Council authorizes up to $51,000 to support St. Patrick’s Day parade; asks staff to seek cost savings and explore beer‑garden option

Hermosa Beach — Facing a projected shortfall for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Hermosa Beach City Council voted Jan. 27 to authorize staff to reimburse the Chamber of Commerce and Foundation for up to an estimated $51,000 — covering barricades, traffic control and additional public‑safety costs — and to pursue measures that could reduce that expense before the event.

Lisa Nichols, community resources director, told council the parade generated roughly $40,000 in revenue in 2025 while expenditures totaled about $58,000. The Chamber requested help with barricades, security and insurance; staff presented alternative parade routes and a Strand-based option that would cut barricade needs and lower costs but would also reduce participation level and change the event footprint.

Council members pushed staff to seek cost‑saving best practices from neighboring South Bay cities and to explore using a combination of city barricades, rented water-filled barriers and heavy vehicles for traffic control where it is safe to do so. Police staff cautioned any alternative must meet certified traffic/vehicle-impact safety ratings; the chief asked for a short timeline to evaluate options.

Council also directed staff and the Chamber to examine a proposal to add a controlled beer garden or festival area at the parade’s end as a means to raise revenue or offset the city’s outlay. Chamber leaders and event producers told council a beer-garden could generate substantial gross receipts but cautioned that with six weeks until the event it may be challenging to secure sponsors and infrastructure; staff estimated a basic beer-garden infrastructure without stage could cost in the vicinity of $37,000, excluding beverage purchase costs.

Councilmembers said they were prepared to authorize the immediate support to preserve this year’s parade, while asking staff to return with cost-reduction options and to pursue agreements with neighboring agencies to borrow barricades or share best practices. Councilmember Jackson supported the historic route and emphasized coordinating with neighboring cities on barrier best practices; Councilmember Francois expressed concern about giving away city resources but ultimately voted in favor of the motion.

Vote: The motion authorizing reimbursement and directing staff to pursue cost reductions and to explore a beer-garden passed by roll-call (Francois — Yes; Keegan — Aye; Jackson — Aye; Seaman — Aye). Outcome: approved.

Next steps: staff will attempt to reduce the parade’s barricade and traffic-control price tag via alternative barrier strategies and cross-jurisdictional coordination, explore whether a beer-garden is feasible this year and, if so, return with a plan for permits, safety, revenue-sharing and accounting prior to finalizing reimbursements.