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights Display. Expenditure: None
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the City Manager that the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee:
1. Review and Provide Direction on the Appropriated Resource Contributions to the Neighborhood Coordinated Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights Display
2. Provide Direction to the Cottage Food Ordinance as it relates to the Neighborhood Coordinated Seaside Holiday Lights Display.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights Display is a resident-organized event that draws large crowds, requiring City support for public safety measures such as traffic control, sanitation, and code enforcement, with total costs of approximately $190,306 for 2025. While the City does not sponsor the event, it implements measures to ensure community safety. Staff reviewed best practices from other cities, which confirm that municipal involvement should remain limited to public safety while the event remains resident-led. Additionally, the Cottage Food Ordinance currently restricts direct sales but allows food distribution through donations, creating a loophole.
If the Committee wishes to further regulate this activity, an ordinance update would be required.
The Committee’s direction on these matters will help define the City's role in maintaining safety and compliance while respecting the community-driven nature of the event.
DISCUSSION
For several years, residents in the Seaside Ranchos neighborhood in Torrance have elaborately decorated their homes for the holidays. The annual neighborhood coordinated light display in the Seaside Ranchos area of Torrance is not a city-sponsored nor a city-sanctioned event. The decision to do, or not to do, these displays is entirely upon each of the homeowners and the City is not in any way involved in that decision-making process. Over the years, this neighborhood event has attracted large crowds and has created potential safety hazards. Although not a City event, the City of Torrance does have an obligation to address public safety concerns.
The City maintains the position that the annual neighborhood coordinated light display in the Seaside Ranchos area of Torrance is not a city-sponsored or city-sanctioned event. The City's Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee
March 26, 2025
sole obligation is to implement measures to protect the health and safety of the community at large.
On September 10, 2024, City Council requested that staff review other agency protocol and also alternative ways to subsidize the cost of City resources.
Residential Incentive District (RID)
One potential program staff reviewed was a Residential Incentive District (RID). Unfortunately, staff does not believe this program would be good fit, as a RID works similar to a Tax Increment Financing program. In other words, the difference between the amount of property tax revenue generated before a RID designation and the amount of property tax revenue generated after designation is allocated to the RID. Funds received by a RID can only be used to support new roads/road improvements, water, sewer, blight elimination, development incentives, and other project costs permitted by state law. It doesn’t appear that the funds could be used to support events. It also appears that prior to approval of an RID, a Joint Review Board must approve it.
The Joint Review Board, required by state law, has a voting representative from each of the affected taxing entities, as well as a citizen representative. Further, the Joint Review Board must be assured the RID is financially able to pay itself off, so general taxpayers do not have to pay for costs associated with RID projects. If it is the desire of the Committee to pursue a RID, then a Request for Proposal would need to be issued to assist with the development of the program.
Community-Led Holiday Light Displays: Best Practices and Case Studies Community-organized holiday light displays have become beloved traditions in many California neighborhoods. These events are managed by residents, neighborhood associations, or independent groups without direct city sponsorship. Staff explored community-led holiday light events in various California cities, highlighting best practices in governance, funding, traffic management, vendor control, and overall efficiency that ensure public safety and a positive visitor experience.
Rancho Cucamonga – Thoroughbred Street Holiday Lights
The Thoroughbred Street holiday light display is a long-standing neighborhood tradition entirely organized by residents, with the City of Rancho Cucamonga stepping in only for safety and traffic management. Homeowners decide when to decorate, and there is no formal committee overseeing the event. The city explicitly states that it does not coordinate the lights, reinforcing the grassroots nature of the tradition.
All costs are covered by homeowners, with no city funds allocated for decorations or amenities.
The city’s involvement is limited to managing traffic congestion and safety concerns. Due to the high volume of visitors, Rancho Cucamonga enforces a “Drive-Thru Only” policy during peak hours, restricting pedestrian access to off-peak times. Parking is limited to residents, requiring proof of residence. City police and traffic engineers adjust the plan annually to ensure emergency access and minimize gridlock.
The city regulates home-based vending under California’s cottage food laws, requiring residents selling food to obtain health permits, a home occupation permit, and a business license. There is Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee
March 26, 2025
strict enforcement against unlicensed street vendors, keeping the focus on holiday lights rather than turning the neighborhood into a commercial festival.
