HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmailed Comment from Avilas El Ranchito1
Brandon DeCriscio
From:Patty Senecal
Sent:Sunday, April 12, 2026 8:58 PM
To:Patrick Gallegos; Michael Henderson; Gloria Harper; Brandon DeCriscio
Subject:Fw: Paid Parking Authorization
Follow Up Flag:Flag for follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
From: Seal Beach Avila's El Ranchito <sealbeach@avilaselranchito.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2026 7:25 PM
To: Lisa Landau <LLandau@sealbeachca.gov>; Ben Wong <bwong@sealbeachca.gov>; Patty Senecal
<psenecal@sealbeachca.gov>; Nathan Steele <NSteele@sealbeachca.gov>; Joe Kalmick <jkalmick@sealbeachca.gov>
Subject: Paid Parking Authorization
Dear Councilmembers,
I am writing to strongly oppose the inclusion of paid parking authorization within
proposed Ordinance No. 1726, listed as Item H on Monday night’s agenda.
While presented as a modernization of the Parking Code, this ordinance contains a
significant policy shift, authorizing paid parking on Main Street, Ocean Avenue, Central
Avenue, and Electric Avenue. This is not a minor administrative update, but a substantial
change that directly impacts local businesses, residents, and the overall accessibility of
our downtown.
As the restaurant owner of Avilas El Ranchito for over 10 years, I have seen firsthand
how critical convenience and accessibility are to the success of small businesses. Parking
is often the deciding factor in whether a customer chooses to visit or go elsewhere.
Policies that create additional barriers directly impact foot traffic, revenue, and the long
term sustainability of local establishments.
Only months ago, the City convened a committee to evaluate paid parking on Main
Street. The feedback from merchants, property owners, and residents was clear. There
was strong opposition to implementing paid parking. Free parking remains one of the few
meaningful incentives that draws visitors to our downtown, supporting small businesses
and preserving the character of our community.
Equally concerning is the contradiction between this proposal and the City’s stated
commitment to supporting local commerce through initiatives like the Business First
committee. Increasing costs and barriers for visitors undermines that goal. It is diffic ult to
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reconcile a Business First approach with policies that make it less convenient and more
expensive for customers to patronize local establishments.
I respectfully urge the Council to remove the paid parking provisions from Ordinance No.
1726.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I feel truly blessed to be part of a community
and city such as Seal Beach.
Elyse Avila Smith
Avila's El Ranchito -Seal Beach
Owner