# The Hermosa Review
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### All About Us
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/about/
Last updated: 2026-04-01T22:41:26.000Z
**The Hermosa Review** is a brand new 100% digital, fully independent news source bringing you news and stories of interest to Hermosa Beach. We are not funded by advertising, and as of now we do not charge for subscription. If you do subscribe today, you'll get full access to the website as well as email newsletters about new content when it's available. Subscribers are able to make full use of our comments system, and will have access to the full versions of stories as they are published.
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[Technology, Community, and the Future of Local NewsThe what, how and why of The Hermosa ReviewThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/technology-transparency-and-the-future-of-local-news/)
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URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/calendar/
Last updated: 2025-10-28T21:55:55.000Z
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Last updated: 2025-10-27T21:19:17.000Z
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URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/now-the-letters-page/
Last updated: 2025-09-26T09:50:26.000Z
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Last updated: 2025-10-30T17:11:32.000Z
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## Posts
### Sink Or Swim - What Price a Hermosa Pool?
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/sink-or-swim-what-price-a-hermosa-pool/
Last updated: 2026-09-03T03:31:21.000Z
Hermosa's Parks & Rec Commission just agreed to look at the options for a swimming pool. Here's why and what might lie ahead, and it's complicated.
They voted unanimously Tuesday night to create an ad hoc Aquatics Access Subcommittee, the first formal city body tasked with figuring out what improved pool access for residents might look like. The staff report was careful about what the subcommittee would not do: it "would not evaluate or recommend construction of a new municipal pool within Hermosa Beach at this stage." Staff clarified under questioning that the caveat is narrower than it sounds: it rules out the city itself building and owning a pool, not one built by another entity, a school district, the Beach Cities Health District, or a private developer. Forming the subcommittee carries no fiscal impact "at this time"; a site, a design, a funding plan, come later, if the work leads anywhere.
The city of course has no municipal pool. Manhattan Beach has operated Begg Pool since the 1940s; El Segundo has its Swim Stadium, known locally as the Plunge, dating to 1941\. Hermosa Beach residents who want lap swim, lessons or water polo drive to one of those cities or further afield, and advocates say the gap has only grown more visible.
### The campaign
The push has run on parallel tracks. The Hermosa Beach Pool Initiative, founded by three Mira Costa High School students, argues the South Bay's roughly 135,000 residents across the three beach cities are served by a single public pool, and floats two rough concepts, a small community pool or a larger, competition-scale one, with no site, cost estimate or funding plan attached. Alongside it, a Change.org petition that project advocate Tara Stabile started in April 2025 has drawn more than 1,500 signatures asking the Commission to explore a pool, identify city-owned sites, and study how comparable cities fund construction and operation. It notes a pool was the most-requested facility in both the city's 1990 and 2024 park master plan outreach, yet "the final plan barely wades into the topic," a claim that largely checks out: the 2024 plan names a community pool as a resident priority but stops short of proposing one, framing aquatic access instead as something to pursue through "joint-use agreements" with neighboring communities. That plan itself alone cost roughly $350,000.
Stabile herself teased a left-field claim during Tuesday's meeting : She pointed to El Segundo's model of pairing city funds with private donors, said the group has identified some donors and locations, and claimed that the school district has invited them to talk, citing some available space at Valley Park. She floated a three-city solution: since Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach residents outnumber and outspend Hermosa Beach's, Hermosa Beach's contribution could be land rather than cash. It's not a plan yet, and none of it has been confirmed by the school district or the other cities, but it's the first time a concrete site has been named publicly by anyone advocating for a pool. Earlier she expressed frustration, saying "Just find out what is and isn't possible. What I keep hearing is that staff keeps putting us down,just trying to kick us to the curb. Just go away..."
Earlier in the meeting, Beach Cities Health District CEO Tom Bakaly told the Commission a pool is already coming to BCHD's Redondo Beach campus, and it won't cost the district a dime: a roughly 25-to-50-meter pool will be built entirely by Sunrise Development, an assisted-living operator, in exchange for being allowed to build a memory-care facility there, run through BCHD's fitness center and open to outside users at certain hours for structured programming, not open lap swim. The timeline is distant, a realistic opening around fall 2030, but it's exactly the joint-use, privately built arrangement the subcommittee has been asked to study.
### What the subcommittee will actually do
Staff recommended the leanest of four options on the table: a two-commissioner ad hoc body with no assigned community member and no staff lead, citing an already heavy workload. Commissioners worried that would struggle to keep pace with an engaged public, but legal counsel confirmed it was the only structure available that night. The Commission appointed Vice Chair Todd Tullis and Commissioner Tom Moroney and narrowed scope to three deliverables: a demand assessment and resident survey, an inventory of regional facilities, and a tracker of partnership opportunities, due back around March 2027\. A joint-use process, a budget analysis and formal recommendations were pushed to a possible second phase, since two unpaid commissioners with no consultant budget shouldn't take on site suitability or cost modeling themselves.
Commissioners also debated whether the subcommittee could look at Hermosa Beach sites at all, given the staff report's language. Nothing legally stops it, and the final motion sidestepped the tension: the first six months target regional partnerships and demand data, not site selection, but nothing forecloses Hermosa Beach later.
### What it costs to catch up
Manhattan Beach already has what Hermosa Beach lacks: a pool, on land it doesn't have to buy. Begg Pool sits on school-district land, jointly operated with the city, the kind of arrangement Hermosa's subcommittee has been asked to study. Built in the 1940s and now about 80 years old, it's outgrown demand. In 2024, Manhattan Beach commissioned a $250,000 modernization study, created a nonprofit to raise donations, and opened a second track, a Bay Club Company proposal to build and run a facility near the country club, while separately pricing out building one itself. Two years later, it still hadn't settled on a path. The lesson isn't just the dollar figure, still unfinalized; it's the timeline a city with an 80-year head start, an existing pool and free land is still working through.
Manhattan Beach's Begg Pool
El Segundo offers a cleaner, more sobering number. The Plunge, open since 1941, closed in 2019 for maintenance failures. The Council approved a full renovation in 2023 at $14 million, most through the capital program but with a $5 million private fundraising gap, of which only about $1.6 million had been raised by August 2024, and the reopening date has since slipped from an original 2025 target to sometime in 2026\. El Segundo was renovating a pool it already owned and still needed a nine-figure-adjacent budget and a timeline that's run long. Hermosa Beach has no existing structure or site at all; a facility here would be new construction, typically the costlier path.
El Segundo's Urho Saari Swim Stadium, known locally as 'The Plunge'
### Would a private partner change the math?
Manhattan Beach's Bay Club track tests that option: letting a private operator, not the city, own the capital risk. Bay Club signed a memorandum of understanding with Manhattan Beach in 2024 to build and run an aquatic center near a country club it owns outright, and its CEO has been explicit that "if you control the real estate, you control your future," a preference that cuts against what a city typically needs, a durable, locked-in commitment to resident access and pricing. More than a year later, terms weren't finalized, and the city was simultaneously pricing out a facility itself, a hedge suggesting it isn't confident a private deal will land on acceptable terms.
A partner could genuinely lower Hermosa Beach's capital exposure if it supplies land and construction capital, essentially the Sunrise-BCHD arrangement above. But Manhattan Beach, BCHD and The Plunge all point to the same unresolved question: Hermosa Beach has no campus, landholding or redevelopment site of its own to offer, and whoever it partnered with would need binding, long-term agreements on resident pricing, not just a handshake.
### What about the operating costs?
Construction cost is a one-time number. Operating cost isn't, and it's the figure least discussed so far. Public pools generally aren't self-sustaining, fees typically cover most but not all of what it costs to staff, heat and maintain one, with a city or district absorbing the rest every year. None of Begg Pool, El Segundo's Plunge or the Torrance Plunge publishes a subsidy figure, and neither does the pool campaign. Commissioner Barbara Ellman added a data point that cuts against easy optimism: El Segundo's own city manager told the advocacy group full cost recovery was "pretty much impossible." Whichever partnership Hermosa pursues, the subcommittee will need that number, not just a construction estimate.
### A homegrown template: Bark for a Park
Hermosa Beach has one recent example of resident-led advocacy converting into a real line item before the Council. Bark for a Park, behind what would be the city's first off-leash dog park, started on almost the same clock as the pool petition, but organized like an actual capital campaign, reviewing six sites, touring other cities' dog parks, retaining its own consultant, and raising more than $70,000 in pledges plus a matching grant of up to $250,000 before asking the city to commit. In May, the Council voted 3-2 to direct staff toward feasibility studies on two sites, with cost estimates already specific, $72,000 to $233,000 depending on build, and annual maintenance the group intends to cover itself. A dog park and a pool are different orders of financial problem, that pledge total nearly covers the smaller project; a pool needs tens of millions. What transfers is the approach: an independent analysis before asking the city to spend, private capital raised first, and a concrete plan for operating costs.
### The constraints no one has resolved yet
Three practical problems sit underneath the carefully scoped conversation. The first is land: Hermosa Beach is roughly 1.4 square miles, almost entirely built out, with limited public land beyond its beach, parks and parking lots, and no fully worked-out site of its own yet, only the Valley Park thoughts floated on Tuesday, not yet vetted.
The second is money, and the timing is notable. Hermosa Beach is navigating a structural operating deficit, a capital program with more than $60 million in unfunded projects, and a looming $44.5 million bill to replace the city's pier around a potential 2032 deadline. Resident David Toomey made that case directly on Tuesday, questioning whether a pool is even a top-20 priority and arguing the subcommittee needs clear direction before it goes looking for partners.
The third is precedent: a pool has reportedly been the top-requested park facility in city outreach going back to 1990\. Thirty-five years is a long time for a priority to go unresolved, a fair question for skeptics and advocates alike, what would be different now. What passed Tuesday is a research body with a six-month clock, not a funding commitment, a site or a design.
None of this advances or forecloses a pool (Hermosa or not), but the next six months will be a strong indication of the project's ability to stay afloat.
### CRIME TIME: August 16-22
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-august-16-22/
Last updated: 2026-09-01T20:21:28.000Z
Hermosa Beach police responded to 43 reported incidents during the week of August 16-22, marked by multiple vehicle thefts including e-bikes, a weapons arrest with a no-bail felony warrant, widespread account fraud and identity theft, and a package theft caught on video of someone impersonating an Amazon delivery driver.
### Vehicle Thefts
August 16 evening on 30th Street and Hermosa Avenue, a vehicle was stolen. August 18 morning on 27th Street and Hermosa Avenue, a vehicle was stolen from a parking spot on the street. August 18 afternoon on 600 block Hermosa Avenue, a recovered stolen vehicle was located ransacked with the driver door keyhole ignition punched.
### E-Bike Thefts
Multiple e-bikes were stolen throughout the week. August 16 afternoon at Longfellow Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway, an unlocked e-bike was stolen from the ground level parking lot of a hotel. August 17 afternoon on the 100 block of Pier Avenue, an unlocked blue and black road bike was stolen from a bike rack outside a business. August 16 afternoon on the 1400 block of Hermosa Avenue, an unlocked e-bike was stolen. August 14 afternoon on the 2600 block of Hermosa Avenue, a locked e-bike connected to a parking meter was stolen. August 21 evening on the 700 block of Longfellow Avenue, an unlocked E-bike was stolen from outside a grocery store and later recovered in Torrance by the victim. August 21 morning on the 400 block of Hermosa Avenue, an unlocked foldable e-bike left unattended on a sidewalk was stolen.
### Weapons Arrest
August 20 evening on the 2500 block of Valley Drive, subjects contacted in a parked vehicle with open alcohol containers. One person was found to have an outstanding no-bail felony warrant out of San Bernardino Sheriff. Upon a search of the suspect's purse, pepper spray was located.
### Account Fraud & Identity Theft
Multiple accounts were compromised during the week. A victim was notified that a Google recovery phone number and email address had been changed without authorization. Costco and Macy's accounts were also accessed and the address changed without permission. August 14 afternoon on the 900 block of Bayview Drive, ID theft was reported. Two fraudulent charges were made to a victim's account without permission on the 2600 block of Hermosa Avenue. A wire transaction was made from a victim's account without permission.
### Package & Retail Theft
August 17 evening on the 1100 block of Pacific Coast Highway, a phone was stolen from a purse as a victim shopped. August 18 early morning on the 900 block of 13th Street, golf clubs left outside a home were stolen. Video showed a suspect delivering a package wearing an Amazon delivery vest, who was then seen loading the golf clubs into his vehicle and leaving the scene.
### Trailer & Scooter Theft
August 17 evening on the 200 block of The Strand, a trailer was stolen. A locked electric scooter was stolen after being locked to a street sign. A different cotter was left behind.
### DUI Arrests
Three DUI arrests were made during the week. August 16 early morning at Cedar Avenue and Marine Avenue, a subject was arrested for driving under the influence. August 20 early morning on the 100 block of Neptune Avenue, a subject was contacted and stated the vehicle wasn't working. The subject was found to be intoxicated in public and in possession of controlled substance (cocaine) and was arrested. August 22 early morning at Harkness Lane and Ripley Avenue, a traffic stop for driving under the influence resulted in a subject refusing to provide driver's license who was arrested and brought alcohol into the jail.
### Quality of Life & Public Intoxication
August 22 early morning on the 00 block of 11th Street, a citation was issued for public urination. August 22 early morning on the 600 block of Pier Avenue, an arrest was made for public intoxication. August 20 early morning at 100 block Neptune Avenue, two subjects were contacted in a parked vehicle with empty alcohol containers outside the vehicle. A passenger was slouched over and woken after multiple attempts. The passenger was cited for open alcohol containers and refused to sign the citation and was arrested for public intoxication and resisting arrest.
### Traffic Enforcement
Multiple citations were issued for driving with license suspended for DUI and operating vehicle without interlock device. August 16 afternoon at Longfellow Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway, an arrest was made for driving with license suspended for DUI. August 20 morning at Pacific Coast Highway and Gould Avenue, a citation was issued for driving on suspended/revoked license, operating vehicle without interlock device and expired/no registration. August 20 afternoon on the 2800 block of Manhattan Avenue, a citation was issued for driving with license suspended for DUI.
### Theft & Retail Crime
August 16 afternoon on 9th Street and Beach Drive, a theft occurred. August 20 afternoon on the 1300 block of Hermosa Avenue, a suspect entered a store, took items and left without paying. The suspect then attempted to steal a bicycle before being contacted by police and arrested.
### Traffic Incidents
August 22 early morning on 2nd Street and Hermosa Avenue, a hit and run with property damage was reported.
### CITY HALL UPDATE: Remembering George Schmeltzer; a Decision on Short-Term Rentals, Lawn Bowlers get Support
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-update-remembering-george-schmeltzer-a-decision-on-short-term-rentals-lawn-bowlers-get-support-2/
Last updated: 2026-08-26T16:42:50.000Z
## Tributes to George Schmeltzer
The council opened the evening by honoring former Mayor George Schmeltzer, who died August 1 at 87, alongside his wife, Stephanie Crane, who died July 16 at 76\. Crane's daughter read a family statement thanking the community for the recognition and remembering her mother as a tough, warm-hearted woman who spent decades helping patients and families as a hospital advocate.
Schmeltzer served on the City Council in the late 1970s and early '80s and twice as mayor, but longtime residents said his real legacy was the half-century of showing up that followed: fighting a proposed oil drilling operation in town, working to protect school properties from development, volunteering for local school bond campaigns, and spending nearly 20 years supporting health and wellness programs through the Beach Cities Health District.
Council members and several former mayors took turns sharing memories. Former Mayor Jim Rosenberger, who considered Schmeltzer a mentor for more than 50 years, said the lesson he'd drawn from him was one every elected official could stand to remember: "It is quite possible to disagree with each other, but not to be disagreeable, to where when the issue is over and the meeting's over, you go out and share a drink with that person that you were just disagreeing with. And George was able to do that, and that's something we can all benefit from."
Mayor Pro Tem Michael Keegan remembered Schmeltzer as a regular at the bakery Keegan used to own, and recalled the two of them working together to organize the campaign against oil drilling in town, right down to signing the paperwork to form the campaign committee at the bakery's counter.
The most moving tribute came from Planning Commissioner Steve Izant, a close friend of Schmeltzer's for decades, who choked up recounting the pair's travels together around the world, including two treks to Everest base camp in Nepal, trips through the Indian Himalayas, and journeys to Syria, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Spain and Turkey. He shared photos from the road, including one of the two of them holding a "Keep Hermosa Hermosa" sign at Everest base camp, a nod to the local movement they'd fought alongside each other to stop oil drilling in town. Izant closed by describing a framed photo he'd signed "pals forever" and brought to Schmeltzer just before he was hospitalized in his final days.
The consistent theme, from colleagues and rivals alike, was that George Schmeltzer simply never stopped participating in his town, and that Hermosa Beach was better for it.
## A Big Move on Short-Term Rentals
The council also took up one of the thorniest issues on its plate this year: what to do about short-term vacation rentals, like Airbnbs, in the coastal part of town.
For years, Hermosa has banned most short-term rentals near the beach. But a court ruling earlier this year found that the city never properly got that ban approved by the California Coastal Commission, which regulates development along the coast, meaning the prohibition can't be enforced right now. Rentals have effectively been operating in a gray area ever since, with the city unable to collect much in the way of taxes or fees from them.
That lawsuit, brought by a property owner cited for running an unpermitted rental, was formally put to rest earlier in the same meeting: the council reported it had settled the case, agreeing to cover the owner's legal costs in exchange for closing out the litigation. It was a quiet coda to the case that forced Tuesday's bigger policy debate.
After a lengthy debate, the council voted 3-2 to allow short-term rentals to continue in the coastal zone, but under new rules requiring owners to register with the city, get a business license, and pay hotel taxes, with staff enforcing basic noise and nuisance standards. The council plans to revisit the policy in six months to decide whether tighter restrictions, such as caps on how many rentals can operate or how close together they can be, are needed.
Staff and some councilmembers pointed to Manhattan Beach as a model for the approach. That city lost a similar court fight a few years ago, allowed short-term rentals in its own coastal zone while keeping them banned elsewhere, and has since collected roughly $1.5 million a year in hotel taxes, apparently without the issue spiraling into the neighborhood problems some feared.
Supporters argued the move simply brings a widespread, already-happening practice into the light, giving the city real oversight and an estimated $1 million a year in new tax revenue it wasn't collecting before. The two council members who voted no argued the city was moving too fast on an issue that touches neighborhood character and the housing supply, and would have preferred more community input before loosening the rules further. Residents on both sides packed the meeting to weigh in, with some worried about losing long-term rental housing to vacation rentals and noisy "party houses," and others, including at least one local host, saying responsible short-term rentals bring visitors and revenue without disrupting neighborhoods.
Councilmember Rob Saemann (a coastal zone resident himself), who made the motion that ultimately passed, said the old ban had left the city with no real way to keep tabs on what was happening in its own neighborhoods. "That ban gave us no registry, no clear idea who was operating, nothing from the platforms, no one to call when a house on our street is out of control," he said. "It felt like we were protecting people, but in reality, I don't think we were."
## Lawn Bowling Club Gets a Vote of Confidence
In a somewhat lighter moment, the council heard an update on the Hermosa Beach Lawn Bowling Club, the volunteer-run green tucked into the Clark Building complex that's been part of the city since the 1930s. The item was driven by an earlier motion by council to review the use of the space, in light of a major repair needed to the clubhouse building which is city property.
Club members packed the chamber to both celebrate the club's 90th anniversary and make the case for its future, and the council responded warmly, voting unanimously to back continued lawn bowling at the site rather than repurposing the space for something else. Club leaders shared that membership has more than doubled in the past six years to nearly 100 members, and pointed to a busy calendar ahead, including a Labor Day weekend tournament expected to draw some of the country's top bowlers and a senior center night planned for next month.
The club recently took over day-to-day upkeep of the green from the city, and members said they're looking to expand free lessons, youth programs and partnerships with local schools. The one open question is the clubhouse roof, which needs to be replaced; one resident urged the club to lead the fundraising for that project rather than leaning on the city. Council members praised the group's spirit and self-sufficiency and voiced hope the club will still be going strong for its 100th anniversary.
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[Hermosa set to legalize coastal short-term rentals, betting on tax windfall after court lossFacing a budget hole that could hit $4.2 million, Hermosa Beach is turning to the very thing it spent a decade banning: short-term rentalsThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-set-to-legalize-coastal-short-term-rentals-betting-on-tax-windfall-after-court-loss/)
[Roll of HonorThe Hermosa Beach Lawn Bowling Club celebrates its 90th anniversary this week, and the organization is on top of its game.The Hermosa ReviewElka Worner](https://www.hermosareview.com/roll-of-honor/)
### CRIME TIME: August 2-15
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-august-2-15/
Last updated: 2026-09-01T20:21:43.000Z
Hermosa Beach police responded to 87 reported incidents during the two-week period of August 2-15, marked by a robbery on Pier Avenue where a victim withdrew cash and was followed and robbed, a burglary of a strip mall with a dentist office targeted, multiple e-bike thefts from secured locations, and a surge in retail theft and vandalism at local businesses.
### Robbery Following Bank Withdrawal
August 14 afternoon on the 500 block of Pier Avenue, a victim withdrew money from a bank and exited with an envelope in hand. The victim realized they were being followed and called 911 while driving to the police station. The suspect vehicle fled and pursuit ensued. The suspects collided with another vehicle and then fled on foot. Both suspects were arrested.
### Strip Mall Burglary
August 9 evening on the 1100 block of Pacific Coast Highway, a strip mall with a dentist office was entered. Pry marks were found on the door to the dentist office and a dead bolt appeared to have been punched. Nothing appeared to have been stolen, but damage was done to the doors.
### Business Vandalism & Retail Theft
August 5 afternoon on the 700 block of Pier Avenue, a subject entered a business, placed multiple items of alcohol into a bag, and when confronted left the store without paying. August 8 evening on the 1300 block of Hermosa Avenue, subjects entered a business and had an issue with a form of payment. They returned with more people, entered the business again, and began damaging items in the store. Upon leaving they threw the outside umbrella.
August 9 afternoon on the 100 block of Pacific Coast Highway, two subjects placed multiple cosmetic items into backpacks and left without paying. August 14 afternoon on the 3100 block of Manhattan Avenue, two subjects took multiple items of alcohol, placing some in the waistband of their pants, and left without paying.
### E-Bike Thefts
August 10 morning on the 00 block of The Strand, an unlocked e-bike was stolen. August 19 afternoon on the 18th Street and Manhattan Avenue area, a locked e-bike was stolen from a light pole. August 10 afternoon on the 900 block of 1st Street, a locked e-bike in a secured parking garage was stolen with the lock cut.
### Thefts from Public Spaces
August 6 evening on Pier Avenue, a purse was stolen from a chair on an outdoor patio. August 3 early morning on the 100 block of Hermosa Avenue, a wallet dropped while a victim was doing laundry was stolen. August 9 early morning on Pier Avenue, an iPhone was stolen while at a business. August 10 afternoon on 2nd Street and The Strand, property left on the beach when a victim went swimming was stolen. An airtag pinged to 2nd and Hermosa and victim found car keys and air pods in a trash can, but wallet, cash and driver's license were not found.
### Attempted Vehicle Theft
August 3 early morning at 31st Place and Morningside Drive, two subjects were seen inside a victim's vehicle. Subjects fled at high speed in a waiting vehicle. The vehicle's steering wheel was damaged and the vehicle appeared to have been searched.
### Fraud Cases
August 7 morning on the 2300 block of The Strand, a victim received a phone call believing it was her son stating he needed a new cell phone. The victim provided her credit card number and a purchase was made. Another purchase was declined. A utility account was opened in a business name without permission on the 1200 block of 7th Street. August 12 afternoon on the 1800 block of Hillcrest Drive, a victim's credit card was used to make purchases. Packages were delivered and intercepted by someone fraudulently posing as the victim.
### Vehicle Break-Ins & Account Theft
Unlocked vehicles were entered and items stolen at multiple locations throughout the period. August 11 early morning on 00 block 19th Street, a victim's account with funds was accessed and funds transferred to another unknown person's account.
### Narcotics Arrests & Findings
August 6 evening on 2nd Street and Hermosa Avenue, a traffic stop for expired registration resulted in the discovery of cocaine in the vehicle. The subject was arrested. August 8 early morning on the 2500 block of Hermosa Avenue, a traffic stop revealed controlled substance and paraphernalia in the vehicle. The subject had multiple priors for controlled substances. August 6 evening on Pier Avenue, a subject was arrested for public intoxication and found in possession of paraphernalia. August 14 early morning on 24th Street and The Strand, subjects were found to be in possession of a nitrous oxide tank.
August 5 afternoon, a bag of narcotics, possibly cocaine, was found on the 400 block of Hermosa Avenue and turned in. August 6 early morning, a second bag of narcotics, possibly cocaine, was found on the 300 block of Pier Avenue and turned in. August 9 evening on 14th Street and Prospect Avenue, a contact with a subject found paraphernalia in possession.
### Vandalism
August 13 early morning on the 800 block of Bard Street, a window to a residence was broken with a rock. August 13 morning on the 1900 block of Manhattan Avenue, a window to a residence was broken. August 14 afternoon on the 400 block of 31st Street, a rock was thrown at a home and shattered a window. August 9 early morning on the 700 block of 11th Street, renters of a house damaged multiple doors attempting to gain access to locked areas. August 2 evening on the 500 block of Valley Drive, subjects seen using markers to draw on park benches.
### Quality of Life
Eight public intoxication arrests were made during the period. August 15 early morning, three public urination citations were issued. August 14 early morning on 15th Street and Hermosa Avenue, four subjects under 21 years were found to be in possession of fraudulent identifications. August 5 Monday on 18th Street, a dog bite was reported. August 13 early morning on The Strand, a trespasser was seen on a victim's property and tampered with exterior pipes. August 15 afternoon on 2600 block Valley Drive, kids playing soccer lost control of the ball and struck a subject in the face.
### DUI Arrests
Five DUI arrests were made during the period at various locations on August 2, August 5, August 8, August 12, August 14, and August 15.
### Traffic Enforcement & Incidents
Multiple citations were issued for driving with suspended or revoked licenses, reckless driving, fictitious license plates, driving without a license, and driving with license suspended for DUI. Hit-and-run incidents with property damage were reported on August 2 and August 10\. Bikes were impounded for a city event. August 8 afternoon, a citation for animal left unattended in vehicle was issued.
### Other Incidents
August 9 afternoon on 4th Street and The Strand, a victim realized a phone and credit card were missing. The phone was turned off and cards were used for multiple purchases. July 28 through August 7 on the 100 block of Prospect Avenue, an attempted apartment rental fraud was reported where a victim sent money and personal information for a fraudulent rental. A code enforcement report was filed on August 10\. August 8 early morning on 7th Street and The Strand, an e-bike accident resulted in an injury with victim transported for medical care.
### Hermosa set to legalize coastal short-term rentals, betting on tax windfall after court loss
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-set-to-legalize-coastal-short-term-rentals-betting-on-tax-windfall-after-court-loss/
Last updated: 2026-08-23T23:26:15.000Z
Nearly a decade after banning vacation rentals citywide, Hermosa Beach is poised to formally reverse course Tuesday night, when the City Council discusses staff recommendations to legalize short-term rentals within the city's Coastal Zone and rewrite the municipal code to tax and regulate them — a reversal forced not by a change of political heart, but by a Superior Court judge. The debate takes on additional significance in light of the city's fiscal difficulties, and the potential new tax revenue on the table.
The council meets at City Hall on Tuesday to consider a staff report that recommends repealing the city's short-term rental ban and its narrow 2019 pilot program, and replacing them with a new ordinance that recognizes short-term rentals (STRs) as legal in the Coastal Zone, continues to prohibit them everywhere else in the city, and sets up registration, business-license, transient occupancy tax (TOT), safety and nuisance rules for operators.
#### TLDR? - click to read the story in brief
**Hermosa Beach's City Council votes Tuesday, Aug. 25, on whether to formally legalize short-term rentals in the city's Coastal Zone, ending a ban that's stood since 2016.*
**The reversal was forced by a court loss: a judge ruled in Koerner v. City of Hermosa Beach that the ban was illegal because the city never got California Coastal Commission approval for it — the same theory that beat Manhattan Beach in 2022.*
**The city knew this was coming: its own hired hearing officer had already ruled the ban invalid in 2024, but code enforcement kept issuing citations anyway.*
**That hearing officer, Steve Napolitano, is now Hermosa Beach's city manager — and it's his name on Tuesday's staff report recommending the city concede the point he ruled on two years ago.*
**Staff's recommendation: allow STRs in the Coastal Zone, keep the ban everywhere else, and revisit tighter rules only after a one-year trial.*
**The timing lines up with a real budget crisis — Hermosa Beach faces a $3.2 million structural deficit — and staff pitches STR taxes as a fiscal fix, estimating up to $1.025 million a year in new revenue.*
**The real upside could be bigger and is essentially unknowable: the ordinance covers any homeowner renting a room or their whole house part-time, not just dedicated rental properties, so citywide revenue could plausibly top $2 million.*
**Manhattan Beach took this same path in 2022 and still hasn't gone back for tighter Coastal Commission rules four years later — a preview of where Hermosa Beach may be headed.*
**Bottom line: the ban is already dead in the Coastal Zone by court order. Tuesday's vote is about how much the city regulates what comes next, and how fast.*
## A lawsuit the city didn't win
The catalyst is Koerner v. City of Hermosa Beach, brought by Manhattan Avenue homeowner Todd Koerner, who had rented out a room in his home since 2012 and was cited $2,500 by the city's code enforcement division for violating the STR ban. Koerner's attorney, Frank Angel — who won the parallel case against Manhattan Beach and has litigated similar disputes against other South Bay cities — argued that Hermosa Beach's ban amounted to a change in land use within the Coastal Zone that the city was never authorized to make on its own.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant sided with Koerner. In a ruling issued in late March 2026, later entered as a formal judgment in April, the court found that Hermosa Beach's 2016 ban — like its 2019 pilot program restricting STRs to a handful of commercial and specific-plan zones — constituted "development" under the California Coastal Act because it changed the intensity of allowed land use, and it applied the same reasoning the Court of Appeal had used four years earlier in Keen v. City of Manhattan Beach. Because the city never obtained a Coastal Development Permit or Coastal Commission approval for the restriction, the court ruled it unenforceable, dismissed Koerner's citation and issued an injunction blocking the city from enforcing the ban anywhere in the Coastal Zone unless and until the Commission signs off on new rules.
Notably, the code enforcement officer who cited Koerner did so not long after an appeal hearing had already ruled the same ban invalid in a separate appeal — and knew about that prior ruling when he issued the citation anyway. Koerner's attorney seized on that timeline, arguing the city's continued enforcement was a choice to keep fining residents after its own hired hearing officer had already told it the ban wouldn't hold up.
Tuesday's staff report puts it bluntly: STRs "may operate within the Coastal Zone unless and until the City obtains California Coastal Commission approval for additional Coastal Zone STR regulations." The ban is gone unless and until the city runs a lengthy Coastal Commission process to replace it — and even a replacement would need Commission sign-off.
## A familiar playbook in Manhattan Beach
Hermosa Beach is retracing steps its northern neighbor took first. In 2022, the Court of Appeal ruled in Keen v. City of Manhattan Beach that a citywide STR ban Manhattan Beach adopted in 2015 and tightened in 2019 was also an unpermitted Coastal Act "development," because the city's own certified zoning code never distinguished between long- and short-term rentals. "If long-term rentals are legal, so too are short-term rentals," the panel wrote in affirming an injunction against the city.
Manhattan Beach responded by allowing STRs in its Coastal Zone — generally west of Highland Avenue, where roughly 191 properties are now licensed — while keeping the ban elsewhere. Those licenses brought in about $1.7 million in TOT revenue last fiscal year, a benchmark Hermosa Beach officials have cited for their own Coastal Zone. Four years later, Manhattan Beach still hasn't sought Coastal Commission approval for caps or other restrictions, leaving the more permissive, court-imposed status quo in place; its council even rejected a proposal this January to temporarily expand STRs citywide for next summer's World Cup, citing quality-of-life concerns.