To maintain safety and efficiency, police, fire, and traffic personnel continuously assess potential hazards. The city provides clear communication that aside from safety measures, no additional municipal services—such as public restrooms or shuttles—will be offered. This ensures visitors are prepared while preserving the event as a private community effort.
Los Angeles (Woodland Hills) – Candy Cane Lane
For over 60 years, Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills has been a cherished community tradition.
The display, centered on Lubao Avenue, is resident-driven, with no formal city management.
Homeowners organize the event through a local group and a Neighborhood Watch team, coordinating decorations and liaising with authorities as needed. Decisions, including when to turn on the lights, remain in the hands of residents.
Funding is entirely private, with each family covering the cost of lights and displays. The City of Los Angeles does not allocate a budget for the event, though the local council office has provided in-kind support such as extra trash bins and signage. The city’s expenditures are limited to public safety and infrastructure maintenance.
Due to its popularity, the event experiences significant traffic congestion, particularly on weekends. In response, the community and city officials collaborated on safety measures, including increased LAPD patrols and pedestrian-friendly policies. Although streets remain open to vehicles, visitors are encouraged to park nearby and walk. Large signs remind attendees to be courteous and minimize disruptions to residents.
A growing concern has been unlicensed street vending, which the city addressed by enforcing permit requirements and stepping up patrols. LAPD presence and community vigilance have significantly reduced unauthorized vendors, preserving the event’s festive atmosphere.
To maintain efficiency, the local Neighborhood Watch meets with city representatives annually to evaluate and address recurring challenges. This partnership has successfully improved safety and traffic flow while keeping the event community-driven.
Altadena – Christmas Tree Lane
Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena is one of the nation’s oldest holiday light traditions, illuminating a mile-long stretch of Santa Rosa Avenue for over a century. Managed by the nonprofit Christmas Tree Lane Association, the event is entirely volunteer-run, with no direct oversight or funding from the city. The association, established in 1956, ensures the tradition continues through year-round planning, fundraising, and maintenance efforts.
The display is funded through private donations and community contributions. While there have been in-kind support efforts, such as Southern California Edison installing a permanent electrical system, no taxpayer money is used. Volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually to maintain and install the lights, reducing operational costs and keeping the event sustainable.
Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee
March 26, 2025
Traffic is carefully managed in coordination with county authorities. On regular nights, vehicles slowly drive through the lane, often with headlights off to enhance the viewing experience. During the annual Opening Ceremony and Winter Festival, the street is temporarily closed to cars, allowing visitors to walk freely under the illuminated trees. Sheriff’s deputies assist with traffic rerouting, and additional parking is arranged to accommodate visitors.
Unlike other holiday light displays, Christmas Tree Lane restricts street vending on most nights to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Vendors are only permitted during the Winter Festival, and even then, participation is limited to local artisans and nonprofit organizations that coordinate with the association. This controlled approach prevents excessive commercialization and keeps the event focused on its historical and community-driven roots.
The Christmas Tree Lane Association’s well-structured governance ensures the event’s continuity. By securing necessary permits, organizing volunteers, and maintaining a close partnership with local authorities, the association preserves the tradition while efficiently managing public safety and logistics.
San Diego (Rancho Peñasquitos) – Christmas Card Lane
Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Peñasquitos has been a grassroots holiday tradition for nearly 40 years, transforming several residential streets into a festive drive-through display. The event is entirely resident-organized, with no official governing committee. Homeowners coordinate informally, ensuring lights are displayed consistently and maintaining the signature theme of large, decorated plywood "Christmas cards" on their lawns.
Funding is self-sustained, with each homeowner covering their own decorations. There are no city grants or sponsorships involved. Some community organizations, such as the Rancho Peñasquitos Town Council, help with communication and occasional activities, but financial support and decision-making remain within the neighborhood.
Traffic is naturally regulated by the layout of the streets, which form loops and cul-de-sacs that channel vehicles in a one-way flow. On busy nights, many visitors park outside the neighborhood and walk through to better appreciate the displays. There is no formal traffic enforcement, as the event operates smoothly under voluntary resident coordination and general public courtesy.
