MEETING MINUTES

Belmont Shore Residents Association

MINUTES

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

May 08, 2014

The meeting was called to order by President Terence Endersen at 6:00pm. Vice President Frank Elizondo was in attendance, as were Executive Board members: Marvin Jones, Max Alavi, Aileen Colon and Julie Dean. Secretary Jeff Miller, Treasurer Robert O’Connor and Executive Board member Sanne Berrig were absent and excused. 45 additional BSRA members and visitors were present.

The agenda was approved, as were the minutes of the April 10, 2014 meeting.

No Bay Shore Library Minute occurred.

Lt. Jeff Lieberman of the East Division gave the LBPD report:

· He advised he is responsible for the swing shift (3 p.m. to 1 a.m.)

· This month’s report:

o One attempted break-in where a witness saw the suspect

o 2 residential burglaries, which were bikes stolen from attached garages. Burglars are accessing garages via side doors

o 1 documented case of assault between 2 homeless people

o 1 drug arrest of a non-local with drug paraphernalia

· LBPD is working with LB Fire Department on 4^th of July safety plans. They will pay special attention to overcrowding, drinking, illegal fireworks and there will be rapid deployment to incidents, parties

· Walking beat officers are deployed from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. The Lt. asks that residents let the walking beat officers know what is going on. Their job is to get to know residents and business owners and to keep things under control through the summer. They simply walk 2^nd Street and their primary focus is to be visible on 2^nd Street. The walking beat is in place 9 months of the year. The current walking beat is made up of Officer Webber and Officer Kent (replacements on their days off/vacation)

· A resident advised that the tires of 13 cars were slashed in the alley between Santa Ana and Pomona (another resident advised additional cars in the Corona alley also had their tires slashed). The Lt said he will review the case numbers and email the status to the BSRA

· A resident advised that there is a growing homeless population on the beach, with some people sleeping under lifeguard stands. LBPD met recently with stakeholders (city homeless coordinator, homeless advocates, etc.) and explained that it is a crime to camp on the beach (however, it is legal to walk on the beach in evening) and they are doing what they can within the framework of the law. The Lt. explained that it takes a team approach

· The Lt. explained how important it is for residents to call in suspicious activity. He clarified that officers have more authority to detain a suspicious-looking individual if they are working from a complaint (vs. simply approaching someone on their own)

Robert Garcia and Damon Dunn were given time to speak about their candidacy and answer questions about issues of concern to Belmont Shore residents. They were each given 5 minutes for opening comments, 5 questions and 2 minutes for closing comments. For further details, please refer to the end of this document.

Alexis from Quinn’s advised that the BSBA has a number of Belmont Shore Stroll & Savor events on the following Wednesdays & Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.: May 14 & 15; June 18 & 19; July 16 & 17; August 13 & 14 and Sept 17 & 18. She also advised of the new children’s store that just opened on Park and the closure of We Olive’s (olive oil/vinegar). Aileen Colon advised that the owner of Brix wants the residents to know they are now serving brunch on weekends from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Julie Maleki from Third District Councilman Gary Delong's office covered the following items:

· The repaving of Bay Shore Ave is just about complete with only striping left to be completed. Ocean Blvd from Livingston to 54^th Place will next be repaved and the curbs and sidewalks will be replaced, probably after summer. Funding to consider other Shore sidewalk repairs will need to wait until additional funding is made available, which is anticipated in October 2014

· In honor of Earth Day, there is FREE mulch available (until the pile is gone) at the Christmas Tree recycling area next to Fire Station 14 (near Marine Stadium)

· This Saturday, May 10^th, is the annual Shred Fest from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 5907 E Naples Plaza. They are able to shred documents and take e-waste and batteries, but no paint or hazardous waste

· The Bluff work has halted; City Planning and staff are reviewing what recommendations will be suggested to the City Council

· The Marine Director position remains vacant; however, the city is recruiting to fill the vacancy. Elvira Hallinan (elvira.hallinan@longbeach.gov) is the Acting Manager.

· The California Coastal Commission requires a trail be installed on the canal side of Sorrento. The City is looking for a project manager to meet with residences and to work out a plan to comply with the order

· Questions were raised about the condition of the alleys. So, far in the last 8 years, only two resident alleys were repaved and in both situations, the residents, chipped in funding to complete the project. Concern of the roundabout at Ximeno and Vista was raised, as the growth obstructs a driver’s vision, unless one is driving a SUV. Follow up will be made. An issue was raised regarding the condition of Division, as the street near Granada, is in very poor condition. The resident stated, he has left messages for Dave Roseman, follow up will be made. A question regarding the status of the 2^nd beach path was raised. A pending report should be ready in a few more weeks. Apparently, a kite surfer’s area warning sign has been posted at the beach, alerting swimmers, that they should postpone the general public from swimming in the area until after surf rider training concludes on June 15^th. The attending resident, felt it is not right to have posted such a sign which suggests people cannot access the public beach

There was no Parking Commission report; however, the agenda indicated cameras will be installed on 2^nd Street at intersections. They will not be continually monitored but will be available for PD review.