Hermosa Beach staff are recommending the same trajectory: legalize in the Coastal Zone, keep the ban outside it, collect the tax revenue, and revisit tighter rules — rental caps, primary-residence or hosted-stay requirements, buffer zones — only later, through the Coastal Commission process those rules would require.
One name threads through both chapters of this fight. Before he ran the city, Steve Napolitano was a private attorney Hermosa Beach occasionally hired as an administrative hearing officer to decide code-enforcement appeals. In 2024, in that role, he heard an appeal from the owner of the Vurpillat, a 28-unit building on the Strand fined for renting units short-term — represented by Frank Angel, the same attorney who later brought Koerner. Napolitano ruled for the owner, writing that "the City's prohibition of STVRs in the coastal zone is invalid and does not apply to the Property" because the city had never obtained Coastal Commission approval — the identical theory a Superior Court judge would apply citywide about two years later.
The city kept enforcing the ban against other operators anyway. Napolitano, meanwhile, left private practice to become Hermosa Beach's own city manager, first on an interim basis and then permanently. So the official whose name is now on Tuesday's staff report (recommending the council concede the ban was unenforceable) is the same person who, as a hired hearing officer, told the city exactly that two years earlier.
## Money, at a moment the city badly needs it
The timing isn't incidental. Hermosa Beach's finances are under significant strain. City Manager Napolitano told the council in April that "doing nothing is no longer an option" on the budget. Mayor Detoy warned in March that rising county fire and lifeguard contract costs, on top of new labor agreements and pension obligations, "will bankrupt us. We're at the point of no return." The city posted a mid-year shortfall of roughly $548,000 and has leaned on one-time reserves to stay balanced. By May, officials were citing a $3.2 million structural deficit, projected to grow to $4.2 million within five years absent changes.
Against that backdrop, Tuesday's staff report casts the STR reversal as a fiscal opportunity as much as a legal necessity. Staff estimates the city can collect up to roughly $1.025 million in new annual General Fund revenue — TOT plus business-license fees — once coastal STRs are registered. That's on top of a separate collection effort already underway: an online STR tax and registration portal launched this year, targeting an estimated 180 to 250 previously unlicensed operators for several years of back taxes, with total collection estimated near $5 million. Operators who paid what they owed by a summer deadline had interest and penalties waived.
## What's still undecided
The ordinance up Tuesday skips some of the more restrictive tools other cities use. A proposed no-fault eviction waiting period — barring STR approval for a period after a landlord evicts a long-term tenant without cause, modeled on rules in Goleta and Berkeley — is discussed as a future option but isn't part of the ordinance itself. Staff is also recommending the city adopt a 2025 state law requiring platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to share host addresses, listing URLs and booking data on request, to aid enforcement.
Council members will choose Tuesday among three options: coastal-only STRs with a one-year evaluation period before considering more rules (staff's recommendation); the same approach on an interim basis while immediately drafting a fuller program for Coastal Commission review; or citywide STRs — legalizing them outside the Coastal Zone too — while pursuing Commission approval. Staff notes the citywide option would generate the most revenue but also the greatest enforcement burden and largest risk of tenant displacement.
Staff doesn't put a number on that citywide upside — the report only calls it the "greatest potential for TOT revenue" — and the reason may be that the real pool of potential operators is hard to bound. Nothing in the ordinance limits an STR to a dedicated, whole-home rental property. The definition carried over from the city's tax code covers any dwelling unit "or portion thereof," meaning a homeowner who lists a single spare room qualifies just as much as one who rents out the entire house — which is exactly what Todd Koerner, the man who beat the city in court, had been doing with a bedroom since 2012\. Under that definition, the pool of potential landlords isn't the roughly 65 rentals currently active in the Coastal Zone, or even the city's approximately 9,000 housing units — it's every homeowner who might rent a now-empty room, or hand over the whole house for a few weeks each summer while they vacation elsewhere. Nobody can put a precise number on how many owners would actually do that, citywide or otherwise, but even scattered, occasional participation across the housing stock could plausibly push total STR-related revenue well past $2 million a year — nearly double the $1.025 million coastal-only estimate actually on Tuesday's agenda.
For now, the vote is really about ratifying what a judge already ordered: for the roughly 5,400 residential units in Hermosa Beach's Coastal Zone, the city's decade-long experiment in banning short-term rentals is over. What comes next — how many rules, how fast, and how much of the budget gap they can fill — is what Tuesday's hearing is meant to begin sorting out.
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**READ MORE:**
[Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)Use our interactive model to easily generate different scenarios for revenue generated by tax on hotel beds and short-term vacation rentals. Move each slider to dynamically create a scenario. The defaults are set roughly at today’s current levels, but you can model different room rates, tax rates, enforcementThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/transient-occupancy-tax-tot/)
[Court Rules Hermosa Beach Short-Term Coastal Rental Ban UnenforceableA Los Angeles Superior Court judge tentatively sided with a local homeowner on Wednesday, finding the city acted outside its authority when it banned short-term rentals without state approval.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/court-rules-hermosa-beach-short-term-rental-ban-unenforceable/)
[City Will Not Appeal Landmark Short-Term Rental RulingAfter nine years of trying to enforce a short-term rental ban that courts have now declared illegal, Hermosa Beach is poised to start collecting hotel-tax revenue on roughly 200 coastal-zone rentals it has spent the better part of a decade trying to shut down.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-will-not-appeal-landmark-short-term-rental-ruling/)
### Hermosa Beach Makes It Slightly Easier to Build Condos, Following State Housing Rules
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-makes-it-slightly-easier-to-build-condos-following-state-housing-rules/
Last updated: 2026-08-19T16:43:56.000Z
If you've have ever spoken to a builder or developer in Hermosa, you might already know that building a new condominium in town has usually meant a long trip through several layers of city review. On Tuesday night, the Planning Commission voted to make that process shorter — a change driven largely by state law, not necessarily by a change of heart at City Hall.
Here's what's happening, in plain terms.
**The old process.** Up until now, anyone who wanted to build condominiums in Hermosa Beach typically needed three separate approvals: a Precise Development Plan (a review of the project's design), a Conditional Use Permit (a special permit the city could grant or deny based on judgment calls about whether the project fit the neighborhood), and a Tentative Map (the paperwork that legally divides land into individually-owned condo units). All three usually meant a hearing in front of the Planning Commission.
**What's changing.** The amendment the commission approved Tuesday removes the Conditional Use Permit step entirely for condo projects. Developers will still need the design review (the Precise Development Plan) and the map approval, but the permit that let the city apply more subjective, case-by-case judgment is going away.
**Why.** This isn't really Hermosa Beach's choice. In 2023, the City Council adopted a state-mandated planning document called the Housing Element, which lays out how the city will accommodate its share of California's housing needs over the coming years. State housing officials reviewed that document and told the city it needed to remove unnecessary red tape that slows down housing construction — including permit requirements, like the CUP, that give the city broad discretion to reject or delay a project. Separately, a state law called the Housing Crisis Act says cities generally can't judge housing projects against vague, "subjective" standards — things like whether a design fits the neighborhood's "character" — because those kinds of standards can be applied inconsistently and used to slow projects down. So along with removing the permit, the city is also deleting fuzzy language from its condo rules, like references to "architectural harmony," that isn't tied to a specific, measurable rule.
#### What is 'The Housing Element'? (click to see detail)
- ****The State Mandate:** Every California city must update its Housing Element every eight years, demonstrating how it will accommodate its share of regional housing growth. Hermosa Beach's current element covers 2021-2029 and was certified by the state in July 2024.
- ****The Numbers:** Hermosa Beach must plan for 558 new housing units this cycle, broken down by income level: 232 very-low income, 127 low-income, 106 moderate-income, and 93 above-moderate (market rate) units.
- ****The Strategy:** The city rezoned properties through a "Housing Element overlay" that allows residential development on formerly commercial-only sites. The element includes 14 programs addressing everything from ADU development to affordable housing preservation.
- ****The Progress:** Halfway through the cycle, 384 units are somewhere in the development pipeline—from applications to completed construction. The city claims that it is on track to exceed its market-rate housing target.
- ****The Problem:** All 384 units in the pipeline are market-rate housing. Zero affordable units have been proposed or built, meaning the city is falling behind on its affordable housing obligations across all income categories—a failure that could trigger state penalties and "builder's remedy" provisions that override local zoning controls.
- ****The Regional Context:** Neighboring Redondo Beach's Housing Element is currently being challenged in court, illustrating the legal risks cities face when their housing plans don't satisfy state requirements. A failed Housing Element can result in loss of local control over development decisions, and there are strong similarities between our plan and the Redondo plan.
**A new fast lane for smaller projects.** The amendment also creates a streamlined process for smaller subdivisions — the paperwork step that splits a property into separately-owned condo units. Projects with four or fewer units will now be reviewed and signed off on by the city's Community Development Director, without needing a full public hearing before the Planning Commission (residents in the area still get mailed notice, and there's still a way to appeal the decision to the commission if someone disagrees with it). Projects of five units or more will still go before the Planning Commission at a public meeting, just as before. City staff explained this split simply mirrors a similar small-project/big-project distinction the City Council already created in May for design reviews, so the two processes are no longer out of sync with each other.
**The pushback.** Not everyone on the commission was fully comfortable with the change. Commissioner Hoffman raised the concern most residents might share: if the city can no longer apply subjective judgment, who decides what fits into the neighborhood? He pointed out that even things we think of as "objective" today — like how tall a building is allowed to be, or how far it has to sit back from the street — were themselves subjective decisions the commission made at some point in the past. He worried that losing this kind of flexibility could make it harder to prevent poorly designed buildings, recalling past cases where the city approved projects that technically followed the rules but didn't turn out well. Other commissioners and staff responded that the city isn't losing all its say — it can still write specific, clearly-defined design rules (a height limit, a setback distance, a requirement for a certain roof style) that apply the same way to every project. What it can't do anymore is leave those decisions to a case-by-case gut check.
**What happens next.** Because this is a change to the city's rules rather than a specific building project, no individual development is affected by Tuesday's vote. The Planning Commission's recommendation now goes to the City Council, which is expected to take it up in October. If approved there, the new rules would likely take effect in early 2027, after a required waiting period. City planners say this is just the first of several zoning updates coming over the next year or two as Hermosa Beach works through a larger overhaul of its development rules — with a discussion of possible changes to commercial and mixed-use zoning planned for a Planning Commission workshop on September 2.
---
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[Hermosa’s Housing Element Is Built On Ground Redondo Just VacatedAn in-depth look at the latest moves by Redondo to avoid the dreaded ‘Builders Remedy’ sledgehammer under state law. What do our neighbor’s legal moves mean for the future of housing development in Hermosa ?The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosas-housing-element-is-built-on-ground-redondo-just-vacated/)
[Hermosa Joins the South Bay Housing Trust. Can It Fix Anything?Hermosa Beach has joined the South Bay’s regional housing trust. Could the trust achieve progress that state mandate and city constraints have struggled to unlock?The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-joins-the-south-bay-housing-trust-can-it-fix-anything/)
[IN-DEPTH : Housing DevelopmentHow did one apartment building become a lightning rod for the argument over housing density ?The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-hermosa-housing/)
### New Digital Gateway Sign Gets Approval
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/new-digital-gateway-sign-gets-approval/
Last updated: 2026-08-19T16:06:05.000Z
The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a new electronic monument sign at the Community Center, clearing the way for the first replacement of a corner marker that has sat empty since the previous sign was removed in 2019 over structural safety concerns.
The commission's 4-0 vote came after a brief public hearing and presentation from Assistant Planner Angelique Chavez, who told commissioners the dual-sided sign will rise at the southwest corner of Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway — the same gateway location where the old sign once stood. At 8.5 feet tall and 12 feet wide, with a roughly 4.7-by-8.9-foot digital display, the structure has been designed to echo the Art Deco lines of the Community Center itself, which is a locally designated historic landmark.
"The sign combines a traditional monument sign with a digital message display that allows the city to communicate information to the public," Chavez told the commission, noting the display is intended exclusively for city business — community events, public meeting notices, and emergency alerts. Commercial advertising and political messages are explicitly barred under the sign's conditions of approval, and the display will be restricted to static messages only, with no flashing, scrolling, or animation permitted.
City staff say the project has been years in the making and is part of a broader, citywide Capital Improvement Program to modernize signage. Funding traces back to a donation from residents Chuck and Missy Sheldon, whose contribution commissioners repeatedly credited with getting the project off the ground.
"It can't be said too many times that their generous donation is what has allowed the city to get a major start on this particular project," Vice Chair Flaherty said during the meeting.
Commissioners were largely effusive about the design. Commissioner Kate Hirsh said she was pleased to see the project reach this stage after "hearing about it for a couple of years," adding that the design's nod to the Community Center's historic architecture would "further beautify Hermosa." Chair Steve Izant called it "a tremendous improvement" over what previously existed at the site.
The commission did acknowledge receiving two letters ahead of the meeting, raising questions about how the sign would be used and financed. Commissioners noted the concerns but said weighing in on those issues fell outside the panel's role, which is limited to the sign's physical design, its location, and a determination that the project is exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
The project qualifies for a CEQA exemption because it is considered an accessory structure at an existing institutional facility, a determination the commission formally adopted as part of Tuesday's vote. With the resolution now approved, the sign is expected to move forward for construction, joining a series of signage upgrades staff say have been rolling out around the city over the past several weeks.
---
**RELATED STORY**
[Prominent Hermosa Couple To Donate $500,000 for Monument SignageLarge private donation by Chuck and Missy Sheldon will fund a long-delayed monument sign project at PCH and Pier Ave.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/former-mayor-chuck-sheldon-and-wife-donate-500-000-for-monument-signage/)
### CRIME TIME: July 26-August 1
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-july-26-august-1/
Last updated: 2026-08-26T16:43:26.000Z
Hermosa Beach police responded to 28 reported incidents during the week of July 26-August 1, marked by a weapons arrest where a loaded handgun was recovered from a vehicle during a traffic stop, two vehicle thefts with associated credit card fraud, and a DUI hit-and-run on Pier Avenue with failure to provide proof of financial responsibility.
### Weapons Arrest
Early Sunday morning on the 1000 block of Manhattan Avenue, a traffic stop revealed a driver with 2 passengers inside the vehicle. A loaded stolen handgun was recovered from inside the vehicle along with a ski mask. The driver was arrested and the vehicle was impounded.
### Stolen Vehicles & Credit Card Fraud
Sunday afternoon on Herondo Street and Monterey Boulevard, a vehicle was stolen from a street parking spot. A wallet was left inside the vehicle and multiple charges to credit cards were made following the theft. A second stolen vehicle was parked on the 2600 block of Valley Drive.
### Pier Avenue Thefts
An iPhone was stolen from a purse on Pier Avenue on Sunday morning. A phone was stolen from a back pocket on Pier Avenue on Sunday morning.
### DUI Arrests
Two DUI arrests were made during the week. Early Sunday morning on the 700 block of Pier Ave, a subject was arrested for driving under the influence. Sunday evening at Pier Avenue and Ardmore Avenue, a subject was arrested for DUI, hit and run, and failure to prove financial responsibility.
### Traffic Enforcement
Multiple citations were issued for driving on suspended or revoked licenses and driving while license suspended for DUI. A citation was issued for driving on suspended/revoked license on Hermosa Avenue and 14th Street on July 18.
### Quality of Life
One public intoxication arrest was made on the 2600 block of Valley Drive on Sunday morning.
### Traffic Incident
Friday evening on the 700 block of 11th Place, a victim was walking in a parking lot when a vehicle backed up. The victim fell and the vehicle continued to back up, yet did not strike the victim.
### Found Property
Found items included duffel bags, bicycles, and wallets.
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**KEEP READING**
[Hermosa Beach Serious Reported Crime Down 36% in First Quarter 2026Hermosa Beach recorded just 45 serious crimes in March, capping a first quarter that saw total offenses fall 36% from the prior year. That’s the lowest Q1 figure in the last four years.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-serious-reported-crime-down-36-in-first-quarter-2026/)
### CRIME TIME: July 19-25
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-july-19-25/
Last updated: 2026-08-05T22:08:16.000Z
Hermosa Beach police responded to 48 reported incidents during the week of July 19-25, marked by a serious robbery on Pier Avenue where a group of subjects targeted a pedestrian with threats of gunfire, multiple vehicle thefts including one recovered from another city, a sophisticated identity theft involving impersonation of a Verizon employee, and a continued surge in e-bike component theft.
### Robbery with Gun Threats
Saturday evening on Pier Avenue, a victim was walking when followed by a group of subjects who told the victim to give up their belongings and threatened to shoot them. The victim kept walking, but the suspects threw them to the ground, punched the victim, and pulled off a chain before fleeing the area.
### Sophisticated Identity Theft & Account Takeover
Thursday evening on the 500 block of Manhattan Avenue, a victim was contacted by a supposed Verizon employee. The suspect claimed the victim's account had been used to purchase iPhones and asked the victim to verify account information. The suspect stated he was going to fix the issue, but instead gained access to the victim's account and took it over. The victim has not yet suffered financial loss, but the suspect threatened the victim regarding photos in the account if the victim did not pay.
### Vehicle Theft Surge
Three vehicles were stolen from street parking during the week. Sunday on the 1300 block of Manhattan Avenue and Monday on the 2000 block of Manhattan Avenue, vehicles were stolen from the street.
A stolen vehicle from the 1500 block of Hermosa Avenue was tracked to another city. The victim met a deputy to recover the vehicle, but discovered that the ignition had been tampered with and was unable to be started. Various items had been stolen from inside the vehicle.
### Package & Retail Theft
A baseball card purchased online was authenticated and shipped to a purchaser on the 700 block of Pier Avenue. The package arrived but the baseball card was not inside. A package was stolen from a doorstep on the 2900 block of Morningside Drive.
### E-Bike Component Thefts
Helmet and decorative front license plates were stolen from a locked e-bike on the 00 block of Pier Avenue on Wednesday. An unlocked bicycle was stolen from the 16th Street and The Strand area on Tuesday.
### Multiple DUI Arrests
Six DUI arrests were made during the week. Saturday evening on the 800 block of Hermosa Avenue, a subject was arrested for DUI, reckless driving, and DUI enhancement for speed while driving with a license suspended for DUI. Early Sunday on Herondo Street and Valley Drive brought another DUI arrest. Tuesday on the 00 block of Pier Avenue, a subject was arrested for DUI with a suspended/revoked license and forging/altering vehicle registration. Thursday early morning on the 400 block of Hermosa Avenue and Friday on the 21st Street and Hermosa Avenue area brought additional DUI arrests. Early Saturday at Pacific Coast Highway and Pier Avenue, another DUI arrest was made.
### Weapons Arrest
Saturday morning on the 14th Court and Hermosa Avenue area, a traffic stop revealed a driver on felony probation. The subject was found to be a felon in possession of OC spray and was arrested.
### Assaults & Threats
Sunday afternoon at the 1100 block of The Strand, subjects at a FIFA watch party had a dispute when one subject threw a can at others' heads. The suspect then picked up a thermos to hit the victim, changed to a chair, and swung it at the victim. Neither weapon made contact.
Wednesday evening on the 200 block of 28th Street, a subject reported being threatened by a former client.
### Quality of Life
Four public intoxication arrests were made during the week at various locations on Pier Avenue and residential areas. A traffic stop on the 2000 block of Hermosa Avenue found both passengers in possession of paraphernalia; subjects were cited and released.
### Fraud & Identity Theft
A student loan was opened in a victim's name on the 100 block of Lyndon Street for school the victim has never attended, spanning from April through July. A subject ordered an iPhone on the 1200 block of 11th Place using a victim's account information. A vehicle believed stolen from Baja Sharkeez was ultimately located at Baja Sharkeez in Manhattan Beach.
### Traffic Enforcement
Multiple citations were issued for driving on suspended or revoked licenses. Hit-and-run incidents with property damage were reported.
### Found Property
Found items included wallets, license plates, cell phones, and multiple items of found property turned in.
### Other Incidents
A nitrous oxide tank and Glock airsoft BB gun were taken for destruction. An electric Segway was stolen from a front porch on the 900 block of 6th Street.
---
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### Hermosa volleyball community shows up to spike new court policy
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-volleyball-community-shows-up-to-spike-new-court-policy/
Last updated: 2026-08-05T16:48:41.000Z
Hermosa Beach spent nearly five years writing rules for its 75 beach volleyball courts. The volunteers who have maintained those courts for decades got the memo Tuesday morning. The Commission took the item up Tuesday night.
They came anyway, enough of them that the lawn bowlers ahead of them on the agenda had to clear the room first. What they found waiting was a city proposing to codify something that has essentially governed itself without seeming to need a written rule book over the last 40 years.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission pushed the policy back to September for a continued conversation. Two commissioners declined to sign on to even that.
## What the policy would do
Hermosa has no comprehensive policy governing its beach volleyball courts. Twenty-four sit in the commercial zone between 10th and 15th streets; the rest line the residential zone. Outside a few provisions in the municipal code, there are no adopted rules on hours, challenge procedures, decoration, or who maintains what.
Parks and Recreation Manager Brian Sousa presented the draft, filling in for Director Lisa Nichols, who was absent. It would change that. The policy would seek to formalize a Court Liaison Program for the volunteers who have maintained residential-zone courts for decades, to set standards for personalization and public art, and asks whether commercial branding belongs on nets. It also potentially recommends striking the words "for compensation" from the municipal code, so the city could cite unpermitted instruction without first proving anyone got paid.
## Five years, one public meeting
The subcommittee that produced the policy was appointed October 5, 2021\. That appointment is the only entry in the staff report's table of past Commission actions.
Speaker after speaker said they had volunteered for the process and never heard back.
"About five years ago, I was really excited when they put together this committee of actual volleyball people to come up with the rules for Hermosa Beach," said Dan Cavanaugh, a court steward for four courts. "We had two meetings and it didn't really go anywhere, and every six months I'd send an email: what's going on, what's going on. So imagine how surprised I was when I found out that this work was going on, but just without the input of this committee." The feeling now, he said, is "the city doesn't care what we think."
Sousa acknowledged the project sat idle for years under prior city priorities and management before new direction restarted it. The notice went out the morning of the meeting.
Commissioner Elka Worner raised it from the dais before public comment even opened. She had spoken to stakeholders gathered years ago who told her nothing happened in between, she said, and the court caretakers who wanted to be in the room couldn't be, because they "got the memo I think yesterday morning. I'm sorry, today."
Commissioner Elka Worner pushed back on the content and process behind city staff proposals
"That doesn't give a lot of warning to people," Worner said. "Maybe we should have had a little more warning and more discussion with these groups, and kept them abreast of what was going on, so they could chime in and participate, which they'd originally been asked to do."
"Less than 24 hours ago, I learned for the first time the commission would be voting on a new volleyball court use policy," said Eric Beranek of Torrance, reading remarks he said a lawyer prepared that day. The policy "goes beyond clarification of existing law," he argued; a key attachment never made the public packet; and the finding of no fiscal impact ignores the coaches and small businesses it would affect.
Commissioner Barbara Ellman, who served on the subcommittee, did not defend the timing. "First of all, I think everyone in this room deserves an apology for what happened today," she said. "It was, I hate to say it, but it was unprofessional, and something I never let my grandchildren say, but I will say it wasn't fair."
The apology was for the noticing. The grievance in the room was older. The subcommittee Ellman was appointed to in 2021, the one Cavanaugh and other stewards had volunteered to serve on, met twice, went quiet, and produced the draft policy without them.
Ellman : "I am offended by the fact that so many people are just like, oh, I don't understand what the big problem is."
## A problem light on facts
Worner opened the Commission's questioning by asking for the thing the staff report never supplies: a count. "The complaints you received about instruction and things of that nature, who did they come from? Do you have numbers, and what were the complaints?" she asked. "I'm trying to understand why this is coming up."
Staff described phone calls, emails, and observations, some from people who preferred to stay anonymous. The staff report says the department has addressed "more than 30 known cases" of unpermitted activity in recent years. Vice Chair Todd Tullis went looking for them.
"I have all GoHermosa records from 2019 to July 2025, and there's a total of two reports of unpermitted activity," he said. "One report was filed by you, Brian. Another report appears to have been filed by a resident."
Sousa noted not all complaints come through GoHermosa. Asked how many citations had been issued in five years, staff had no number; asked what one costs, Sousa guessed "somewhere between $250 to $500," but wasn't certain.
"If it's breaking municipal code and we're not enforcing it, there's probably a different reason than the fact we don't have a policy," Tullis said. "Wordsmithing the (municipal code) to remove the compensation thing just trades one ambiguity for another."
## The risk no one could name
Pressed on why the city needed the policy at all, Sousa returned again and again to liability. A public facility with no adopted rules "is a very uncommon practice and subjects us to potential litigation and risk," he said. The residential-zone courts may be built and outfitted by volunteers, but "those are donations, those are considered city property. We're held liable for all courts." Direction to produce the policy, he added, had come from "at least two city managers."
Tullis pushed on it.
"Why is not having a standard a problem?"
"Because it is a public facility," Sousa said. "And it opens the city to litigation and risk."
"Right, but why? The community, the public deserves to know why."
The exchange didn't get further than that. Asked from the dais whether decades of painted poles, flags, and memorials had ever actually produced a liability issue, Sousa said he couldn't speak to the liability aspect, though the city had fielded complaints about flags some residents found offensive. Asked what enforcement of the new policy would look like, he confirmed the limit: a policy is not citable, only the municipal code is, and Parks and Recreation has no authority to write citations regardless. "We educate the public," he said. Anything beyond that runs through code enforcement and the police.
That is the fault line running under the whole item. The city's position is the ordinary instinct of government: a public asset with no written rules is an exposure, and the fix is to write the rules. What the volleyball community argued back, liaison by liaison, is that the asset has not been unmanaged for decades. It has been self-managed, by the people who paint the poles, replace the nets, and talk the guy out of chaining his chair to one. The city's own 2022 survey of court volunteers found people who had been maintaining their courts for anywhere from six months to more than 30 years, out of pocket, at $200 to $300 a year apiece.
## The culture on the poles
The personalization question drew the most feeling. Hermosa's courts carry painted poles, flags, totems and memorials, all of which the staff report itself calls "part of Hermosa Beach's unique beach volleyball culture." The draft would let them stay, subject to standards, while reserving the city's right to remove anything at any time. Staff cited complaints about flags some residents found offensive.
"I don't think any of us want to really Walmart Hermosa Beach," said Raymond Dussault, who has organized a free Fourth of July volleyball potluck for more than a decade. "I've been playing volleyball on this beach for 16 years now, and I've never once seen an offensive item on a volleyball court." His larger point: the policy doesn't distinguish neighborhood potlucks and memorials from recurring commercial operations. How would staff walking past tell a tournament from a picnic, or four friends running drills from a paid class?
Not everyone was a player. Cindy Vicks, whose family has owned a house at 1928 The Strand for nearly 100 years, described a second court going up outside her window a few years ago, built by people who were "extremely dismissive" when she questioned it. Since then: loud music, tents, all-day parties.
Resident Cindy Vicks spoke about her family history in Hermosa, and some of the problems that she has experienced with noise and activity at the courts outside her Strand home
Ellman was blunt about the same dynamic. "The sense of ownership that happens on the courts is ridiculous," she said. "Just because you've gone to the bottom of 6th Street for the last year or two doesn't give you ownership of that. And I don't care if you are a court steward or a court liaison. You do not own that beach." She found the emailed comments suspect. "It was obvious that people were told what to say." And she drew a hard line on commerce: "I do not think that a public beach is a place for someone to decide that's how they're going to make their living."
At least one of those e-comments made an argument rather than a plea. Derek Rubiano wrote that the city "should be careful not to regulate away the very culture that made its volleyball community so special," and drew the same line Dussault had. The courts host organized drills, small competitions, birthday events, fundraisers and clinics, he wrote, and those activities "help new players learn the game, bring people together, support good causes." Rules on commercial use, court access and large tournaments are reasonable. "But a blanket restriction on drills, instruction, or organized play would do real harm to the community and the culture that has grown here over decades."
## What happens next
Mark Paaluhi, the tournament organizer Ellman called her "guru" for beach history, offered the compromise the Commission largely adopted: restart the subcommittee, set the basic rules, rebuild the liaison roster, then take up coaching and camps. "In the community, we think it's just maybe the city trying to overreach a little bit," he said, "but I think there's a happy medium ground."
Volleyball community stalwart Mark Paaluhi at last night's meeting. "Maybe the city is trying to overreach a little bit."
Commissioner Tom Moroney warned against treating delay as a win. "Since we set the subcommittee up five years ago, we've got more large tournaments. We've got more flags. We have more commercialization on the courts." The one clear improvement is that courts aren't being locked down, "and that's, I think, directly the liaisons." He moved to continue the item to September 1 and asked staff to bring the community in.
Tullis had wanted more than a delay. The lack of community engagement was "so significant," he said, that the Commission should reject the policy and the code amendment outright. "They should not go to council, they should go back to committee." Sousa told him that option didn't exist. "The commission does not have the authority tonight to strike this and not take this to city council."
The motion to continue passed. Worner and Tullis abstained. They did not have the authority to keep the item off the Council's agenda, and were not willing to lend their names to the staff findings or to the opaque 'subcommittee' process that produced them.
The reprieve is narrow in any case. The challenge rule and the ban on unpermitted commercial activity are already in the code, Sousa noted, and coaches working for compensation "can already receive a citation tomorrow if code enforcement elects to."
That framing is what Worner kept pushing on. She had moved to table the item outright, unpersuaded that rules the city isn't enforcing become urgent the moment they're typed up. "I've played volleyball my whole life. I've never heard of challenges," she said. "I don't think anyone has ever come to a volleyball court and said, 'I challenge you.'" Where were these rules even posted, she asked. How was anyone supposed to know them?
"I think a lot of the volleyball community here, they want to help. They were blindsided by this, and that's not right. You're out there taking care of the courts for the public and the residents here." Better to table it, she said, "until we can figure out everything better, and figure out why we're doing this, what we're doing, and how people find out about these rules."
### Ninety years on, Hermosa's lawn bowlers fight to keep their green
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/ninety-years-on-hermosas-lawn-bowlers-fight-to-keep-their-green/
Last updated: 2026-08-26T16:43:36.000Z
The city chamber was full an hour before the volleyball players needed it.
They had come for a question the City Council put to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on Tuesday night: whether a bowling green Hermosa Beach has maintained since 1935 still deserves the land it sits on, or whether the city should be looking at something else.
The item arrived by way of two Council actions. In June 2025, Councilmember Raymond Jackson initiated an action that directed staff to prepare a report on the Hermosa Beach Lawn Bowling Club's operations, membership, maintenance and legal standing. On July 28 of this year, Council approved an agreement with the club for a one-year term that then continues month to month, and asked this Commission for feedback on the facility's future.
Councilmember Jackson's recent social media post was met with strong reaction from the community
Staff laid out four questions. Does the current use still serve the community? Should the club's operations or maintenance responsibilities change? Could public access be expanded? And should alternative uses be explored, either alongside lawn bowling or in place of it.
Staff recommended nothing. "Staff is not recommending a specific future use or repurposing plan at this time," the presentation noted. The point was to collect the Commission's view for Council.
The lawn bowlers' clubhouse is in urgent need of repair. City staff have previously cited concerns over liability in the event of an accident, and the potential cost of those repairs has come at a time when the city wrestles a looming budget crisis.
The issue has crystallized rather suddenly. It was not raised as part of previous City Manager Suja Lowenthal's Civic Facilities Project Advisory Group, which focused on a potential replacement of City Hall, Community Center and City Yard. It was not raised by the City's Finance Sub-Committee which included Councilmembers Raymond Jackson and Mike Detoy. But the lawn bowlers know now that they are potentially in the crosshairs, and they came to plead their case.
## Ninety years on the same grass
The city bought the land that became the Clark Complex in 1933 for park and recreation use. It was later named for former Mayor John Clark, who advocated for the park and put his own money toward installing the green. The first tournament was held in 1935.
Karen Shore, a 23-year Hermosa resident and three-year member, spoke for the club and had come prepared with a statement.
She described a sport that survives what other sports stop allowing. "The great thing about lawn bowling is that almost any person, in spite of any certain physical limitations, can play," she said. "Our social bowls gathering pit young against old, male against female, newbie against pro. Anything can happen on any given day." Club members include people who have bowled their way back from a stroke, and a woman who had polio as a child, for whom lawn bowling was the first sport she was ever able to play.
The competitive side is real. Inger Benson, a Hermosa Beach resident who was in the chamber, finished third in singles at the 2024 USA National Championships in Milwaukee and will compete in women's pairs at this September's Bowls USA national playdowns. The club hosts the Allcomers Tournament over Labor Day weekend; last year it drew 56 of the top bowlers in the country.
## "The effect that it has on their lives"
Charles Moffitt, an officer of the Southwest Division of Bowls USA, said he had been asked by the club to come. He is 84, took swimming lessons at the Hermosa Biltmore as a small boy, started surfing the coast in 1954, and once worked at Jacob's Surf Shop where Hermosa Avenue turns into Manhattan.
Charles Moffitt, from Bowls USA gave both a history lesson and a personal plea.
His division has 2,000 members across 26 clubs from the Mexican border to San Luis Obispo. The oldest is 116 years old. Most are 90\. Eighty-five percent of lawn bowlers in California, he said, are 65 or older.
Then he explained why he had actually come. His wife discovered the sport five or six years ago. She had brain cancer when she was younger and lost the sight in her right eye. She has two replacement knees, a replacement hip, and a heart condition that has to be watched.
"She is a lean, mean bowling machine," he said. She bowls three days a week, still works as an architect at 73, and "bowling has just given her this tremendous spirit. I met her at the age of 24, and she's 24 all over again."
He closed on something he said he learned as a deputy mayor of Los Angeles working with that city's Rec and Parks Commission. "The measure of the success of a recreation program is not only how many people participate, but the effect that it has on their lives," he said. "Swimming lessons for a young person are life-changing, and active recreational programs for older adults can be life-saving."
## The Commission agrees, with homework
Commissioner Elka Worner went first and did not hedge.
"This facility has been here for 90 years. There's very few things that we have in this town that have lasted this long and have been used for this purpose for that long," she said. "I remember when I was a kid walking by there, and I still walk by there and I see the flags and the lawn bowlers, and it's just a tradition, and it's really an asset to our community."
She had gone to the open house about a year ago. "You were just the friendliest group of people. Everyone said hi. You have music on. You're lawn bowling with no shoes on, barefoot lawn bowlers." She met people in their twenties who told her it had become a retro thing to do. She talked to two women whose husbands had died, "and they said if it weren't for this, we'd be at home watching TV."
Vice Chair Todd Tullis agreed the use is worth continuing, with a condition: "as long as the club continues to be sustainable, given its obligations to the city." He suggested the green might also host things that do not damage it, senior tai chi or yoga, cornhole, croquet.
Commissioner Tom Moroney was the one who took Council's repurposing question seriously enough to answer it out loud. He ran through the alternatives that exist: the dog park advocates want space, and a group has wanted a municipal pool for decades, though he doubts the site is big enough and thinks staff should say so.
"I'm not convinced that any of them is better than what we are doing there," he concluded. "The activity that belongs there is the activity that's there."
His caveat was about visibility. "The more Hermosa residents you have in your club, the more successful you're going to be, and the more justifiable it is to the city to set aside a large area of our parkland for one activity." He proposed the club present to the Commission annually, the way long-term agreement holders do.
Commissioner Barbara Ellman turned that into a general rule, and aimed part of it at the Commission itself.
"I think it was on us and it was on you. We failed at doing our job, which is to constantly understand what is going on," she said. Every group using city space should be appearing before the Commission to report what is working and what is not. She also defended Council's right to have asked the question in the first place.
"This is what happens when someone such as a council member makes a comment and then everyone gets their knickers in a knot, because it's like a forbidden word to question what it is we've been doing for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years," Ellman said. "If we don't look at other options, we won't know. Please don't get upset when someone wants to talk and question what we're doing in this town, why we're doing it, and how we can do it better."
Chair Tracy Horowitz landed on the practical version. There is "an undercurrent of conversation" about the club precisely because the city rarely hears from it, and there are revenue opportunities in rentals and classes it has not pursued. Some traditions need to change, she said, and this is not one of them.
## What happens next
Tullis moved to receive and file the report and to have staff summarize the Commission's feedback for Council as "generally consistent with continuing and potentially expanding lawn bowling usage" of the facility. Ellman seconded, with a friendly amendment that the club be asked back annually.
Staff noted the Commission can recommend that but cannot require it; an annual report-back would be up to the City Manager or Council. "Well, then let's ask the City Manager and the City Council," Ellman said.
The motion carried 5-0, and the cool kid lawn bowlers made way in the room for the as the lawn bowlers vacated the room so that the volleyball players could take the stand, a common question linked the two groups:
What's the price of tradition, culture and community?
---
**KEEP READING**
[Roll of HonorThe Hermosa Beach Lawn Bowling Club celebrates its 90th anniversary this week, and the organization is on top of its game.The Hermosa ReviewElka Worner](https://www.hermosareview.com/roll-of-honor/)
### Council Sends 0.5% Sales Tax Hike to November Ballot
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-sends-0-5-sales-tax-hike-to-november-ballot/
Last updated: 2026-08-26T16:44:56.000Z
The City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday night to ask voters in November to raise the local sales tax by a half cent, just reaching the four-vote supermajority state law requires — and doing so only after the swing member spent several minutes saying the city has no financial plan before voting yes anyway.
The measure, which the council designated Measure HB, would establish a half-percent local transactions and use tax on purchases within the city, generating an estimated $2 million a year. As a general tax it needs only a simple majority to pass in November, and the money would flow into the general fund without restriction. Councilmember Dean Francois cast the lone no vote.
It is the city's third attempt in four years. A three-quarter-cent measure failed in 2022, and a 2024 version — which included a 20-year sunset, annual audits and a citizen oversight committee — did worse.
Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker told the council the measure codifies direction given during June's budget adoption. He described a balanced budget for the coming fiscal year sitting in front of deficits projected to grow by $3 million to $4 million annually over the next four to five years, driven by county contract increases, capital needs and inflation.
The council closed a $3.2 million gap this cycle, Walker said, with $1.3 million in operational cuts, a downgraded human resources position, deferred vehicle purchases and contingency funds. "There's real teeth behind what we're doing," he said.
The largest single threat is the county's contracts for fire service, lifeguards and beach maintenance, which at full cost recovery would run about $5.5 million a year — $3.5 million of that for lifeguards alone. The city currently pays roughly $350,000 combined under an older agreement tied to a share of parking structure revenue. Neighboring cities pay nothing, because their beaches are county-owned and Hermosa Beach's is not.
Smaller pressures are stacking up behind it. The city's landscaping contractor has asked for a 30 percent increase just to maintain existing service.
Walker also presented survey results from an outside consultant: 94 percent of respondents rated their quality of life excellent or good, nearly 80 percent were satisfied with city services, and an initial ballot test showed 56 percent support, rising to 62 percent after supporting arguments and settling at 55 percent after opposing ones.
Just before the vote, Walker returned to the microphone with a caveat. "The survey did benchmark and test a full 1 percent sales tax measure. Here we're proposing a half percent," he said. "So it's not quite an apples to apples."
#### Public comment: prove you'll fight for it
Speakers spent less time on whether the tax was warranted than on whether the council would actually campaign for it.
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Barbara Ellman, speaking as a Loma Drive resident, called out members by name. To Francois: "You have run your campaign against tax increases." To Mayor Pro Tem Michael Keegan: "You are probably one of the main reasons why the last tax increase didn't pass. So what's changed, and what are you going to do to help us?"
"When the school board passed their bond measures, they walked. They wore silly outfits. They had signs," Ellman said. "I see you voting and I see you hoping, but I have no faith that most of you are going to do anything other than sit in a chair and hope that this passes. So prove me wrong, please."
Laura Pena said she had stayed neutral on the two previous measures but would take a position on this one — and drew a line. "My red line is a citizen oversight committee," she said. She also pressed the city to be explicit about the resulting rate: with a county measure already approved, she said, passage would push the local rate to 10.75 percent. "They don't want to find this out in an opposition campaign."
#### The debate
Councilmember Rob Saemann, who made the motion, opened by taking Ellman's challenge personally. "I have always been willing to speak to anybody who wants to speak to me, including you," he said. "You cannot make this decision based on, gosh, I wonder if this will be good for my campaign or not good for my campaign."
He conceded the $2 million won't solve the structural problem. "This tax money isn't going to build a new pier or a new city yard or any of that business," he said. "But this will help us with our deficit next year, for sure. And the year after that and the year after that." He acknowledged voters' distrust was earned: "Most of the people in the city believe that we wasted money on things. And I think we did."
Francois was unmoved. "It's failed twice. The voters have rejected it," he said, calling the tax regressive and pointing to alternatives the council passed on. "We had the opportunity to increase the hotel tax, paid for by visitors, not by residents... This council failed to elect to put that on the ballot." He also rejected the county contract premise outright: "We own the beach, but it's a county's responsibility for the health and safety and welfare of the county."
Keegan — the member Ellman blamed for the last defeat — came out for it, and with a plan. "When someone says we don't have a plan, I have a plan," he said. "We pass this sales tax. We allow short-term rentals in our coastal zone and collect $2 million a year." Add redevelopment of the two corners near the beach, he said, and "that will be $9 million in incremental money that we can bond on." Manhattan Beach, he noted, collects $1.7 million a year in bed tax in its coastal zone. He said he had opposed adding a hotel tax to this ballot because the city didn't want to confuse voters or lead the South Bay in tax rates.
Keegan also warned what a no vote buys. "The only way we'll save real money in our budget right now is to cut our policing staff," he said. "I'm not proposing it."
Jackson delivered the night's longest and most conflicted remarks, and did it as the acknowledged swing vote. "I guess I'm the swing, assuming Council Member Francois is still a no, but my concern is there's no plan," he said. "This ballot measure is just, okay, let's put it up there and hope. Hope, hope, hope. Hope is not a plan, hope is not a strategy."
The Man Without A Plan? Councilmember Raymond Jackson on Tuesday evening
Notably, Jackson offered no plan or suggestion of his own as to how he believes the city can tackle the fiscal cliff that it faces. In recent budget sessions, he has proposed a GoFundMe collection as the answer to the $53 million Pier rebuild, and placing parking meters on Monterey Blvd. and Manhattan Ave. to raise parking revenue.
### Council Kills Greenbelt Dog Park Ballot Measure, Advances Study Agreement
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-kills-greenbelt-dog-park-ballot-measure-advances-study-agreement/
Last updated: 2026-08-26T16:44:17.000Z
The City Council on Tuesday night declined to put a Greenbelt off-leash dog park question before voters in November, but narrowly approved a memorandum of understanding letting the nonprofit Bark For A Park pay for and lead feasibility studies of two potential sites — including the Greenbelt parcel the council had just refused to send to the ballot.
The first of two proposals asked the council to enter an agreement with Bark For A Park, which has offered to fund and manage the next phase of feasibility work on the two locations the council designated on May 12: Valley Park East as the primary site and a portion of the Greenbelt south of Pier Avenue as a secondary one. The agreement covers pre-development work only — feasibility analysis, conceptual design, environmental review, permitting and related planning — and approves no park, authorizes no construction and creates no entitlements.
The two proposed locations, outlined in Bark For A Park's campaign literature
As drafted, the agreement required the nonprofit to reimburse the city for actual project-related staff, legal, engineering, environmental review, consultant, administrative, project management and plan check costs, with no ceiling — an approach the staff report defended on the grounds that "the level of City involvement cannot be determined in advance."
Bark For A Park countered with a side letter asking that staff-cost reimbursement be capped at 10 percent of its current $140,000 project budget, or $14,000, with a mechanism to renegotiate if costs run higher. Parks and Recreation Manager Brian J. Sousa's report recommended against it in writing: "Staff does not recommend this request because it could prevent the City from recovering its actual Project costs."
At the dais, staff softened. Asked directly whether the department could live with a ceiling, a staff member told the council: "Staff is not opposed to the 10 percent cap if that's what council wants. We'll make it work."
"We're a small nonprofit, 100 percent of our funds raised by private donations toward a project that if implemented will be operated for the public's benefit," board vice chair Jack Levy told the council by Zoom, thanking City Manager Steve Napolitano for the assurance. "I'd be surprised if anybody in this room would agree to a contract that allows a vendor to charge unlimited time." Without a cap, he said, the board had voted the deal was a "deal-breaker."
**Councilmember Rob Saemann, who pulled the agreement off the consent calendar for discussion, moved to approve it with the cap — but also to strike the Greenbelt from the study entirely and proceed on Valley Park alone. "I don't think they ever really bargained for the Greenbelt and the Valley Park spot," he said. "I think it was a mistake then and I think it's a mistake now."**
City Attorney Jason Baltimore advised that removing a site would be a material change requiring the agreement to return to a future meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Michael Keegan seconded Saemann's motion anyway. Councilmember Dean Francois — who authored the May amendment that added the Greenbelt — then offered a substitute motion to approve the staff recommendation with the cap and both sites intact.
The substitute passed 3-2, with Keegan, Francois and Saemann in favor and Councilmember Ray Jackson and Mayor Mike Detoy opposed.
Detoy's objection was about Valley Park East itself — 70 children a week in summer camp, Shakespeare in the Park, and the natural amphitheater nearby. "It is a great open space that is going to turn to a dirt pit," he said.
Saemann pushed back hard on the fiscal argument. "This is not city money. These people have raised an incredible amount of money and done an awful lot of work in order to bring to our city an asset," he said, comparing the opposition to warnings he heard 13 years ago about the Greenbelt's ADA path. "Why are we not gonna let them give this city this wonderful gift of a dog park?"
#### The ballot measure: no action, 5-0
The second proposal would have called a general municipal election for November 3 and asked voters to partially amend the 1989 voter-approved ordinance that preserved the Greenbelt for parkland and open space and requires dogs there to stay on leash.
Staff stressed repeatedly, in the report and at the dais, that the measure would approve nothing — no park, no construction, no funding obligation. The recommended action also asked the council to designate members to write arguments for and against, and to pick a preferred ballot letter. The incremental cost of putting it on the ballot was estimated at roughly $1,400, payable to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder.
Council members didn't think voters would read it as narrowly as staff did. Francois said he could not support the resolution as drafted because the recommended action named no location or size, and proposed four changes: privately funded construction, the site limited to Pier Avenue to 11th Street, a 400-by-40-foot maximum, and a 100-foot buffer from the nearest residential lot.
"People are going to go, well, I'm not going to vote for the dog park because it could be four times that size and it could be right next to the 9-11 memorial," he said. His motion with those four modifications died for lack of a second.
Keegan then moved to receive and file the report — no action, no measure. It passed 5-0.
Heidi Fernandez, a resident since 1981, read the results of the two competing 1989 Greenbelt measures aloud. The one that would have allowed dogs off-leash on the railroad right-of-way failed, 898 to 473\. The one that preserved the land as parkland and open space and required dogs on leash passed, 925 to 459\. "The people have already voted on the issue that you are attempting to change," she said.
Jim Rosenberger, who served on the council in the 1980s and on the committee that negotiated the Greenbelt purchase, brought the 1989 campaign literature with him. "We're all paying to obtain this beautiful Greenbelt for open space — seven and a half million dollars," he read. "We shouldn't have to worry about off-leash dogs bothering, barking or attacking us and our children. Ninety-five percent of us don't own dogs... We think they're barking up the wrong tree."
Supporters argued the process was the point, not the outcome. "This does not predetermine the outcome," one Bark For a park board member noted. "It creates the process needed to replace assumptions and misinformation with facts."
Several speakers noted the timing problem: the council had spent the earlier part of the same meeting approving a sales tax measure for the November ballot on the strength of the city's budget crisis. "We are asking people to raise sales taxes saying we don't have money, and they're gonna see a ballot measure that says and we're also trying to approve a dog park," one speaker said. "They're not gonna have that level of nuance that we have here tonight."
#### What happens next
Tuesday's vote does not stop study of the Greenbelt. The staff report notes that continued feasibility analysis of both sites "may proceed administratively and does not require additional legislative authorization" — the ballot measure was needed only to make a Greenbelt park legally possible, not to evaluate one.
In practice, though, the two sites will not be compared on equal terms. Bark For A Park has told staff it will begin comprehensive feasibility work on Valley Park East as soon as the agreement takes effect — budget analysis, design, ADA requirements, potential environmental review — but will not spend donor money on the same study for the Greenbelt without a favorable vote. The council can expect a full study for one site and, at most, a conceptual rendering for the other.
Public works staff have said the department has no capacity to take on the project for roughly two years regardless. Keegan offered the group a different route. "My suggestion to them is if you don't get what you want today, work for candidates that want to put your park in — and there's an election in November."
### The more things change, the more they stay the same...
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/the-more-things-change-the-more-they-stay-the-same/
Last updated: 2026-08-15T19:54:57.000Z
### From The Hermosa Beach Review.
Page 1, July 1, 1971
Notes from the Editor's Desk
Most of a newspaper's budget consists of payroll. The same goes for any city's budget. Unfortunately, if you want to cut expenses on a newspaper, or in any city, it must be done by firing people. There is simply no other way. Now one of the tricks is to avoid this unhappy procedure. And this is where the skill comes in.
Hermosa Beach has a proposed budget of $2,075,723 and the Police budget is $679,857, or 32.7 per cent. El Segundo, for example, has a proposed budget of $6,524,455, the Police budget is $1,084,065\. Police budget in this case is 16.6 per cent. Now in Manhattan Beach, the proposed budget is $6,159,853 (however, in this case, almost half of it in capital improvements and special funds). The police budget is $928,320, or 15.1 per cent.
Now what does all this mean? El Segundo has several thousand less people than Hermosa Beach, yet their police department has a budget half again as high. At the same time, Hermosa Beach Police Department has a more difficult policing problem, due to thousands of outsiders who come to the beach. On the other hand, Manhattan Beach has twice the population of Hermosa Beach, coupled with a much larger area.
Hermosa Beach is the second-most densely populated city in California, and third in the United States. It has absolutely no industry (in fact, the newspaper here is the largest employer in the city (except the city itself.)
The differential between the police budgets of the beach cities, coupled with their percentage of the total budget really defies analogy. Each reader must make his own judgment.
Hermosa Beach recently has had to borrow $200,000\. This is not too extraordinary, but there are sidelights to this loan. At the present time the Council is wrestling with the budget and trying to trim around $125,000\. Citizens of Hermosa Beach must also keep this in mind: The city's administrative staff is very thin. Hermosa no longer has a full time city engineer; a full time assistant city manager; we have no director of finance; and no director of public works. No other city in the area operates with such a skeleton administrative crew. (For example, the public works director in Manhattan Beach makes more money than the city manager of Hermosa Beach.)
And yet, over the more than 25 years this reporter has operated in Hermosa Beach, the general public has never accepted the fact that it is living in a poor city which badly needs rebuilding. At any mention of high rise, off-shore drilling, card clubs, urban redevelopment, etc., there are loud screams in the Council chambers, scaring the local politicians half to death.
Consequently the Council folds and nothing is done. After all, the men on the Council are politicians who want to be re-elected, so one can hardly blame them for not bucking their constituents.
In a few years it will cost the city half again as much to operate. This is as sure as the sun will come up tomorrow morning. What will the taxpayer have to say when this time comes?
The only answer lies in raising more revenue from new sources. Every single avenue should be explored and acted upon, and quickly. Time is running out for the property owner in Hermosa Beach.
### CRIME TIME: July 12-18
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-july-12-18/
Last updated: 2026-08-15T19:59:30.000Z
Hermosa Beach police responded to 39 reported incidents during the week of July 12-18, marked by a shocking weapons incident involving juveniles and apparent gunfire at the beach, a sustained assault where a suspect chased and repeatedly struck a victim on Pier Avenue, and an e-motorcycle rider who injured officers while resisting arrest.
### Beach Gunfire Incident
Friday evening at 18th Street and The Strand, a group of juveniles on the beach apparently fired shots from a gun. Multiple groups were attempted to be detained by police, but several juveniles fled on foot. Officers managed to catch a couple of subjects and located two handguns after searching the area.
### Violent Chase and Assault
Tuesday afternoon on Pier Avenue, a suspect chased a victim, striking him multiple times and throwing his shoe out into the intersection. The victim attempted to get away but was struck multiple times by the suspect during the pursuit. The suspect was located and arrested for public intoxication and battery.
### E-Motorcycle Resisting Arrest Injures Officers
Tuesday evening at Artesia Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, a subject was speeding on an e-motorcycle and resisted arrest, injuring officers in the process. The subject was arrested for multiple charges including operating a motorcycle without a helmet, unsafe speed, no registration, and resisting arrest.
### Parking Garage Burglaries
Two burglaries targeted bikes in secured parking locations. Thursday between July 10-11, a bicycle was stolen from a locked garage on the 600 block of 2nd Street. Thursday on the 600 block of 4th Street, an e-bike and cooler were stolen from a parking garage. Sunday on the 1800 block of Pacific Coast Highway, a locked bicycle was stolen from a garage.
### E-Bike Theft Epidemic
Four additional e-bikes were targeted during the week. Tuesday at the 100 block of The Strand, a locked e-bike was stolen from a bike rack. Wednesday at the 00 block of Pier Avenue, a helmet and decorative plates were stolen from e-bikes. Friday on the 1100 block of Pacific Coast Highway, a locked e-bike was stolen.
### Assaults
Tuesday at 8th Street, a verbal argument at a memorial escalated and one person struck the other.
### Vehicle Break-Ins
Tuesday evening on Hermosa Avenue and 9th Court, a rear passenger window was shattered and a backpack stolen. Another window was also damaged.
### Bomb Threat
Wednesday evening on the 500 block of Pier Avenue, a bomb threat was called in. The beach was searched with nothing found. This marks the second bomb threat in recent weeks, disrupting beach operations.
### Identity Theft & Fraud
Two subjects used a victim's address without permission on the 600 block of 5th Street, with mailings coming in suspect's names. A divorced couple on the 1200 block of Corona Street engaged in fraud when one subject used the other's account to make purchases without permission. Checks mailed were intercepted, washed, and cashed to other recipients on the 500 block of 21st Street.
### Vehicle Theft
A phone was stolen from a purse on the 00 block of Pier Avenue.
### Quality of Life
Two public intoxication arrests were made during the week. Two public urination citations were issued.
### Traffic Enforcement
Multiple citations were issued for driving on suspended or revoked licenses and expired registration.
A male juvenile on an electric motorcycle was cited for speeding, unsafe manner, and evading police by refusing to stop for an officer on Artesia Boulevard and Ford Avenue in the Redondo Beach area.
---
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### T-Mobile Cell Antenna Hearing Draws 24th Place Opposition, Decision Postponed for Redesign
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/t-mobile-cell-antenna-hearing-draws-24th-place-opposition-decision-postponed-for-redesign/
Last updated: 2026-07-22T20:12:55.000Z
Facing a room full of opposed neighbors and a federal clock that leaves little time to spare, the Hermosa Beach Planning Commission on Tuesday night declined to approve a proposed T-Mobile rooftop wireless facility at 2447 Pacific Coast Highway, instead sending the carrier back to redesign the project and return for a special meeting on August 4.
It is the second time this year the Commission has pumped the brakes on a carrier's rooftop application amid neighborhood opposition. In March, commissioners continued a Verizon facility proposed for 725 5th Street and directed the company to explore moving its antennas away from adjacent homes; Verizon has since decided to look for alternate locations, in a perceived win for those neighbors.
## What's Proposed
The application would place three screened antenna sectors — four panel antennas apiece — on the facade of the multi-tenant commercial building at the southwest corner of PCH and 24th Place, plus a 152.5-square-foot equipment area on the roof. The building has hosted wireless equipment since 2001, and an AT&T facade-mounted facility was approved in 2019\. City code gives preference to co-locating new facilities on existing sites.
City planning staff recommended approval, finding the project consistent with the municipal code and categorically exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a small addition to an existing structure. The screened antennas would top out at 30 feet 10 inches, below both the existing parapet and the zone's 35-foot height limit.
T-Mobile's representative told the Commission the new site is needed because the carrier is losing an existing facility atop the Skechers building a few doors away, where the lease expired earlier this year. "We did try to pick the best location, least intrusive," he said, adding that the area's topography — the land drops away to the west — and the limited stock of commercial buildings along PCH left few workable alternatives.
## Neighbors Push Back
That explanation did not satisfy the ten residents — most of them from 24th Place or its immediate vicinity — who testified against the project in person and online. Speakers said a neighborhood petition opposing the installation had gathered more than 340 signatures.
Julie Hofer, who lives directly across the street at 743 24th Place and works as an auditor for the Department of Energy at Los Alamos National Laboratory, said the radio-frequency exposure studies supporting the CEQA exemption were "fundamentally flawed" because they excluded her building — a 10-unit complex at the same four-story elevation as the antennas, one of which would point toward her bedroom window. "I know that if inputs are flawed, the conclusions are invalid," she said.
24th Place resident Julie Hofer, addressing the Planning Commission at Tuesday night's public hearing
Her neighbor Chris Matzik added a concern echoed by several speakers: property values. "The homeowner was here first, not the telecom operator," he said.
Leslie Button cited T-Mobile's own gap-coverage report, which she said shows the replacement site would produce a net loss of residential in-building connections — about 119 lost against 110 commercial connections gained. "This is not fixing a critical unserved community crisis. It's a lateral move for corporate convenience," she said.
Jessica, who lives about four and a half feet from the proposed equipment at 740 24th Place and is expecting her first child in a few months, asked the question at the heart of much of the testimony: "If there's no meaningful coverage problem to solve, why should families bear the burden of the impacts?"
Jason Wallace, a 24th Place resident of some 40 years, zeroed in on the city's wireless ordinance, which requires a finding that a proposed site "results in fewer or less severe environmental impacts than any feasible alternative site." The applicant, he argued, had never documented a real alternatives analysis. Patricia Zingheim, who owns the commercial building immediately south, objected that the emissions report ignored the combined effect of the T-Mobile and AT&T equipment, and said that approval of the project would jeopardize her plans for a legal rooftop deck.
## Hands Tied, Clock Ticking
Commissioners repeatedly reminded the audience that federal law ties their hands on the issue underlying much of the opposition. **The Telecommunications Act of 1996 bars local governments from denying a wireless facility over radio-frequency emissions if it complies with FCC exposure limits,** and any denial must be supported by substantial evidence in the written record.
The Commission also faces a federal "shot clock." As a co-location application, the project must be decided within 90 days of a complete application — and Tuesday was day 69\. Staff cautioned that running out the clock would result in the application being deemed approved.
## The Pivot
Still, the hearing produced movement. Pressed by commissioners, T-Mobile's representative agreed the two sectors proposed for the north and south sides of the building — those closest to homes on 24th Place — could be relocated toward the center of the east face along PCH, behind an architectural feature that would be raised several feet, possibly above the zoning height limit. The company also offered a revised emissions report covering both carriers' equipment, measured near the most affected neighboring buildings, along with post-installation readings.
Commissioners eventually voted to continue the hearing so the applicant can redesign: relocating whatever antennas can be moved, particularly away from the west side facing the neighborhood, and strengthening the permit condition that lets the community development director demand periodic compliance testing.
Because the shot clock requires action sooner than the next regular meeting, the item was continued to a special meeting on Tuesday, August 4, at 4:30 p.m. The vote was unanimous.
"I do want to give note to the applicant for listening to public comment, listening to our discussion, and their willingness to find a solution," Commissioner Greg McNally said before the vote. "I'm hopeful that we can find this solution."
---
**KEEP READING**
[Verizon Cell Tower Hearing Draws Neighbor Opposition - Decision Postponed to Allow Alternative OptionsControversial cell tower proposal sees possible compromise in the face of resident opposition.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/verizon-cell-tower-hearing-draws-neighbor-opposition-decision-postponed-to-allow-alternative-options/)
### We Need To Talk About Pensions
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/we-need-to-talk-about-pensions/
Last updated: 2026-07-24T02:39:20.000Z
For the last decade, Hermosa Beach has told its residents a reassuring story: the budget is balanced, the reserves are healthy, and the beach town of roughly 19,000 people is living within its means. That story is starting to unravel, as the city confronts the reality of a growing list of infrastructure needs. We've heard a lot about the need for a new City Yard, the state of the Hermosa Pier and even a push for a brand new City Hall. But we rarely hear about a liability that sits on the city's books like a lien on the future — a debt of more than $58 million owed to a retirement system the city does not control, cannot easily pay down, and whose bill rises and falls with the swings of Wall Street.
That debt is Hermosa Beach's unfunded pension liability, and it is the single largest long-term obligation the city carries. In the language of the city's own audited financial statements, the number is a "net pension liability" of **$58,222,968** as of June 30, 2025\. It is the gap between what the city has promised its current and former employees in retirement benefits and the money actually set aside to pay for those promises. For a city whose entire general fund spends under $50 million a year, it is a debt larger than the annual budget itself.
Here is how it works, why it matters, and the questions residents should be asking as "tougher times," in the words of the city's own finance director, come into view.
## The promise, and the gap
Like nearly every city in California, Hermosa Beach does not run its own pension system. It contracts with CalPERS — the California Public Employees' Retirement System, the largest public pension fund in the country, with roughly $556 billion under management. When a Hermosa Beach police officer or public-works employee is hired, the city promises them a defined retirement benefit calculated from their salary and years of service. CalPERS invests the contributions and pays the pensions.
The catch is that those promises are made today but come due over decades, and their cost depends on assumptions that keep changing. CalPERS assumes its investments will earn a certain return each year — currently 6.8 percent, a rate the fund lowered from 7.0 percent after a policy tied to strong 2020–21 returns was triggered for the first time. Every time that assumed rate drops, the projected cost of the promises rises, because the fund now expects its investments to do less of the heavy lifting. When markets underperform the target, the gap widens further. When they beat it, the gap narrows. The city is left holding the difference — the "unfunded" portion — and is billed to make it up over time.
Hermosa Beach's $58 million is that difference. It is not a bill due next week. But it is a real obligation, and the city is paying it down on an installment plan set by CalPERS, with interest effectively baked in at that 6.8 percent assumed rate.
## Who earns what: the benefit formulas
Not all pensions are created equal, and the difference explains much of why the liability is the size it is. A CalPERS pension is calculated with a straightforward formula: a "benefit factor" multiplied by years of service, multiplied by final salary. The benefit factor — and the age at which a retiree can begin collecting it — is set by the retirement formula written into each employee group's contract. And Hermosa Beach's police officers, like public-safety employees everywhere in the CalPERS system, enjoy markedly richer terms than the city's general, or "miscellaneous," employees.
Under the state's 2013 pension-reform law (PEPRA), every California city now runs multiple tiers, with newer hires on leaner formulas. Hermosa's police and general-employee contracts spell the tiers out:
| Employee group / tier | Hired | Formula | Can retire as early as | Pension after 30 years |
| ------------------------ | ------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Police — Classic Tier 1 | before 7/1/2011 | **3% @ 50** | age 50 | \~90% of final pay (the CalPERS maximum) |
| Police — Classic Tier 2 | 7/1/2011–12/31/2012 | **2% @ 50** | age 50 | rising toward 2.7%/year by 55 |
| Police — PEPRA Tier 3 | on/after 1/1/2013 | **2.7% @ 57** | age 50 | \~81% at age 57 |
| General — Classic Tier 1 | before 7/1/2011 | **2% @ 55** | age 50 | \~60% at age 55 |
| General — Classic Tier 2 | 7/1/2011–12/31/2012 | **2% @ 60** | age 50 | \~60% at age 60 |
| General — PEPRA Tier 3 | on/after 1/1/2013 | **2% @ 62** | age 52 | \~60% at age 62 |
The disparity is stark. A veteran police officer hired under the older "classic" formula earns three percent of final pay for every year worked and can start collecting at 50; a 30-year career yields 90 percent of final salary — the CalPERS ceiling — set from a single highest year of pay, and reachable at an age when most private-sector workers are a decade or more from retirement. Officers hired since 2013 are on the leaner PEPRA safety formula, 2.7 percent at 57, but that still delivers roughly 81 percent of pay for a full career. General employees do considerably worse: a classic worker retires under two percent at 55, and a post-2013 hire under two percent at 62, topping out near 60 percent of pay and not before their early sixties. Put plainly, a career police officer in Hermosa Beach can retire up to a dozen years earlier than a general employee and with a replacement rate roughly half again as high.
