Redondo Beach Wants Popular Restaurant to Close Its Outdoor Patio | Eater LA

"In Riviera Village I describe Rebel Republic’s outdoor deck patio as a contentious but popular addition: it was installed temporarily in 2016 at a reported cost of $40,000, eliminated three parking spaces on Catalina Avenue, and has been the only outdoor deck in the area—leading nearby businesses to argue it gives Rebel an unfair advantage. The City Council voted in November 2017 to remove the deck after being unable to find a solution and with the one-year temporary deadline long passed, while local residents and officials also filed a lawsuit opposing it. Owner Paul E. Hennessey vigorously fought the removals, presented a petition with over 1,000 signatures in support, criticized a city survey of 50 businesses that he says was used against him, and suggested an injunction could force a new vote; he also claimed the deck hosted over 30,000 diners in its first 18 months and generated about $7,800 in taxes. Regular patrons I spoke with welcome the deck as part of the Village’s revamp, with Christina Reyes saying she would hate to see it taken down." - Mona Holmes