HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1 Part 2 Jim Kasama
From: Guillermo Shuton<gshuton9 @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday,April 28,2014 2:18 PM
To: Jim Kasama
C Jason Kruckeberg;Pat Auriemmo;Robusto Cigars
ct: in regards to the ban on seating in tobacco stores
Dear City of Arcadia,
I have learned recently of your proposed ban on seating in retail stores. I have
been a patron of Robusto Cigars for over a year now, and am concerned about
the proposal. I enjoy the products they offer, as well as the camaraderie and
friendships i have made there. I would be saddened were it to close due to
politics.
Let me state that i have never heard or seen complaints from any of the shops
nearby. Also, Sam, the owner of Robusto Cicars is an honest and law abiding
citizen, passionate about his craft, and does not cater to minors.
I ask you to strongly reconsider.
I request this email to be a letter of record
Sincerely,
Guillermo Shuton
isoun
From: James Hamamoto (jashpe(a gmail.com)
Sent: Mon. 4/28/2014 3:34 PM
To: Jim Kasama, Community Development Administrator; Jason Kruckeberg,
Development Services Director; Pat Auriemmo, Senior Administrative Assistant
Cc: Sam Ekshian, Owner, Robusto Cigars shop
I'm writing in support of Robusto Cigar shop and asking you to vote against the ban for
the upcoming city ordnance meeting.
My colleagues and I are regular customers of Robusto Cigar shop and know that
premium cigars are enjoyed by adults, are not addictive and therefore do not conform to
the Congressional intent of the family smoking prevention and tobacco control act.
There are three basic aspects of cigar smoking that are dramatically different from the
characteristics of cigarette smoking:
First of all, cigar smokers do not inhale. Second, there are no chemical additives in
cigars and third, most cigar smokers only smoke at the cigar shop for relaxation and to
meet up with friends and colleagues.
We stand up for our premium cigar smoking rights and defend the small mom & pop
premium cigar retailers as these regulations will jeopardize jobs, revenue for State and
local cities.
With local cities having more pressing issues, harming our ability to enjoy a premium
cigar should not be a priority of any local government.
In view of the foregoing, we asked that you reconsider your tobacco shop ban in order
for those that simply want to enjoy a premium cigar without government regulation and
interference.
James Hamamoto, PE
The contents of this email message and any attachments maybe confidential in nature and is intended for the addressee(s)only. If you are
not the intended recipient,please delete and/or contact the sender.
Jim Kasama
From: Aaron Perez<mraaronperez @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday,April 28,2014 9:35 PM
To: Jim Kasama
Jason Kruckeberg; Pat Auriemmo
'ct: Appreciating Tradition at Robusto Cigars
Hi Jim,
My name is Aaron Perez, a resident of Temple City, via Arcadia, and a frequent customer of Robusto Cigars.
It was saddening to hear that Robusto Cigars may be closing due to a proposed retroactive change in the
municipal code banning tobacco stores that offer seating.
In the short time Robusto Cigars has been open I have met fellow cigar connoisseurs from not only the Los
Angeles area but places like Virginia, New York, Washington, Michigan, Kentucky, and other states - several
countries as well. All of these connoisseurs were staying in Arcadia for The Rose Bowl, Rose Parade, Santa
Anita Park, or business. Also, many of them are regular visitors to the city.
The response from these frequent visitors, and locals,to Arcadia has been excitement that there is a place to
relax, have good intelligent conversations, and smoke a fine cigar. A universal comment that I have heard is
"Arcadia needed a place like this!".
Jim,please keep Robusto Cigars open; it adds tremendous depth, richness, and value to the community of
Arcadia!
Aaron Perez
Concerned Cigar Connoisseur
Jim Kasama
From: Brien Piper<brien @ridgecrestresources.com>
Sent: Tuesday,April 29,2014 8:28 AM
To: Jim Kasama;Pat Auriemmo
Cc: sam @robusto.com edlik
Mr. Kasama: Please be advised that there are several cigar smokers who travel over fifty mile to come to
Arcadia to meet and discuss business at Robusto Cigar Lounge. Not only do we eat and shop in your area, but
often times have large celebratory parties of twenty to forty patrons. Normal we meet at Robustos' and the go
to a local restaurant; returning for an after dinner for a cigar and open forum discussion.