Employees do now shoulder a real share of the cost. Classic police officers contribute nine percent of pay toward their pensions, and all PEPRA hires — police and general alike — pay half of their benefit's "normal cost," which for safety members runs to roughly 13 to 15 percent of salary. But the employee share covers only the cost of benefits being earned today; it does nothing for the accumulated unfunded liability, which is the taxpayers' problem alone.
None of this is peculiar to Hermosa Beach — these are standard CalPERS formulas used across California, and richer safety benefits reflect the physical demands and shorter careers of police work. But they are the single biggest reason public-safety pensions dominate municipal retirement costs. And that, in turn, is why one Hermosa Beach decision looms so large over everything that follows: by contracting its fire protection out to Los Angeles County, the city sidestepped an entire class of the most expensive safety pensions in the CalPERS system.
## A number that moves on its own
One of the most important — and least understood — features of pension debt is that it is not stable. Hermosa Beach's net pension liability has moved around in recent years, driven far more by financial markets than by anything the City Council decided:
- **$59.4 million** as of the June 30, 2022 measurement date
- **$63.3 million** as of June 30, 2024
- **$58.2 million** as of June 30, 2025
The roughly $5 million improvement in the most recent year was not the result of local belt-tightening. It tracked a strong investment year at CalPERS, which posted a preliminary **11.6 percent** return for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 — comfortably above its 6.8 percent target. That single good year lifted CalPERS's overall funded status from 75 percent to roughly 79 percent, and Hermosa Beach's share of the system's debt fell accordingly.
This is the uncomfortable truth at the heart of municipal pension finance: a city can do everything right and still watch its pension debt balloon in a bad market year, or shrink in a good one, with almost no connection to its own management. The $58 million figure that looks like progress today could reverse in a single down market. Residents reading a headline about an improving pension picture should understand they are reading, in large part, a stock-market report.
## What it costs the city right now
The long-term liability is one thing; the annual cash bill is what actually squeezes the budget. Each year the city must send CalPERS two kinds of payments: the "normal cost" of benefits earned by current employees that year, and a separate payment toward the unfunded liability — the catch-up on past shortfalls.
That second payment is where the pressure shows. The city's 2025–26 budget flags an added CalPERS unfunded-liability payment of **$1,162,506** — money that buys no new services, hires no new officers, and fixes no streets. It simply services debt for benefits already promised. And that is only one slice of the total pension cost the city carries each year.
The city also reports **$17.1 million** in pension-related "deferred outflows" against **$3.7 million** in "deferred inflows" — accounting mechanisms that spread the gains and losses from those market swings across future years, and a sign of just how much volatility is being smoothed over time rather than resolved.
## The squeeze the city is now quietly warning about
City officials are not hiding the problem, though they are not exactly shouting it either. In its most recent financial report, the city acknowledged in plain terms that "avoiding a deficit in upcoming years will be challenging with Los Angeles County Fire negotiations, labor negotiations, and increasing pension costs pending as City expenditures are projected to outpace City revenue growth."
Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker has named "rising CalPERS, and pension liabilities" among the city's central fiscal concerns, alongside rising insurance premiums and litigation costs. His summary was blunt: "We've been beneficiaries of a balanced budget the last few years. Tougher times are coming."
By the 2026–27 budget, that warning had stopped being a forecast and become the city's working reality. Hermosa Beach's five-year outlook now projects a cumulative shortfall of about **$19.3 million** — set against general fund reserves of only **$10.6 million**. Crucially, the escape hatches the city had used to stay balanced are gone: the prior year's budget was squared away with one-time money — leftover federal pandemic relief, savings from unfilled staff vacancies, and deferred capital spending — and those sources are now exhausted. City Manager Steve Napolitano put it plainly: "Doing nothing is no longer an option."
The arithmetic is unforgiving. The city's recurring costs are rising an estimated 4 to 6 percent a year while its revenues grow only 2 to 4 percent — a structural gap that compounds with time. The named drivers read like a list of obligations the city cannot easily refuse: the Los Angeles County Fire contract, rising 26 percent over three years and adding roughly **$1.8 million**; labor costs climbing about 3 percent annually; police overtime near **$1.18 million**; and a looming beach-services cliff, in which the county wants Hermosa Beach to absorb the full **$4.9 million** cost of lifeguard and beach maintenance it now subsidizes for about $400,000 a year. Layered beneath all of it sits roughly **$160 million** in unfunded capital improvements — deferred maintenance with no identified funding source. To close the gap, the council is weighing new revenue measures: legalizing and taxing short-term rentals, a local sales-tax increase, and higher, dynamically priced parking.
Of course, pensions do not sit at the top of that list of drivers, and it would be misleading to blame them alone; in the newest budget, CalPERS costs are largely folded into that steadily rising labor line rather than called out separately. But they are the one pressure the city has the least ability to control, because the terms are set in Sacramento by CalPERS, and the bill arrives whether the local economy is booming or not. The 2025–26 budget had at least made the figure visible — that added unfunded-liability payment of about **$1.16 million**. As the recurring gap widens, a fixed, non-negotiable pension bill like that one claims a growing share of a shrinking margin.
## What Hermosa Beach has (and hasn't) done
An investigation into any pension liability has to ask not just how big the debt is, but how the city is managing it. On that score, Hermosa Beach's record is mixed, with at least one genuine structural advantage and some notably conservative choices.
The advantage: Hermosa Beach does not run its own fire department. Fire protection has been provided by Los Angeles County since December 2017\. Because firefighter pensions — with their early retirement ages and rich "safety" benefit formulas — are among the most expensive obligations a California city can carry, contracting the service out means Hermosa Beach has removed that direct liability from its own plate. Its CalPERS obligations cover general "miscellaneous" employees and its police safety plan, but not fire. Many peer cities are not so lucky, and it partly explains why Hermosa's $58 million, while large relative to its budget, is smaller in absolute terms than some neighbors'. Of course, LA County looks to pass on that cost to Hermosa when it negotiates its fire services contract, just like a landlord might want to pass on a rising mortgage cost to a rental tenant.
The city has also shifted pension costs onto employees over time. For years Hermosa Beach paid the employees' own share of pension contributions as a negotiated benefit; that practice has been unwound, with employees now paying their own contributions — a meaningful, if incremental, structural saving.
What the city has *not* done is take the more aggressive — and more controversial — route both of its immediate neighbors chose: borrowing on the bond market to pay off its CalPERS unfunded liability in one stroke, a bet that the interest cost of the bonds will stay below what CalPERS effectively charges. Hermosa Beach has declined that gamble, sticking with the standard CalPERS amortization schedule. Whether that caution looks prudent or like a missed opportunity is best judged by setting Hermosa beside Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach directly — which is where the comparison turns next.
The city has also taken a step it deserves credit for, and one with a longer pedigree than its size might suggest. Hermosa Beach has maintained a Section 115 trust since 2007, when the City Council first established one — administered for years by Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS), with U.S. Bank as trustee — to prefund retiree medical benefits, or OPEB. A Section 115 trust is a dedicated, legally irrevocable fund a city can build up in good years and draw on to cushion its retirement bills in bad ones; because its assets sit outside the conservative investment rules that govern a city's general pooled cash, they can be invested for higher returns. In January 2025 the Council restructured the arrangement into a combined Multiple Employer OPEB/Pension 115 Trust and moved its administration to Shuster Advisory Group, a switch staff projected would cut annual fees by 51 percent and save roughly **$632,000** over ten years. The 2025 action also did something new: it added a pension-stabilization component to what had been an OPEB-only trust, funded in the spring with about **$1.02 million** in retirement-stabilization money the city had set aside years earlier but stopped feeding during the pandemic, with a further **$829,060** from a police "side fund" payoff awaiting council approval to deposit.
But proportion matters. The pension side of that trust held roughly **$1.08 million** at June 30, 2025 — a buffer equal to under two percent of a net pension liability exceeding $58 million. The city plainly knows how to use the tool: its OPEB side, holding about **$21 million**, is more than fully funded, at over 169 percent. It has simply begun applying that same discipline to pensions far more recently, and at a far smaller scale. Newly seeded and thinly funded on the pension side, the trust is best understood as a prudent beginning rather than a solution — the open question is how quickly, and how consistently, the city intends to feed it as budgets tighten, because a stabilization fund only stabilizes if there is money in it when a down market arrives.
## How Hermosa stacks up against its neighbors
To judge whether Hermosa Beach's pension picture is better or worse than average, the natural place to look is next door — to Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, the two other South Bay beach cities that share its labor market, its housing values, and its cost pressures. The comparison is revealing, but only once an accounting sleight of hand is stripped away.
On the surface, Hermosa looks like the laggard. Its net pension liability of about **$58 million** towers over Manhattan Beach's roughly **$20 million** and Redondo Beach's roughly **$42 million**. But those smaller numbers are largely an illusion created by borrowing. Both neighbors took the aggressive route Hermosa declined: they issued bonds to pay off their CalPERS unfunded liabilities, converting "soft," market-linked pension debt into "hard," fixed bond debt. Manhattan Beach sold about **$91 million** in pension obligation bonds in May 2021 and still owes roughly **$77.7 million**on them. Redondo Beach went dramatically further, issuing about **$226 million** in taxable bonds through a city financing authority in 2021 expressly to retire its CalPERS shortfall in one move.
Add the borrowing back, and the ranking inverts. Counting both the remaining CalPERS liability and the bonds issued to pay for pensions, Manhattan Beach carries on the order of **$98 million** in pension-origin debt, and Redondo Beach roughly **$250 million** — against Hermosa's $58 million, every dollar of it still owed to CalPERS rather than to bondholders. Scaled to population, the three cities very nearly converge: Hermosa's pension-origin debt works out to roughly **$3,000 per resident**, Manhattan Beach's to about **$2,800**, and Redondo Beach's to roughly **$3,500**. (The underlying liabilities are measured on slightly different dates across the three cities' reports, so these figures are approximate — but the gaps between the cities are far smaller than the raw net-pension-liability numbers imply.) Hermosa Beach, in other words, sits squarely in the middle of the pack: neither the outlier its bare $58 million might suggest, nor meaningfully lighter than its neighbors.
That "middle of the pack" result is itself the sharpest finding. Both Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach run their own fire departments, carrying the expensive fire-safety pensions — the same rich, early-retirement safety formulas that make police pensions so costly — that Hermosa avoids entirely by contracting with Los Angeles County. All else equal, skipping an entire class of the priciest pensions should leave Hermosa dramatically lighter per resident than neighbors who shoulder fire. It does not. That Hermosa's per-capita pension burden merely matches theirs, despite having no fire pensions at all, points straight back to the structural cost of running a full-service government for a very small population.
What genuinely sets Hermosa apart is the *kind* of obligation it holds. Its $58 million is flexible: it shrank from $63 million in a single good market year, and it will swell again in a bad one, but it carries no fixed repayment schedule, no bond covenants, and no debt owed to a lender. Its neighbors have traded that flexibility for certainty — and for leverage. Redondo Beach in particular made a large, one-directional bet: if CalPERS's investments outrun the interest rate on its $226 million in bonds, the city comes out ahead; if they lag, it owes on both the bonds and a re-accruing CalPERS balance at once — and its net pension liability has already climbed back to $42 million since the 2021 payoff. Manhattan Beach made the same wager at a smaller scale. Hermosa made no wager at all.
So is Hermosa's picture better, worse, or simply different? Mostly different. It is not clearly better — its per-resident burden is unremarkable, and arguably ought to be lighter given the absence of a fire department. But it is not clearly worse, and in one respect it is more transparent: Hermosa's pension debt sits in plain view on the CalPERS books, not repackaged as bonds that make the pension line look artificially small. The city has kept its options open and its balance sheet unleveraged — at the price of retaining full exposure to CalPERS's market swings.
## The bigger picture
Hermosa Beach's situation is not unique, and that is precisely why it is worth understanding. California's local governments collectively carry pension debts that, by some estimates, run into the hundreds of billions of dollars, part of a public-pension shortfall that analysts have pegged well over $1 trillion statewide. CalPERS's own funded status — the share of promised benefits actually backed by assets — sat at 71.4 percent in 2023, improved to 75 percent in 2024, and reached roughly 79 percent in 2025 on the back of that strong investment year. Even at its improved level, that means nearly a fifth of the promises made to public workers across the system are, on paper, unfunded.
Yet if the *problem* is not unique, Hermosa Beach's exposure to it has a distinctive shape — one rooted in size. This is a city of roughly 19,600 people packed into just 1.43 square miles, and it has chosen to govern itself as a full-service municipality. It runs its own police force, public works crew, community-development and planning shop, parks and recreation program, finance and human-resources operations, city clerk, city treasurer, and city manager's office, with department heads atop each. Only fire has been handed off. All told, the city employs on the order of 150 full-time workers.
That is a genuine civic choice, and many residents value it: a small town that answers to itself rather than contracting its services out to the county or a neighbor. But it carries a cost that is easy to miss. Every one of those positions — every department head, every planner, every officer — is a CalPERS pension-bearing job, and the retirement promises attached to them do not scale down just because the city is small. A full command structure has a fixed overhead, and in Hermosa Beach that overhead is spread across a population smaller than a single neighborhood of Los Angeles. The result is that the burden of funding a complete municipal government's pensions falls on a comparatively tiny tax base. Cities that "contract out" more of their functions — the so-called contract cities that buy policing, planning, or public works from larger agencies — push much of that pension risk onto someone else's balance sheet. Hermosa Beach, by keeping its government close, keeps the pension bill close too. Local control and pension exposure are, in this sense, two sides of the same coin.
For Hermosa Beach, the practical stakes are these. Pension costs are a rising, largely non-negotiable claim on the general fund, arriving at the same moment that fire-service costs are set to jump, labor contracts come up for renewal, and $160 million in deferred capital needs sits unfunded. The city's reserves once provided a cushion — but with the 2026–27 budget drawing on roughly $10.6 million in reserves against a projected $19.3 million five-year shortfall, and the one-time fixes that balanced past budgets now spent, that cushion is thinning fast. If CalPERS has a bad market year or two, or if the fund lowers its assumed return again, Hermosa Beach's $58 million could swell, its annual payments could rise, and the "tougher times" its own officials have warned of would arrive not as a forecast but as a bill already on the table.
None of this makes Hermosa Beach an outlier or a city in crisis. It makes it a normal California city carrying a large, market-sensitive debt that rarely makes the front page precisely because it never comes due all at once. But for a city of our small size, with a pier that is crumbling and a substantial list of other deferred maintenance, it's a heavy burden that may get harder to bear.
---
**KEEP READING**
[Budget Season Opens With Blunt Assessment: Deficit Is Real, One-Time Fixes Are GoneA $3.2 million structural deficit has been sitting under Hermosa Beach’s budget for five years, masked by pandemic relief, vacancy savings, and unspent carryforward. With all three now exhausted, the council inherits a problem its predecessors chose to defer.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/budget-season-opens-with-blunt-assessment-deficit-is-real-one-time-fixes-are-gone/)
### Déjà Vu on the Greenbelt? Hermosa's Latest Try at a Stormwater Fix Runs Into Its Own History
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/deja-vu-on-the-greenbelt-hermosas-second-try-at-a-stormwater-fix-runs-into-its-own-history/
Last updated: 2026-08-15T19:59:45.000Z
Seven years after Hermosa Beach cancelled a massive stormwater project on its Greenbelt — at a cost of a $3.1 million state grant, hundreds of thousands of dollars in repayments to neighboring cities, and a good deal of regional goodwill — the city came back to its Public Works Commission last Tuesday with a far smaller proposal that touches some of the same ground. It got some of the same reception.
The July 15 meeting drew a procession of Greenbelt-adjacent residents to the podium, several of them veterans of the fight that killed the original project in 2019\. By the end of the night, the commission had declined to do what staff asked of it. The staff report's written recommendation was specific: endorse "Option A" — eight dry wells in South Park and five on the Greenbelt north of 2nd Street — and recommend it to City Council. The alternative, Option B, would pair the same eight South Park wells with five in and around Bicentennial Park instead. The commission endorsed no option and made no recommendation to council. What passed instead, 5–0, was a deliberately open-ended substitute: move the dry well concept forward "considering both A and B and other possible options," submit the grant application with that flexibility built in, and have staff study the sites and come back to the commission — not proceed to council — once real data exists. In a pointed friendly amendment authored by Commissioner Scott Hayes, the commission also directed that the city attorney determine, "as soon as practicable," whether the city can legally build on the Greenbelt at all.
"I'm a little disappointed that hasn't already happened," Hayes said.
## What the city wants to build
The proposal, known in the city's budget as CIP 438, is 13 dry wells: eight along the eastern walkway of South Park, plus five more in one of two locations — the Greenbelt just north of 2nd Street (staff's recommended Option A, estimated at $3.9 million) or in and around Bicentennial Park (Option B, about $4.9 million).
💦
A dry well is, in essence, a buried vertical concrete tube, four to seven feet across, sunk 20 to 30 feet into the earth and filled with gravel and filtration media. Storm runoff is diverted into it through a catch basin; trash and larger pollutants are screened out by a pretreatment device; and the water percolates down through the soil instead of flowing out the Herondo storm drain into Santa Monica Bay — where the outfall has long recorded some of the worst wet-weather water quality in the bay. Once construction is finished, all that shows at the surface is a manhole cover. The technology is neither new nor exotic: more than 1,400 dry wells operate across the Los Angeles Basin, and Hermosa's neighbors have been installing them for years.
There is one catch, and it is the crux of everything that followed Tuesday night: a dry well only works if the soil beneath it is dry. It drains through unsaturated ground. If the bottom of the well sits at or below the seasonal water table, it cannot infiltrate — it just fills.
## Why the city has to build something
None of this is optional. Hermosa Beach, together with Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance and the L.A. County Flood Control District, is bound by a state stormwater permit and a watershed management plan that require the city to capture a specified volume of polluted runoff before it reaches the ocean. The compliance deadline — assuming a pending extension is granted — is 2031\. Miss it, and staff says the city faces fines of up to $20,000 per wet-weather day, potentially more than $600,000 a year, plus exposure to third-party lawsuits.
The city has completed one of its two required projects, the Hermosa Avenue Green Street improvements. The dry wells are the other. To pay for them, Hermosa and Redondo Beach are filing a joint application to the county's Safe Clean Water program by July 31, seeking roughly $1 million to fund design and engineering. The city has about $1.3 million of its own set aside — enough, perhaps, for a first phase, but not for the whole project if grants fall through.
That July 31 deadline is why the item came to the commission when it did, with staff candid that the site plans are, in their words, "dots and lines on a map."
## The ghost of 2016
To understand why dots on a map drew a crowd, you have to go back a decade.
The original 2016 watershed plan called for a single enormous solution: a block-long concrete infiltration chamber — roughly 25,000 square feet — buried beneath the Greenbelt between Herondo and 2nd Street, capturing runoff from nearly 3,000 acres spread across Torrance, Redondo Beach and Hermosa. Earlier planning, from roughly 2011 to 2014, had contemplated a suite of smaller, distributed projects across the watershed cities. Somewhere in the technical recalibrations of 2014 and 2015, those became one big project, and the big project landed on Hermosa's most beloved strip of open space.
Almost nobody who lived next to it knew. The site had been identified in 2015, but it sat inside hundreds of pages of technical watershed documents. Many neighbors first learned of the project at a community meeting in March 2018 — after the city had accepted a $3.1 million state grant and awarded a design contract. When then-Mayor Jeff Duclos asked the project's consultant whether planners had ever considered the more than 700 residents living within 500 feet of the site, her answer was memorable: "No, and that obviously was an oversight." The city manager at the time conceded the city's outreach "has been lacking"; Councilmember Mary Campbell allowed that "if we blundered something here, it might be the close engagement with our community."
On the council, the project's most vocal defender was Justin Massey, an 'environmental attorney' elected to City Council in 2015, who warned that walking away could expose the city to federal penalties "that can approach $37,500 per day." The record does not support laying the project's expansion at any one official's feet — that happened inside a five-agency technical process — but Massey, who left the council after the November 2024 election, remained its leading advocate (together with former City Manager Suja Lowenthal) as opposition built, before ultimately joining the majority that abandoned the site in March 2019\. At least one speaker Tuesday still remembers it that way: longtime resident Marion Pearl told the commission the council of that era "thought it's a great idea to put a big tank into the Greenbelt and invite everybody to flow that water in there. So we woke up to it."
The cancellation was expensive. The state pulled its $3.1 million. The city says it returned nearly $268,000 to its partner cities (Redondo's mayor at the time demanded more, in a letter accusing Hermosa of bowing to "public pressure rather than design or other substantive concerns") and paid another $160,000 for the feasibility study that would identify replacement projects. That study, in 2022, recommended what the neighbors had suggested all along: smaller, distributed dry wells, capturing only Hermosa's own runoff, sited east of Pacific Coast Highway on high ground.
## The pivot
Which brings us to the part of the story that animated Tuesday's crowd. For four years, the plan of record was roughly 23 dry wells east of PCH — where, according to the consultant's own desktop review, groundwater sits more than 150 feet below the surface. This spring, staff and the consultant reassessed. Twenty-three wells across 20 scattered residential sites meant years of dispersed street construction and an estimated $7 million cost. Thirteen wells at two consolidated park sites, closer to the county storm drain lines they would tap, could hit the same state-mandated capture volume for roughly $3.9 million. Asked directly when and why the change happened, staff was honest: "There was no moment... it's kind of evolved," driven by cost, construction impact and a looming deadline.
The problem, residents argued, is that the cheaper geography may be the worse hydrology — and they came armed with the city's own files to say so.
Deborah Sanowski, whose townhome abuts the proposed Greenbelt site, submitted a 40-page package assembling every groundwater measurement on record for the corridor, most of it generated by the city's own consultants during the last project. The seasonal high water table there, per regional monitoring, is about 15 feet below the surface. County guidelines require a dry well's bottom to sit at least 10 feet above seasonal high groundwater — which, she calculates, makes the deepest compliant well at that location about five feet, not the 20 to 30 feet proposed. The consultant's own 2017 memo for the earlier project capped acceptable infiltration depth there at 15 feet. Its own 2017 borings computed liquefaction failures — soil that loses strength in an earthquake when saturated — at depths squarely within the proposed well band. "Your own consultant found soil that fails in an earthquake when wet," resident Susan Zigband told the commission. "And this project's whole job is to make that soil wet. Where is that analyzed? Nowhere in 400 pages."
Greenbelt neighbor Deborah Sanowski, speaking before the Public Works Commission on Tuesday evening
And beneath the engineering sits a legal question with its own history: the Greenbelt is zoned OS-1 restricted open space under a 1989 voter initiative, Proposition F, which permits only a narrow list of improvements and — per a 2018 city attorney memo written during the last fight — can only be amended by another public vote. Whether 20-to-30-foot stormwater shafts qualify as a permitted improvement is, at minimum, not obvious. Asked Tuesday whether the city attorney had reviewed the question, staff answered: "Not yet... We have a feeling, but it hasn't been fully vetted."
Asked whether anyone knows where the water table is at the proposed sites, staff answered that too: "No. And that's what these grant funds will determine." If borings find groundwater at 15 or 20 feet, "we have to punt."
## What's different this time
It would be easy — and residents' "déjà vu all over again" refrain invites it — to write this as the same movie replaying. It isn't, quite, and fairness requires saying so.
The city mailed 2,470 notices to everyone within 500 feet of the proposed sites before a single design dollar has been spent — the inverse of 2016, when design was underway before neighbors knew. Staff repeatedly framed the sites as provisional, said the grant program allows locations to move, and committed to wet-season groundwater studies this winter — an anticipated El Niño year, which one commissioner noted would provide usefully pessimistic data. Tracy Horowitz, a Parks and Recreation commissioner who says she was "instrumental in working with the city to stop the 2016 project," rose Tuesday not to object but to praise the early transparency: "We know the project has to happen. It's very early... the transparency that the city is showing right now is really, really appreciated."
And the commission itself did not rubber-stamp. Asked to bless a specific site plan, the five commissioners — two of whom, Erin Bender and Nate Flory, were seated for their first meeting — blessed none: the vote stripped the Option A endorsement out of staff's recommended action, kept east-of-PCH implicitly alive alongside "other possible options," demanded the legal opinion first, and required staff to return to the commission with a more detailed conceptual design before anything advances. Just before calling the vote, Chair David Grethen asked whether anyone wanted to weigh in on A versus B at all — and the answer was to leave it "completely open." The closest the dais came to a preference was one commissioner's conditional lean toward Option A on cost grounds — it could save "maybe half as much" — if, and only if, the water table proves workable; that preference did not make it into the motion. Staff, for their part, said the watered-down language costs the grant application nothing: the funding agency cares about the volume of water captured, not where the wells sit. Scott Hayes put the underlying dilemma plainly: without engineering answers no site can be responsibly recommended, but the engineering answers cost money the city doesn't have until the grant comes through. It is, he believes, "a catch-22."
## The question that remains
Still, the uncomfortable pattern is visible to anyone who lived through the first round: a siting decision surfacing close to a funding deadline, justified by cost, with the threshold questions — is it legal, does the ground even work — scheduled to be answered after the application is filed rather than before. The city's defense is that this is how competitive grant funding works: you need "something that looks feasible" to get the money that pays for finding out what is actually feasible. That is true, and it is also precisely the dynamic that produced 2019's expensive reversal, when the state yanked its grant over "uncertainty about the project scope, outcomes and benefits."
The stakes of getting it right are not abstract. The fine clock is real, the 2031 deadline is real, and the ocean at the Herondo outfall really is dirty after every storm — a problem everyone at Tuesday's meeting, staff and residents alike, said they want solved. Nobody spoke against dry wells. Nobody spoke against clean water. The dispute is fifty vertical feet of geology and a few thousand horizontal feet of geography: whether the wells belong on cheap, low, wet ground next to homes, or expensive, high, dry ground under streets.
Seven years ago, Hermosa Beach learned what it costs to answer that kind of question too late and without transparent public process. The commission's questioning this week suggests that lessons may have been learned. But the solution is no closer, and the financial pressure no easier.
### CRIME TIME: June 28-July 4
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-june-28-july-4/
Last updated: 2026-07-24T01:06:08.000Z
Hermosa Beach police logged 35 reportable incidents during the week of June 28-July 4, marked by a brazen e-motorcycle pursuit ending in a reckless escape at 40-50 mph, multiple DUI arrests over the July 4th holiday weekend, and a continuing spike in e-bike thefts targeting unsecured bikes in parking structures.
### E-Motorcycle Pursuit
Wednesday morning on Bard Street and Pier Avenue, an officer observed a suspect riding an e-motorcycle pop a wheelie directly in front of a patrol vehicle. When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the suspect fled the scene in a reckless manner, running multiple stop signs at speeds of approximately 40-50 mph. The pursuit was not maintained, and the suspect escaped.
### DUI Crackdown Over Holiday Weekend
Three DUI arrests were made during the July 4th holiday period. Early Wednesday morning on the 500 block of Pier Avenue, a subject was arrested for driving under the influence. Wednesday evening at Artesia Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, another DUI arrest was made—this subject had a suspended license for DUI and was on DUI probation, escalating the severity of the charges. Saturday morning on Hermosa Avenue and Longfellow Avenue, a subject was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, hit and run, and driving with a suspended/revoked license, representing a particularly serious multi-violation incident.
### E-Bike Theft Pattern Continues
Four e-bike thefts were reported during the week. Early Monday morning on the 600 block of Longfellow Avenue, two unlocked e-bikes were stolen from the side of a residence—one was recovered later that day. Friday afternoon on the 1600 block of Pacific Coast Highway, an unlocked e-bike was stolen from a bike rack in a parking structure. Thursday afternoon on the 700 block of Pier Avenue, a subject was observed stealing a bicycle and was located and arrested by police.
### Bicycle Recovery from Found Property
Wednesday morning on the 400 block of 28th Street, a bicycle and backpack were found and booked as found property. Later that same day, officers received a report of a stolen bicycle—it was the bicycle that had been recently taken as found property, indicating either a theft from the recovery location or a reporting inconsistency.
### Attempted Residential Entry
Saturday evening on the 00 block of 2nd Street, a victim observed two unknown male subjects attempting to gain entry to a residence. No further details on the outcome were provided in the report, though the incident warrants attention as potential burglary reconnaissance.
### Holiday Fireworks Enforcement
Saturday evening on the 1300 block of Hermosa Ave, officers located a vehicle involved in setting off fireworks. The subject was in possession of multiple fireworks and a second subject was in possession of alcohol. Both were cited and items were confiscated, demonstrating holiday weekend enforcement during the July 4th period.
### Retail Theft & Shoplifting
Monday afternoon on the 100 block of Pacific Coast Highway, a subject entered a store and stole items. The subject was located and arrested.
### Fraud & Financial Crime
A long-running IRS check fraud case spanning from April 2025 through May 2026 was reported from the 2400 block of Park Avenue. An IRS check was intercepted, washed, and cashed, highlighting the persistent threat of mail theft and check fraud.
Wednesday on the 1400 block of Pacific Coast Highway, a victim hired a company to do work that was never completed. The victim issued a refund check that was not processed due to insufficient funds, documenting contractor fraud and financial misrepresentation.
### Illegal Kratom Sales
Wednesday evening on the 900 block of Pacific Coast Highway, officers discovered that a local gas station was selling 7-Hydroxymitragynine products, which are highly addictive and illegal in California. The business was cooperative and removed the items from sale, indicating successful voluntary compliance with officers' notification.
### Narcotics & Paraphernalia
Early Monday morning on the 2700 block of Hermosa Avenue, subjects in a parked vehicle were contacted and a passenger was found in possession of drug paraphernalia.
### Quality of Life
Three public intoxication arrests were made during the week at various locations.
A subject using a disabled placard not belonging to them was cited early Sunday morning on 11th Street.
### Traffic Enforcement
Multiple traffic citations and tows were issued for expired registration, suspended or revoked licenses, and unauthorized disabled person placards.
An officer conducted a traffic stop on Pacific Coast Highway when the driver was found to be a victim of identity theft. The driver's name returned with a warrant, but upon further research it was determined to be a different person with the same name.
### Vandalism
A business on the 1100 block of Aviation Boulevard experienced vandalism when approximately 10 BB-sized craters appeared in the front glass door. None of the impacts penetrated the glass and the door remained intact.
A red-painted curb on the 1200 block of Bonnie Brae Street was repainted silver by an unknown person.
### Other Incidents
A bicycle taken for safekeeping was returned over the weekend.
A subject fell from a standing position backward and struck their head on 10th Street and Hermosa Avenue on Saturday evening. The subject was transported for medical care.
HBPD reminds residents to secure bicycles and e-bikes with quality locks, never leave bikes in unsecured parking areas, remove valuables from vehicles, secure mail delivery against theft, and report suspicious activity including attempted break-ins immediately.
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### Council defers some business-permit fee hikes, but phases in other increases
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-defers-some-business-permit-fee-hikes-but-phases-in-other-increases/
Last updated: 2026-08-01T16:41:00.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday to hold off on raising a set of business-permit and zoning fees until the city finishes reviewing the processes behind them, while approving a phased increase on the remaining fees in a long-running study. Councilmember Ray Jackson and Mayor Mike Detoy dissented.