Unlike large-scale city-sponsored events, Christmas Card Lane does not permit commercial vending within the neighborhood. The absence of food trucks and vendors helps maintain the residential character of the event and minimizes cleanup efforts.
Christmas Card Lane’s success lies in its strong community participation and informal yet effective organization. New families continue to embrace the tradition, ensuring its sustainability without the need for city involvement or external funding. The event remains a testament to the power of grassroots collaboration and neighborhood spirit.
These insights highlight the importance of a balanced approach where local communities take the lead in organizing holiday displays while cities provide strategic support to ensure public safety and smooth operations. By fostering grassroots involvement, encouraging self-sustained funding, and implementing practical traffic and vendor management strategies, municipalities and Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee
March 26, 2025
residents can collaborate effectively to preserve cherished traditions. This model not only enhances community engagement but also ensures that holiday events remain festive, safe, and sustainable for years to come.
Anticipated Resources for 2025
The City maintains the position that the annual neighborhood coordinated light display in the Seaside Ranchos area of Torrance is not a city-sanctioned event. The City’s sole obligation is to implement measures to protect the health and safety of the community at large.
The following resources are anticipated for the 2025 Holiday Season:
Non-Labor Resources
The City plans to allocate approximately $13,400 for non-labor resources, which include:
Sanitation Services: Deployment of 20 trash bins with coordinated pick-ups ( up to $2,500).
Traffic Control: Two illuminated light boards to provide parking and traffic information ($5,000).
Community Outreach: Informational door hangers for residents ($300). Code Enforcement: Contract services for an additional Code Enforcement Officer ($5,700).
Public Works Webpage Updates: Online resources to inform residents and visitors on key regulations and city contacts.
Labor Resources
The City anticipates labor costs of approximately $176,906, covering personnel for traffic control, public safety, and enforcement. Key allocations include:
Public Works Traffic Management: Staff will deploy and monitor signage, message boards, and traffic control devices, as well as manage road closures. ($8,894) Police Department Support: Traffic control and bicycle patrols will be staffed by Motor Officers, Service Officers, and Police Officers to ensure public safety ($158,396) Code Enforcement: Additional Code Enforcement Officers will be assigned to monitor compliance with city regulations ($9,614).
These efforts will help maintain a safe and orderly environment for residents and visitors during the holiday season.
Cottage Food Ordinance
One further issue that needs to be addressed is the Cottage Food Ordinance. Last year, City Council voted against updating the Cottage Food Sales Ordinance. Direct sales are not allowed from an attached garage, accessory residential structure, or any place outside of the residential home. Additionally, direct sales are only allowed from the home between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, daily. However, a number of residents found a loophole in the ordinance. The ordinance only covers time limits and location, as related to sales. As the ordinance does not cover giving food away or requesting donations, there is no limit to when or where either of these actions can take place. However, residents would still be required to obtain a County Cottage Food permit and a City Cottage Food business license. Additionally, all federal, state, county, and local regulations would still apply, including but not limited to the subject food must made within the home where it is being given away or donations are being requested and labeled in Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee
March 26, 2025
accordance with specific federal and state labeling regulations. While it can sometime get sticky in terms of sales versus requesting donations, with donations residents should not be making change or returning any funds. If it is the desire of the Committee to not allow any cottage food distribution between the hours of 5:00 pm and 9:00 am, then the ordinance would need to be updated to reflect this decision.
Conclusion
Staff recommends that the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee provide direction on the City’s appropriated resources for the 2025 Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights Display, ensuring that the event remains a resident-led tradition while maintaining necessary public health and safety measures. The review of best practices from other cities reinforces the importance of limited municipal involvement, focused primarily on traffic control, sanitation, and enforcement.
Additionally, the Committee’s guidance on the Cottage Food Ordinance will help address potential regulatory gaps while maintaining consistency with existing policies. The direction provided by the Committee will allow staff to refine the City's approach and ensure that both residents and visitors can continue to enjoy a safe and well-managed holiday tradition.
