Election Results

michael4hermosa — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 22:35:22 +0000

See the full election results at: http://rrccmain.co.la.ca.us/charts/0017/0017CITYHECC.htm

Candidate	Votes	Percent
MICHAEL DIVIRGILIO	1,343	26.04
PETER TUCKER	1,075	20.85
JEFF DUCLOS	1,011	19.6
JANICE R BRITTAIN	674	13.07
JEFF MAXWELL	627	12.16
MICHELLE KEEGAN	427	8.28

Property Development and Long-term Planning

michael4hermosa — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:31:30 +0000

One of the issues that I have spent a lot of time thinking about and talking with people about during my campaign is the need to be strategic and intentional about the business development opportunities in our city. The reasons I believe this is important are two fold:There are several large and important properties on the verge of changing hands. These include the properties where the Mermaid and Scotty’s are located. Obviously, these are two properties right on the beach and they have the opportunity to be keystone businesses in our city. Developers are already approaching the current property owners and the city with their ideas for how the properties should be developed.

I believe we, as a city council and citizens of Hermosa, should have the opportunity to decide what types of businesses would best serve the city in these two locations instead of letting the market and the developers make those decisions by themselves. I think the businesses that should be selected for these locations should contribute to the quality of life of our seaside village, as well as provide healthy tax revenue to balance our current overdependence on restaurants and bars in downtown.

To hear more about my thoughts on property development and long-term planning, view my response to this question during one of the city debates by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACeUUTme1d0.

Disappointing campaign tactics

michael4hermosa — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 06:51:28 +0000

Many Hermosa residents received negative campaign literature this week. In ALL cases I found these tactics to be disappointing, immature and worse, potentially distracting to voters intent on focusing on the issues facing each of us day-in and day-out in Hermosa Beach. I’m proud that my campaign has not had any role in these attack pieces.

Agenda-driven literature only serves the motives of its author. We can prove these tactics to be ineffective and unwanted by:

Continuing to analyze candidates on their merits, and
Contacting candidates directly to address rumors or disagreeable positions.

I for one would welcome any caller who has a question or concern about me or my campaign.

Through Tuesday and beyond, I will continue a professional and forward-looking discussion about the issues (like long-term planning and a resident friendly downtown) that are important to me, my family and to the thousands of residents I’ve met throughout the past several months.

DiVirgilio get Daily Breeze endorsement

michael4hermosa — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:35:46 +0000

I am proud to share that the Daily Breeze has endorsed my candidacy for Hermosa Beach City Council. I am also pleased and honored to add their support to a distinguished list of nearly one hundred personal endorsements from Hermosa residents.

The editors attribute their endorsement to my ‘range of experience’ in dealing with development issues, like those on Hermosa’s horizon, as well my approach to managing the Pier Plaza and my leadership on regional matters impacting Hermosa.

Did you know?

michael4hermosa — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 20:07:55 +0000

I have spent a lot of time in the recent debates trying to advocate for our city’s need to think strategically about business development. I think it makes sense to think strategically about how we can best develop the limited commercial properties in our city to be sure we include potential revenue as an additional generated by commercial impact.

I hope in communicating more details about my thought process (and about how some of the city’s revenue is generated) that you too would share this opinion and begin participating in this dialogue.

Sales Tax

The city of Hermosa Beach sees only 1% of the sales tax revenue from restaurants and bars in town, and this income is received as a reimbursement approximately every six months from the State of California.

Property Tax

The city of Hermosa Beach sees only 20.4-cents out of every dollar you pay in property taxes. That means, that for every thousand dollars you pay, the city gets $240 dollars.

Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT)
Also know as the ‘hotel tax’ the city collects a 10% tax every time someone stays at a hotel in Hermosa Beach. Even better, the city receives this payment from hotels operators directly and on a quarterly basis. The TOT is one of the most profitable businesses our city can attract and retain.

