On Tuesday evening, the Manhattan Beach City Council will decide the fate of the 50-year-old Charlie Saikley Six Man Volleyball Tournament.
This year, the event drew an estimated 65,000 people to the Manhattan Beach pier and was responsible for more than 30 arrests. The event left residents complaining about excessive partying, public intoxication, drug use, littering, public urination and property damage.
The city covered a $20,428 shortfall in funds to operate the event.
City staff has proposed the below six options for the council’s review, according to a staff report.
1. A middle of the week Six-Man during the International Surf Festival
2. A middle of the week Six-Man outside of the International Surf Festival
3. A tournament to take place in the fall, spring or winter as opposed to during the summer
4. Postponing the tournament for one year
5. Creating a subcommittee to work with staff and event producers to alleviate downtown problems and to discuss sponsorship and revenue
6. Permanently canceling the event
The rationale of the weekday options is to decrease spectators, which staff believes would decrease partying, according to the report. Keeping the event linked to the surf festival would ensure insurance coverage and sponsorship revenue to help offset costs.
What do you think? Weigh in by posting a comment below.
The Nov. 15 council meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. For the full council agenda, click here.
