Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council Regular Meeting of February 27, 2018
Title
SUPPORT FOR ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 1782 TO ESTABLISH
SURFING AS THE OFFICIAL SPORT OF CALIFORNIA
(Assistant to the City Manager Nico De Anda-Scaia)
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
That the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support on behalf of the City for Assembly Bill 1782 (Muratsuchi), designating surfing as the official sport of the state of California.
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Background:
On January 8, 2018 Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, along with joint-author Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon (D-Whittier), introduced Assembly Bill 1782 (Attachment 1) to establish surfing as the official sport of California.
Home to many world-famous surf breaks, California hosts numerous domestic and international surf events inlcuding the International Surf Festival in the South Bay Cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Torrance, the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, and Mavericks Big Wave Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay. Studies have shown that the span of California’s coastline of 1,100 miles along with its beaches and coastal areas generate $1.15 trillion in economic activity annually. In addition to the economic benefits, the decision to propose this legislation emphasizes on the opportunity to raise awareness about environmental conservation and the need to protect the ocean’s resources. Moreover, the introduced legislation celebrates surfing for becoming a new/official sport in the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Analysis:
Due to the state’s historic connection to the sport, culture, and industry; its unique coastal geography and legendary surf breaks; and as home to some of the biggest names in the sport, it is appropriate that we designate surfing as California’s official state sport. As surfing has become an iconic sport in California, it also has a rich history and influence in the City of Hermosa Beach, evidenced by the Surfer’s Walk of Fame, as well as the International Surf Festival and Spyder Surf Fest events that are hosted annually.
In providing a letter of support for this legislation, the City of Hermosa Beach recognizes both the economic and environmental opportunities to: 1) expand the local economy through tourism and recreation and 2) affirm the City’s commitment of being an environmental steward of our coastline and ocean.
A proposed letter of support from the City of Hermosa Beach is attached to this report.
Fiscal Implications:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Attachments:
1. California Assembly Bill 1782
2. Draft Letter of Support - AB 1782
Respectfully Submitted by: Katrina Nguyen, Management Analyst
Concur: Nico De Anda-Scaia, Assistant to the City Manager
Approved: Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager