Many of the people I’ve been talking to recently have concerns about the “rowdiness” on the Pier Plaza. I’d like to share my thoughts here by posting a Letter to the Editor that was published recently in both the Daily Breeze, and the Easy Reader:
Restoring Order
As I talk with Hermosa Beach voters, I am increasingly aware of the growing frustration that our City has not addressed problems emanating from Pier Plaza.
Balancing what goes on in our downtown with the quality of life that residents deserve is one of the primary issues to which I will devote my energy as a candidate for City Council. Our City needs a thriving business environment, but not at the expense of those who live here.
What happens on Pier Plaza is fundamentally a management problem, not just a “bar” problem. Certainly, downtown establishments could do more to prevent the negative impacts of over-served customers, but, real, long-term solutions will only develop when we change the City’s downtown policy, and put that policy into effect through the City Manager and Police Chief.
With assistance from officers of neighboring cities and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), we can develop a ‘task force’ approach to maintaining peace in our neighborhoods.
I suggest we begin by enforcing existing laws – basic laws – that focus on disruptive conduct. For example, I’d initiate efforts aimed at curbing establishments from over-serving patrons, imposing stiffer fines and penalties on people who disturb the peace, and stepping up enforcement of gross infractions like public urination.
As word gets out that ‘belligerence is not welcome in Hermosa Beach’, I believe we will see the bad behavior disappear.
But it all begins with a policy shift at the City Council. If elected, I will work with my Council colleagues, residents and local businesses to find resourceful, effective solutions.