The vote closed out a hearing first held in April and continued twice since. At issue was a group of 19 fees the council had set aside for further discussion, drawn from a broader cost-of-service study, the city's first since 2016\. Staff recommended raising all of them to full cost recovery, on the principle that the city can legally charge only what a service actually costs to provide, no more.
Instead, the council split the group in two. Fees tied to zoning approvals and permit processing were frozen at their current levels, with no increase until the Community Development department and the Planning Commission finish reviewing and streamlining the work behind them, a process expected to take up to a year. Finance Director Brandon Walker said staff would return with revised figures afterward, adjusted if the streamlining lowers the actual cost. The rest of the fees will rise to 75 percent of full cost recovery, phased in over two years.
The reasoning was that businesses should not pay more for a permit before the city has made that permit faster or simpler to obtain. If the process improves, several council members argued, the fee can be set to match the reduced effort rather than locked in at today's cost.
The dissents came from the revenue side. Jackson argued the city had gone ten years without adjusting these fees and faces real budget pressure, and questioned why this particular group was being held back when hundreds of other fees had already been raised to full recovery. He favored a uniform increase this year, with any further hike deferred until staff could show evidence of efficiency gains. Detoy's no vote reflected the same concern: that singling out these fees for gentler treatment was inconsistent, not that relief itself was unwarranted.
Public comment ran heavily in favor of holding off. Speakers framed the fees not as abstract line items but as real costs that shape whether a business invests in a storefront, a sign, or a new space. Elka Worner, a Parks and Recreation commissioner who has filed and announced her candidacy for City Council in November, spoke on behalf of a downtown retail business and said raising fees before improving the approval process would leave businesses paying more with no guarantee of better service in return.
Resident Laura Peña, who submitted a detailed written analysis, warned that one early-stage review fee, the step where an owner or small business first asks the city whether a project is even feasible, was slated to rise by more than 600 percent. Pricing that initial conversation too high, she said, risks discouraging investment before it starts. She also pointed out that some Hermosa fees run well above neighboring cities, citing a variance fee near $9,985 against roughly $3,414 in Redondo Beach.
The Chamber of Commerce, represented by Michelle Crispin, supported the deferral and urged the city to consider tiered fees based on project complexity, lower charges for repeat applicants, and a formal review of permit processing times within the year.
Chamber of Commerce CEO Michelle Crispin urged caution around raising fees for local businesses
The case for relief was carried most directly by Councilmember Rob Saemann, who framed the question around the cost of opening and running a business in Hermosa and pressed early for the lower-recovery approach the council eventually adopted. After several competing motions failed, Saemann put forward the version that passed: freezing the process-review fees and setting the rest at 75 percent recovery over two years.
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### Council sends sales tax increase to Nov ballot; rejects hotel tax proposal
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-sends-sales-tax-increase-to-nov-ballot-rejects-hotel-tax-proposal/
Last updated: 2026-07-24T01:07:38.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council voted Tuesday to place a half-cent sales tax measure on the November 3 ballot, but turned away attempts to pair it with an increase to the city's hotel tax, exposing a divide over how aggressively to chase new revenue ahead of a structural deficit projected to open in 2028.
The sales tax measure passed 4-1, with Councilmember Dean Francois the lone dissent. If approved by a simple majority of voters, it would raise the local rate by a half cent, generating an estimated $2 million annually. Three separate motions to put a transient occupancy tax increase on the ballot, either alone or bundled with the sales tax, all failed.
The split was less about whether the city needs money than about how to ask for it. Finance Director Brandon Walker opened the discussion by reminding the council that while the fiscal year 2026-27 budget is balanced, the out-years are not. The gap, he said, is driven mainly by three looming Los Angeles County contracts for beach maintenance, lifeguard, and fire services. Mayor Pro-Tem Michael Keegan later underlined this as he explained that the lifeguard contract alone could run $3 million to $4 million a year, and that the LA County Fire contract renewal originally came in with a 33 percent increase, and remains under negotiation.
Two recent changes may also have impacted the argument for a local measure. Measure ER, a half-cent countywide sales tax, takes effect October 1 and will push Hermosa's rate to 10.25 percent. Separately, the state's AB 1768 raised the local sales tax cap from 2 percent to 3 percent, meaning Measure ER does not count against the city's own ceiling. Without that change, Walker said, a local sales tax measure would not have been possible.
Polling shaped the council's caution. A community survey showed 56 percent initial support for a 1% sales tax hike, rising to 62 percent once respondents heard supporting information and settling at 55 percent after opposition arguments, still above the 50-percent-plus-one threshold a general sales tax requires. That number became 62% when the increase was framed as 0.5%, which is what the council voted to take to the ballot in November.
What followed was a lengthy procedural back-and-forth that produced two failed motions before the council settled on the measure it sent forward. The votes on those failed motions tell a misleading story unless the reasoning behind them is spelled out, because the same two councilmembers backed both, for opposite reasons.
Councilmember Ray Jackson moved a more aggressive tax hike package: a half-cent sales tax that would escalate to a full cent when (and if) Measure ER sunsets in five years, paired with a hotel tax increase to 15 percent and a still-higher rate for short-term rentals. That motion failed 2-3, supported only by Jackson and Francois. A standalone hotel tax measure from Jackson, raising the rate to 15 percent with an additional 3 percent on short-term rentals, also failed 3-2, again with Jackson and Francois the two yes votes.
Their alignment on those tallies was a coincidence of arithmetic, not agreement. Jackson wanted more revenue and wanted it locked in early, arguing the city is roughly $12 million behind where it would have been had earlier measures passed and that "desperate times call for desperate measures." He saw the short-term rental tax in particular as a way to recoup what he described as a significant enforcement and collection burden on the city.
Francois wanted the opposite of more taxation. He said plainly that the city had balanced its budget on existing revenue, that Hermosa is a disciplined city, and that it did not need to raise the sales tax at all. What he supported was putting the choice in front of voters. He disputed the premise that a hotel tax on the ballot would drag down the sales tax measure, calling that the voters' decision to make, and noted the hotel tax falls largely on visitors rather than residents. So when Francois voted for Jackson's motions, he was voting to give the public both questions, not endorsing the tax increases themselves; he ultimately cast the only no vote against the sales tax measure that passed.
Mayor Mike Detoy and Mayor Pro Tem Michael Keegan favored simplicity over breadth. Keegan's clean half-cent motion, seconded by Councilmember Rob Saemann, was the one that survived. Saemann said he believed a single, straightforward measure had the best chance of passing, and that the city had "come a long way toward regaining trust" with voters after sales tax measures failed in prior years under the leadership of former City manager Suja Lowenthal. The council's consultant had warned of a watering-down effect from competing measures, citing Los Angeles, where a hotel tax increase tied to the 2028 Olympics failed at the same time a separate hotel tax measure passed. Saemann later likened the evening's compromises, approvingly, to a waltz.
****CORRECTION :**
An earlier email version of this story incorrectly attributed Councilmember Rob Saemann's comments above on the sales tax proposal to Mayor Mike Detoy.
The decision leaves a gap between what the council put on the ballot and what some members say the city actually needs. Jackson, who voted for the half-cent measure in the end, was blunt that he considered it would not be enough.
Whether voters see it that way, and whether a future council returns to the hotel tax this one declined to pursue, will likely define the next phase of the city's fiscal debate. The measure heads to the November 3 general municipal election, where three council seats are also up. Staff will return July 28 with formal ballot language to meet the county's August 7 filing deadline.
Voters rejected a sales tax increase ballot measure in 2022, and again in 2024 by a larger majority. This time around it might just be that City Manager Steve Napolitano has struck a different chord with voters, after a budget process that seemed to offer a more candid assessment of the realities facing the city than in previous cycles.
Time will tell.
### Campaign Donation Raises Ethics Questions For Jackson
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/campaign-donation-raises-ethics-questions-for-jackson/
Last updated: 2026-08-01T16:40:49.000Z
### Councilmember Jackson did not mention a 2022 election contribution from Hermosa Ave developer during project deliberations.
Hermosa Beach Councilmember Raymond Jackson voted in January to approve a development project by a man who had given him the maximum allowable election campaign contribution — without disclosing the donation to the public or recusing himself from the vote.
Kyle Ransford, the developer behind the long-pending renovation of 901 Hermosa Avenue, donated $250 to Jackson's 2022 city council campaign, according to Jackson's Form 460 campaign finance filing with the California Fair Political Practices Commission. This was the maximum an individual could have contributed to a Hermosa Beach city council candidate under the city's campaign finance rules at that time.
Ransford did not donate to any other sitting councilmember's 2022 campaign.
When the 901 Hermosa Avenue project came before the City Council in February, Jackson participated fully in the discussion and voted to approve it. He made no mention of the donation before or during council deliberations.
### The Donation
Jackson's 2022 campaign finance records suggest that the donation was significant in context. His campaign raised just thirteen individual contributions, meaning each donor represented a meaningful share of his fundraising total. Of the thirteen contributions, only four were for the maximum amount (including Ransford's) and some were as low as $25.
The documentation detailing Ransford's 2022 donation to Jackson's re-election campaign
### No Law Broken — But Questions Remain
No law appears to have been broken. California's Levine Act prohibits officials from participating in permit and entitlement decisions when an applicant has donated more than $250 to their campaign within the prior 12 months. The donation was made in October 2022, more than two years before the council vote.
But California's general conflict of interest principles and basic ethics norms call for transparency about financial relationships with parties appearing before elected officials, even when recusal is not legally required.
### A Parking Irony
The relationship is particularly notable given Jackson's record on parking in Hermosa Beach's coastal zone. Jackson has been one of the council's most consistent voices in questioning residential parking availability near the beach, regularly pushing to tighten the city's permit program. Speaking in November on the subject, Jackson made a strong statement :
> Next year, we will be submitting a local coastal program, and that's a process that will spotlight every vulnerability in a 40-year-old residential program... The Coastal Commission has typically not approved new or after-the-fact preferential parking programs unless it can be demonstrated that such a program would not result in adverse impacts to parking, to public parking supply that affect public access or recreation. Translated, if we reduce access or allow private vehicle storage to consume coastal zone capacity, we jeopardize the entire residential parking permit program. This also places our outdoor dining program at risk.
Jackson is now a California Coastal Commissioner, appointed in May of last year, which make his statements on parking provision all the more pointed.
The 901 Hermosa Avenue project adds zero new parking spaces to a downtown building whose actual square footage was itself disputed throughout a contentious approval process.
The proposed development involves the addition of office space on the top of the restored building (photo showing existing structure at 901 Hermosa Ave)
Jackson participated in the parking discussion at the February meeting. His contribution: suggesting the building should not be eligible for any parking permits — a proposal framed as protecting the surrounding neighborhood from the project's parking impact. He raised no overriding concern about approving a project that generates that impact without providing for it, and made no mention of his relationship with the developer who brought it.
### Background
The 901 Hermosa Avenue project has had a lengthy path through city approval. Ransford's team submitted plans eight times over four years before the project reached the council. The February vote approved a third-story addition to the century-old building at the corner of Hermosa Avenue and 9th Street, originally constructed in 1928\. Ransford agreed at the meeting to pay in-lieu parking fees rather than proceed with a plan to wall off 1,340 square feet of second-floor space to avoid parking requirements — a compromise that resolved the council's central objection to the project.
Jackson is expected to stand for re-election to the council this November, although he has not yet formally announced his candidacy.
*The Hermosa Review contacted Mr. Jackson twice for comment before publication, but received no response.*
---
### RELATED ARTICLES
[Council Approves 901 Hermosa Avenue Renovation After Parking Fee CompromiseRedevelopment passes council in a new hearing, but with a compromise over in-lieu parking fees.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/council-approves-901-hermosa-avenue-renovation-after-parking-fee-compromise/)
[Planning Commission Approves Controversial 901 Hermosa Avenue RedevelopmentHistoric showroom redevelopment gets go-ahead after lengthy debate over square footage and parkingThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/planning-commission-narrowly-approves-controversial-901-hermosa-avenue-redevelopment/)
[Century-Old Showroom To Get Fresh Start?Hermosa Ave location in focus at tonight’s Planning Commission meetingThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/century-old-showroom-to-get-fresh-start-2/)
### Council Names Two to Public Works Commission, Unseating Incumbent Dunbabin
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-names-two-to-public-works-commission-unseating-incumbent-dunbabin/
Last updated: 2026-07-24T01:07:03.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council appointed Erin Bender and Nate Flory to the five-member Public Works Commission, filling two open seats from a field of 14 applicants and declining to reappoint long-serving commissioner and former mayor Kathy Dunbabin.
The Council interviewed candidates at an adjourned afternoon meeting on June 9 before voting that evening. Councilmembers repeatedly noted the strength of the field of 14 final applicants, with one observing it had been years since so many residents sought a single commission's seats. The Council took the two seats one at a time.
Bender, a senior environmental scientist with the State Water Resources Control Board's Division of Water Rights, won the first seat on a 4-1 vote. A 17-year resident who has worked on sea level rise vulnerability assessments and coastal hazard mapping, Bender told the Council the commission's most pressing issue is the Public Works Department's capacity, noting that staff are already committed for two years overseeing existing capital projects while major infrastructure work looms unfunded. She called for the commission to meet monthly and to adopt a structured decision-making matrix to keep project recommendations transparent and defensible.
Newly appointed Public Works Commissioner Erin Bender, an environmental scientist
The second seat produced the closest commission vote Council members said they had seen in years. Five applicants were nominated: land use attorney Edward Casey, Dunbabin, healthcare technology executive Nate Flory, nonprofit director Beckett Navarrette, and retired executive David Toomey. Over three rounds of balloting, the field narrowed to Flory and Navarrette, who tied before Flory prevailed 3-2 in a runoff. Mayor Mike Detoy, Saemann, and Councilmember Ray Jackson backed Flory; Councilmember Dean Francois and Mayor Pro Tem Michael Keegan supported Navarrette.
Flory, a national strategic account director for a healthcare AI company and a 22-year resident, is active in Hermosa Beach Little League, Neighborhood Watch, and youth athletics. In his interview he described the commission as a bridge between city staff, the Council, and residents, citing capital projects his own neighbors had never heard of and pointing to a roughly $30,000 net installed at Clark Field that he said reflected poor coordination between departments.
Nate Flory was the second new appointee to the Public Works Commission at last night's meeting
The decision turned on Dunbabin, the commission's current chair, who served on the City Council that created the Public Works Commission and is a former mayor. In her interview she said she hoped to see the City Yard and pier projects through and renewed a long-stalled effort to write a manual defining the commission's role. Saemann nominated her for reappointment and argued she was the most qualified applicant, pointing to her institutional knowledge and years of service. "There are very few resumes as impressive as hers," Councilmember Jackson said, while explaining his decision to support a newcomer instead. Dunbabin advanced through the first two rounds of voting before being eliminated ahead of the final runoff. The Council moved to recognize Dunbabin's service at a future meeting.
The Public Works Commission reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on all capital improvement program projects, assists in developing design guidelines for public improvements, and addresses other matters referred by the Council. Members serve staggered four-year terms and must be qualified electors of the city.
---
**KEEP READING**
[IN DEPTH: The $36 Million To-Do ListInside Hermosa Beach’s Capital Improvement Program, where the fault lines between what we might want for city infrastructure and what we can afford are really starting to showThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-the-36-million-to-do-list/)
### CRIME TIME: May 24-30
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-may-24-30/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T04:33:27.000Z
Hermosa Beach police reported 38 incidents during the week of May 24-30, marked by a violent baseball bat assault on a parked vehicle, a spike in retail thefts and purse snatchings on Pier Avenue, and a pattern of vehicle thefts including one where stolen payment methods were used for fraudulent charges.
### Baseball Bat Assault
Wednesday afternoon brought a shocking incident on the 2100 block of Pacific Coast Highway when a subject used a baseball bat to strike the windows of a vehicle while a person was sitting inside. The suspect was located and arrested.
### Vehicle Thefts & Fraud
Two vehicles were stolen during the week. Monday night, a vehicle parked in a church parking lot on the 1500 block of Manhattan Avenue was stolen. A wallet inside the vehicle and a debit card left in it were subsequently used to make fraudulent charges.
Early Saturday morning, a vehicle was stolen from a driveway on the 2800 block of The Strand, with similar consequences—financial instruments left inside were later used for fraudulent transactions.
### Pier Avenue Theft Pattern
Pier Avenue saw a concentrated cluster of thefts targeting personal belongings. Saturday night, a victim left a fanny pack in a restroom and it was stolen. Later that evening, a cell phone was stolen from a jacket pocket. Sunday evening brought three more Pier Avenue thefts: a cell phone stolen from a purse and a phone with wallet attached stolen from another purse. A fourth purse theft was reported on Pier Avenue early Monday morning.
### Retail Theft & Shoplifting
Two retail thefts were reported. Tuesday morning on the 100 block of Pacific Coast Highway, two subjects entered a store, took numerous toiletries and cosmetics, and left without paying. Sunday afternoon on the 700 block of Pier Avenue, two subjects entered a store, concealed over-the-counter medications, and left without paying.
### Stolen Property & Fraud
Wednesday, a subject opened a mail package on the 1800 block of Pacific Coast Highway and took the contents, demonstrating the vulnerability of residential mail delivery.
A notebook containing passwords and account numbers was stolen between May 5-19 from the 1600 block of Ardmore Avenue, representing a significant identity theft risk.
Saturday morning on the 1500 block of Manhattan Avenue, subjects were seen exiting a vehicle and entering a waiting vehicle. A traffic stop found the subjects had stolen items. Both were located and arrested.
### DUI & Narcotics
Early Monday morning on the 500 block of Pier Avenue, a subject was arrested for public intoxication and found to be in possession of cocaine.
### Quality of Life Issues
Four public intoxication arrests were made during the week at various downtown and residential locations.
Three public urination citations were issued, including one incident Wednesday evening at Aviation Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway where the subject refused to sign the citation and was brought to the station and booked.
Two public nuisance citations for unauthorized disabled person placards were issued.
### Threats & Harassment
A subject left voicemail requesting inappropriate sexual massage services and threatened a business on Pier Avenue between Saturday morning and Monday evening. The business reported the harassment.
### Other Incidents
Sunday evening, a bar on the 800 block of Hermosa Avenue was serving alcohol after 2 AM. An information report was filed.
Tuesday evening on the 5th Street and The Strand area, a subject was DJing with multiple speakers, was advised more than once to stop, and was later cited for municipal code violation.
Friday afternoon at Ardmore Avenue and Pier Avenue, a subject missed a curb and fell. The subject was transported for medical care.
Found property included air pods, a challenge coin, wallets, a bicycle, and a scooter. Keys were reported lost. An e-bike was taken for safekeeping after a traffic collision.
A firearm and accessories were brought in for destruction, and a subject fell off an e-bike and was injured.
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### ELECTION 2026 : Latest Update
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/election-2026-early-results-in-11-30pm/
Last updated: 2026-07-24T01:06:57.000Z
### *Becerra and Hilton to advance in Governor's Race; Lieu, Goldsmith, Seo Lead Districts 36, 24, 66\. County Sales Tax Measure too close to call. Raman overtakes Pratt for second place in LA Mayor contest, and projected to advance with Bass*
Election 2026 · Primary Returns
## What Hermosa Beach Voted On
Live results for the contests on every Hermosa Beach ballot in California’s June 2 primary, from the governor’s race down to the local legislative seats and the countywide Measure ER. In the candidate races, the two highest finishers advance to the November 3 general election regardless of party.
Results as of **June 8, 2026 · counting continues**
Beyond the Hermosa Ballot
## Races Worth Watching
Contests Hermosa Beach voters did not cast ballots in, but whose outcomes shape the region.
**What’s on the ballot:** Alongside the statewide governor, Insurance Commissioner, and Superintendent of Public Instruction races and the countywide Sheriff contest and Measure ER, Hermosa Beach sits in U.S. House District 36, State Senate District 24, and State Assembly District 66; the Senate and Assembly seats are both open this year, making them the local races to watch. The Insurance Commissioner race features termed-out SD-24 Senator Ben Allen, whose district was hit by the Palisades Fire, and the Superintendent race includes AD-66 Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who left his seat to run for it.
Returns are unofficial and will change as counting continues. The Governor and Los Angeles mayor results reflect the Associated Press count (about 88 and 93 percent of the expected vote); the Associated Press and the NBC News Decision Desk have projected Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton into the Governor runoff, and Karen Bass and Nithya Raman into the mayoral runoff after Raman passed Spencer Pratt in later mail ballots. The other statewide and district contests (Insurance Commissioner, Superintendent, and the House, Senate, and Assembly seats) reflect the Secretary of State’s election-night batch from June 2\. The countywide Sheriff, Measure ER, and Supervisor races reflect the Los Angeles County Registrar’s June 8 update; Measure ER, which trailed on election night, moved narrowly ahead as later mail ballots were counted and now leads by about 13,000 votes with roughly 148,000 ballots left, so its outcome remains unsettled. The amber marker shows an apparent or projected advancing finisher, not a final result. County counts update through June 26; results are certified July 10\. Sources: Associated Press and NBC News Decision Desk (Governor, Mayor); California Secretary of State; Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder.
### City Lays Out Its Revenue Options. None of Them Are Easy
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-lays-out-its-revenue-options-none-of-them-are-easy/
Last updated: 2026-07-24T01:06:44.000Z
### *City Council gets polling results, a menu of tax and fee tools, and no shortage of hard choices ahead*
Hermosa Beach City Council spent the better part of Tuesday night confronting a question the city has been circling for years: how do you pay for the place you've built?
The short answer, delivered by city staff at the May 26 regular meeting, is that there is no single answer. A $3.2 million structural deficit in the upcoming fiscal year (driven by rising labor costs, escalating county contracts for fire, lifeguard, and beach maintenance, and aging infrastructure) has exhausted the city's supply of one-time budget patches. What remains is a menu of revenue tools, each with its own timeline, political difficulty, and ceiling.
Staff has already identified roughly $4 million in expenditure reductions for FY27: approximately $2 million in deferred equipment and fleet replacement, $1.1 million in reduced (but still healthy) reserve contributions, and about $1 million in operational efficiencies across departments. Notably, council had directed staff to avoid layoffs and minimize service impacts — and the proposed cuts reflect that.
But reductions alone don't solve a structural problem. "It won't be about doing more with less," City Manager Steve Napolitano told the council. "We're already doing that every day."
---
## What the Poll Found
Before the revenue discussion, council received results of a feasibility poll that Napolitano commissioned on a potential 1% general sales tax — the kind that requires a simple majority to pass.
The headline number: 56% of likely November voters said they would support the measure before hearing any arguments for or against. After exposure to positive messaging about local infrastructure and public safety, support climbed to 62%. After negative arguments were introduced — including cost-of-living concerns and skepticism about how funds would be spent — support settled at 55%, still theoretically above the threshold needed to pass.
Finance Director Brandon Walker noted that every 0.25% of sales tax generates roughly $1 million in annual revenue, and that a majority of sales tax is typically paid by visitors rather than residents.
Councilmember Francois questioned whether the survey was designed to produce a yes result rather than an objective read of public opinion. The polling consultant pushed back, noting that 93% of measures they have recommended going to ballot have passed — and that the firm's role is to assess feasibility, not to advocate. The exchange reflected a tension that will likely resurface if and when council decides whether to place a measure on the November ballot. Francois opposed Measure HB, the 2024 sales tax ballot measure that failed by a wider margin than its predecessor in 2022 — a relevant piece of history as council weighs whether to try again.
One notable gap: the poll did not test a TOT (hotel tax) increase alongside the sales tax. The reason, staff explained, is that testing both requires a split-sample methodology, and the two measures compete with each other on the ballot — voters who will support one tax increase tend to resist two.
---
## The Revenue Menu
Beyond the sales tax, staff presented six additional revenue strategies. Here's what each involves:
**TOT increase.** Hermosa's hotel tax currently sits at 14%, near the top of the regional market. Each 1% increase would generate roughly $364,000 annually. Requires voter approval. Staff noted the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics as timing opportunities, and council briefly discussed a seasonal or temporary rate — though no comparable precedent was identified. One prominent local hotel operator used the public comment session to urge caution against overtaxing Hermosa's hotels within a competitive local tourism market.
**Short-term rental compliance and enforcement.** This is the sleeper on the list. Staff estimated up to $5 million in one-time arrears collections from short-term rental operators who have been operating without paying Transient Occupancy Tax, plus roughly $1 million annually in ongoing revenue once compliance is established. Crucially, this requires no voter approval — it's enforcement of taxes already owed. A member of the public with an STR property argued forcefully that heavily restrictive regulations would undermine the revenue opportunity by pushing operators underground, as has happened elsewhere.
[Click Here to access our Hotel and STR tax modeling tool](https://www.hermosareview.com/transient-occupancy-tax-tot/)
**Parking expansion and dynamic pricing.** Parking ranked as the top community concern in the resident survey. Staff outlined several options: dynamic (peak-hour) pricing at beach and downtown lots, expanding meters along Monterey and Manhattan Avenues — currently one-hour unmetered zones — increasing late fees on citations (currently a flat $30, regardless of how long a ticket goes unpaid), and revisiting the holiday free-parking program. Combined, these strategies could generate upward of $2 million annually depending on scope.
**Assessment district modernization.** The city's Landscaping and Street Lighting District hasn't been updated since 1996, when Proposition 218 froze the assessment rate. The general fund currently subsidizes roughly $400,000 annually to cover the gap between what the district collects and what it costs to operate. Updating the assessment would require a Prop 218 mail-ballot process — cheaper and simpler than a general election, staff noted, pointing to Manhattan Beach as a local precedent.
**Stormwater fee.** Similarly, the city subsidizes its stormwater fund by about $700,000 annually. A dedicated fee, also subject to Prop 218, would reduce general fund pressure and improve long-term compliance with state coastal and environmental mandates.
**City assets and economic development.** The most speculative item on the list. Staff described potential lease optimization, public-private partnerships, and strategic development — including possible disposition or development of city-owned parking lots such as Lot A. Long-term, community-process-dependent, and unlikely to produce near-term revenue.
---
## No Decisions Yet — But Direction Was Sought
Staff was not asking for financial commitments Tuesday night. The ask was for policy direction: which options should move forward for deeper analysis, modeling, and legal review?
Council provided general encouragement across most categories without formally prioritizing any. The STR compliance strategy drew the most consensus as a near-term opportunity requiring no ballot measure. Dynamic parking and meter expansion also attracted support, with council members noting the data suggests Hermosa's parking demand is relatively inelastic — people pay.
The sales tax ballot question remains open. The poll gives a green light on feasibility. What council hasn't decided is whether to pull the trigger for November 2026, which would require moving quickly ahead of a July deadline.
---
## The Harder Question
What Tuesday's meeting made visible is the distance between the problem and the solutions.
The $3.2 million deficit is this year's number. Staff was candid that the structural challenge extends well beyond FY27 — that one-time patches are gone, that county contract costs will keep rising, and that the capital backlog (pier, City Yard, infrastructure) represents obligations that don't disappear from the spreadsheet just because they haven't been funded.
The revenue tools on the table are real. But the voter-approved measures require campaigns and a November ballot against a backdrop of tightening household budgets and two recent failed measures. The compliance and enforcement measures on STR's require staff capacity and political will to pursue operators who have been operating outside the system for years. The fee and assessment updates require process.
Napolitano appears prepared to lay out the challenges in a more open way than his City Manager predecessor. Whether that transparency is enough to win the trust of voters in November remains to be seen.
### City Says FY27 Deficit Is Solved, But the Hard Choices Are Still Ahead
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-says-fy27-deficit-is-solved-but-the-hard-choices-are-still-ahead/
Last updated: 2026-07-24T01:06:38.000Z
City Manager Steve Napolitano told the Hermosa Beach City Council on Tuesday night that he has a plan to close the forecast FY27 structural deficit of $3.2 million without workforce reductions, through a combination of fleet maintenance cuts, reserve adjustments, and operational efficiencies identified across every department.
That headline conclusion, delivered at the third of seven scheduled budget meetings, came packaged with significant caveats. Each department also walked the council through what a 10 percent reduction scenario would look like, with most acknowledging that reaching that threshold would require freezing or eliminating positions. Staff is not currently recommending those cuts. The exercise was framed as building a contingency reserve against unknowns, including the looming LA County fire and lifeguard contract renewal, rising costs on multiple maintenance contracts reaching the end of their terms, and the city's ongoing capital improvement backlog estimated at between $90 million and $220 million.
## City Staff Warn on Impacts
Police Chief Phillips presented the starkest picture. A non-personnel 10 percent cut yields $630,000, achievable by reducing conference and training, contract services, equipment replacement, and overtime. Reaching the full $2.1 million figure would require freezing five sworn officer positions and one community service officer, dropping the department to minimum staffing of two officers and a supervisor per shift. That, Phillips said, would be the lowest sworn level in over 25 years.
Public Works Director Joe SanClemente flagged several maintenance contracts reaching the end of their terms this year, including janitorial, landscape, tree services, and the LA County beach maintenance contract. Costs are likely to rise on all of them, and the figures will not be known until the contracts are advertised. The lighting and landscape district remains structurally underfunded and relies on a general fund transfer; raising the assessment would require a ballot initiative.
Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols told the council the department forgoes substantial revenue annually through long-term agreements, fee waivers, and gaps in the special event permit fee structure. Most long-term event agreements expire in 2026, opening a renegotiation window. The department claims to recover about 77 percent of its costs.
Administrative Services, City Manager's Office, City Clerk, and Community Development each presented narrower reductions, mostly involving vacant positions, technology efficiencies, and consolidated workflows. The city's in-house implementation of a new ERP system, led by Finance without an outside consultant, is projected to save roughly $400,000.
## The Overtime Question
Council pressed on the citywide overtime figure of roughly $1.5 million annually, asking whether some portion could be reduced through scheduling adjustments or comp time. Phillips and Napolitano said most of the overtime is unavoidable, driven by mandatory minimum staffing, holdovers on active incidents, vacation and sick backfill, and special events. A more detailed analysis will return at a future meeting.
Council also called for an outside independent review of city department processes, staffing, and shift structures, similar to the review currently underway on legal services.
## Raising Revenue while Reducing Costs
Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker previewed a list of revenue strategies that will return with detail at the May 26 meeting. The list includes expanded Transient Occupancy Tax through short-term rental licensing, revisiting hotel and STR tax rates, a potential local sales tax measure, expanded parking metering in coastal and downtown areas not currently covered, dynamic parking pricing, an asset utilization review, and stormwater fee evaluations.
The STR licensing component carries new weight following Tuesday's closed-session decision not to appeal the landmark *Koerner* ruling, which leaves coastal-zone short-term rentals operating without a legal framework but also without an enforcement mechanism.
[City Will Not Appeal Landmark Short-Term Rental RulingAfter nine years of trying to enforce a short-term rental ban that courts have now declared illegal, Hermosa Beach is poised to start collecting hotel-tax revenue on roughly 200 coastal-zone rentals it has spent the better part of a decade trying to shut down.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-will-not-appeal-landmark-short-term-rental-ruling/)
## The Sting in the Tail
The deficit is apparently solved for one year. The five-year forecast remains unresolved, the capital backlog is unfunded, and the city's contractual cost exposure is rising on multiple fronts at once. Napolitano explicitly framed Tuesday's presentation as building a buffer for what comes next, not declaring the problem closed.
Four budget meetings remain. The May 26 session covers revenue strategy in detail. May 28 covers the capital improvement program. Adoption hearings are scheduled for June 9 and June 23.
The council voted unanimously to receive and file Tuesday's presentation.
