UPDATE MARCH 7, 2011 At the City Council meeting today, the owner of Bomburger recinded their application for an alcohol license citing residential concerns over public safety. The HBDRA extends its gratitude to Bomburger and wishes them all the best.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 8, 2011 The Bomburger appeal to the City Council is scheduled for March 7th.

BOHR FILES BOMBURGER APPEAL

FEBRUARY 5, 2011 Thirty minutes before the deadline yesterday, City Council Member Keith Bohr filed an appeal of the Bomburger decision to the City Council.

On January 25th, the Planning Commission voted 4-3 to deny Bomburger an alcohol license. Bomburger is that small Downtown take-out hamburger hamlet on Main Street and now they want to sell beer and wine in violation of City policy.

Bohr seems to consider that an exception to City policy may be appropriate, and after trying to influence (unsuccessfully) the vote on the Planning Commission, he is now taking it to the City Council, where his influence will be greater.

Councilman Bohr was the only City Council member that tried to influence the Planning Commission regarding this vote and he contacted a majority of the Commissioners, which is unprecedented, and has raised concerns regarding a Brown Act violation.

The Planning Commission is comprised of individual City Council appointees and does not have a specific Council liaison which means that all Council members are liaisons. According to City Council Resolution 99-84, Council liaisons “should not direct the advisory body towards specific actions or activities” . . . and “should not impact the outcome of a decision or a vote.”

Some might consider this type of influence peddling to be inappropriate and in violation of City policy – we’ll let others chew on that for a while and determine if an investigation or other action is warranted. Bohr, however, is no stranger to extending his influence where it may not be appropriate.

As a Planning Commissioner in 2003, he was forced to resign his appointment less than six months after being sworn in because of an influence-related allegation.

The HBDRA opposes the issuance of any more alcohol licenses in Downtown Huntington Beach due to the related crime associated with an undue concentration and over-saturation of alcohol consumption in the Downtown area. In January, it was announced by the State of California Office of Traffic Safety that Huntington Beach ranks #1 in alcohol related traffic accidents. Click HERE to read more.

In his 2008 City Council campaign website, it states, “Your vote for Keith Bohr means a commitment to maintain our low crime rate.” Perhaps Mr. Bohr can explain how adding another alcohol license in Downtown helps maintain our low crime rate. (Which, by the way, isn’t low at all.) Some might argue just the opposite. We don’t need another place to consume alcohol Downtown and we don’t need another alcohol related traffic accident or DUI fatality causing personal tragedy for families and individuals. Mr. Bohr, please withdraw your appeal.

ON THE RECORD.

Where do our newly elected City Council members stand on the Late-Night Bar Scene in Downtown Huntington Beach?

Here are their responses to the HBDRA City Council Candidate Questionnaire as of November 2, 2010:

QUESTION: There is a growing situation with the late-night downtown entertainment establishments that serve alcohol and negatively impact downtown residential parking, public safety, and community quality of life. What are your views on this subject and what actions would you consider, if any, to address the residents’ concerns if you are elected to the City Council?

CONNIE BOARDMAN: All neighborhoods in our city matter. Downtown residents have the same right as any other residents to a peaceful, safe neighborhood. To reduce the parking impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods I support shuttles to bring visitors into downtown from areas such as shopping center parking lots. We also have to keep in mind the valid concerns of downtown residents when approving business uses in the downtown area. Downtown has too many bars and clubs, what we need is a greater diversity of business so families feel comfortable downtown at night.

HBDRA: Connie Boardman endorses a balanced and reasonable approach to Downtown issues and supports residential quality of life concerns. The HBDRA endorsed Connie Boardman for City Council in the 2010 election.

JOE CARCHIO: My view of Downtown’s late night drinking and some negative issues is clear and a matter of record. I have been working on and proposing solution for a number of years. I have been instrumental in helping to develop new policies for both he Police and the City that are having a positive effect already.

HBDRA: Despite his “positive” yet unsubstantiated response above, Joe Carchio endorses a pro-business, pro-development agenda with little regard for residential quality of life.

MATT HARPER: As a beach city, our downtown hugs the Pacific coast, miles from the freeways. As a result, our downtown is not home to major corporate headquarters, or large accounting, legal, architectural or engineering firms. However, our downtown is home to civic, educational, and religious institutions. Our downtown is also home to restaurants, entertainment venues and shops. I will listen to the concerns and ideas of all stakeholders, including; residents, property owners, business owners, restaurant patrons and city staff. I will also look to best practices used across the region to look for solutions.

HBDRA: The HBDRA is anxious to watch Mr. Harper as he establishes his voting record on the important issues facing our Downtown neighborhoods.”

JOE SHAW: As a former downtown resident, I spoke before the planning commission in 2006 when the Black Bull was first proposed, asking that the commission deny their conditional use permit. Countless police reports later, the Black Bull, originally proposed as a “family restaurant” is still in business as a nightclub. We must have a measured approach to new businesses downtown. Downtown is first and foremost a neighborhood. The city has a stake in making sure there is a healthy mix of businesses downtown, including neighborhood services and more retail that will make for a healthier downtown for residents and visitors. That’s why I am not opposed to a moratorium on new liquor licenses. We must reclaim our reputation as a family oriented tourist destination.

HBDRA: Joe Shaw is a strong advocate for reasoned judgment and balance. He supports residential concerns and served as a board member of the HBDRA. The HBDRA endorsed Joe Shaw for City Council in the 2010 election.