Planning commission approves Breakthrough Beverage distribution facility at Shoemaker Avenue, adopts Resolution 303-2025

The Santa Fe Springs Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve an Alcohol Sales Conditions Permit (ASCUP/Case 91) for Breakthrough Beverage California LLC to operate a wholesale beverage distribution and warehousing facility at 15614–15620 and 15700 Shoemaker Avenue.

Economic Development Specialist Claudia Jimenez presented the application, describing a 22‑acre industrial site in the city’s M‑2 heavy‑manufacturing zone. Jimenez said the facility includes Building A (approximately 170,555 square feet) and Building B (approximately 350,000 square feet), would employ about 125 people across overlapping day and night shifts and include 265 on‑site parking stalls (100 truck stalls and 165 passenger‑vehicle stalls).

Jimenez told commissioners the applicant has applied for California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control license types O‑9, 12, 17 and 18 and that the operation is strictly business‑to‑business with no retail or direct‑to‑consumer sales on site. She said the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Section 15301 (existing facilities) because it involves no expansion of the building footprint or an increase in operational intensity. Notices were mailed to property owners within 500 feet, and staff reported no public comments as of the hearing.

The applicant, Steve Rawlings of Breakthrough Beverage California LLC, said the company plans community involvement and noted the firm’s prior operations in other California locations. "Looking forward to being staying involved with the community," Rawlings said.

After commissioners asked clarifying questions about sales, taxation and community involvement, Chair Sarno called for a motion to approve ASCUP case 91 and adopt Resolution No. 303‑2025. The Planning Commission approved the recommendation on a roll‑call vote: Commissioner Flores, aye; Commissioner Isabelle Cervantes, aye; Commissioner Ayala, aye; Vice Chair Jimenez, aye; Chair Sarno, aye. The resolution and the permit include the conditions of approval outlined in the staff report.

Votes at a glance - Consent calendar item 2: approved by roll call (5‑0). Details of the consent item were not discussed during the meeting and are subject to a 14‑day appeal period. - ASCUP / Case 91 (Breakthrough Beverage California LLC): approved; Resolution No. 303‑2025 adopted, roll call 5‑0.

What the approvals mean Staff said if the applicant later fails to secure the required ABC licenses, the ASCUP will automatically become null and void in accordance with the city’s zoning provisions (staff cited section 155.811 in the staff presentation). Jimenez also noted that if an ABC license is denied, the applicant would have up to one year to obtain the necessary approval before the ASCUP would lapse.

Next steps The approvals are final pending the 14‑day appeal period. Staff will forward conditions of approval to the applicant and proceed with ministerial permit steps if ABC licensing proceeds as expected.