President Terence Endersen reported on the Save the Home project regarding 205 La Verne. He provided important dates of upcoming meetings and a hearing that needs to be well attended to support stopping the pending action of buying/raising and build out of a 7 spot parking lot at an impact and cost of residents

There was no Secretary report.

President Terence Endersen advised the BSRA treasury account balance is $1686.70.

No committee reports, old business or new business.

Public comment:

· Brian Clark & Dan Simon of Tavern on 2 spoke of their desire for a full liquor license.

· The board stated their position of opposing any new full liquor licenses.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.

Submitted by:

Aileen Colon and Julie Dean

BSRA MEETING 5/8/14 - Mayoral Candidate Questions:

5 Minutes for Opening Comments

5 Questions:

1. Belmont Shore homeowners love the community life and businesses that thrive through the middle of our neighborhood on 2^nd Street. Unfortunately, we are witnessing it being converted into a regional vs local destination and a proliferation of bars and restaurants. St

As Mayoral Candidates, please tell us your “philosophy” on this kind of “business development” at the cost of the residential community around it, achieved by zoning “variations”, “exceptions”, and “grandfathered/phantom parking” spaces.

5 min each to respond

2. The issue of converting homes to parking lots is a hot topic in Belmont Shore. Wording within the Local Coastal Plan allows for the taking of the 1^st home north or south of the business alleys for parking.

"Vice Mayor Garcia, you are currently on the City Council - if the issue of
taking 205 LaVerne for a parking lot comes to the Council before the end of your term in July, would you vote Yes, to take the house, or No to oppose taking the house?

As mayor, would you support an effort to remove this wording from the city’s LCP.

Mr. Dunn, if you were now a Long Beach Councilmember, and faced with the same set of circumstances as Councilmember Garcia, how would you vote?"

As mayor, would you support an effort to remove this wording from the city’s LCP

5 min each to respond

3. This is from the City’s Website regarding Commissions, Boards and Committees

Welcome to the City of Long Beach Commissions, Boards and Committees information site. These community based commissions play a vital role in bringing transparency, change, and growth to the City of Long Beach. Thank you for your interest to serve.

The Mayor's Office accepts applications all year long. Applications are kept on file for 2 years.

Belmont Shore Parking and Business Improvement Area Advisory Commission

· 3 Commercial Property Owners in Belmont Shore

· 3 Business Operators within the designated area, at least 2 of whom shall be members of the Board of Directors of the BSBA, nominated by the association

· 1 Belmont Shore resident and a member of the BSRA, which the BSRA may recommend to the Mayor a person for such appointment

· 4 consecutive 2 year terms and past that, can stay in office until a new appointment by the Mayor

As Mayor, would you be supportive of changing the makeup of the Parking Commission to have equal representation by commercial property owners, business operators and Belmont shore residents and removing the loopholes regarding:

· ‘consecutive terms’ wording allows a commissioner to go off the commission for 2 years and then be reappointed

· that termed out commissioners stay in office unless replaced by the Mayor, which allows commissioners to stay on indefinitely

· add a condition that the business owner commissioner does not occupy a commercial property owned by one of the commercial property owner commissioners

5 min each to respond

4. What is your position regarding the modification of SEADIP and what would you support being built @ 2^nd & PCH.

3 min each to respond

5. What is your position on the efforts to reconfigure the breakwater.

3 min each to respond

2 Minutes for Closing Comments

Mayoral Candidate Responses:

Robert Garcia

He was born in Peru and immigrated at age five to the U.S. His mother was hard working and encouraged him to seek higher education. As a young child they would go to Mother’s Beach and he loved the area. He eventually completed his undergrad work at Cal State Long Beach and attended USC graduate school, where he now teaches. He resided in Belmont Shore for 10 of the 20 years he has lived in Long Beach. He is 36 years old and loves Long Beach. Serving as a Long Beach Vice Mayor and 1^st District City councilperson for nearly six years, he very eagerly wants to continue his service as mayor. He worked to reduce a $40 million deficit in pensions, implemented reforms that resulted in a $250 million savings and brought the crime rate to a historic 41 year low. Garcia explained he wants to stay on the current fiscal path. He is endorsed by the Long Beach Press Telegram, President of the School Board and Mayor Foster.

1. Garcia says he feels the character of Belmont shore is important and he supports small businesses in lieu of increasing the number of large chain stores. He has seen changes in the Shore and mentioned how surprised he was to see the Baja Fish restaurant change the façade of the existing building to one that appears sterile. He stressed wanting to keep the old character of 2^nd Street.

