Committee advances entertainment zone ordinance, directs staff to allow ongoing permits and outreach to Ramona merchants

The Economic Development Committee on March 18 unanimously approved staff’s recommendation to advance an entertainment zone ordinance—based on Senate Bill 969—to the full City Council, and directed staff to allow ongoing activation permits for business owners and to conduct outreach before expanding the zone to the closed portion of Ramona Street.

The ordinance would enable a defined entertainment zone on the car-free portion of California Avenue and operate the zone through the city’s existing special event permit process. Staff said the zone would be triggered by a special event permit rather than being active continuously, and proposed operating hours of noon–10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sundays. Participating businesses must comply with their existing ABC licenses; wristbands and non-glass containers would be…