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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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