Face Covering Requirements In Hermosa Beach

Press release from the City of Hermosa Beach:

August 21, 2020

State and County public health orders require people to wear face coverings when individuals leave their residence when they may be in close contact with non-household members.

In addition to State and County public health orders, the Hermosa Beach City Council passed an urgency ordinance on July 28, 2020 that requires face coverings to be worn at all times in certain parts of Hermosa Beach (see below).

Widespread use of face coverings has been shown to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and wearing a face covering properly, so that it covers the nose and mouth, helps stop the spread of infectious droplets to others when talking, coughing and sneezing.

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about face coverings are provided below.

Where do I need to wear a face covering?

Individuals should use a clean face covering anytime they will be in contact with other people who are not household members at indoor and outdoor public or private spaces. The requirements for wearing a face covering at all times are listed below and depicted in the face covering map.

At All Times

Face coverings must be worn at all times over both the nose and mouth in the following locations:

• Downtown Hermosa Beach, defined as (i) the area bounded by the southerly edge of the 10th Street right-of-way on the south, the northerly edge of the 14th Street right of-way on the north, the easterly edge of the Strand on the west and the easterly edge of the Hermosa Avenue right-of-way on the east, and (ii) Upper Pier Avenue (inclusive of sidewalks) from Hermosa Avenue to Valley Drive.
• The Greenbelt.
• All City parks.
• Pier Plaza.
• The Strand.
• The Beach.

When Near Others (< 6 ft)

All persons shall wear a face covering over both the nose and mouth in all other public and private locations in the City when they may be in contact with others who are not part of their household.

What are the exceptions?

Exceptions to the requirement to wear a face covering include:

• Persons younger than two years old;
• Persons who have been instructed by a medical provider not to wear a face covering due to a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering;
• Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;
• Persons who are swimming or engaged in other water-based activities; and
• Healthcare workers, first responders, and others whose work requires close contact with people who are ill.
• Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service may remove their face covering when they are eating or drinking. They must resume wearing the face covering when they finish eating and drinking and/or leave the table.

What is considered an acceptable face covering?

Acceptable, reusable face covering options for the general public include:

• Bandana
• Neck gaiter
• Homemade face covering
• Scarf
• Tightly woven fabric, such as cotton t-shirts and some types of towels

What are the penalties for failing to wear a face covering?

Failure to wear a face covering in the circumstances identified above are subject to an Administrative Citation, which is defined in Section 1.10 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code. Citations will come with fines as follows:

• First violation - $100
• Second violation - $200
• Third and each subsequent violation - $500 for each subsequent violation within a 12-month period.

Is this a law?

Yes. Local laws are passed in the form of an ordinance adopted by City Council. An urgency ordinance, requires a 4/5th vote of the City Council and goes into effect immediately. The requirement to wear a face covering at all times in certain areas of Hermosa Beach was passed by the City Council on July 28, 2020.

Administrative citations are enforceable by any police officer, city employee, or agent of the city designated by the director of any city department who has the authority and responsibility to enforce the provisions of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code.

What happens if I receive a citation?

Upon receipt of a citation, the responsible person must do one of the following:

Pay the fine. Pay the fine to the City within 30 days from the date of the citation. All fines assessed shall be payable to the City of Hermosa Beach. Payment of a fine shall not excuse or discharge a failure to correct continuing violations nor shall it bar further enforcement action by the City.

File an appeal. Appeals shall be filed in accordance with the time limits and other provisions of the municipal code.

In the event the responsible party fails or refuses to select and satisfy any of the alternatives set forth above, then the penalty shall be immediately due and owing to the City and may be collected in any manner allowed by law for collection of a debt. Commencement of an action to collect the delinquent penalty shall not preclude issuance of additional citations to the responsible party should the violations persist.

What are the options for paying the citation?

Mail payments to: City of Hermosa Beach, Finance Cashier, 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

Email payments: Send a signed credit card authorization form to financecashier@hermosabeach.gov.

How do I appeal a citation?

If you believe a citation was issued inconsistent with the ordinance requirements listed above, a written appeal may be filed consistent with section 1.10.090 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code.

Time limit - Any responsible person to whom an administrative citation is issued may choose to contest the citation by requesting an administrative hearing within thirty (30) days of service of the citation.

Deposit required - In order to request a hearing, the responsible person shall submit in the manner directed on the citation a fully completed request for administrative hearing form along with either a deposit of the full amount of the administrative fine (in cash or by way of a negotiable check) or a notice that an advance deposit hardship waiver request has been filed.

Hardship waiver - Any responsible person who requests a hearing to contest an administrative citation and who is financially unable to deposit the administrative fine as required may file a request for an advance deposit hardship waiver. The request shall be filed on an advance deposit hardship waiver application form, no later than ten days after service of the administrative citation. Written proof of financial hardship, at a minimum must include tax returns, financial statements, bank account records, salary records or similar documentation demonstrating that the responsible person is unable to deposit the penalty.

Where can I find additional COVID-19 related information from the City?

Information regarding coronavirus is changing frequently, and the City will provide the latest information about COVID-19 and links to resources on its website. To stay informed, please sign up for Hermosa Beach eNotifications, public safety alerts or follow the City on our social media channels.

This press release was produced by the City of Hermosa Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.