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 required during zone activations.

Ruth (economic development specialist, speaker 6) said SB 969 “came to effect 01/01/2025” and that the local ordinance will define boundaries, operating hours and require law enforcement consultation. Nancy (speaker 7), who led the implementation overview, told the committee the city would rely on the special event permit process and that “the zone is triggered and activated with a special event permit,” not always on.

Committee members pressed staff on operational details. Council member Liu (speaker 3) asked whether the permits are discretionary and whether the city would recover staff time; staff replied that the level of review varies by event and that a basic permit for fewer than 200 attendees is $230. Assistant Chief James Reifschnider (speaker 9) said police review is straightforward for small events but that large evening events with alcohol require more assessment; he added the pilot will let the city measure any additional staffing needs.

Tim Shimizu (city attorney’s office, speaker 13) told the committee that recurring or ongoing permits are legally possible: “what you're talking about is possible, under the law,” he said, while noting questions about who bears responsibility for event operations and liabilities.

After discussion and public comment—including Chamber remarks urging collaboration and merchant questions about insurance and cleanup—the committee approved a motion to: (1) allow ongoing activation permits from business owners or merchants; (2) give staff flexibility to expand the entertainment zone to the closed portion of Ramona Street after outreach with Ramona merchants; and (3) direct staff to modify the special event permit process if necessary to implement the direction. The motion was moved by Council member Liu (speaker 3), seconded by Greer (speaker 11), and carried unanimously (Vice Mayor Stone: yes; Council member Liu: yes; Chair: yes).

Staff said the ordinance is intended to move quickly so there is no gap when the city’s current open-container resolution sunsets on May 31. If the committee’s direction stands, staff will bring the ordinance to the full council for first and second readings in April, and will continue merchant outreach and coordination with police and the chamber ahead of implementation.

Next steps: staff will return the ordinance to the full City Council for consideration (staff projected first reading in April and a second reading on April 20) and will host webinars for merchants to explain permit requirements and operational details.