The reason I exemplified the above is to put you on notice that cigar smokers contribute to the economy of your
city in many ways. It is unfair to lump all tobacco into one category.
Cigars are made of pure tobacco and are not inhaled. The people smoking them are normally in a position to
enhance your local economy and usually are made up of civil minded people who enjoy the company of others
to discuss current events.
The cigar lounge offers a HAVEN where such groups can do so, and any delineation from this forum only
reduces freedom of speech and personal choices.
I believe it is about time that our leaders stand up and fight for the Personal Choices' guaranteed in "The Bill of
Rights" which this country was founded on and stop Kowtowing to every whim or latest band wagon that seem
to be the flavor of the week.
At great place to start on the grass roots level is with a simple assurance that places like Robusto Cigars receive
the same level of acceptance and consideration that every other business in the town enjoys.
It would be unfair to penalize Robusto Cigar lounge for supply a need for adults who choose to use his '"
establishment because other don't like the thought of someone else enjoying the choice and direction in life .
differs from what the perceive as a proper way of life.
If you have any questions regarding the above statements and would like to discuss them then feel free to call or
contact me at he below email or address.
I thank you in advance for your consideration of all concerned.
Yours truly;
Brien Piper
Managing Partner
Ridgecrest Resources LLC
brien @ridgecrestresources.com
310-871-8522
Jim Kasama
From: Damon Thompson<damon4570 @gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday,April 30,2014 9:17 PM
To: Jim Kasama
Cc: Pat Auriemmo;Jason Kruckeberg;sam @robusto.com
F ct: Robusto Cigars, 26 N First Ave,Arcadia
Dear Sir,
I request this email to be a letter of record.
I have been informed of the proposed city ordinances which would negatively impact Robusto Cigar Shop.
I urge you to please reconsider these changes and consider the following;
Robusto Cigars does not cater to teenagers or drug users, sells no paraphernalia.
Robusto Cigars does not sell cigarettes.
Robusto Cigars does not attract unsavory clientele.
What Robusto Cigar does do is,cater to a discerning, mature, group of people. Men,women, politicians, doctors, police
officers, fire fighters, lawyers, business owners. Robusto Cigars boasts a very impressive client list.The owner Sam is a
decent and honest man who has created a wonderful, and much needed place for upstanding members of the
community to enjoy good company and a fine cigar.
As a Arcadian, born and raised, I feel an obligation to do my part in maintaining the beauty of our city.That is why I am
woo"--g you Sir, Robusto Cigars makes Arcadia a better place. Please keep it that way.
Sincerely,
Damon Thompson
305 Parkrose Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016
Jim Kasama
From: Vatche Aposhian<vatcheaposhian @yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday,May 02,2014 10:21 AM
To: Jim Kasama
Cc: Jason Kruckeberg;Pat Auriemmo ,,
•
Subject: Robusta Cigars
Dear Sirs, my name is Vatche Aposhian, and I am a fleet manager at the Mercedes Benz dealer down the street,
I was very happy when I heard Robusto Cigars has opened up.
Robusto Cigars is the best cigar store I have visited, I patronize this store, enjoy the products and service that
are offered here and would be saddened and upset to see them close their doors.
I have never encountered anyone complain about the smoke and that the smoke is well contained and ventilated
within the room. No smoke or smell escapes out to the sidewalk/street.
The owner Sam,he is one of the best and well liked person, everyone loves and respect him for his kindness
and professionalism. keeps the store always clean and neat, you will only meet professionals and business
owners there. It will really Sadden me to see Robusto Cigars and the Owner Sam leave this location where he
has worked very hard to keep it a perfect cigar shop.
I request this email to be a letter of record,
Best Regards,
Vatche Aposhian
Jim Kasama
From: Elia Fuentes<elia @lotusescrow.com>
Sent: Friday,May 02,2014 2:23 PM
To: Jim Kasama
Pat Auriemmo;sam @robusto.com
C F pct: I request this email to be a letter of record."
To Whom it may concern:
I request that Robusto Cigars be exempt from your newly created/proposed ordinance.
Robusto Cigars is a great place for professional people to go and relax after a day at work. The
atmosphere is calm and cordial. The ventilation is excellent, as a female customer, I feel extremely
relaxed and comfortable at this location.
