Kiwanis reports weaker-than-usual tree-lot sales; asks city to reconsider restroom access
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Summary
The Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club said its annual holiday tree lot left an unusually high number of unsold trees and reported minimal profit, while raising a recurring concern about restroom key access at the Community Center East Lawn.
Rick Koenig, president of the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club, told the Community Resources Advisory Commission that the club’s annual Christmas tree lot left more than 140 unsold trees this season — the most he had seen in 25 years of involvement — producing a minimal profit for the nonprofit that supports local charities and scholarships.
Koenig said the club has supported 55 charities and awarded more than 40 scholarships with proceeds from the tree lot and other fundraising but that this year’s sales shortfall will force the organization to reduce its order next season and reassess operations.
“Within my 25 years of being a Kiwanis and being part of that lot, I never remember us having more than about maybe 15 [trees left] and we usually sell out,” Koenig said. He said the club purchased its usual supply of about 2,100 trees and that late Thanksgiving dates, more realistic-looking artificial trees and other factors may have reduced sales.
Commissioners and the public asked about logistics and accessibility. Koenig said that in prior years the Kiwanis had a key to the east-facing Community Center restrooms for emergencies, but city staff has not provided that key in recent years. The Kiwanis rented a porta-potty during the event to aid patrons with ambulatory issues, which Koenig said hurt the lot’s curb appeal and added cost.
Lisa Nichols, Community Resources Director, explained the city’s position: the south wing key cannot be loaned because that key would open multiple facilities, and the city locks the south wing for safety when the Administrative Recreation Council (ARC) is not using it. Staff directs patrons to the north-side restrooms accessed from the entrance under the theater marquee or through the offices.
Community members thanked the Kiwanis for the tradition and expressed concern about the unsold supply. Koenig said the club plans to operate the lot again but will order fewer trees next season and hopes sales improve.
The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken.
