A group of long-time Jazzercise instructors and participants urged the Carpinteria City Council on Nov. 24 to restore holiday access to Veterans Hall after the city changed its rental and staffing policy.

Connie Ferquin, who said she owns Jazzercise in Carpinteria with her sister, told the council the program has been part of the city for more than 35 years and that a recent rent increase and a new $25 staffing fee threaten the group's Thanksgiving-weekend tradition. "The holiday closure poses a significant challenge for us," she said, noting instructors historically opened and closed the hall without issue for decades.

Members echoed that message and presented handwritten letters from participants asking the city to allow holiday classes. Robin Carlson, another instructor, said the group has reliably unlocked and locked the hall for 30 years and asked for policy flexibility so classes can continue during holidays.

City staff said the fee and staffing change followed guidance from the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA), which advised against unsupervised facilities because of potential liability for the city. City Manager Michael Ramirez said recent staffing shortages complicated holiday coverage; he authorized overtime for Saturday coverage and said the city will absorb that cost this time. Ramirez said staff will explore options such as a certified-volunteer ("docent") program, contract-instructor arrangements, or hiring to cover rentals in the future.

Council members and staff agreed to consider policy options and suggested bringing a refined proposal back to the council. Meanwhile the city arranged for Saturday holiday classes to proceed with city staffing to minimize disruption.