To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: LAURIE KOIKE, INTERIM COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AN UPDATED SEASIDE LAGOON OPERATIONAL PLAN TO ACCOMMODATE THE 2021 BEACHLIFE FESTIVAL
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On April 13, 2021, City Council provided staff with direction to proceed with the opening of Seaside Lagoon (“Lagoon”) on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 for a modified summer season. Council also directed staff to keep the Lagoon open through Labor Day, September 6, which is traditionally the last day of the summer season. During the week of April 22, 2021 Allen Sanford informed the City that his production team will need possession of Seaside Lagoon, empty and dry, on Sunday, August 29, 2021 to begin preparation for the BeachLife Festival (“BLF”). In order to accomplish this, the City’s Public Works Department will need an additional week to prepare the site, thus requiring the Lagoon operations to end at the close of business on Sunday, August 22, 2021.
According to Allen Sanford, his production team analyzed a complete rebuild of the festival infrastructure that would be situated in the marina lot near Captain Kidds restaurant, which would have allowed the Lagoon to remain open through Labor Day. However, after reviewing build schedules, decibel projections and other pertinent information, BLF concluded that the site plan from 2019 needs to remain intact, thus requiring the earlier possession date as described in this report.
BACKGROUND
On April 5, 2021 LA County moved into the less restrictive Orange Tier. On April 6, 2021 Governor Newsom announced that, based on California’s low rate of positive COVID-19 case rates and increasing vaccination rates, schools and businesses would be able to fully re-open at their pre-pandemic capacities starting June 15, 2021. Due to the expanded re-opening of LA County, an administrative report on the potential opening of Seaside Lagoon was brought to Council on April 13, 2021.
Based on Council’s direction, the Lagoon currently has a planned open date of June 15, 2021 and a closure date of Labor Day, September 6, 2021 for a total of 84 operating days. During the week of April 22, 2021 Allen Sanford informed the City that the BLF team will need possession of Seaside Lagoon on Sunday, August 29, 2021 to begin preparation for the BeachLife Festival (“BLF”). Since the second BLF stage would remain in the Lagoon area, this would require the Lagoon being emptied and available for the loading of equipment and staging on August 29, 2021. The most significant item to address at the end of the season is the draining of the Lagoon. Since the City is unable to pump the contents of the Lagoon into the ocean due to water quality requirements, Public Works will need the week prior to prepare the site and allow the water to infiltrate into the sand. Therefore, Seaside Lagoon operations will need to cease at the close of business on Sunday, August 22, 2021.
A final decision regarding the festival will need to consider all Federal, State, County and Local protocols related to COVID-19 and public gatherings. If the festival moves forward on the proposed dates of September 10 - 12, 2021 and Seaside Lagoon closes on August 22, 2021, the summer season will be approximately 69 days.
COORDINATION
The Community Services Department coordinated with the Public Works Department, the Waterfront & Economic Development Department and the City Manager’s Office in preparing this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
The historic operation of a full season at Seaside Lagoon with full capacity requires an annual subsidy from the Harbor Tidelands Funds. The average annual subsidy in the past ten years is $200,000. With a shortened season and limited capacity, the subsidy is anticipated to be much higher.
APPROVED BY:
Joe Hoefgen, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
April 13, 2021 Seaside Lagoon Staff Report