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Attachment 1 Auletta, Jennifer Subject: FW: Polystyrene Foam Food Service Ware Ordinance - OPPOSE From: Gary Valenziano Sent: Thursday, July 21, 20119:14 AM To: Souza, Diana Subject: Polystyrene Foam Food Service Ware Ordinance - OPPOSE Councilmember Souza, As a San Leandro restaurateur I oppose this ordinance and ask the Council to consider the economic impact it would have on small, mom - and -pop restaurant establishments. Many chain restaurants have already started phasing out polystyrene products, however, independent restaurants like mine, will be most affected by such a ban. I respectfully ask the Council for a reasonable and responsible approach to environmental goals and to oppose this ordinance when it comes before you. The restaurant industry is being used as a guinea pig as regulators across the state try to address environmental challenges at the expense of a vulnerable industry. There are functionality, utility and safety concerns with many of the alternative products. Additionally, there are misperceptions of the environmental benefit of some of the alternative products. Moreover, the mandated and associated costs of alternative products would be overwhelmingly burdensome and unaffordable for many small, mom - and -pop restaurants. There is a common misconception that the cost difference "is only a few cents more" and that restaurants can easily increase prices to offset the higher costs for alternative products. This may seem like a simple solution, but in the current economy when people are eating out less, profits are down and overall business operating costs are up, mandating yet another cost to businesses or customers, is not reasonable. In fact, as jurisdictions address budget shortfalls, more fees, fee increases and mandates are being added on to businesses, making this the worst possible time to add yet another expense on an already struggling industry. Restaurants already realize narrow profit margins and high costs, keeping less than a nickel for every dollar of profit. Imposing this costly ordinance could cause restaurants to downsize staff or make other difficult cutbacks just to keep the doors open. support the city's goals for preserving and protecting natural environments, waterways and wildlife. I also support sustaining small business, my business. Therefore, I respectfully ask the mayor and council to consider and develop equitable solutions to reach the city's goals without targeting and penalizing restaurants. Please vote "no" when this proposal comes before you. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Gary Valenziano Owner Porky's Pizza Palace 1221 Manor Blvd San Leandro, CA 94579