ATTACHMENT
1. Non-Labor and Labor Resources Data Table
Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee
March 26, 2025
ATTACHMENT 1
Non-Labor Resource 2024 Cost 2025
Estimated Cost
20 trash bins and service that includes coordinated
pick-ups with the residents
$2,200 Not to Exceed $2,500
Two illuminated light boards to assist with traffic
control and inform visitors of parking restrictions
$5,000 $5,000
Seaside Resident Informational Door Hangers $280 $300
1 Contract Code Enforcement Officer $5,700 $5,700
Public Works webpage for Seaside Ranchos
residents and visitors that included information
regarding:
o City Contact
o Parking Violations
o LA County Public Health Mobile
Food Program
o Sanitation/Trash Bins
o Traffic and Signage
o Code Enforcement
Total $13,153 $13,400
Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee
March 26, 2025
Labor Resources
Item Staff # of
Staff Day(s) Hour(s) Cost/Day Total Cost
Deployment of message
boards, traffic control
devices, “no stopping”
signs and directional signs
Traffic
Painter 1 3 8 $326.88 $980.64
Maintenance
Worker 1 3 8 $224.64 $673.92
Monitoring of all signage
and message boards, daily,
during the event
Maintenance
Worker 1 16 1 $28.08 $449.28
Traffic control set up,
staging and break -down for
closure at Linda and PV
Blvd.
Traffic
Painter 1 10 6^ $337.10 $3370.95
Maintenance
Worker 1 10 6^ $231.66 $2316.60
Breakdown of message
boards, traffic control
devices, “no stopping” signs
and directional signs
Traffic
Painter 1 2 8 $326.88 $653.76
Maintenance
Worker 1 2 8 $224.64 $449.28
Police Department Traffic
Control
Motor Officer 2 22 7^ $1,960.56 $43,132.32
Service
Officer or
Police Officer
1 22 7^ $980.28 $21,566.16
Police Department Bicycle
Patrol
Police
Sergeant 1 22 7^ $1,318.17 $28,999.74
Police Officer 3 22 7^ $2,940.84 $64,698.48
Code Enforcement
Senior Code
Enforcement
Officer
1 17 4 $267.48 $4547.16
Code
Enforcement
Officer
1 4 4 $260.69 $1042.76
Code
Enforcement
Officer
1 18 4 $173.79 $3,128.22
Code
Enforcement
Officer
1 5 4 $179.35 $896.77
Total $9,781.04 $176,906.04
Name:
Brent Maille
Comment - 03/26/2025 09:04 AM: ( No Vote )
From:
BM
Date:
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:45
PM
To:
[email protected]
<
[email protected]
>
Subject:
CDEC Committee: Direction on the Appropriated Resource Contributions FRUSTRATED 20+ YEAR RESIDENT BUT AVID DECORATOR… LOVE A LOT ABOUT OUR ANNUAL SPECTACLE BUT WE – AND THE CITY– ARE AT A BREAKING POINT.
To: Committee Members, Council Members, and City Staff
Each year, the City is shocked and surprised by the money spent the past December to support the neighborhood and its holiday light displays. Year after year, expenditures increase — and year after year, the situation in the neighborhood seems to worsen.
It may be time for the City to reconsider its current approach. Perhaps existing traffic mitigation strategies and City-supported efforts are unintentionally contributing to the problem. Encouraging and facilitating visitor access may, in fact, be part of what’s exacerbating the chaos. Introducing a bit of difficulty — some friction — in navigating the neighborhood might actually discourage excessive crowds and help restore balance.
Resident vending is a major factor.
While well-intentioned, this past City-approved activity shifted the character of the event. What was once a charming, mostly drive-through holiday experience has, over the past 7–8 years, taken on a carnival-like atmosphere. These changes closely align with the City’s involvement and, in particular, its decision to temporarily allow resident vending.
On a
micro level
, I see this daily. My street has several resident vendors. As a result, my driveway and even my vehicles become makeshift picnic spots. Visitors congregate to eat and drink, using car trunks, bumpers, and hoods as tables and chairs — often leaving trash behind as souvenirs.
On a
macro level
, this vending contributes significantly to crowd density, litter, traffic gridlock, and rising tension between residents and visitors. It’s clear the City is investing more money and resources every year to manage these effects — and it’s still not enough. I worry that both the City and the neighborhood are reaching a breaking point. The sentiment among neighbors is shifting; more and more, I hear, “Why do we still do this?” And honestly, there are nights I ask myself the same question. Are we at risk of losing this tradition to neighborhood fatigue? Maybe that’s the goal — consciously or not.