---
**KEEP READING**
[Budget Season Opens With Blunt Assessment: Deficit Is Real, One-Time Fixes Are GoneA $3.2 million structural deficit has been sitting under Hermosa Beach’s budget for five years, masked by pandemic relief, vacancy savings, and unspent carryforward. With all three now exhausted, the council inherits a problem its predecessors chose to defer.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/budget-season-opens-with-blunt-assessment-deficit-is-real-one-time-fixes-are-gone/)
[City facing $3.2 million deficit in 2027 as annual budget cycle kicks offCity budget squeeze laid bare as council prepares to consider a series of difficult options to balance the books.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-facing-3-2-million-deficit-as-annual-budget-cycle-kicks-off/)
### Council Sends Dog Park Back for Study of Valley Park and Greenbelt, With Ballot Measure on the Table
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-sends-dog-park-back-for-study-of-valley-park-and-greenbelt-with-ballot-measure-on-the-table/
Last updated: 2026-07-24T01:06:32.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday night to advance a comprehensive feasibility study for an off-leash dog park at two locations, Valley Park East and a section of the Greenbelt between Pier Avenue and 11th Street, and directed staff to prepare a potential November ballot measure to amend the 1989 ordinance that restricts use of the Greenbelt.
The decision splits the difference between the two paths in front of the council. Bark for a Park, the community group driving the proposal, had pivoted in April to Valley Park as its sole preferred site after concluding that the cost and political risk of a citizen-sponsored Greenbelt initiative made that route impractical. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission had recommended both sites. Tuesday's vote keeps both alive and lets voters decide on the Greenbelt if the council ultimately puts a measure on the ballot.
City Clerk Martha Alvarez confirmed that adding a measure to the November ballot would cost roughly $2,000 above the existing election cost. The deadline to place a measure is August 7.
Dog Park Advocacy Group Bark For A Park supporters pictured in the Council Chambers after Tuesday's vote
## The Sites
The proposed Valley Park site sits east of the restrooms and south of the native garden, just below Valley Drive. The location can support up to 12,000 square feet with separate areas for large and small dogs, and Bark for a Park has measured the distance to the nearest residences across Gould and Valley at more than 200 feet. The site has natural shading, nearby parking, an ADA-accessible bathroom, and existing irrigation, lighting, and drainage infrastructure.
The Greenbelt section runs from south of Pier Avenue to 11th Street, directly across from City Hall. The site is flat, has nearby public restrooms and parking, sits within an existing ADA-accessible trail, and would draw foot traffic past Upper Pier Avenue businesses. Gaudet Design Group's principal designer, who walked both sites with the subcommittee in January, identified the Greenbelt as the more feasible of the two, notwithstanding the potential ballot measure requirement.
The Greenbelt also carries the heaviest procedural bar. Ordinance 89-1001, adopted after voters approved the Santa Fe right-of-way purchase in 1988, requires that any amendment receive a majority Yes vote at a public election.
## ADA Costs at Valley Park East
The city's ADA consultant has flagged accessibility as the most significant challenge at Valley Park East. The walkways, access points from the handicap parking spaces, and the slope leading into the proposed area all fall short of code, which requires accessible pathways to have a maximum running slope of 1:20 and a cross slope no greater than 1:48.
Senior Recreation Supervisor Brian Sousa told the council the consultant's rough estimate for ADA upgrades is around $60,000\. Public works staff suggested the actual figure could be higher because Ardmore lacks sidewalks on the Valley Park frontage.
## The Greenbelt Question
Councilmember Saemann pressed the city attorney on whether the existing exercise equipment, benches, and pull-up bars on the Greenbelt fit the ordinance's permitted-uses standard, which limits improvements to those "relating to landscaping, beautification, erosion control, or irrigation necessary to maintain open space."
The city attorney said there is no written record of how those structures were authorized and they were "likely authorized as a permitted accessory improvement" supporting passive recreation. Saemann pushed back: "Throwing a ball for a dog is pretty passive. A fence around it isn't any more of a construction item than putting up bars and benches."
The exchange did not change the legal conclusion that an off-leash designation on the Greenbelt requires a public vote, but it underscored an inconsistency in how the city has applied the ordinance over the years.
## Public Comment
Public comment was sustained and split. Bark for a Park co-founder Carla Buck told the council the group has gathered more than 1,400 petition signatures, with about 60 percent supporting Valley Park East specifically, raised $80,000, and secured an additional $250,000 in matching grants pledged. In a new commitment first surfaced Tuesday night, the group also pledged to fund ongoing maintenance, not just design and construction.
One commenter, who lives 500 feet from Valley Park with a two-year-old daughter, told the council the area proposed for the dog park is "where most of the toddlers that spend time in Valley Park spend their time" and urged the council to find another location.
Resident Tony Higgins warned the council that "the perfect becomes the enemy of the good" and urged Valley Park as the "bird in the hand."
Another commenter raised environmental and budgetary concerns, citing Manhattan Beach's $84,000 annual maintenance cost for its dog park and noting Bark for a Park's maximum projected maintenance funding of $30,000 annually leaves the city absorbing at least $50,000 a year.
## What Comes Next
Approval Tuesday authorizes staff to prepare a comprehensive feasibility report for both sites. The next phase would require Public Works oversight, an MOU with Bark for a Park covering design and construction costs, a licensed design professional to prepare conceptual site plans, ADA consultant work, a grading and drainage analysis, capital and operating budget estimates, community outreach including a resident survey, and required permitting.
Bark for a Park remains responsible for funding all pre-development and construction costs. If the group cannot raise the full amount, the project does not move forward.
City staff claimed that completing a Greenbelt feasibility study in time to meet the August 7 ballot deadline would be difficult given Public Works' existing workload. The council can still place a measure on the ballot without the study complete, and refine the proposal afterward.
A future council vote will be required to approve construction at any specific site.
### City Will Not Appeal Landmark Short-Term Rental Ruling
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-will-not-appeal-landmark-short-term-rental-ruling/
Last updated: 2026-07-24T01:06:24.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council voted 4-1 in closed session on Tuesday, May 12, not to appeal the Los Angeles Superior Court ruling in *Koerner v. City of Hermosa Beach*, which struck down the city's blanket ban on short-term rentals in the coastal zone as unenforceable. The closed-session report did not identify the dissenting vote.
The decision ends the city's enforcement posture on a 2016 ordinance that prohibited stays of fewer than 30 days in residentially zoned areas.
## What the ruling held
The March 26 decision found that the STR ban constitutes "development" under the California Coastal Act because it changed the intensity of use of coastal land. The city enacted the ban without obtaining a Coastal Development Permit from the California Coastal Commission, which the court ruled was a fatal procedural defect.
The court dismissed a $2,500 citation against Manhattan Avenue resident Todd Koerner, who has rented a spare bedroom on Airbnb since 2012, and issued a permanent injunction blocking enforcement anywhere in the coastal zone until the Commission approves it. The coastal zone covers roughly 43 percent of the city's land area.
The case was brought by Santa Monica land use attorney Frank Angel, who built the controlling appellate precedent in *Keen v. City of Manhattan Beach* and had warned Hermosa Beach for years that its enforcement regime was legally untenable.
## What the non-appeal means
By declining to appeal, the city accepts both the citation dismissal and the prospective injunction. The 2016 ban remains on the books citywide but cannot be enforced inside the coastal zone unless and until the Commission approves it through the city's Local Coastal Program, a document Hermosa Beach has never managed to get certified.
Coastal-zone short-term rentals are now operating in a regulatory vacuum. The activity is not affirmatively permitted, but the city has no legal mechanism to cite operators, collect fines, or order them to cease. Outside the coastal zone, the ban technically remains enforceable.
## TOT revenue now on the table
The most immediate consequence is fiscal. With the ban unenforceable, the city loses any legal basis to refuse Transient Occupancy Tax collection from coastal-zone rentals. Hermosa Beach charges TOT at 14 percent, matching Manhattan Beach and ahead of Redondo Beach and El Segundo at 12 percent. This figure applies to hotel bedrooms and any permitted short-term rental, of which there are currently less than 20 within the small 'commercial zone'.
Longtime STR advocate Jim Holtz cited Manhattan Beach figures during public comment: 191 licensed coastal-zone operators in fiscal year 2024-25 generating roughly $1.7 million in TOT. Hermosa Beach has a comparable coastal zone and has had approximately 200 active STR listings reported by AirDNA for years, despite the ostensible ban.
That revenue stream arrives as the council works through a $3.2 million structural deficit and an unfunded capital improvement backlog estimated between $90 million and $220 million. Staff listed STR-derived TOT as one of several revenue strategies under review at the May 12 budget presentation. More detail is expected May 26.
## SB 346 and the licensing question
The non-appeal also clears the path to opt into Senate Bill 346, which allows cities to require STR platforms to disclose listing and operator information for licensing and tax enforcement. Holtz urged the council twice Tuesday to bring an opt-in ordinance forward, calling it the operational backbone any licensing regime would need. No such ordinance has been agendized.
The council now faces a series of policy choices it had deferred while *Koerner* remained live: whether to establish a licensing framework, set a density cap, impose operational rules, and how to handle operators running without local permits.
Manhattan Beach handled the same transition after losing *Keen* by allowing coastal-zone STRs under a license-and-TOT framework without immediately imposing restrictive new operating rules. Holtz urged against that approach, arguing it would let the market grow unchecked, and instead recommended density caps and proactive Coastal Commission engagement.
## What comes next
No item on coastal-zone STR policy is currently scheduled. Any new ordinance will itself constitute "development" under the same legal logic that defeated the 2016 ban and will probably require Coastal Commission review. The city's long-uncertified Local Coastal Program complicates that path.
For now, coastal-zone short-term rentals in Hermosa Beach are legal in the sense that they cannot be cited, and untaxed in the sense that no regime exists to collect from them.
---
**KEEP READING**
[Court Rules Hermosa Beach Short-Term Coastal Rental Ban UnenforceableA Los Angeles Superior Court judge tentatively sided with a local homeowner on Wednesday, finding the city acted outside its authority when it banned short-term rentals without state approval.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/court-rules-hermosa-beach-short-term-rental-ban-unenforceable/)
### CRIME TIME: April 26-May 2
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-april-26-may-2/
Last updated: 2026-05-12T22:20:07.000Z
Hermosa Beach police responded to 31 recorded incidents during the week of April 26, highlighted by a dramatic commercial burglary arrest on Pier Avenue where officers surrounded all exits and took a suspect into custody, plus multiple residential break-ins and concerning public safety incidents.
### Commercial Burglary Ends in Arrest
Early Tuesday morning, officers responded to an active burglary on Pier Avenue when a suspect damaged patio furniture of a business, then used a chair to break the glass door and enter. Once inside, the suspect continued damaging items, breaking glass, smashing multiple bottles of alcohol and wine, and attempted to flee the location. Officers were positioned at all points of entry and took the suspect into custody.
[Local restaurant damaged in ‘very aggressive’ incidentPier Plaza restaurant suffers serious vandalism damage after disturbing early morning incident.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/local-restaurant-damaged-in-very-aggressive-incident/)
### Residential Burglaries
Three residential-area burglaries were reported during the week. Thursday through Sunday, the rear door of a home under construction on the 2100 block of Monterey Boulevard was pried open and an interior room door kicked in.
Wednesday evening on the 100 block of Herondo Street, a window screen above a kitchen sink was cut open and a laptop and charger were stolen from inside the residence.
Monday evening, a locked e-bike was stolen from a bike rack in a parking garage on the 1600 block of Pacific Coast Highway.
### Assault & Public Safety Concerns
Friday afternoon brought a disturbing incident on the 100 block of Pier Avenue when an intoxicated subject kicked a dog on a leash without provocation, then swung and struck the victim. The suspect was located and arrested for public intoxication and assault.
Early Sunday morning on Pier Avenue, an intoxicated subject was making sexual comments toward a victim. The suspect was arrested for public intoxication and violation of parole.
Friday evening, subjects were involved in a verbal altercation on the 2000 block of Pacific Coast Highway when one subject pulled a knife and challenged the victim. The suspect was arrested.
### DUI & Weapons Arrests
Two DUI arrests were made during the week. Tuesday night on the 200 block of 10th Street, a subject was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of a baton.
Early Saturday morning at 27th Street and Morningside Drive, a subject was arrested for DUI, court order violation, and resisting arrest.
Tuesday night, a traffic stop at Pier Avenue and Manhattan Avenue for expired registration revealed the driver had a license suspended for DUI, no insurance, and was in possession of brass knuckles. The suspect was arrested.
### Vehicle Crimes
Two vehicle tampering incidents were reported. Sunday through Monday, a license plate was stolen from a vehicle on the 400 block of 33rd Street.
Tuesday morning on the 2000 block of Pacific Coast Highway, a subject was tampering with a vehicle when the owner interrupted. The suspect was arrested.
### Theft & Shoplifting
Friday night on Pier Avenue, a phone and wallet were stolen from a purse.
Sunday morning, clothing items were stolen from a communal laundry room at an apartment complex on the 2000 block of Pacific Coast Highway.
Wednesday afternoon, a subject took items from a business on the 100 block of Pacific Coast Highway and left without paying. The suspect was located and arrested for shoplifting and public intoxication.
### Vandalism
Monday afternoon on the 700 block of 11th Street, a subject knocked over a Vespa causing damage. The suspect has been identified.
Thursday, dark chalk crayons were used to draw on a wall at the 800 block of Cypress Avenue.
### Fraud & Harassment
A business account on the 700 block of Pier Avenue had unauthorized charges made between April 9-12.
A victim on the 100 block of 30th Street reported receiving unwanted text messages from a former friend.
### Traffic Enforcement
One hit-and-run with property damage was reported at Manhattan Avenue and 25th Street on Wednesday evening.
Citations were issued for driving on suspended or revoked license and expired registration.
A citation was issued on Pacific Coast Highway when vehicle registration was expired and a false tab was on the vehicle.
### Other Incidents
Luggage was taken from the 500 block of Loma Dr on Wednesday and later returned.
A dog bite was reported on the 500 block of 25th Street.
One public intoxication arrest was made early Sunday morning on Pacific Coast Highway.
---
[Click to view Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
---
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[Hermosa Beach Serious Reported Crime Down 36% in First Quarter 2026Hermosa Beach recorded just 45 serious crimes in March, capping a first quarter that saw total offenses fall 36% from the prior year. That’s the lowest Q1 figure in the last four years.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-serious-reported-crime-down-36-in-first-quarter-2026/)
### CRIME TIME: April 19-25
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-april-19-25/
Last updated: 2026-05-12T01:24:19.000Z
Hermosa Beach police logged 26 reported incidents during the week of April 19-25, marked by an unprovoked random assault requiring medical treatment, a second weapons arrest involving a loaded handgun, and a vandalism spree that damaged multiple vehicles in the north end.
### Unprovoked Random Assault
Wednesday evening brought a disturbing incident at Pacific Coast Highway and Artesia Boulevard when a victim crossing the street was approached from behind by an unknown subject who struck them in the head. The attack was completely unprovoked with no previous interaction between suspect and victim. The victim required multiple stitches. The attacker remains unidentified and at large.
### Weapons Arrest
Thursday night, officers approached a parked vehicle at Hermosa Avenue and Longfellow Avenue where two subjects were sitting inside with alcohol containers in plain view. The driver had an outstanding warrant and when removed from the vehicle, admitted to having a loaded handgun on his person. The weapon was secured, the subject was arrested, and a high capacity magazine was found inside the vehicle. This marks the second significant weapons arrest in recent weeks.
### Vehicle Break-In Nets Firearm
Saturday evening, a vehicle was entered on the 00 block of 15th Street and a handgun with ammunition was stolen. The theft of a firearm from a vehicle represents a serious public safety concern, and HBPD emphasizes the importance of never leaving firearms in unattended vehicles.
### Vandalism Spree
Multiple vehicles were damaged overnight Monday on the 1600 block of Valley Drive. Windows were smashed, mirrors damaged, and other destruction occurred in what appears to be a vandalism spree rather than attempted theft.
Additional vandalism incidents included a driver's side mirror broken on the 700 block of 11th Place Wednesday evening, a vehicle door handle vandalized with part of it missing on the 2100 block of Hermosa Avenue Monday, and electrical wires to lighting and sprinklers cut with wire cutters on the 1700 block of Golden Avenue Wednesday afternoon.
### Bike Thefts Continue
Two locked bikes were stolen during the week. Monday, a locked e-bike was stolen from a street sign on the 700 block of Gould Avenue after the chain was cut. Wednesday morning, a locked bicycle was stolen from Hermosa Avenue and 13th Street.
### Rental Scam
A victim on the 100 block of Hermosa Avenue believed she was renting an apartment, filled out an application, and sent money between early April and Sunday. She later discovered it was a scam. The incident highlights ongoing rental fraud schemes targeting prospective tenants.
### DUI Arrests
Two DUI arrests were made during the week. Saturday evening on the 1500 block of Manhattan Avenue, a subject was arrested for driving under the influence while on probation for DUI, driving with a license suspended for DUI, and possession of an open container.
Friday night, another arrest was made on the 2500 block of Pacific Coast Highway.
### Quality of Life
Four public intoxication arrests were made during the week. Saturday afternoon, a subject was arrested on Palm Drive, with paraphernalia also found. Early Sunday morning, an arrest was made on Gould Avenue. Early Wednesday morning brought another arrest on Pier Avenue. Early Saturday morning, a subject was arrested on Pier Avenue.
Three public urination citations were issued early Saturday morning on 11th Street, early Monday morning at 13th Court and Hermosa Avenue, and early Saturday morning on the 1300 block of Hermosa Avenue.
### Traffic Enforcement
Two citations for driving on suspended or revoked license were issued during the week. Sunday afternoon, a subject was cited at 8th Street and Pacific Coast Highway, also for expired or no registration. Tuesday afternoon, another citation was issued at Pacific Coast Highway and 1st Place.
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
---
**KEEP READING**
[Hermosa Beach Serious Reported Crime Down 36% in First Quarter 2026Hermosa Beach recorded just 45 serious crimes in March, capping a first quarter that saw total offenses fall 36% from the prior year.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-serious-reported-crime-down-36-in-first-quarter-2026/)
### Hermosa Beach Serious Reported Crime Down 36% in First Quarter 2026
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-serious-reported-crime-down-36-in-first-quarter-2026/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T04:34:37.000Z
Hermosa Beach police reported 171 Group A offenses during the first three months of 2026, a 35.7% reduction over the same period in 2025, according to data from the department's National Incident-Based Reporting System. It was the quietest first quarter in at least four years, comparing this year's recorded incidents to 266 in 2025, 206 in 2024, and 245 in 2023.
The March figures show the steepest year-over-year decline, with 45 reported offenses compared to 93 in March 2025, a 51.6% drop. Month-over-month trends also improved, with March seeing 24 fewer offenses than February's 69 incidents.
THE HERMOSA REVIEW
First quarter 2026 crime report — Four-year comparison
Q1 2026 total
171
Lowest in 4 years
Q1 2025
266
↓ Down 35.7%
Q1 2024
206
↓ Down 17%
Q1 2023
245
↓ Down 30%
### Four-year trend — First quarter totals
### Category comparison — Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025
#### Crimes against property
🛡️
118
182 in Q1 2025
↓ Down 35.2%
#### Crimes against persons
👥
23
35 in Q1 2025
↓ Down 34.3%
#### Crimes against society
⚛️
30
49 in Q1 2025
↓ Down 38.8%
### Monthly trend — Q1 2026
### Top 10 offense types — Q1 2026
Data source: Hermosa Beach Police Department NIBRS reports, 2023-2026\. Q1 covers January through March.
### Understanding the Data: NIBRS vs. Weekly Logs
The FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System captures a specific subset of criminal activity fundamentally different from the public weekly crime logs published by HBPD and summarized in The Hermosa Review's Crime Time column.
NIBRS tracks only Group A offenses, which the FBI defines as serious crimes against persons, property, and society. This includes crimes like assault, burglary, theft, vandalism, drug violations, and weapon offenses. Each incident receives detailed coding including offense type, victim information, property loss, and arrest data.
The weekly public reports cast a wider net. Those logs include a number of less serious incidents reported to police: information reports, found property, lost property, medical assists, disturbances that result in no charges, welfare checks, and minor municipal code violations. A subject transported for medical care appears in the weekly log. Glasses found on Pier Avenue appear in the weekly log. A verbal argument that officers mediate without arrest appears in the weekly log.
NIBRS captures none of these unless they involve a Group A offense.
Calls for service represent an even broader measure. That total includes every dispatch: alarm activations, traffic hazards, parking complaints, noise disturbances, animal control issues, and requests for officer presence that generate no report at all. **A typical week might see 400-500 calls for service, 30-40 incidents in the public weekly log, and 15-20 NIBRS-reportable Group A offenses.** Only around 10% of the annual average of 25,000 calls for service are visible in the routine public reports.
Our weekly Crime Time column synthesizes the public logs, which explains why readers see theft reports, public intoxication arrests, and found bicycles in the same recap. NIBRS isolates the criminal offenses from that broader activity log.
### First Quarter Breakdown
Crimes against property dominated the first quarter with 118 reported offenses, down from 182 in the first quarter of 2025\. This category includes burglary, theft, vandalism, motor vehicle theft, fraud, and forgery.
The most common property offense was "all other larceny" at 33 incidents, a catchall category for thefts that do not fit into specific FBI classifications like shoplifting, vehicle theft, or pickpocketing. Vandalism generated 14 reports, while burglary accounted for 20 incidents.
Motor vehicle theft remained relatively flat year-over-year with 10 incidents compared to 9 in the first quarter of 2025, though theft from motor vehicles dropped significantly from 18 incidents to 5.
Crimes against persons dropped to 23 incidents from 35 in the prior year. Simple assault accounted for 16 of those cases, up from 11 in 2025, while aggravated assault fell to 3 incidents from 15\. Intimidation dropped from 6 cases to 4.
The data shows zero kidnappings, zero forcible fondling incidents, and zero robberies during the quarter.
Crimes against society, which primarily captures drug and weapon violations, fell to 30 incidents from 49\. Drug violations dropped from 20 to 12, while drug equipment violations decreased from 18 to 11\. Weapon law violations declined from 9 to 7.
Fraud-related offenses saw mixed results. Identity theft held steady at 5 incidents compared to 6 in 2025\. Impersonation jumped from 1 incident to 4\. False pretenses and confidence schemes increased from 12 to 14, while credit card and ATM fraud disappeared entirely with zero reported incidents versus 5 in the prior year.
### March Trends
March 2026 represented the lowest offense month of the quarter with 45 incidents, down from 69 in February and 57 in January. The month-over-month decline affected all three categories.
Property crimes fell from 43 in February to 31 in March. Crimes against persons dropped from 11 to 8\. Crimes against society saw the steepest percentage decline, from 15 incidents to 6.
The March figures included 6 burglaries, 6 vandalism reports, 9 larceny cases, 2 motor vehicle thefts, and 2 thefts from vehicles. Simple assault led the crimes against persons category with 7 incidents. Drug violations and drug equipment violations combined for 6 cases.
### Context and Interpretation
The year-over-year reduction suggests either an actual decrease in criminal activity or changes in reporting and classification practices. NIBRS data quality depends on accurate offense coding by reporting officers, and the transition from summary UCR reporting to the more detailed NIBRS system can affect trend comparisons during early implementation years.
The weekly public logs suggest property crime patterns continue, particularly vehicle break-ins targeting unlocked cars and e-bike thefts from locked racks. The NIBRS data captures these as theft from motor vehicle and larceny respectively, but the granular details available in incident summaries do not translate to the federal reporting format.
HBPD has not released calls for service data or clearance rates for the first quarter, which would provide additional context on both activity levels and investigative outcomes.
The statistics indicate Hermosa Beach remains a low-crime city compared to regional and national benchmarks, with violent crime representing a small fraction of total offenses and property crime concentrated in opportunity-driven categories like vehicle prowling and bicycle theft.
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
---
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[What is the ‘Real Time Crime Center’?Technology key in modern policing effortThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-launches-real-time-crime-center-to-unify-police-technology/)
[CRIME TIME: April 12-18Our regular weekly roundup of crime in Hermosa Beach. This week included a weapons arrest involving a loaded firearm in a traffic stop.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-april-12-18/)
[UPDATED: MURDER CHARGE FILED. Dead Man and Suspect Named in Strand Homicide InvestigationRobert Simmons, aka ‘Elanor Beaulieu’ due to appear in court Wednesday charged with the murder of 92-year-old Demetrius DoukoullosThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-swat-operation-at-strand-and-5th-possible-murder-investigation-begins-after-7-hour-standoff/)
### Hermosa Joins the South Bay Housing Trust. Can It Fix Anything?
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-joins-the-south-bay-housing-trust-can-it-fix-anything/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T04:34:20.000Z
Hermosa Beach has formally joined the South Bay Cities Council of Governments housing trust, with Councilmember Rob Saemann serving as the city's delegate. Hermosa is now one of sixteen South Bay jurisdictions participating in a regional financing vehicle for affordable housing. An empty gesture, or a meaningful step on the way to an economic solution? Let's break it down for you.
Hermosa Beach Councilmember Rob Saemann is the city's delegate on the South Bay Cities Council of Government (SBCCOG) and now also oversees the city's involvement in its Housing Trust
### What the Trust Is
The SBCCOG housing trust pools money from member cities, Los Angeles County housing tax revenue, and state grants into a single fund to subsidize affordable housing projects across the South Bay. It partners with non-profit developers, helps assemble project financing, and directs dollars toward parcels where the math actually works.
Hermosa Beach does not have the scale to do any of this on its own. A small city with three square miles of built-out coastline cannot run a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit financing operation, hire a development team, or assemble a multi-million-dollar capital stack. Joining the trust gets Hermosa a seat at a table that can.
### Why This Matters: A Five-Minute RHNA Primer
Every eight years, California's Department of Housing and Community Development tells each region how many new housing units it must plan for. The Southern California Association of Governments divides that target among individual cities. The allocation is called RHNA — the Regional Housing Needs Assessment.
Hermosa Beach's allocation for the current cycle is 558 units by 2029\. Three quarters of those — 419 units — must be affordable to households earning below the area median income. To comply, the city must produce a Housing Element: a planning document showing where, on which parcels, the city will allow 558 units of housing to be built.
Hermosa's plan does this by designating commercial overlay sites along Pacific Coast Highway, Aviation Boulevard, and Pier Avenue, plus the St. Cross Episcopal Church site on Eighth Street. The zoning permits residential development on these parcels; the city is then deemed compliant.
#### What is 'The Housing Element'? (click to see detail)
- ****The State Mandate:** Every California city must update its Housing Element every eight years, demonstrating how it will accommodate its share of regional housing growth. Hermosa Beach's current element covers 2021-2029 and was certified by the state in July 2024.
- ****The Numbers:** Hermosa Beach must plan for 558 new housing units this cycle, broken down by income level: 232 very-low income, 127 low-income, 106 moderate-income, and 93 above-moderate (market rate) units.
- ****The Strategy:** The city rezoned properties through a "Housing Element overlay" that allows residential development on formerly commercial-only sites. The element includes 14 programs addressing everything from ADU development to affordable housing preservation.
- ****The Progress:** Halfway through the cycle, 384 units are somewhere in the development pipeline—from applications to completed construction. The city claims that it is on track to exceed its market-rate housing target.
- ****The Problem:** All 384 units in the pipeline are market-rate housing. Zero affordable units have been proposed or built, meaning the city is falling behind on its affordable housing obligations across all income categories—a failure that could trigger state penalties and "builder's remedy" provisions that override local zoning controls.
- ****The Regional Context:** Neighboring Redondo Beach's Housing Element is currently being challenged in court, illustrating the legal risks cities face when their housing plans don't satisfy state requirements. A failed Housing Element can result in loss of local control over development decisions, and there are strong similarities between our plan and the Redondo plan.
If a city fails to produce a compliant Housing Element, it loses control of its own zoning. Under a state law called the Builder's Remedy, developers can submit projects that ignore local height limits, density caps, and design standards, provided 20 percent of units are affordable. Hermosa Beach has already lived through one such project: the five-unit, 50-foot building at 3415 Palm Drive, in a neighborhood capped at 30 feet, filed during the window when Hermosa lacked a state-approved Housing Element.
### Why It Doesn't Work in Hermosa Beach
Here is the problem. A residential teardown lot in Hermosa Beach trades for $1.5 to $2.5 million. The all-in cost of building a single dwelling unit in the South Bay now exceeds $650,000\. To build a unit affordable to a moderate-income family, a developer needs to bridge the gap between what construction costs and what the family can pay in rent. That gap, on land this expensive, is enormous.
Nobody in Hermosa Beach is going to close it. Not the city's general fund. Not state grants. Not the Land Value Recapture fees Hermosa adopted in 2023, which have produced zero applications in fifteen months.
What overlay zoning on Hermosa's commercial corridors actually produces, when developers eventually use it, is luxury market-rate apartments built under state Density Bonus Law — which overrides local height limits in exchange for a small affordable component. Manhattan Beach is now watching this happen at 2301 N. Sepulveda, where a seven-story building is rising on a former rental-car lot on commercial land. Hermosa's overlay sites along PCH and Aviation are structured the same way.
The framework satisfies the state. It does not produce affordable housing.
### What a Regional Trust Can Do That RHNA Can't
A regional trust starts from different math. Instead of demanding that each city solve its share of the housing problem on its own land, it pools money and places affordable units where they can actually be built — on parcels in less coastal South Bay jurisdictions where land costs are lower, where infrastructure has capacity, and where non-profit developers can pencil out projects with reasonable subsidy.
It also opens tools that RHNA does not recognize. Rental assistance. Acquisition of existing affordable housing to lock in long-term affordability. Anti-displacement funds. ADU financing. RHNA can do exactly one thing: tell cities to rezone. Affordable housing requires far more.
What the trust cannot currently do is satisfy RHNA. Under state law, Hermosa Beach cannot discharge its 558-unit obligation by contributing to a regional pool that produces 558 affordable units somewhere else in the South Bay. Each city's allocation stays its own to solve.
That gap is the policy question worth asking.
Policy Brief
## A Regional Housing Trust
An alternative path to RHNA compliance — and the legitimate objections to it.
+
In favor
### The Case For
10
1. Subsidy efficiency More units per dollar on cheaper land elsewhere in the sub-region.
2. Better site selection Match housing to infrastructure capacity, transit, and jobs across jurisdictions.
3. Pooled funding Aggregate county, state, employer, and federal dollars into project-scale capital.
4. Professional capacity One regional staff with technical financing expertise instead of sixteen city departments improvising.
5. Reduced legal exposure A compliance pathway that sidesteps Builder's Remedy and overlay litigation.
6. Better demand matching Affordable units near actual lower-income workers, not on coastal commercial strips.
7. Preservation tools Acquisition, rental assistance, and ADU programs that RHNA's construction-only framework ignores.
8. Infrastructure honesty Direct growth toward jurisdictions with water, sewer, and grid capacity to absorb it.
9. Non-profit developer pipeline Stable funding lets mission-driven builders plan multi-year pipelines instead of chasing grants.
10. Local accountability COG boards of elected officials, not Sacramento bureaucrats.
−
Against
### The Case Against
10
1. Exclusion buyout Wealthy beach cities pay their way out of zoning for housing locally.
2. Fair-housing collision Concentrating affordable units away from high-opportunity cities runs into AFFH law.
3. Diffused accountability When nothing gets built, no one is responsible.
4. Receiving cities push back Torrance, Gardena, Hawthorne absorb the costs while Hermosa and Manhattan take the credit.
5. Governance complexity Consensus across sixteen jurisdictions is slow, opaque, and deadlock-prone.
6. Bureaucratic overhead Another agency with executive staff, consultants, and admin costs consuming dollars before they reach a unit.
7. Funding instability County housing taxes sunset; long-term revenue isn't guaranteed.
8. Pro-housing opposition YIMBY groups will fight any reform that weakens site-by-site obligations.
9. Construction cost is binding Land is only part of project cost; cutting it doesn't transform the math.
10. Political headwinds Sacramento's trend is state preemption, not negotiated regionalism.
Policy Analysis The Hermosa Review
### What Hermosa's Seat Buys
Saemann's role as Hermosa's delegate puts the city in the room as the SBCCOG develops its 2026 legislative agenda, which includes RHNA reform. The trust itself is a working pilot for the alternative framework the sub-region wants Sacramento to consider: regional pooling of obligations, supplemented by — not replaced by — local zoning.