As an Arcadia Resident and Female Arcadia Business Owner....
"I would feel deeply upset that the city would force a fellow long time Arcadia resident to shut the doors to his small
business."
Thank you,
Elia Fuentes I Lotus Escrow I Certified Senior Escrow Officer/Manager/CEO
Lo iS
5b c. Huntington Drive, Suite 120, Arcadia, CA 91006
Elia( LotusEscrow.com I Tel: 626-262-4333 x102 I Fax: 626-415-4429
Think Green. Please only print this email when necessary.
www.LotusEscrow.com
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: The information transmitted, including attachments,is intended only for the person(s)or entity to
which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material.Any review,retransmission,dissemination or other use
of,or taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited.If you
received this in error,please contact the sender and destroy any copies of this information.
Thank you for allowing Lotus Escrow to be your escrow team, your continued business is our biggest
compliment.
ow-
Jim Kasama
From: Sandip Thiaray<cigarnightbizmixerla @outlook.com>
Sent: Wednesday,May 07,2014 1:51 AM
To: Jim Kasama
Cc: sam @robusto.com;Pat Auriemmo;Jason Kruckeberg
Subject: Tobacco Shop Ordinance Proposal
Dear Mr. Kasama:
I request this email to be a letter of record.
I am writing to you as a small business owner that is in opposition of your
planned retroactive changes to the municipal code governing retail tobacco
stores which offer seating in the city of Arcadia. Based on my
understanding of the current proposal, I only foresee it as a detriment to
the small business community in the city of Arcadia, as well as surrounding
cities, along with causing negative economic impact to the related governing
bodies .
Tobacco retailers that offer seating provide a vital economic boost to their
communities, as well as to neighboring businesses. As a "destination
business" , customers who patronize these stores increase their length of
stay dramatically. This subsequently leads to increased economic activity
of not only the tobacco store itself, but to other businesses that offer
dining or beverage services .
As tax revenue is collected from tobacco retail stores with seating,
exclusionary provisions of your proposal will cause a loss of this revenue
to the city. The retroactive provisions of this proposed change will cause
businesses to close as they may not have the resources available to meet the
new requirements . Additionally, the stigma of vacant business store fronts
with create a perception that Arcadia is not friendly to businesses or likes
to create exclusionary laws for businesses it feels require them.
I would request:
1) the economic impact study of this law change
2) the legal analysis of why this change in law is required now, and not
predatory or prejudicial to a specific business or person
3) the legal analysis of the city's authority to make this change
retroactive
4) the inclusion of this law change as a ballot measure on the next election
cycle :411N,
Best Regards,
Sandip Thiaray
Jim Kasama
From: Sam x Han<mrsamhan @gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday,May 07,2014 11:44 PM
To: Jim Kasama
C Jason Kruckeberg;Pat Auriemmo
9ct: Tobacco shops that offer seating
Dear Mr. Kasama,
My name is Samuel Han and I am a patron of Robusto Cigars in the city of Arcadia. I would like to request this
email to be a letter of record and wanted you to know that I very much enjoy the products and service that are
offered at Robusto cigars. I would be very saddened and upset to see their doors closed.
Throughout my visits at Robusto Cigars, I have never encountered anyone complaining about the smoke. The
smoke is well contained and well ventilated within the room. I have never witnessed the smoke or smell escape
out to the sidewalk or to the street.
In case you are not aware, cigar shops are very different from stores that offer hookah, vape, glass pipes, or
cigarettes. Cigar patrons are also typically older,professional, and very well-mannered.
Please reconsider the possible ban of tobacco shops that offer seating.
Thank you,
Samuel Han
Jim Kasama
From: Dan Gerber<gerbercat @yahoo.corn>
Sent: Thursday,May 08,2014 2:33 PM
To: Jim Kasama
Cc: jkruckeberg @ci.arcadia; pauriemmo @ci.arcadia;sam @robusto.com ..a'
Subject: Proposed Ban on tobacco shops that provide seating
Dear Mr. Kasama,
I am writing to register my strong opposition to the City of Arcadia's proposed ban on tobacco shops
that provide seating for patrons. My wife and I have been regular patrons of Robusto Cigars on First
Street for well over a year now. This business provides something truly unique for our city: a place not
only to purchase, but also to share the company of others who enjoy good cigars. Sam, the proprietor
of Robusto Cigars, has done a great job of developing a store that not only has an outstanding
product selection, but also offers a quiet, convivial ambience for those of us who smoke cigars. My
wife and I have made many wonderful friendships there over the past year and a half. If this ban is
enacted, it will effectively be a death blow to the business, and it will take away what many of us
perceive as a real asset to our city. I love the fact that Robusto Cigars is close by home--I don't have
to drive half an hour to find a shop where I can enjoy a cigar.
