City Council — April 6, 2026

Beach Festival Planning and Logistics

• Council participation timing shifted to occur immediately before the headlining act.
• Staff requested $35,000 in seed funding to cover initial event costs.
• Vendor cost increases may require ticket price adjustments to maintain budget balance.
• Sponsorship acquisition has improved recently despite earlier economic concerns.

Movies in the Park Special Use Permit

• Council adopted Special Use Permit PHSU 26-5 for monthly screenings through September.
• The five-year permit allows events at Hueneme Beach Park for up to 1,200 participants.
• The activity is categorically exempt from CEQA due to temporary nature.
• Free parking will be provided in designated lots during the event schedule.

Park Reservation and Safety Regulations

• Proposed code amendments prohibit charcoal barbecues and unauthorized permanent structures.
• Inflatable bounce houses require pre-approved vendors with specific city insurance coverage.
• Picnic area capacity limits were set at 50 guests to manage summer usage.
• New fee structures offer optional enhanced services for site preparation and restroom access.

• # Port Hueneme City Council Meeting Summary: Summer Events & Park Usage Date: March 2026 (Based on meeting context regarding April 20th next meeting and 2026 event permits) Prepared For: City Council & Public Stakeholders Subject: Preparations for the July Beach Festival, Movies in the Park, and Park Regulations
• ### 1. Beach Festival Planning & Logistics Timeline: Approximately three months away (July 2026). Status: Planning is following the successful path of the previous year with minor strategic adjustments.
• Schedule Adjustments:
• Art Contest: Final details regarding the art contest will be announced earlier this year to bring information forward.
• Council Participation: Council members' participation in the event will be moved to occur immediately before the headlining act of the concert. This change aims to maximize crowd engagement compared to the previous year's earlier timing.
• Fiscal Overview:
• Seed Funding: A proposed seed money amount of $35,000 is requested from the City.
• Budget Management: Previous years have remained "spot on" regarding revenue vs. expenditures. One prior year actually generated a surplus.
• Risk Factors: Sponsorships were initially slow due to global economic factors but have shown improvement in the last two weeks.
• Cost Increases: Vendor costs (specifically gas-operated rides) are expected to rise, potentially requiring a percentage increase in ticket pricing. Staff is working to reduce costs elsewhere to maintain a balanced budget.
• Worst Case: If the economy fluctuates, the Council may need to discuss funding levels or potential reductions in event elements.
• ### 2. Movies in the Park (Item 11) Resolution: Adoption of Special Use Permit (SUP) PHSU 26-5. Duration: Five-year permit (2026–2030).
• Schedule: Monthly movie nights between June and September.
• 2026 Tentative Dates: June 27, July 25, August 15, September 19.
• Location: Hueneme Beach Park (Screen on sandy beach; concessions in western area).
• Capacity: 500 to 1,200 participants.
• Amenities: Portable screen, speakers, ADA accessible mat, refreshment station (popcorn/soft drinks).
• Parking: Free parking in Lots A, B, C, and along Ocean View Drive (no beach parking revenue collected during events).
• Regulatory Status: Categorically exempt from CEQA (temporary event, no permanent site alterations).
• ### 3. Park Reservation & Safety Regulations (Item 13) Objective: Update Municipal Code to manage increased park usage, ensure fair access, and mitigate liability risks during the summer season.
• Proposed Code Amendments:
• Vacating Space: Failure to vacate a space reserved for another party will constitute a code violation.
• Barbecues: Personal propane barbecues will be allowed (charcoal prohibited due to safety/ash receptacle availability in general parks, though Beach Park has ash pits). Barbecues must be distanced from trees/shrubs.
• Inflatable Bounce Houses (Jolly Jumpers): Prohibited unless using a pre-approved vendor with specific insurance requirements and city as additional insured.
• Personal Property: Installation of permanent structures (e.g., lighting, fencing) is prohibited to prevent circumvention of the reservation process.
• Enforcement: Violations (such as unauthorized events or refusal to vacate) may require law enforcement response or code enforcement depending on severity.
• Picnic Area Enhancements (Optional Fee Increases):
• Standard Fee: $60 (Resident) / $90 (Non-resident) for 3 hours.
• Enhanced Service (+$100): Includes site prep, cleaning tables, and trash removal prior to use.
• Restroom Access (+$200): Unlocking and stocking of the restroom building at Picnic Area 2.
• Capacity Limits: Picnic areas are limited to 50 guests. Larger groups must go through the Special Use Permit process.
• ### 4. Immediate Upcoming Events (Spring 2026)
• Arbor Day (April 22): Tree planting event near Hueneme and Surfside Creeks (10:00 AM).
• Citywide Spring Cleanup (April 25): 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Hueneme Beach Park, Bulker Park, and Community Center.
• Sea Splash Color Dash: 5K/1K event recently held (Sold out).
• Easter Extravaganza: Successfully held at Bubbling Springs/Miranda Park; parks were heavily utilized, prompting the need for clearer reservation rules.
• ### 5. Action Items for Staff 1. Beach Festival: Monitor sponsorship progress; finalize art contest details; prepare budget for potential cost increases. 2. Park Codes: Refine language regarding barbecues and self-service options (e.g., restroom locks) and develop a formal enforcement hierarchy for holidays vs. regular days. 3. Movies in the Park: Ensure monthly screening logistics align with the five-year permit. 4. Next Meeting: Scheduled for April 20th. Agenda includes Earth Day/Arbor Day presentations, Median Ordinance, and Recreation Fee Schedule revisions.
• ### 6. Staff Notes & Risks
• Liability: The City requires vendors (especially bounce houses) to be pre-approved with indemnification to protect the City from liability regarding catastrophic injuries.
• Community Sentiment: Residents appreciate the parks but express concern over enforcement consistency during high-traffic holidays (e.g., Memorial Day, July 4th) where unauthorized barbecues and setups are common.
• Fiscal Reality: Staff acknowledges that fees for enhanced services (cleaning/restrooms) may exclude some community members from reserving spaces, though non-reserved spaces remain open to the public.