Business License Fees

All businesses in Hermosa Beach pay an annual Business License Fee. While the fees vary, it’s important to note that service businesses, such as salons and dry cleaners, do not generate revenue for the city of Hermosa Beach beyond the Businesses License Fee which is approximately $185.

Free Energy Tune Up

michael4hermosa — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:51:43 +0000

I just submitted a letter to the editor to let folks know about a terrific program we just learned about to help Hermosa Beach residents tune up the energy usage in their homes – with up to $500 in supplies and improvements – for FREE. We’re scheduled to get ours next weekend and I’ve spoken to several residents who were extremely pleased with the service. Call Maria Ortega, Hermosa’s direct contact at 800-447-7611.

Green Savings I recently learned that Hermosa Beach residents are currently eligible to participate in a FREE in home energy tune-up program through a collaboration of The Community Energy Partnership, Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Company.

The Energy Coalition trains contractors to go into homes to provide a 3-step process: Assess, Tune-up, and Flag further savings. Working by appointment, contractors replace or make modifications to lighting, plumbing, home appliances, doors and windows. Residents experience immediate improvements in comfort and start saving on utility bills. While not everything applies to each home, contractors aim to provide residents with up to $200 in direct services, to generate $500 of consumer benefit. Direct services may include installing compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs); checking water heaters for safety earthquake strapping or to furnish wraps and pipe insulation; and equipping plumbing fixtures with faucet aerators and low flow showerheads.

These direct services of material and labor are then calculated to estimate kWh & thermal savings for the household. This is a great environmental opportunity, which I’ve scheduled for my own home and wanted to share with other Hermosa residents.

Empower Hermosa and call our contact Maria Ortega at 800-447-7611. Save energy, reduce your carbon footprint, pay nothing. It’s a WIN WIN! WIN! Sincerely,

Michael DiVirgilio

Meet and Greet #7

michael4hermosa — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 18:46:07 +0000

Just returned from another successful ‘meet and greet’ event with more than 25 people in attendance. Our seventh event was hosted by former Mayor Kathy Dunbabin, Steve and Carol Francis and Daniel and Shauna Valenzuela (pictured).

More and more of the questions that are on peoples minds are with regard to the future plans of our City. We have an opportunity to steer the future growth and development in a proactive manner if we start discussing it now.

Centennial Dinner Blowout

michael4hermosa — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:20:29 +0000

This last Saturday Hermosa Beach celebrated it’s 100th birthday in style. Over 400 people were part of a great HB party. Some of my supporters attending were: Kim MacMullen, Dorothy Forba, Ken Hartley, Myself and wife Danay, and Kelly Kovac-Reedy (this year’s Woman of the Year for her leadership in the Neighboorhood Watch program).

List of “Meet and Greets”

michael4hermosa — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 19:53:46 +0000

To date, we have held three successful “Meet and Greet” events (thanks to Dorothy Forba & Ken Hartley, Daniel & Janice Polizzotto and Robert & Kathy Bergstrom for hosting) providing a venue for more than 50 people in our community to meet me and hear more about my vision for Hermosa Beach. Please consider attending one of the following events to learn more about my campaign. Bring your friends and neighbors.

DATE – TIME – LOCATION – HOSTS
October 6, 11:30 – 1:30 pm, 955 8th Place – Cathy & Dick McCurdy

October 10, 6:30 to 8 pm, 502 The Strand – Sue & Shawn Darcy

October 13, 11 to 1:30 pm, 238 25th Street – Francis, Valenzuela & Dunbabin families

October 18, 7 to 9 pm, 1121 Bayview Street – Jim & Sharon Rosenberger

October 19, 7 to 9 pm, 1011 Monterey Blvd. – Carolyn & Guy Petty

October 24 7 to 9 pm, 1812 The Strand Eloise Butler

HAF’s Free Friday Movies

michael4hermosa — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 19:50:00 +0000

The last few Fridays I’ve been helping at the Hermosa Arts Foundation’s Free Friday Movies (6 PM at the Community Center). Here’s a shot with supporter and fellow Board Member Monique Noriega.