Endless Summer Classic Car Show organizer thanks city, raises Public Works fee issue for contract renewal

David Friedman, who organizes the Endless Summer Classic Car Show, presented a post-event report to the Hermosa Beach Parks, Recreation & Community Resources Advisory Commission on May 6, describing the 26th annual event as well attended and ‘‘a wonderful show’’ despite overcast weather.

Friedman told commissioners the show hosted 48 cars — the most the event has ever had — and that downtown tenants reported heavier-than-usual patronage. The show is run as a free community event without registration, judging or entry fees.

Friedman said the organizers were surprised 48 hours before the May event when Public Works staff asked how the event producers intended to pay $1,040 for Public Works overtime. ‘‘We don't have $10, let alone a thousand dollars,’’ he said, recounting that the club is a small 501(c)(3) and cannot quickly assemble that sum. Friedman said Brian from Public Works ultimately ‘‘made this happen’’ for the May event, but the organizers want the city’s long-term agreement to address whether this cost is the city’s responsibility or the producer’s in future years.

City staff told the commission the Public Works presence and associated direct costs grew from a recent practice requiring Public Works to manage cars loading onto and off of Pier Plaza for safety. Staff said because the car show is free to participants and remains under the 500-person threshold, the city has been able to classify it as a category 1 event and waive indirect fees; staff said they are reviewing insurance requirements and the special-event policy guide to reduce liability and the need for an on-site Public Works overtime call-out if possible.

Friedman said the club plans to continue the event and will work with the Chamber of Commerce and city staff on communication to avoid scheduling confusion that led some people to miss the show. He also thanked city staff and downtown tenants for support and said he flies back from Hawaii to run the show.

No formal action was taken at the meeting on the car show’s contract; staff said the item will be addressed when the long-term agreement is renewed.

Clarifying details from the meeting include Friedman’s reported car count (48) and the specific overtime amount mentioned by the organizer ($1,040). City staff described the current policy position that the show qualifies for fee waivers because it has no participant fees and is under the 500-person threshold but said insurance and special-event guidance remain under review for future years.