Sacramento has so far moved in the opposite direction, toward more state preemption of local control rather than less. Whether a regional trust model can shift that trajectory is uncertain. What is certain is that the current framework — paper compliance, luxury density-bonus towers, occasional Builder's Remedy lawsuits — is not producing affordable housing in Hermosa Beach, and is not going to.
Hermosa has bought a seat at the table where a different answer might be built. The question is whether Sacramento is willing to listen.
### Valley Park Emerges as Frontrunner for Hermosa's First Dog Park
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/valley-park-emerges-as-frontrunner-for-hermosas-first-dog-park/
Last updated: 2026-05-14T10:15:59.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council on Tuesday will consider whether to advance a feasibility study for the city's first off-leash dog park, with Valley Park East emerging as the preferred location backed by both the community group Bark for a Park and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.
The staff report asks Council to review the Commission's recommendation to further explore Valley Park East and a portion of the Greenbelt between Pier Avenue and 11th Street. Bark for a Park, the nonprofit advocating for the park, has identified Valley Park East as its top choice and offered to fully fund the design and construction.
The Valley Park East site sits east of the restrooms and south of the native garden, just below Valley Drive. The location can support up to 12,000 square feet with separate areas for large and small dogs, sits more than 200 feet from the nearest residences across Gould and Valley, and is already heavily used by dog owners. The site has natural shading, nearby parking, an ADA-accessible bathroom, and existing irrigation, lighting, and drainage infrastructure.
The report follows more than a year of process. Council directed staff to evaluate the proposal on March 11, 2025, after Bark for a Park's initial public comment. A subcommittee consisting of Commission Chair Barbara Ellman and Commissioner Elka Worner was formed in September 2025 and reviewed six potential sites, conducted on-site visits at dog parks in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach, and met with Gaudet Design Group on January 21, 2026 to walk Valley Park and the Greenbelt.
### ADA and Design Challenges
Staff and the Gaudet Design Group principal designer flagged accessibility as the most significant challenge at Valley Park East. Accessible pathways must have a maximum running slope of 1:20 and a cross slope not exceeding 1:48 under California Building Code. The designer noted Valley Park's hillside entrance could require significant grading, surface removal, and ADA updates to all pathways leading into the area.
The Public Works ADA consultant preliminarily determined that installing a dog park at Valley Park would require the city to construct an accessible path from dedicated ADA parking spaces and the public sidewalk to the dog park, bathroom, and water fountain, requiring reconstruction of the existing concrete path. California Building Code requires those paths to be at least 48 inches wide.
The same designer expressed confidence that the Greenbelt section would be feasible and identified it as the preferred site between the two locations considered during the January walkthrough. The Greenbelt route, however, carries a high procedural bar. The 1989 ordinance that established the Greenbelt requires a public vote to amend any provision, and Bark for a Park withdrew its support for the Greenbelt option on April 2 citing costs, mixed support, and uncertainty about whether a ballot measure could pass.
### Public support but not without pushback
Public comment submitted ahead of the meeting runs heavily in favor of the project, with many residents framing the dog park as a long-overdue amenity in a city where most homes lack yards and where the Strand is the only realistic option for daily dog walking.
"Hermosa Beach has long lacked a designated off-leash dog area despite clear and growing demand from residents," wrote resident Adam Stoneman, calling Valley Park East "the most practical and appropriate location." Resident Dave Andrews described how dog walking creates daily community connection in Hermosa, and pointed to existing fees and enforcement that dog owners already pay without receiving any recreational infrastructure in return.
Several supporters live near Valley Park and pushed back on the idea that the proposed area is heavily used. Irina Gaal, who has lived a half block from the park for 25 years, called the proposed site "secluded, rarely used by anyone other than dog owners." Moira Nelson noted the park is already an informal off-leash meeting place and argued a designated area could be better regulated.
Opposition came primarily from residents living adjacent to Valley Park, several of whom said they support a dog park but prefer the Greenbelt location. Concerns cited included noise, parking pressure from Vista and Valley schools, and impacts on areas used for music classes, Shakespeare in the Park, and children's gatherings. Resident Laura Pena, who did not take a position on the project, urged Council to be transparent about ongoing maintenance tradeoffs given the city's fiscal pressures.
Resident Eileen Reardon was pointed in her opposition to the Valley Park proposal, arguing Bark for a Park selected Valley Park East specifically to avoid the cost of a ballot measure required for the Greenbelt. "That's not advocacy, that's how special interest groups operate," she wrote, calling for any dog park decision to go to a citywide vote.
### Funding Offer
Bark for a Park has offered to lead and fully fund the comprehensive design and construction under a contract or MOU with the city, with Council retaining oversight. The group reported more than $70,000 in donations and pledges as of February 11, plus a matching grant of up to $250,000 contingent on the city partnering on its preferred location.
Construction costs for a 10,000-square-foot park range from roughly $72,000 for a basic build with chain-link fencing and grass surface to $233,000 for steel fencing with anti-microbial artificial turf and full amenities, according to the group's estimates.
The organization has verbally agreed to assume responsibility for all pre-development costs including architectural design, construction, supplies, permits, and inspections. Bark for a Park has requested the city assume full responsibility for ongoing maintenance after construction, including daily opening and closing, waste station servicing, signage replacement, and surface and fencing repairs.
The group has also proposed a partnership with the Lovejoy Foundation, a no-kill animal welfare nonprofit already working with the city, to incorporate adoption events and education programming at the park.
Other locations evaluated included Bi-Centennial Park, Edith Rodaway Friendship Park, the beach, and South Park. Bark for a Park inquired April 2 about a site at South Park, northeast of the restroom facility, but staff noted that area was beautified with Proposition 68 funding under a 20-year agreement and received West Basin Municipal Water District turf removal reimbursements. Any modification would require state approval and could trigger a return of grant funds.
### Options Before Council
Staff has presented four options: direct preparation of a comprehensive feasibility report for a specific location; direct evaluation of multiple locations with comparative analysis; direct evaluation of an alternative location not identified in the report; or determine no location is feasible and discontinue evaluation.
Next steps for any approved location would include Public Works oversight on maintenance, local and county permitting, a design consultant for site planning, community outreach including a resident survey, and a full capital and operating budget analysis.
### Hermosa's Housing Element Is Built On Ground Redondo Just Vacated
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosas-housing-element-is-built-on-ground-redondo-just-vacated/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T04:34:03.000Z
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The Builder's Remedy is what happens when a California city loses its certified Housing Element. Under the Housing Accountability Act, a developer can submit a project on virtually any parcel — disregarding height limits, density caps, setbacks, and most local zoning — provided 20 percent of units are affordable to lower-income households or 100 percent are moderate-income. The city has almost no grounds to deny it.
#### What is 'The Housing Element'? (click to see detail)
- ****The State Mandate:** Every California city must update its Housing Element every eight years, demonstrating how it will accommodate its share of regional housing growth. Hermosa Beach's current element covers 2021-2029 and was certified by the state in July 2024.
- ****The Numbers:** Hermosa Beach must plan for 558 new housing units this cycle, broken down by income level: 232 very-low income, 127 low-income, 106 moderate-income, and 93 above-moderate (market rate) units.
- ****The Strategy:** The city rezoned properties through a "Housing Element overlay" that allows residential development on formerly commercial-only sites. The element includes 14 programs addressing everything from ADU development to affordable housing preservation.
- ****The Progress:** Halfway through the cycle, 384 units are somewhere in the development pipeline—from applications to completed construction. The city claims that it is on track to exceed its market-rate housing target.
- ****The Problem:** All 384 units in the pipeline are market-rate housing. Zero affordable units have been proposed or built, meaning the city is falling behind on its affordable housing obligations across all income categories—a failure that could trigger state penalties and "builder's remedy" provisions that override local zoning controls.
- ****The Regional Context:** Neighboring Redondo Beach's Housing Element has been successfully challenged in court, illustrating the legal risks cities face when their housing plans don't satisfy state requirements. A failed Housing Element can result in loss of local control over development decisions, and there are strong similarities between our plan and the Redondo plan.
Hermosa Beach has already lived through one. The five-unit, 50-foot building proposed at 3415 Palm Drive — in a neighborhood capped at 30 feet — was filed during the window when Hermosa lacked a state-approved Housing Element, after the city missed the October 2021 state deadline under former City Manager Suja Lowenthal and spent nearly three years cycling through HCD rejections before achieving certification in August 2024\. Staff advised the Planning Commission the Palm Drive project had to be approved. State housing law had stripped local control. That window is what the Housing Element is supposed to keep closed.
This rendering of the previously proposed development at 3415 Palm Drive became infamous last year as neighbors fought back against the city's only Builders Remedy enabled project thus far.
It's not closed. It's just not yet been pried open. In the end, the Palm Drive project was revised by the owners after furious pushback from the community. But it is an exception to the ever more obvious rule.
### What Just Happened in Redondo?
Redondo Beach's city council voted unanimously Tuesday night, May 5, to approve a new Housing Element that strips out every residential overlay zone. The vote came after the Second District Court of Appeal ruled last October in *New Commune DTLA LLC v. City of Redondo Beach* that the city's overlay strategy violated state Housing Element Law. The California Supreme Court declined review.
Under the previous plan, Redondo identified six commercial and industrial sites where a residential overlay permitted housing while keeping the underlying commercial or industrial zoning intact. The court found two fatal defects: the overlay did not guarantee the required 20-units-per-acre minimum density because base zoning still allowed projects with zero residential units, and the city had not satisfied the rule requiring at least half of its lower-income need to sit on sites where nonresidential uses are excluded.
The replacement plan eliminates one site — North Tech, at Marine and Inglewood, where a Vons lease made housing infeasible — and increases allowed density on the remaining five. South Bay Marketplace, at Hawthorne and 182nd, jumps from 55 to 80 units per acre. Most importantly, the new plan requires that 50 percent of the floor space on these sites be residential. No more optional housing.
HCD reviewed a preliminary draft in February and found it in substantial compliance.
"We had to make the changes to avoid Builder's Remedy, which basically allows a developer to do whatever they want," Mayor Jim Light said at the hearing.
### Hermosa's Overlay Structure
Hermosa Beach's Housing Element accommodates a sixth-cycle RHNA allocation of 558 units. The plan relies on a residential overlay applied to commercial sites along Pacific Coast Highway, Aviation Boulevard, and elsewhere — sites that retain their underlying commercial zoning while permitting residential development.
This is the structure the appellate court rejected.
The court's holding is published and binding on trial courts statewide. It applies to any housing element using the same overlay-on-commercial mechanism, regardless of whether HCD certified it. Redondo's element was also HCD-certified when it was struck down. As Redondo City Attorney Joy Ford put it after the appellate decision: "Many cities have these overlays in their certified Housing Elements."
### The Nonvacant Sites Problem
Hermosa's harder vulnerability lies in its sites inventory: the large nonvacant parcels assigned lower-income unit counts with active commercial tenants and no public indication of redevelopment intent.
The most prominent example is the 2.8-acre shopping center at 1100 Pacific Coast Highway anchored by Trader Joe's. The Housing Element designates this site for 71 housing units, including 40 lower-income units. The Tech Plan's defense is that the property has "high vacancies in recent years" and is ripe for redevelopment — but the facts have since cut the other way. Park Pacific Realty Partners, which acquired the property, filed a Notice of Exemption with the city in October 2025 for a substantial remodel of the existing 129,736-square-foot shopping center: new landscaping, accessibility upgrades, a parking reconfiguration, new façade treatments, a 35-foot clock tower, and interior tenant improvements. The filing describes the project as preserving the existing structures and uses. The new owner is investing in the shopping center as a shopping center.
The second example is St. Cross Episcopal Church on Eighth Street. The Housing Element allocates 46 low- and very-low-income units across the church's 15-parcel, 2.2-acre campus. The church operates an active sanctuary, administrative offices, an education building, 18 existing residential units, and surface parking. The Housing Element notes that St. Cross "wrote a letter of support" and is "interested in furthering the existing mission of providing affordable housing." Interest is not a commitment. The August 2023 council action lowered the proposed density at the site to address community concerns but kept St. Cross in the sites inventory.
St. Cross Church is central to Hermosa's residential overlay within its Housing Element, even though the church claims that it has no plans to vacate the site.
Not every nonvacant commercial site in Hermosa's inventory presents the same risk. The four parcels at 8, 18, and 26 N. Pacific Coast Highway — auto-related uses just north of the Redondo Beach border, owned by the same entity that operates the Mitsubishi dealership at 900 N. PCH next door — also sit in the sites inventory, designated for 14 lower-income units. But the Housing Element records that the owner has submitted a letter of interest for redevelopment. That is the kind of expressed commitment the *New Commune DTLA* court looked for and did not find at the Vons site in Redondo. The Mitsubishi-affiliated parcels are a defensible inclusion. Trader Joe's and St. Cross are not.
Under the *New Commune DTLA* standard, sites counted toward RHNA must demonstrate realistic development potential — not theoretical capacity. The Redondo court was skeptical of identifying sites where the existing tenant had no commitment to vacate. Vons was the example. Vons was operating a profitable supermarket on a long-term lease. The court did not accept that residential zoning overlay made Vons a credible housing site.
The same logic reaches an active 16-tenant shopping center being capitalized by its new owner. It reaches a parish actively running a school, a sanctuary, and existing residential units it intends to keep.
The St. Cross designation drew direct public criticism at a Planning Commission special meeting last fall. Resident Tony Higgins, calling in remotely, asked whether including the church in the inventory put the city at risk of decertification. "We all know it was a scam," Higgins said. "Where exactly are those extra units we're going to need going to come from?"
That question, multiplied across the strongest nonvacant sites in Hermosa's inventory, is where the city's real legal exposure lies.
### The Cypress District Potential
If Hermosa does eventually need to revise its sites inventory, the most defensible candidate for new lower-income allocations is the city's M-1 light industrial zone — the Cypress District, the only industrially-zoned area in Hermosa Beach. A portion of the district is already in the inventory: Site 26, four parcels at 530 6th Street currently operating as self-storage, rezoned from M-1 to allow residential at 25.1 to 33 units per acre. But the bulk of Cypress remains outside the sites inventory and outside the overlay.
The existing building fabric reinforces the case for adding more of Cypress in the next cycle. The district is dominated by small, aging warehouses — many dating to the mid-twentieth century, single-story tilt-up or wood-frame structures with limited remaining economic life. Several have already been adapted into creative uses, fitness studios, and event venues, but the underlying stock is the kind of low-value, end-of-cycle industrial inventory that redevelops cleanly under modern building codes. There is no historic district overlay, no significant architectural heritage to preserve, and no entrenched residential neighborhood character to disrupt. From a development feasibility standpoint, Cypress is closer to a clean slate than any other part of Hermosa Beach.
Cypress also sits in a natural valley, lower than the surrounding residential blocks to the east and west. That topography is unusual in Hermosa, and it creates a planning option that does not exist anywhere else in the city: height limits in the district could be raised meaningfully — accommodating more units per parcel, and improving the development math for affordable production — without automatically blocking the views of existing homes on the ridges above. Depending on parcel and elevation, a four- or five-story residential building in Cypress might still sit at or below the rooflines of single-family homes a few blocks away. Few overlay sites along Pacific Coast Highway or Aviation Boulevard offer that combination.
The timing question matters, though. Amending the sites inventory mid-cycle to add Cypress could trigger a full HCD re-review of Hermosa's entire Housing Element — opening the city to fresh scrutiny on every element of the plan, not just the new sites. That is a risk no city wants to take voluntarily. The seventh-cycle Housing Element process, which Southern California jurisdictions will begin preparing for in the next year or two, offers a cleaner opening: a full rewrite, on Hermosa's own timeline, where Cypress can be built into the foundation rather than bolted on.
### What City Hall Has Said
The City Attorney's office walked the Planning Commission through the implications of the *New Commune DTLA* decision at that same meeting. The key finding, counsel explained, was that base zoning permitting 100 percent non-residential use cannot satisfy the state's 20-units-per-acre minimum even with a residential overlay layered on top. Staff said the city was reviewing the current site inventory list to determine whether changes were warranted.
Community Development Director Alison Becker noted Hermosa's Housing Element remains certified. Resident Laura Peña, speaking during public comment, framed the stakes more directly: "Housing must be realistically buildable, not hypothetically possible. If these sites are not feasible, then our housing element sits on very thin ice."
### Manhattan Beach Shows What Overlay Sites Become
Manhattan Beach offers a parallel preview. Its Residential Overlay District, adopted in 2023 to satisfy its own RHNA shortfall, covers commercial parcels along Sepulveda and Rosecrans. The 2301 N. Sepulveda site — a former Enterprise Rent-A-Car lot — is now the subject of a proposed seven-story residential building on a 0.4-acre commercial parcel, made possible by the overlay combined with state Density Bonus Law waivers.
A rendering of the proposed seven-story development in Manhattan Beach at 2301 N. Sepulveda
That project isn't a Builder's Remedy filing. It's worse, from the perspective of local control: it's what overlay sites look like when developers actually use them. Manhattan Beach's general height limit is 30 feet. The Density Bonus Law forces the city to grant waivers from height and setback standards on qualifying affordable projects. Once a parcel is designated as an overlay site, the Density Bonus Law turns local development standards into suggestions.
Hermosa's overlay sites along Pacific Coast Highway and Aviation Boulevard are similarly structured. The same arithmetic applies.
Manhattan Beach was also among the Southern California cities sued by Californians for Homeownership in early 2024 over Housing Element compliance — a reminder that affordable housing advocacy groups are actively scanning municipal plans for legal vulnerabilities. The *New Commune DTLA* ruling hands them a published appellate decision.
### What's at Risk?
A successful legal challenge to Hermosa's Housing Element would expose the city to Builder's Remedy on every developable parcel, not just overlay sites. The pathway is straightforward. A developer or housing advocate files a writ petition arguing the overlay sites do not satisfy state Housing Element Law under the *New Commune DTLA* holding, or that nonvacant sites like St. Cross fail the realistic-development test. The trial court, bound by the appellate ruling, would have limited room to distinguish Hermosa's structure where it mirrors Redondo's.
If decertification follows, Builder's Remedy reactivates. The Palm Drive project is the only one Hermosa has seen so far. There's nothing to suggest it would be the last.
Hermosa's RHNA allocation is roughly one-fifth the size of Redondo's, and the city's overlay sites are smaller and fewer. But the legal infirmity — base zoning that permits commercial development with zero units of housing, paired with nonvacant sites lacking realistic development pathways — is the same defect the court identified.
### A Mandate That Doesn't Fit the Geography
Redondo spent years defending an HCD-certified element through trial and appeal, lost, and is now adopting the kind of plan it could have written in the first place. Cities with legally vulnerable elements typically face a choice: revise proactively, or wait to be sued. Redondo's experience suggests the second path is the more expensive one.
But the deeper problem is that neither path produces affordable housing. Redondo's new plan upzones five commercial parcels to 65 and 80 units per acre. Hermosa's overlay sits on top of commercial corridors where land trades at South Bay coastal prices. None of this geography produces affordable units without deep public subsidy that neither city possesses. What it produces, reliably, is market-rate towers that override local height limits under the Density Bonus Law — exactly what's now planned at 2301 N. Sepulveda in Manhattan Beach. The affordable component is the legal key that unlocks the building. The building itself is a luxury apartment block.
Sacramento's Housing Element framework is built for jurisdictions where land is cheap enough that 20-units-per-acre zoning translates into 20 actual units of affordable housing. In Hermosa Beach, where a quarter-acre lot trades for several million dollars, the same zoning translates into a developer's calculation about how many market-rate units are needed to absorb the inclusionary requirement. Industry estimates put the all-in development cost of a single dwelling unit in the South Bay at over $650,000 — a number that climbed before recent tariff, labor, and energy disruptions, and continues to climb after. The 558-unit RHNA allocation assumes a development economics that does not exist in three-square-mile beach cities with built-out parcels and no industrial vacancies.
The result is a planning document that satisfies neither the state nor the community. HCD demands site capacity that pencils out only through density bonus math. Residents see overlay zoning that promises affordable housing and delivers seven-story market-rate buildings on commercial corridors. The city's only tools to push back — discretionary review, height limits, design standards — have been preempted by the same statutes that created the mandate.
### A Regional Alternative
A more honest framework would acknowledge that beach cities cannot solve California's affordable housing crisis by upzoning their own corner of the coast. The crisis is regional. The solution requires regional infrastructure, regional subsidy, and regional land that costs much less than Hermosa Beach's current market value.
Some of that machinery already exists. The South Bay Cities Council of Governments — the joint powers authority representing Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and twelve other South Bay jurisdictions — has established a regional housing trust funded in part by Los Angeles County's voter-approved housing taxes. The trust is designed to direct public money toward affordable housing production and preservation across the sub-region, on sites where the math actually works: parcels with lower land costs, infrastructure capacity, and proximity to transit and jobs. It is the kind of tool the RHNA framework does not contemplate, because RHNA assumes every jurisdiction will solve its share of the housing problem on its own land, regardless of whether that land can produce affordable housing at any plausible price.
A serious regional approach (at larger scale than what is currently planned) would let Hermosa Beach contribute to South Bay affordable housing production through subsidy and partnership rather than through overlay zoning that cannot pencil out. It would let cities with industrial vacancies and lower land costs absorb units that beach cities cannot realistically build. It would replace the fiction of paper compliance with actual housing on actual sites.
That is not the framework Sacramento has imposed. What Sacramento has imposed is the Builder's Remedy, reinforced by the *New Commune DTLA* ruling, and a growing roster of advocacy groups filing lawsuits. Hermosa Beach can revise its Housing Element to remove the overlay structure now, on its own terms. Or it can wait, and revise it later, on a court's terms, possibly while a Builders Remedy project, or several of them, work their way through entitlement.
Whether Hermosa moves first remains a council question. Whether the RHNA framework itself gets fixed is a Sacramento question — and one that beach cities have so far been asked, but not allowed, to answer.
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**KEEP READING**
[Hermosa Joins the South Bay Housing Trust. Can It Fix Anything?Hermosa Beach has joined the South Bay’s regional housing trust. Could the trust achieve progress that state mandate and city constraints have struggled to unlock?The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-joins-the-south-bay-housing-trust-can-it-fix-anything/)
[IN-DEPTH : Housing DevelopmentHow did one apartment building become a lightning rod for the argument over housing density ?The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-hermosa-housing/)
[City Council Eases Land Value Recapture Fees, Aims to Spur Downtown DevelopmentCouncil supports Planning Commission decision to backtrack on ‘failed experiment’The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-council-eases-land-value-recapture-fees-aims-to-spur-downtown-development/)
### Chasing Windmills ?
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/chasing-windmills/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T04:34:13.000Z
For the past several years, Hermosa Beach has been able to fix its sewers, repave its streets and repair its parking structures with money that wasn't supposed to last forever: pandemic-era federal aid, year-end General Fund surpluses, savings from unfilled jobs, and the occasional grant. That money worked. The Public Works Department went from completing roughly four capital projects a year to completing eleven this fiscal year, with another three due to wrap before June.
The problem, as Public Works Director Joe SanClemente lays out in a 22-page staff report headed to a joint Parks and Public Works Commission meeting on May 5, is that the cushion is gone.
"The City can no longer rely on one-time or external funding to sustain its capital program," SanClemente writes, "and identifying stable, ongoing funding solutions will be critical to maintaining infrastructure and long-term fiscal sustainability."
Translated: the model is broken, and somebody is going to have to figure out how to pay for the city's pipes, roads, and buildings on a recurring basis, or stop fixing them.
## The math
The Capital Improvement Program (the city's rolling list of physical infrastructure projects) is proposed at $23.2 million for FY 2026-27, covering 24 projects. But the headline number is misleading. Of that $23.2 million, only about $4.7 million is genuinely new revenue. The remaining $18.5 million is money rolled over or transferred from prior years and projects.
Meanwhile, actual annual spending on capital projects has settled in at $8 million to $12 million a year. Do the arithmetic and the picture is unambiguous: the CIP fund is being drained faster than it can be refilled.
The American Rescue Plan Act dollars (roughly $4.6 million in total) are spent. Post-COVID General Fund carryforwards have thinned. Vacancy savings (the money the city accidentally banks when jobs sit empty) are diminishing and, the report notes, "unreliable as a long-term strategy." Grants help, but most of them come with strings, deadlines, and eligibility rules that don't line up with what Hermosa actually needs to fix.
## The Pier joins the unfunded list
The single most consequential change in this year's CIP report is administrative rather than dramatic: the Pier replacement project, estimated at $58.6 million in 2032 dollars, has been formally added to the city's Deferred and Unfunded Future Projects list.
[The End Of The Pier, Or A Fresh Start ?What the rise, fall, and uncertain revival of piers around the world can tell us about the costly decision Hermosa Beach now has to make about its own ailing landmarkThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/the-end-of-the-pier-or-a-fresh-start/)
That list (a running ledger of things the city wants or needs to do but has no money for) now totals between $89.96 million and $221.45 million. Add the $59.58 million of unfunded needs already baked into the five-year programmed CIP, and the city is looking at somewhere between roughly $148 million and $280 million in identified infrastructure work it cannot currently pay for.
The Pier itself is on a decision clock. At the March 24 council meeting, staff presented the full structural inspection report, which found the structure in "poor to serious" condition. A new pier would cost roughly $59 million but save the city more than $100 million in lifecycle costs over the long run. Because of the planning, environmental review, and permitting required, the replacement process takes six to eight years from decision to groundbreaking. To have a new pier by 2032, Council needs to give direction by the end of this year. To have one by 2036, by 2030 at the latest.
If Council punts, the city has to start reserving money in FY 2027-28 for the next mandatory round of repairs (already estimated at roughly $4 million) to be completed by 2030\. The current round of high-priority repairs, budgeted at $3.7 million for FY 2026-27 and slated to begin construction as early as October, must finish by 2027 to keep the structure open.
## What's coming in, what's going out
Two new projects appear in next year's CIP, both driven by deferred maintenance: roof repairs at the Civic Center (City Hall and the Police Department), at $410,000, and roof repairs at the Lawn Bowling building at Clark Field, at $130,000.
Two projects are being moved off the active CIP onto the Deferred and Unfunded list:
**The Comprehensive Downtown Lighting project.** It had only $142,284 budgeted — enough for conceptual design but nowhere near enough to actually install anything. In its place, staff is proposing two cheaper, narrower line items. The first is a roughly $15,000 LED conversion for the 28 induction streetlights along Pier Avenue, where existing fixtures are essentially obsolete and replacement parts are hard to source. A test light is currently installed in front of Stecca Taverna at 439 Pier Avenue, with two more on order to evaluate color temperatures.
The second is roughly $14,000 to install year-round string lights on the palm trees in the Pier Avenue median — currently lit only during the holidays. Notably, staff floats the idea of doing this through a public-private partnership, "such as the Chamber of Commerce." Given the Chamber's well-documented financial difficulties, that suggestion is doing a lot of work in a single sentence.
**The Tsunami Siren.** Originally awarded a $75,000 FEMA grant (with a $25,000 city match) to install a warning siren at the Community Center, the project has been mugged by reality. Los Angeles County's BEELS (Beach Emergency Evacuation Lights System) deployment has no clear timeline. Installation at the Community Center alone would run more than $400,000, far beyond grant coverage. And the Community Center isn't actually the ideal location anyway, given its distance from the beach. An alternative three-siren beach system would cost about $160,000 but couldn't use the FEMA money. Staff recommends shelving the project and waiting on the County.
## Underfunded everywhere else
The projects that remain on the active CIP are, in many cases, only partially funded. Among the bigger increases requested for FY 2026-27:
- **Annual Sewer Improvements:** $2.29 million increase to address construction funding needs
- **Annual Street Improvements:** $1.16 million increase to keep up with pavement deterioration
- **Stormwater Drywells:** $1.18 million increase to begin a phased project required under the City's Watershed Management Plan
- **City Yard Renovation:** $1 million increase, with an order-of-magnitude total cost now estimated around $20 million
- **Pier Structural Repairs:** $975,000 increase
- **Community Center Windows:** $76,000 increase, though the project as a whole is estimated at $2.5 million and remains largely unfunded for construction
The city's roads tell their own story. The pavement condition index (a standard 0 to 100 measure of road quality) has dropped from 70 in 2021 to 68 today. Staff says $3.1 million a year is the minimum needed just to hold the line. The Annual Street Improvements project alone is budgeted at $4.16 million for next fiscal year, and a new resurfacing project is recommended to start in FY 2027-28.
A separate item, the Vetter Windmill (removed from atop its wooden tower in July 2025 after a structural inspection identified the 1,800-pound assembly as a falling hazard) has been added to the Deferred and Unfunded list at an estimated $400,000 to $500,000 to restore. The windmill assembly itself dates to the early 1900s and could be refurbished, but the wooden structure and foundation would need full replacement.
## "Completely full"
Even if money materialized tomorrow, there is a second constraint: the people who would have to deliver the projects say that they are out of capacity.
Public Works' CIP workload is "completely full for the next two years," the report says, "with no capacity to take on new projects." The engineering division is carrying one vacancy. The operations and maintenance team handles 10 to 12 work orders a day on top of regular maintenance, special events, and what are euphemistically described as "infrastructure emergencies" — last year's list included emergency removal of 26 trees in city parks, a Valley Drive sinkhole, and the windmill itself.
Looming on the horizon: the City Yard relocation, online permitting rollout, major contract renegotiations for lifeguard services and beach maintenance, and significant third-party construction projects — Caltrans repaving PCH, Cal Water replacing water mains along Hermosa Avenue, and LA County Sanitation Districts rehabilitating sewers. All require city oversight. None of them appear in the CIP budget but all of them eat staff time.
## What happens next
The joint Parks and Public Works Commission meeting on May 5 is the first formal stop in a budget calendar that runs through late June.
The Commissions will be asked to weigh in on project sequencing, funding levels, and whether any of staff's recommendations — particularly the deferral of the lighting and siren projects — should be revisited.
The bigger conversation, though, is the one the staff report puts on the table without quite resolving: where the recurring money for capital infrastructure is going to come from. Hermosa Beach has spent the better part of a decade riding one-time windfalls. The pier is rusting. The roads are getting worse. The City Yard has, in SanClemente's phrasing, "far exceeded its useful life." And the cushion is gone.
---
### KEEP READING
[IN DEPTH: The $36 Million To-Do ListInside Hermosa Beach’s Capital Improvement Program, where the fault lines between what we might want for city infrastructure and what we can afford are really starting to showThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-the-36-million-to-do-list/)
### Local restaurant damaged in 'very aggressive' incident
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/local-restaurant-damaged-in-very-aggressive-incident/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T04:33:57.000Z
A man was arrested on burglary and resisting arrest charges in the early hours of Wednesday morning after breaking into Playa Hermosa Fish & Oyster Co. on Pier Plaza and causing what the restaurant's owner estimates was approximately $100,000 in damage.
Hermosa Beach Police Department confirmed that officers received a report at 1:45 a.m. of a man who had thrown a chair through the restaurant's front window. When officers arrived, they found the suspect inside and took him into custody as he attempted to exit through the back of the building.
"He destroyed property at the location and was arrested for burglary and resisting arrest," an HBPD spokesperson said.
The suspect did not steal anything from the restaurant.
The restaurant is a local plaza favorite, known for its 'seafood towers'.
Owner Levi Lupercio said the man appeared to be the same individual who had dined and dashed from the restaurant earlier this month. Speaking with KTLA, he said he had followed the man to the pier after that incident and confronted him there, with police arriving during the confrontation. At the time, Lupercio declined to press charges, saying he did not think it would be worth pursuing.
Surveillance video from Wednesday's incident shows the man drinking from a bottle behind the bar before throwing it, then repeating the behavior with additional bottles. He also trashed the outdoor patio, throwing chairs and overturning planters.
Lupercio described the scene: "He went back behind the bar, found a bottle, had a drink of it, put the cap back on and threw it. I counted on video camera like 31 bottles that he threw. It’s a very aggressive and strange situation."
He said that the man also broke into his wine refrigerator and continued the destruction there, and said he believes the suspect may be dealing with a mental illness.
