Santa Monica : Parking Lot Grant Sought

Santa Monica is seeking a $350,000 grant from Los Angeles County to repair and clean up beach parking lots as part of a new agreement on coastal upkeep.

In addition, Santa Monica will offer a small increase in fees it pays the county for lifeguard services, as part of contract negotiations scheduled to conclude by the end of the month.

Under a 3-year-old contract that is about to expire, the city has paid the county 34% of annual revenues from parking and concession stands at Santa Monica beaches. The new four-year contract under negotiation calls for an increase of half a percentage point a year in these payments. Estimated payments will run from $1.04 million in 1989-90 to $1.2 million in 1992-93.

The proposed contract would also change liability provisions, having the city assume sole liability in certain limited situations arising from the failure of lifeguards to warn beach users of hazards caused by man-made improvements to the coast.

In all other respects, however, the city and county’s liability would remain the same. For example, the county would be liable for the negligence of its employees in patrolling the beach and in performing rescue services.

A city staff report said lawsuits involving such issues are not common and recent state legislation provides immunity for accidents that result from natural ocean conditions.