2. Garcia understands how the residents contend with parking issues and folks who leave the bars. He said that businesses will come and go but decisions must be made by the community, we need a better balance and often, the residents should take precedence. Garcia said he would likely vote “no” but could not give a definitive response, if he had to vote today on 205 La Verne Avenue. When a project like this comes before the City Council, it is his expectation that the project has been vetted through the community. He expects any type of property purchase or development purchase to always be a community-driven process and wants to know if there is consensus to move forward. After having met with residents, he realized that was not the case in this matter. He feels that the general idea of turning Belmont Shore residential properties into parking lots is sad. Garcia feels the community and city leaders need to work with the businesses to allow parking after hours and/or overnight parking for residents, much as what has been realized in the downtown area, by use of permits. He mentioned the strong and effective Save Our Homes effort and that the participants are well organized in bringing the issue to the attention of the city council and have generally increased awareness within the community.

3. Garcia believes that some commissions, in particular the parking commission, need to have sufficient residential participation, as the issues heavily impact residents. He noted that on the topic of Commissions, he has a different philosophy than Mayor Bob Foster. Garcia believes the Parking Commission may need to be modified and as a whole, City Commission appointments, need to be reviewed for possible change. A review to determine which commissions are working and which are not working needs to be completed. A better job is needed to be done to fill commissioner positions and not solely placing the recruitment on the web, as it is now. Garcia knows that Long Beach has a huge need for commissioners and that the appointments need to reflect the diversity of the city. The need to promote residents to apply for such positions requires improved outreach efforts.

4. In responding to the SEADIP issue, Garcia mentioned his recent work on developing and implementing a downtown plan and that positive change has occurred in the last two years. He is concerned with the SEADIP project as everyone should be concerned about the protection of the wetlands, as it is the last piece of environmental wetlands and it needs to be restored. SEADIP and the development of the project is an opportunity to transform and possibly link the shopping areas of the Market Place, Marina Pacifica, Gelson’s shopping area, Whole Foods shopping area and 2^nd & PCH so that it can be one center. He envisions patrons having the ability to park, walk to the AMC and then walk to one of the other centers for dinner, perhaps via links/connections of bridges or better crosswalks. Traffic and impact studies need to be completed to allow for an effective plan without high rises.

5. Garcia remains supportive of the City partially funding the Army Core of Engineers’ study to best determine what, if anything, can be done to modify the breakwater. The need to keep the Peninsula and Shore homes safe, along with the need to provide protection to the port complex, remains but he is hopeful that the study, with scientists’ expertise, will allow for improvement to the quality of the water.

Damon Dunn

His mom was 16 when he was born and his father died when he was 3 years old. His grandparents raised him on a farm in Mansfield, TX, where he worked hard with his two uncles. His mother returned when she was 28 and they moved together to the inner city. She encouraged him to seek higher education so he continued to work hard, receiving A’s in school, earning a full scholarship to Stanford University and being nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship. After graduating he played in the NFL for three years. Dunn then went on to start a business with a former college friend, which yielded them 160 million dollars. He later graduated from Harvard Business School. He advised he has been successful in his endeavors and believes strongly that he can apply those principles to run the City of Long Beach. Dunn has spent time as a philanthropist and was encouraged by Jerry Miller to run for mayor. If elected as Mayor he knows he is capable and experienced to work hard and can manage a $200-400 million general fund, especially for the upcoming and important City projects that include the funding for the City Civic Center. He closed by advising he had walked all nine districts, stopped at 12,000 doors and listened to and learned of the concerns residents shared. He explained that in his career, he has excelled in all of his endeavors and if elected he will give his every effort to move forward. Dunn stated it would be a pleasure and honor to serve Long Beach.

1. While many of his answers to the questions paralleled Garcia’s responses, Dunn mentioned he did not believe in paying 700K for a home and then tearing it down; he said “it just does not make sense”. He feels that this devalues the properties and does not offer a lot of parking Dunn believes one needs to be penny wise and not penny foolish and stated that he would be supportive to changing the current code, which allows zoning one house-in/ adjacent to the business alley to be converted to a parking lot. He would support a change, if introduced by the new 3^rd District Councilperson. He stated: “Who would want to live next to a parking lot”?

2. Dunn indicated he has no obligation of cronyism and would change code so that residents are represented, as well as businesses. He also believes there should be no conflicts of interest. He feels that commissioners should serve their term and move on. Dunn would fill positions quickly with no extended periods of time as it leads to negative impressions.

3. Regarding the 2^nd & PCH plans, Dunn believes in controlling the parameters: traffic mitigations, height restrictions, density restrictions. He would want to control possible issues by zoning and overlay, build environmentally responsibly and create something that is pedestrian-friendly.

4. Dunn says he needs to find out what the science says regarding the Breakwater and make sure the residents and property are safe. He would need to verify property is protected and validate with the community. He believes ideas need to be vetted.