Obviously, this proposal has been suggested as a solution to some perceived problem, but this is
where I am perplexed: I've never heard any criticism or complaint about this establishment. It's
patrons are quiet and well behaved--most are professionals and business people. The shop has great
ventilation, so there is no smoke billowing out on the street that might annoy any passerby. Sam only
sells quality cigars, so there are no underage youth showing up looking for cigarettes or marijuana
accoutrements. There is no alcohol--there are plenty of other places out there for people who are
looking to imbibe. It's just good cigars and good jazz. I can't understand who could possibly be "`
bothered by any of this.
I hope the city will reconsider this proposed ban. It will not only hurt Robusto Cigars' business, but it
will force many people to go outside Arcadia to buy and enjoy their cigars. It is also worth noting that
on many occasions, my wife and I have combined a trip to Robusto Cigars with a visit to another
nearby restaurant or business--we patronize these other businesses because of their convenient
proximity to the cigar shop. I'm sure this is true for other customers as well.
By the way, I would like to request that this email be considered a letter of record.
Respectfully,
Dan Gerber
Arcadia Resident
Jim Kasama
From: Edward P Maciel Jr<EPMacielJr @aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday,May 13,2014 2:46 PM
To: Jim Kasama
Subject: Proposed Smoke shop ordnance changes.
r panning Commission
Thank you Gentleman for hearing me today.
I'm here today before you to discuss a proposed changed in city legislation regarding a business that I frequent Robusto
Cigars at 26 N 1st.Av,Arcadia, Ca.
I'm a resident of Arcadia and have been frequenting this business since it opened on 10/2012. The owner Sarkis "Sam"
Ekshian is person who is a small business owner whose knowledge of cigars is phenomenal and he decided to open a
retail business inside the city of Arcadia using his own money.
Sam opened his business to fill a need for a small but under serviced group of law abiding citizens who simply enjoy and
choose to use the product he is legally selling.
He has complied in all ways with labor code 6404.5. Which allows smoking in his retail establishment. He pays his taxes
and any fees associated with the business and takes his responsibility regarding tobacco products seriously(relay story
about sending the guy home). He never allows his clientele to become a public nuisance in any way. He has used a calm
but firm voice should disputes arise and ensured that patrons are aware of the parking ordinances and provided trash
receptacles to ensure that patrons do not disregard anything outside the business. Sam is simply a fair and honest man.
Implementing these new ordinances or adding to existing ones would destroy a legal business that has taken the proper
s to ensure compliance. What kind of message is this going to send. I can only state from my point as a Police Officer
resident of Arcadia that it's not a very good one.
I respect the rights and health of others in fact as a marine and my current profession I help to protect them. But in
today's society where we can demonize an individuals right to use a legal product in a safe and secure environment
should not be tolerated. Cigar smokers tend to come from all classes but are generally professionals in their fields who
want a comfortable, safe and enjoyable location which to enjoy their diversion. Enacting these changes would ruin that
in a location which has never been a hinderance or a nuisance. In fact it's been a model for business. I can understand if
the city chooses not to accept any further retail stores of this kind but this location should be allowed to remain, thrive
and flourish. .
As a resident of Arcadia for the past seven years I've seen an increase in others businesses which are retail business like
Robusto Cigars, which I might personally might not find suitable for my adopted city, such as massage parlors, or nail
salons. But I could not deny them the right to exist and hopefully thrive owing to the fact that they to went through the
cities process to open their business just as Robusto Cigars did.
Gentleman i implore you not to enact these changes that would drastically effect or cause to close a vital useful, and
cared about retail establishment that has taken all pains to comply and involve himself in the City of Arcadia.
Thank you.
I request this to be submitted as a letter of record.
S�„� from my iPad
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