Another observable change over the past several years is the shift from drive-through to walk-
through traffic.
Sidewalks are now overcrowded, and pedestrians flood the streets and intersections, slowing vehicle flow to a crawl if not turning the streets into a parking lot. Ironically, efforts meant to manage traffic have pushed it — and all its side effects — into adjacent neighborhoods. Residents there are surely noticing the overflow of parked cars and foot traffic.
5. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
5B.
City Manager – Review and Provide Direction on Appropriated Resource Contributions and Cottage Food Ordinance related to the Neighborhood Coordinated Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights Display. Expenditure: None
If the City is concerned about rising costs for a “non-City” event, perhaps it’s time to ask the hard question:
Why
have things worsened despite increasing investment? I have my own theories to share, and I’d be interested in hearing others. But we cannot continue down this same path each year, spending more to manage something that feels increasingly unmanageable.
Resident vending is a major contributor
, but another possible factor is the City’s traffic mitigation strategy itself. Has it worked? Or has it amplified attention and drawn even larger crowds? Maybe we shouldn’t be making it easy for visitors to find and access the neighborhood. A little inconvenience might deter some — and that’s not a bad thing.
In short, perhaps it’s time to explore a
policy of retreat
. Scaling back, not expanding. Eliminating
vending and reintroducing mild friction for visitors could help return the event to its original character: a calm, family-friendly, drive-through experience. The benefits are clear — better pedestrian movement, less trash, reduced congestion, fewer conflicts, and perhaps most importantly, fewer City resources required.
What was once a magical neighborhood tradition has, in recent years, morphed into a 25-day street festival — more reminiscent of Wilson Park’s Saturday Farmers Market than a holiday light tour. It may be time to restore the balance — for the sake of both residents and the tradition itself.
Thank you for your time.
Brent Maille
I realize this is after the 5:30pm deadline so will not be posted to public record before the CDEC meeting.
But please get a copy submitted as part of public record post meeting. Thank you!
Name:
Brent Maille
Comment - 03/26/2025 09:05 AM: ( No Vote )
From:
BM
Sent:
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 10:45 PM
To:
CityCouncil <
[email protected]
>
Cc:
Le, Jamie <
[email protected]
>; Ramirez, Michelle <
[email protected]
>
Subject:
CDEC Committee: Holiday Lights/Cottage Food - 2024 Wrap Up
First, I want to express how truly special it is to live in Torrance. My interactions with City staff have consistently been outstanding. While I may not always like the answers, I deeply appreciate the effort and the promptness with which replies are provided.
Below are selected excerpts from a summary I previously shared with City staff regarding this past December’s holiday lights experience… at least from one residents perspective.
Additionally, I’ve included updated statistics from my earlier message, thanks to helpful follow-up from City staff:
• 11 citations were issued to homeowners, and 2 to outside vendors. • Of the 11 citations issued to homeowners, 7 were issued to a single resident.
Thank you again for your time and continued engagement.
I realize this is after the 5:30pm deadline so will not be posted to public record before the CDEC meeting.
But please get a copy submitted as part of public record post meeting. Thank you! From:
BM
Date:
Friday, February 14, 2025 at 1:43
PM
To:
Ramirez, Michelle <
[email protected]
>, Le, Jamie <
[email protected]
>
Subject:
Holiday Lights/Cottage Food - 2024 Wrap Up
Good afternoon Michelle and Jamie,
I hope you’re both doing well.
I wanted to check in to see if there have been any City debriefs regarding the past holiday season in Seaside Ranchos. Additionally, do you have any updates on when and how any Cottage Food ordinance modifications will be addressed? I’d appreciate any insights you can share.
As I mentioned in my November/December emails, I’m happy to participate in any City discussions that involve neighborhood input.
