To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ANDREW WINJE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
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APPROVE THE TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE OF AVENUE H AT DORIS WAY FROM NOVEMBER 27, 2026 THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2027 AND THE ASSOCIATED TRAFFIC CONTROL AND TRASH COLLECTION MEASURES TO HELP MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF THE ANNUAL TORRANCE NEIGHBORHOOD HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Each year, as part of the holiday season, the City closes Avenue H at Doris Way to vehicular traffic to alleviate the impacts of the Sleepy Hollow neighborhood holiday light display on Redondo Beach residents. This year’s proposed street closure and associated traffic control (see attached) and trash collection plan mirror last year’s and are scheduled for the period Friday, November 27, 2026 through Saturday, January 2, 2027. The times of the proposed street closure are from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily.
BACKGROUND
This seasonal street closure was initiated in 1993 by a petition from residents along Avenue H, Massena Avenue, and Circle Drive requesting that the City address heavy traffic congestion due to the Seaside Ranchos (Sleepy Hollow) neighborhood’s holiday season light displays in Torrance. Representatives from the cities of Redondo Beach and Torrance met and determined that temporary barricades installed by Redondo Beach would resolve the issue. In 2024, staff implemented more robust measures to address various issues, including a temporary roundabout, additional signs, and additional trash cans. This deployment was used again with success in 2025 and staff recommends the same for 2026.
Current practice includes the daily installation and removal of lockable in-street bollards during the closure period and the daily trash pick-up, as well as installation of associated signage included as an attachment to this report. As resources allow, the Redondo Beach Police Department will deploy enhanced enforcement and patrols in the neighborhood during the holiday season.
COORDINATION
The Public Works Department will assign personnel to set up the traffic mitigation plan and, as in past seasons, install and remove the bollards and empty the additional trash cans daily during the holiday season.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost for this task is included in the Adopted FY 2026-27 Budget for the Public Works Department and is part of the Department’s annual work program. Placement of the signs and street closure barricades is done during normal working hours for City maintenance personnel. All signs and barricades are reused from year-to-year.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Avenue H Neighborhood Holiday Lights Traffic Mitigations