Tattoo pushback
The City Council on Tuesday heard from nine people – supported by the raised hands and applause of many more – who were shocked to find that a third tattoo parlor is coming to Hermosa, close to people’s homes.
The city lost a five-year legal battle to ban tattoo parlors when a three-judge federal appeals panel ruled that tattoos are a form of “pure speech” protected by the First Amendment.
Tattoo artist Johnny Anderson, whose lawsuit paved the way, opened a shop on the Pier Plaza. Then another parlor readied to open on Pacific Coast Highway, and a third parlor is preparing to open on the corner of Hermosa Avenue and Eighth Street.
Residents told the council they had no warning that the third parlor was planned, and complained that the building, which most recently held a clothing store, stands next to homes.
Susan Darcy asked for tighter restrictions on parlors, including a $1 million liability minimum, and a requirement that nobody may be hired who has committed a felony within five years.
“I see a major issue here, and that’s one of lack of vision, lack of planning and lack of public notice,” said Sally Liu. “…We don’t want tattoo parlors, we don’t want bars, we don’t want a frat party every night in our city.”
In answer to questions from council members, City Attorney Michael Jenkins said the court ruling left officials with few regulatory options. He said the appeals court panel was a conservative one, made up of three Republican appointees, and there would have been scant chance of success with further efforts before the full appeals court or the U.S. Supreme Court.
Jenkins said requiring the parlors to be placed far from homes, parks and schools would have served to shut them out of the city, in violation of the legal ruling.
State of the City
Mayor Pete Tucker will deliver the ninth annual “State of the City” address 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10 at the Beach House Hotel on the Strand.
Into the sunset
The Hermosa Beach City Council marked the passing of Rhea Punneo, a well-liked, 11-year secretary in the Planning Department who retired six months ago and passed away this week. The council’s regular meeting was adjourned in Punneo’s honor. ER