Cottage Food (CF) Ordinance Adjustments
I hope the City will soon consider refining the language in the CF ordinance, particularly around the term "sales." You previously mentioned to me a significant distinction between "vend" and "sales":
•
Using "vend" would prevent sales disguised as donations. •
It would allow the City to enforce restrictions that confine food vending to inside the home and during certain hours, aligning with the original intent of the Cottage Food ordinance. •
Currently, if a resident solicits offers—for example, offering a bag of popcorn for a "suggested donation"—they can operate with unlimited hours and locations (I assume only within the confines of their property????), effectively bypassing the ordinance provisions controlling hours and location.
0. There are plenty other parts of the ordinance that are still effective such as type of foods, number of customers and nuisance provisions that could be enforced even in a “suggested donation” situation.
•
Fortunately, the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance 3851 already uses the term "vend," which could serve as a model for CF revisions.
How does the City distinguish between Cottage Food operations and Sidewalk Vending when the vending occurs in a driveway?
If a homeowner is selling in their driveway, you treat this as a Cottage Food matter? Why not sidewalk vending? I don't know if it matters… I need to bounce this around in my head.
Understanding this distinction would be useful for future discussions.
Strengthening Enforcement & Fines
There’s a clear need for greater alignment between the CF ordinance and the Sidewalk Vending ordinance language as well as penalties and enforcement. Based on data compiled, several residents continued selling despite, I assume, many citations, as I am certain their nightly earnings far exceeded the fines. Their behavior did not change, even if they did voice complaints to the City or the CEOs.
Citation & Enforcement Data
While CEOs were present at least 90% of the nights (probably even more), there were at least 38 instances of driveway food sales on Reese Road alone. I’m curious how the number of citations compares to actual violations.
Can you share any data on the number of citations issued this past December?
Observations on Holiday Trends
As mentioned in my late December email, the season started well, with notably very little trash in the gutters, streets and sidewalks —something I am able to observe on my daily 6 a.m. walks. However, as December progressed, the last week/week and a half, vending activity increased, along with associated issues. Trash was spilling out of the City provided receptacles, and significantly more trash was now present every morning in the gutters, streets and sidewalks. This late start of the trash issues could be due to unpredictable visitor patterns with visitors holding off their tour of the neighborhood to the latter part of December, but more likely, it reflects the fact that we lost the vending battle those last few weeks and the bad behaviors of others became contagious! And with more vending comes more trash.
I appreciate both of your efforts on this issue. Whether or not this ever gets to a “happy place,” your efforts are so greatly appreciated.
Looking forward to any updates you can provide.
Best regards,
Brent
5C
Date: March 26, 2025
To: Chair and Members of the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee From: Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
By: Jamie Le, Assistant to the City Manager | [email protected] Subject: City Manager – Review and Provide Direction on Proposed City Website Design and Concepts. Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the City Manager that the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee review and provide direction on the proposed City website design and concepts.
BACKGROUND
The City of Torrance website serves as a critical communication tool for residents, businesses, and visitors, providing access to important city information, services, and resources. The current website has become outdated and lacks key functionalities needed to meet the growing demands of its users.
A website redesign is essential to ensure that it remains a user-friendly, accessible, and engaging platform for all stakeholders. The redesign process has been informed by user feedback, internal assessments, and industry best practices. The new website will focus on:
1. Improving navigation and user experience
2. Enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities (ADA compliance)
3. Streamlining content management for city staff
4. Optimizing mobile device compatibility
5. Updating the visual design to reflect the City’s brand and identity
The City has worked with a team of web design experts to create an initial concept for the new website. The design incorporates elements that prioritize simplicity, accessibility, and ease of navigation, while also ensuring that the website meets technical and legal standards. Staff will present the proposed website redesign to the Committee, including:
1. A preview of design concepts
2. An overview of the new website features and functionalities
3. A timeline for the development and rollout of the redesigned site
Staff recommends that the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee review the proposed redesign concepts, provide feedback, and offer direction on the website’s development.
Additionally, the Committee is asked to approve the next steps for the project including approval of design concepts.
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Date: March 26, 2025
To: Chair and Members of the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee From: Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
By: Jamie Le, Assistant to the City Manager | [email protected] Subject: Supplemental Material #1 for Agenda Item 5C.
DISCUSSION
City staff requests that the above agenda item be deferred to a date uncertain to allow additional time for staff to work with the consultant on the project. A new Committee meeting will be scheduled once the agenda item is finalized and ready to proceed. 5C