Hermosa Beach ‘Early Bird” parking permit proposed as remedy for early enforcement

Longtime 14th Street Hermosa Beach surfers Tamara Lentz, Steve Smith, and Peter Williams surf almost every morning until 10 a.m.without paying the downtown parking meters. But this week the Hermosa City council voted to begin downtown parking meter enforcement at 8 a.m. and to increase rates to $2 per hour. To accommodate frequent morning visitors to the downtown, the council also voted to offer parking meter permits valid from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for $180 annually. Photo by Kevin Cody — Longtime 14th Street Hermosa Beach surfers Tamara Lentz, Steve Smith, and Peter Williams surf almost every morning without having to pay the 14th Street meters until 10 a.m., by which time the wind usually comes up and they are ready to get out of the water. But this week the Hermosa City council voted to begin downtown parking meter enforcement at 8 a.m. and to increase rates from $1.50 to $2 per hour. To accommodate frequent morning beach visitors the council also voted to offer parking meter permits valid from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for $180 annually. Photo by Kevin Cody

by Kevin Cody

An “Early Bird” parking permit was approved on a three to two vote by the Hermosa Beach City Council at the Tuesday, March 28 council meeting. The permit will cost $180 annually, and allow free parking at downtown, and neighboring downtown parking meters from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily

Currently, parking at these meters is free until 10 a.m.

The “Early Bird” permit was part of a motion by Councilmember Justin Massey to begin the meter enforcement at 8 a.m.

Massey said the earlier meter enforcement would offset city costs associated with the 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. downtown visitors.

The expanded meter enforcement will generate $815,452 annually, according to the city staff report.

Councilmember Dean Francois questioned whether the expanded meter enforcement would cost more than it generates. City treasurer Viki Copeland told the council parking revenue is approximately $3.8 million annually, and expenses approximately $4 million annually.

“Parking enforcement loses money. And now you want to expand it. This makes no sense,” Francois said.

Francois also challenged the contention that earlier enforcement is necessary to force turnover at the downtown meters. A recent city survey found the morning occupancy rate at downtown meters is 36 to 56 percent.

Councilmemer Mike Detoy also opposed the expanded morning enforcement out of concern it would discourage breakfast goers, and coffee drinkers, as well as joggers, walkers, surfers and volleyball players from their downtown activities.

“I don’t see why we are making this change,” he said.

Mayor Raymond Jackson and Councilmember Rob Saeman joined Massey in voting for the expanded enforcement, and the “Early Bird” permit. ER

Mayor Jackson to lead painting class

Hermosa Beach Mayor Ray Jackson will lead residents in repainting classrooms at South Park from 9 a.m. until 10:30 on Saturday, April 1. The Mayor and city staff will also share updates on the City’s housing element. The park is located at 425 Valley Drive. ER