The man has not been publicly identified. Police said he is believed to be a serial dine-and-dasher with a broader pattern of disruptive behavior in the community, and detectives are working to connect him to additional incidents. He remained in custody as of this report, with officials seeking a magistrate review to hold him through his arraignment. It is not known at this stage whether the man arrested is local or not, or if he is known to police as a transient individual.
Co-owner Lisa Hemmat spoke with The Hermosa Review on Wednesday. She said that she was grateful for the prompt police response, but hoped that police and local business owners could work together to be proactively informed of serial offenders in order to be better prepared for the risks that they pose.
### Budget Season Opens With Blunt Assessment: Deficit Is Real, One-Time Fixes Are Gone
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/budget-season-opens-with-blunt-assessment-deficit-is-real-one-time-fixes-are-gone/
Last updated: 2026-05-12T02:02:23.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council opened its FY2026-27 budget season Tuesday night with a presentation that left little ambiguity about the city's fiscal position: a $3.2 million structural deficit in the general fund, no surplus carryover for the first time in years, and a set of hard choices that city staff said can no longer be deferred.
#### Quick Fix ? - click to read the short version
- The city is projecting a ****$3.2 million structural deficit** in the general fund for FY2026-27, the result of years of one-time fixes — federal COVID relief, vacancy savings, deferred capital projects — that are now exhausted.
- For the first time in years, the city expects to end FY2026 with ****no surplus carryover**, meaning no general fund money available for capital projects.
- The county is seeking full cost recovery on lifeguard and beach maintenance contracts, a potential $3.4 million annual cost increase phased in over three years, up from roughly $400,000 the city currently pays. The fire contract carries a separate proposed 26 percent increase over three years.
- Staff presented a menu of revenue options including TOT ('bed tax') collection on coastal-zone short-term rentals, a TOT rate increase, a sales tax ballot measure, dynamic parking pricing, and reassessment of the Lighting and Landscape District and stormwater fees.
- Department heads will present 10 percent budget reduction targets at the May 12 council meeting.
- The session was the first of seven scheduled budget meetings before an anticipated June 23 adoption.
"The city's current fiscal path is unsustainable," City Manager Steve Napolitano told the council. "Hard choices will be proposed to fill the gap through a combination of spending cuts and revenue enhancements. Doing nothing is no longer an option."
Napolitano took over as City Manager last year, after a majority of the council lost confidence in his predecessor Suja Lowenthal. She subsequently resigned. This budget cycle is the first since he was handed a permanent contract in December, and he appeared ready to grasp the fiscal challenges he has inherited as he addressed the council this week.
"No sugarcoating". City manager Steve Napolitano gave a sobering assessment of the City's fiscal outlook during his opening remarks at Tuesday night's budget study session
The session was the first of seven scheduled budget meetings before the council is expected to adopt a final budget on June 23, ahead of the July 1 fiscal year start.
## How did we get here ?
Finance Director Brandon Walker walked the council through what he described as years of structural imbalance masked by one-time windfalls. The city received nearly $5 million in federal ARPA COVID relief funds post-2020, realized between $1 million and $1.5 million annually in vacancy savings as positions went unfilled, and benefited from delayed capital projects that freed up cash. Those sources are now exhausted.
"Revenue was never keeping up with expenses over the past five years," Walker said. "We were just lucky enough to have one-time windfalls every year to cover those deficiencies."
The vacancy savings picture illustrates the problem. While the dollar amounts have stayed roughly flat, the share of the total personnel budget they represent has shrunk as wages and benefits have grown. Walker called it "a melting ice cube" that the city cannot responsibly rely on to balance its books going forward. The goal, he said, is full staffing, which eliminates the savings entirely.
The carryover surplus, which has funded the city's capital improvement program for years, has fallen steadily from $5.8 million in FY2021 to a projected zero at the end of FY2026\. Walker was direct about what that means: there is no money at the end of this fiscal year to divert to capital projects.
"There is not a single dollar at the end of FY26 that we can divert towards funding our CIP," he said.
## The five-year picture
The updated five-year forecast projects general fund expenditures rising from roughly $57 million this fiscal year to nearly $71 million by FY2030-31\. Revenues are projected to reach about $67 million over the same period. The gap widens each year.
Costs are growing at 4 to 6 percent annually, Walker said, while revenues are growing at 2 to 4 percent. Property tax, the city's largest revenue source at roughly 40 cents of every dollar collected, is effectively capped at 2 percent annual growth under Proposition 13\. Sales tax and transient occupancy tax are projected to grow 1 to 3 percent. The math is straightforward, Walker said: "Easy math right there."
THE HERMOSA REVIEW BREAKDOWN
Hermosa Beach · FY27 budget
# The widening gap
General fund operating budget, FY26 to FY31 ($ millions)
General fund five-year forecast with annual deficit labels Expenditures rise from $57.0M to $70.9M while revenues rise from $57.0M to $66.9M. Annual deficits grow from $0 in FY26 to $3.2M in FY27, $4.0M in FY28, $4.3M in FY29, $3.8M in FY30, and $4.0M in FY31. 55 60 65 70 FY26 FY27 FY28 FY29 FY30 FY31 $70.9M expenditures $66.9M revenue $0 −$3.2M −$4.0M −$4.3M −$3.8M −$4.0M
Annual structural deficit shown in red between the lines. Costs are projected to grow 4 to 6 percent annually; revenues 2 to 4 percent. Cumulative deficit FY26–FY31: **$19.3M**.
Source: City of Hermosa Beach FY27 Budget Study Session staff presentation, April 28, 2026\. The Hermosa Review.
The projections do not include any funding for major capital needs including the city yard, the pier, or a police station upgrade. The $20 million city yard project and the pier, estimated at $44.5 million for full replacement, represent additional financial pressure on top of the operating deficit. Walker said those will be covered in depth during the May 28 CIP study session.
## County contracts: a compounding pressure
Walker flagged the county contracts as a significant variable. The county fire contract, which expires in December 2027, carries a proposed 26 percent increase phased in over three years, adding roughly $2 million in annual cost at full implementation. Hermosa Beach transitioned away from its own fire department to LA County in 2018.
The lifeguard and beach maintenance contract, which expires in March 2027, represents a far larger potential exposure. The county is seeking full cost recovery on both services. For lifeguards, that means escalating from the current arrangement, under which the city sends the county approximately $400,000 per year in net parking revenue from Structure C, to $3.4 million per year once phased in over three years. Beach maintenance would add another $1.5 million annually.
LA County are pushing for millions of dollars in cost recovery as they begin to renegotiate fire and lifeguard service contracts with the city.
Combined, the county is seeking roughly $5 million per year for services the city has historically received for a fraction of that cost. Walker acknowledged the lifeguard and beach maintenance figures are not yet embedded in the five-year projections because the outcome of negotiations is unknown. Councilmember Dean Francois pressed for clarity on the city's negotiating position. Napolitano confirmed the city intends to push back.
"We really could say we don't want to pay anything like other cities locally and get the county to absorb that funding," Francois said. "We're working on that," Napolitano replied.
## What's the city doing ?
Walker organized his presentation around three buckets: actions already taken, near-term options requiring council or voter direction, and longer-term structural choices.
On the revenue side, the city has already raised parking meter rates by a dollar per hour in lots and structures, generating an estimated $1.5 to $2 million in additional annual revenue, and increased parking citation rates for approximately $500,000 more. Walker said early data suggests parking activity has held steady despite the increases, with summer results pending.
The city is also implementing a new enterprise resource planning system for finance and HR, with efficiency savings to be quantified in the May department presentations. Business license enforcement in the city's permitting system is expected to generate roughly $100,000 annually.
A cost of service fee study was also presented to the council Tuesday night as a separate agenda item. If the council adopts the recommended cost recovery measures, Walker said, the city could collect up to $1 million annually that is currently being subsidized by the general fund.
Staff is also developing 10 percent reduction targets for every department, to be presented in detail at the May 12 council meeting. Walker said the goal is to make the case that the city has put its own house in order before asking the community to consider tax increases.
## Revenue options on the table
Walker outlined a menu of options for council consideration, ranging from near-term to long-term.
On transient occupancy tax, he noted that the city's current 14 percent rate could be raised via ballot measure. Several neighboring cities are evaluating similar moves, he said, citing Redondo Beach at 13 percent and Costa Mesa. He also referenced the pending Koerner court ruling's practical effect: with the city's STR ban now unenforceable in the coastal zone, the city could begin collecting TOT on short-term rentals operating there. Walker estimated roughly 100 active properties would generate approximately $1 million annually in ongoing TOT revenue, with a one-time retroactive collection potential of around $5 million.
A sales tax measure was also presented as an option. Each quarter-cent increase generates approximately $1 million annually. Walker acknowledged the city has gone to voters twice on sales tax and failed both times. He said the intention is to demonstrate fiscal discipline first. A proposed sales tax increase failed at the ballot in 2024 by an ever larger margin than it did in 2022, with opponents citing a lack of trust in the city's spending plans together with a series of infrastructure projects that ran significantly over budget.
Walker also raised the possibility of dynamic parking pricing, a dedicated stormwater fee to replace the current $700,000 annual general fund subsidy, and a Proposition 218 reassessment of the Lighting and Landscape District, which has not been updated since 1986 and currently draws a $400,000 annual general fund subsidy. Together those two programs cost the general fund more than $1 million per year.
Longer-term options discussed included targeted upzoning for hotel and mixed-use development, prioritizing high-sales-tax-per-square-foot businesses in economic development strategy, and reviewing the use and lease terms for city-owned properties including Lot A and the adjacent storage lot.
## Overtime draws scrutiny
Council flagged overtime spending, which has grown to more than $2.5 million annually, as an area requiring tighter management. Walker confirmed that department heads have approval authority over overtime within their budgets rather than each instance going to the city manager, and said the May 12 department presentations will include specific overtime justification and reduction strategies.
Walker said police overtime is largely driven by minimum staffing requirements for the entertainment district, state-funded DUI enforcement operations reimbursed at roughly $45,000 to $50,000 annually, officer training programs, and special events cost recovery. He said the CSO team's parking enforcement work was also a factor but characterized it as protecting one of the city's most important revenue assets. Police overtime exceeded $1 million last year.
Francois asked whether comp time could substitute for overtime payments. Walker said it varies by bargaining unit and that employees cannot be required to accept comp time in lieu of overtime pay under current agreements.
## Public comment
Several residents spoke during the two public comment periods, with a tone that was notably constructive.
Resident Ira Ellman, speaking before the presentation, called the $555,000 city yard consulting contract approved by the council in January a mistake made without a realistic plan to fund the project. He recommended forming a citizen subcommittee to identify revenue opportunities and called for tighter overtime pre-approval requirements.
Resident Tony Higgins, speaking virtually, said he found himself agreeing with Ellman, which he described as unusual. He credited City Manager Napolitano and Walker for bringing "real information" to the public about a fiscal situation that had been building for years. "There does seem to be a turnaround," he said.
Jon David struck a cautious note of optimism. "With those problems, there's opportunities that it's forcing us to do things that we haven't wanted to do for a long time," he said, citing delays in development approvals as a source of foregone revenue the city could address without raising taxes.
Jim Holtz urged the city to pursue visitor-paid revenue sources before any resident-facing tax increases and raised concern that a sales tax hike could drive large-purchase retail customers to neighboring cities. He argued the city should immediately create a registration and TOT payment pathway for STR operators in the coastal zone, separate from the unresolved enforcement question, so revenue collection can begin now.
Courtney Ryan, Hotel Hermosa General Manager, suggested the city contact Airbnb directly to arrange platform-level TOT collection, bypassing homeowner billing entirely. She supported dynamic parking pricing and a temporary TOT increase tied to the 2028 Olympics.
Laura Pena called for the city to pursue economic development as a fiscal strategy rather than relying primarily on fee increases and cost recovery. She urged the council to build public trust before returning to voters with a sales tax measure and proposed a short-term resident and business advisory group focused on identifying private investment opportunities and removing barriers to development.
## What comes next
The council approved staff's request to push the formal budget delivery date to May 30\. The extension allows department-level feedback from the May 12 presentations to be incorporated before the city manager presents the full proposed budget.
The next budget event is a joint Public Works and Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on May 5, focused on the capital improvement program. Department-by-department presentations to the council follow on May 12, with additional budget hearings scheduled May 26, a CIP study session May 28, and a final hearing June 9 before the anticipated June 23 adoption.
Walker summarized the challenge plainly: the city's spending needs are growing faster than its revenue, the one-time tools that masked that gap are gone, and the decisions that have been deferred for years will need to be made in the next few months.
Tough times ahead, it surely seems.
### Hermosa Beach council honors Olympic coach, advances Clark Field upgrades, pushes fee increases
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-council-honors-olympic-coach-advances-clark-field-upgrades-pushes-fee-increases/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T04:34:27.000Z
## Hockey coach honored after Olympic gold
The council presented a proclamation to John Robleski, head coach of the U.S. Women's National Ice Hockey Team and a Hermosa Beach resident, following Team USA's gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
The proclamation noted that Robleski is the only coach in International Ice Hockey Federation history to win gold with both a men's and women's national team. He joined the LA Kings organization in 2020 to coach the Ontario Reign and settled in Hermosa Beach, where he also serves as a Little League dad and coach.
Robleski, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Clark Field in February to open the 75th Hermosa Beach Little League season, told the council he wears the city's name with pride when he travels. He also revealed that the U.S. Olympic team awarded him their Order of Icos medal — a USOC honor the team can bestow on one person of their choosing.
---
## Kiwanis Club marks 100 years
The council also recognized the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club on its centennial. The club, founded in 1926, has held more than 5,000 consecutive weekly meetings. Its clubhouse on Valley Drive, built in 1957, was marked by a restored mural re-unveiled in January.
[History Restored: Centennial Mural Unveiled on Glorious Hermosa MorningRestoration, dedication, celebration. Mural ‘re-unveiling’ sets the scene for Hermosa history in a special birthday week.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/history-restored-centennial-mural-unveiled-on-glorious-hermosa-morning/)
In a turn the council found fitting, the Kiwanis presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the city in return, recognizing 100 years of partnership and civic collaboration. The club is hosting a free public birthday celebration May 9 at noon at Kiwanis Hall, 2515 Valley Drive.
---
## Fee increases approved with phase-in, key items pulled for review
The council's most time-consuming item was a public hearing on a comprehensive fee study update conducted by Revenue Cost Specialists, the city's first such review since 2016\. Finance Director Brandon Walker said the city is currently only recovering roughly 63 cents on the dollar in Community Development and planning fees and about 78 cents in Public Works — a gap he said amounts to more than $1 million annually in general fund subsidization.
Walker said moving to full cost recovery could generate up to $1 million in additional annual revenue and that fees would shift from a property-value basis to a square footage model for planning and building permits. He also proposed a new conditional use permit annual monitoring fee and increases across a range of permit types.
Public comment was broadly skeptical of the scope and timing. Speakers questioned whether the city had examined its own process inefficiencies before passing costs to applicants, noted that some fees would more than double, and raised concerns about the impact on small businesses and housing production. Several called for tying fee increases to streamlining measures in the ongoing zoning code update.
After extended council deliberation, the majority backed a two-year phase-in of 50 percent in the first year and the remaining 50 percent in the second, with a review in year three.
However, roughly 19 specific fee items — including the CUP application fee, planned development permit, variances, the new annual CUP monitoring fee, mural permit, food truck permit and residential encroachment permit — were pulled from the package at council direction. Individual council members are to submit their concerns to staff by Sunday for inclusion in a staff report, with the pulled items returning for discussion at the May 12 meeting.
[City Looks to Raise Fees Across the Board, Banking on $1 Million in New RevenueThe first comprehensive update to Hermosa Beach’s master fee schedule since 2016 would shift increased costs from taxpayers to applicants, with large hikes landing on developers, businesses and dispute filers.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-looks-to-raise-fees-across-the-board-banking-on-1-million-in-new-revenue/)
---
## Little League MOU for Clark Field improvements approved
The council unanimously approved a three-year memorandum of understanding with Hermosa Beach Little League to advance planning, design and permitting for a suite of proposed improvements at Clark Field.
The proposed improvements, which Little League representatives say would be fully self-funded through a fundraising campaign, include a new synthetic turf infield, a redesigned backstop with the potential to shift the northern diamond slightly northwest, new bleachers, upgraded lighting, permeable pavers along the loop road and a new scoreboard. Little League has agreed to cover all associated city staff time and plan check fees.
Public Works Director Joe Sanclemente noted the MOU is limited to the planning and design phase. Any construction would require a separate MOU and council approval.
---
## Granny's encroachment fee questioned
A resolution establishing a reduced encroachment fee for dining areas without table or alcohol service generated significant public comment from owners and supporters of Granny's, the 102-year-old neighborhood market on Monterey Boulevard.
Staff had proposed a new $1-per-square-foot fee for that category, retroactive to January 1\. But the item surfaced a complication: Granny's is located in an R-3 residential zone, not a commercial one, and the property's front seating area sits on city right-of-way. The business had never previously been billed for encroachment fees, and city staff acknowledged it had not been contemplated when the commercial encroachment program was established.
Granny's front patio has been a community gathering spot since 1924.
The owners told the council that the patio has served as a community gathering space for more than a century, open to anyone regardless of whether they make a purchase. They submitted a petition with nearly 900 signatures.
The council directed staff to return with a modified resolution that applies the commercial encroachment fee only to businesses in commercially zoned areas, explicitly excluding commercial activity in residentially zoned properties.
---
## Police vehicle outfitting contracts authorized
The council approved contract authority allowing the city manager to enter into five-year agreements with three police vehicle outfitting vendors — at up to $1 million each — to create a bench of contractors for equipping new and replacement police vehicles.
Finance Director Brandon Walker explained the city currently relies on South Area Regional Communications for outfitting but has experienced delays of up to six months due to backlogs. Two newly received Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicles are currently sitting undeployed pending outfitting. Three qualified vendors responded to a city outreach; the contracts carry no guaranteed spending and require no appropriation tonight.
Several council members raised concerns about whether the city may be paying twice — once through embedded costs in its RCC dispatch contract and again through the new vendors. Council directed staff to review the RCC contract and use the newly authorized vendor agreements as leverage to push for compliance before spending against the new contracts. The leverage idea was credited to Public Works Director Sanclemente during the discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Michael Keegan suggested the city explore including dispatch services in the scope of its ongoing fire services bid negotiations with Redondo Beach, a point that drew support and was added as a future agenda item.
---
## Other business and future items
Future agenda items directed by the council include a review of sidewalk vending permits and locations, the dispatch bid as part of fire service negotiations, and an action item directing staff to bring back potential short-term rental regulations that may expand STR opportunities in the coastal zone — along with comparable programs from other coastal cities.
The next regular council meeting is May 12 at City Hall, with closed session at 5 p.m. and open session at 6 p.m.
### CRIME TIME: April 12-18
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-april-12-18/
Last updated: 2026-04-28T12:47:10.000Z
Hermosa Beach police responded to 37 reported incidents during the week of April 12-18, marked by a dramatic weapons arrest involving a loaded firearm and high-capacity magazine, a surge in e-bike thefts from locked racks, and a violent court order violation resulting in an officer drawing his weapon.
### Weapons Arrest
The week's most serious incident occurred Saturday night when officers approached a vehicle on the 00 block of 11th Street and saw an open container in the center console. When the subject attempted to exit and leave, officers pushed them back into the vehicle. The officer spotted a holster being worn by the suspect and secured a firearm. The subject was arrested for concealed weapon in vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm in public, and possession of a large capacity magazine.
### Court Order Violation Turns Violent
Early Sunday morning, a traffic stop at 21st Street and Pacific Coast Highway escalated dramatically when a passenger immediately exited the vehicle and approached the officer. The suspect refused orders and became non-compliant while the officer backed up and drew his weapon. The suspect finally complied and was arrested. Investigation revealed the suspect was intoxicated and was a restrained person relative to the driver of the vehicle. The driver and passengers took a rideshare home while the suspect was arrested.
### E-Bike Theft Surge
Four locked e-bikes were stolen from bike racks during the week, representing a significant spike in this type of theft. Saturday evening saw a locked e-bike stolen from the 500 block of Pier Avenue. Sunday evening brought two separate thefts, both from Pier Avenue bike racks between 6:30-8:30 PM. Tuesday, another locked e-bike was stolen from the 100 block of 2nd Street.
The pattern suggests organized thieves targeting even secured bikes, prompting HBPD to recommend using multiple locks and parking in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
### Theft & Retail Crime
Tuesday, a suspect took an item that had been recovered by officers from a business on the 800 block of Hermosa Avenue. The subject then entered the employee area and was seen by an officer taking another item. The subject was arrested and transported for a mental health evaluation.
Monday, a subject took a wallet and cash from the bag of an employee working at a business on the 1600 block of Pacific Coast Highway, then tossed the wallet. There was no loss to the victim and the suspect was located and arrested.
### DUI Arrests
Three DUI arrests were made during the week. Tuesday night on the 200 block of Pier Avenue, a subject was arrested after a hit and run. While in custody, the subject pulled an item off the wall at the jail and vandalized it.
Early Thursday morning on the 2200 block of Pacific Coast Highway, a driver was arrested for DUI with a passenger arrested for public intoxication.
A Redondo Beach incident early Saturday morning on Artesia Boulevard resulted in a DUI arrest with enhancement for speed and reckless driving.
### Motorcycle Chase Ends in Crash
Thursday night, an officer attempted a traffic stop on two motorcycles at Artesia Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway. One stopped while the other fled. The fleeing suspect was located after crashing the motorcycle. The rider was transported for medical care and cited.
### Municipal Code Enforcement
Multiple municipal code violations were cited during the week. Saturday, a subject was cited for camping in public at 9th Street and Ardmore Avenue. Wednesday night, another subject who had been contacted numerous times and warned about camping in public place refused services and would not move along, leading to arrest on the 400 block of Ardmore Avenue.
Police were involved in a complaint against a person who posted a picture with the city seal while not doing official business with the city—a violation spanning from late March to mid-April. It is understood that the subject of the investigation is Hermosa Beach Councilmember Raymond Jackson.
### Vandalism
Three vandalism incidents were reported. Tuesday morning, two toilets and a sink were vandalized at public restrooms on the 500 block of Valley Dr. Tuesday afternoon, a window to a residence was broken by unknown means on 4th Street. Sunday, graffiti appeared on the front door of a business on 14th Street.
### Quality of Life
Four public intoxication arrests were made at various downtown locations and residential areas. Two public urination citations were issued early Friday morning.
A paraphernalia possession case was reported Wednesday evening on Pier Avenue.
### Vehicle Recovery
A stolen vehicle that had been parked illegally was recovered Saturday on the 800 block of Cypress Avenue.
### Assault
Early Saturday morning, four subjects were in a physical altercation on Pier Avenue. A victim attempted to stop the altercation and was punched twice in the face.
### Found Property
Found property included multiple items in a parking space on Hermosa Avenue, a watch, and a bicycle.
### City facing $3.2 million deficit in 2027 as annual budget cycle kicks off
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-facing-3-2-million-deficit-as-annual-budget-cycle-kicks-off/
Last updated: 2026-05-12T02:02:15.000Z
Hermosa Beach City Council will receive a fiscal outlook tonight, framing the 2026-27 budget process around an annual structural deficit of roughly $3.2 million and a strategic shift away from balancing the budget with one-time funds.
The staff presentation marks the opening of the budget cycle and is the first of seven items the Council will consider before adopting a final budget on June 23.
THE HERMOSA REVIEW BREAKDOWN
Hermosa Beach · FY27 budget
# A structural deficit, no longer hidden
Council study session, April 28, 2026
FY27 structural deficit
$3.2M
Recurring costs exceed recurring revenues. The FY26 budget was balanced with one-time funds. By staff's own assessment, that approach is not sustainable.
General fund reserves
$10.6M
20% target, one-time use only
Year-end carryforward
$0
FY 2025-26, down from $5.8M in FY 20-21
The widening gap
General fund operating budget, FY26 to FY31 ($ millions)
General fund five-year forecast Expenditures rise from $57M to $70.9M while revenues rise from $57M to $66.9M, opening a $4M gap by FY31. 55 60 65 70 FY26 FY27 FY28 FY29 FY30 FY31 $70.9M expenditures $66.9M revenue $3.2M
Costs are projected to grow 4 to 6 percent annually; revenues 2 to 4 percent. The structural gap widens each year of the forecast.
Cumulative deficit, FY26–FY31
$19.3M
Sum of forecast annual gaps if no corrective measures are taken. Nearly twice the city's current general fund reserves.
Pushing costs up
LA County fire contract
+26% over 3 years, \~$1.8M
Lifeguard + beach maintenance
$4.9M/yr, currently parking-funded
Pensions and labor
+4.9% / +3% per year
Police overtime
$1.18M est FY26, up from $900K in FY24
On the table
STR tax enforcement
Up to $5M retro, \~$1M/yr ongoing
Sales tax measure
\~$1M per ¼¢, voter approval
Parking measures
$1.5–$2.0M, in progress
Department reductions
Up to 10% scenarios in development
Looming, not in the operating forecast
$20M
City Yard, no funding source
$50M+
Pier project, long-term
$8–12M
Annual basic CIP need
Source: City of Hermosa Beach FY27 Budget Study Session staff presentation, April 28, 2026\. The Hermosa Review.
## The structural problem
Staff describe the deficit as the gap between recurring revenues and recurring costs. The core message is that the city has been balancing budgets with surpluses, vacancy savings, and federal pandemic relief, and those one-time sources are now exhausted or unreliable.
Post-COVID budgets relied on roughly $4.6 million in emergency (ARPA) funding, ongoing vacancy savings, and Capital Improvement Program delays to close gaps. Those funds were redirected to insurance, fleet replacement, and capital project deficiencies. Staff conclude that "temporary balance masked structural issues."
Vacancy savings have run between $1.3 million and $1.5 million annually for at least five years, equivalent to 4.7 percent to 6.5 percent of budgeted personnel costs. Staff describe that figure as a structural budget gap rather than genuine savings, and warn that small staff size means vacancies directly affect service delivery.
Carryforward funds, used to seed CIP, equipment replacement, and the insurance fund, have steadily declined. The city carried forward $5.8 million in unspent funds in FY 2020-21 and $3.8 million in FY 2021-22\. The figure for FY 2024-25 is $2.24 million. The figure projected for FY 2025-26 is zero. This reflects an improvement in infrastructure project completion, but means that reserved funds for those works have now been used up.
## What costs are doing
Staff project recurring costs growing 4 percent to 6 percent annually, with revenue growth of 2 percent to 4 percent. Property tax is forecast to grow 3 percent to 4 percent, with sales tax and transient occupancy tax growing 1 percent to 3 percent.
The five-year forecast shows General Fund expenditures rising from $57 million in FY 2025-26 to $70.9 million in FY 2030-31\. Revenues are projected to reach $66.9 million over the same period. The gap widens each year.
Labor costs are projected to rise 3 percent annually and pension costs 4.9 percent. The Los Angeles County fire contract is rising 26 percent over three years, an increase of about $1.8 million. The county also provides lifeguard services at roughly $3.4 million annually and beach maintenance at $1.5 million annually, both currently funded through parking structure revenue share rather than directly from the General Fund. Staff flag exposure if those revenues decline or costs increase.
The presentation identifies two major capital obligations not reflected in the operating forecast: a City Yard replacement estimated at roughly $20 million with no identified funding source, and a pier project carrying a $50 million-plus long-term obligation.
CIP needs alone run $8 million to $12 million annually at the low end for basic infrastructure, according to the presentation, and current funding relies heavily on unpredictable state and county special funds.
## Police overtime keeps climbing
Estimated FY 2026 police overtime is $1.18 million, up from $1.03 million in FY 2025 and $900,588 in FY 2024\. Staff describe police overtime as structural, driven by 24/7 minimum staffing and response time requirements that require backfill. Public works overtime is estimated at $178,579 in FY 2026.
## Reserves
The General Fund reserve target was raised from 16 percent to 20 percent in FY 2023-24\. Current reserves stand at roughly $10.6 million. Staff describe reserves as a one-time tool for financial stability, not budget balancing, and note the 20 percent target falls within the 15 percent to 25 percent range typical for cities.
## Measures already in motion
Several revenue and operational measures are in progress. Parking rate and program changes are projected to generate $1.5 million to $2 million. Parking citation increases are expected to add $400,000 to $600,000\. A fee and cost-recovery update on the same Tuesday agenda is projected to generate roughly $1 million. Business license enforcement is projected at $100,000.
On the operational side, staff cite an ERP system upgrade, recreation software implementation, parking citation system improvements, and enhanced data and performance tracking. Departments are being asked to develop reduction strategies of up to 10 percent. Vacancy management is being applied position by position.
Staff estimate the combined potential impact of revenue and reductions at $2 million to $7 million-plus, with explicit acknowledgement of service trade-offs, delayed programs, and workforce capacity constraints.
## Future revenue options
The presentation lays out several policy-level revenue options for Council direction.
Short-term rental tax enforcement is identified as a near-term opportunity, with up to $5 million in potential retroactive collections and roughly $1 million in ongoing annual revenue from transient occupancy tax and business license enforcement. The figures follow the Koerner v. City of Hermosa Beach ruling that found the city's STR ban unenforceable in the coastal zone.
A local sales tax measure is included as a Council policy option. Each quarter-cent increment would generate roughly $1 million annually and would require voter approval.
Other options include dynamic parking pricing in the beach and downtown areas with peak weekend and summer rates, optimized leases on city-owned property, and modernization of the Landscaping and Street Lighting assessment district. That assessment has been unchanged since 1996 and now requires a roughly $400,000 annual General Fund subsidy. Staff also flag stormwater funding, where an outdated fee drives a $700,000 annual General Fund subsidy. Both assessment changes would require a Proposition 218 process.
A long-term section of the presentation raises the possibility of targeted 'upzoning' to relax height and density limits in key corridors, with the stated goal of growing property, sales, and tourism tax revenue.
---
### KEEP READING
[City Looks to Raise Fees Across the Board, Banking on $1 Million in New RevenueThe first comprehensive update to Hermosa Beach’s master fee schedule since 2016 would shift cost from taxpayers to applicants, with the largest hikes landing on developers, dispute filers and concealed weapons permit holders.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-looks-to-raise-fees-across-the-board-banking-on-1-million-in-new-revenue/)
[IN DEPTH: The $36 Million To-Do ListInside Hermosa Beach’s Capital Improvement Program, where the fault lines between what we might want for city infrastructure and what we can afford are really starting to showThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-the-36-million-to-do-list/)
[City Commissions Voter Survey on Funding and ServicesHermosa Beach has quietly commissioned a voter survey on city funding and services — a move that typically signals a ballot tax measure is in the works.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-commissions-voter-survey-on-funding-and-services/)
[Pier Review Creates Pier PressureA year-long structural assessment of the Hermosa Beach pier comes to City Council Tuesday — with a cost-benefit analysis that could reframe how the city thinks about the structure’s future.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/pier-review/)
### City Looks to Raise Fees Across the Board, Banking on $1 Million in New Revenue
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-looks-to-raise-fees-across-the-board-banking-on-1-million-in-new-revenue/
Last updated: 2026-05-12T00:15:24.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council will hold a public hearing tonight on a proposal to overhaul the city's user fee schedule for the first time in nearly a decade, with staff projecting up to $1 million in additional annual revenue if the changes are adopted in full.
Proposals would take effect July 1, if approved by city council.
## A Fiscal Squeeze, Ten Years in the Making
The proposal lands at a moment of mounting fiscal strain. The FY 2025-26 Midyear Budget Review identified a $548,000 General Fund shortfall, driven by expenditure increases that have consistently outpaced revenue growth. Staff describes the imbalance as structural rather than cyclical, warning that one-time funds and reserves cannot continue to absorb the gap.
Compounding the pressure are upcoming Capital Improvement Program demands competing for the same limited pool of money. A pier reconstruction alone carries a replacement cost estimate of $44.5 million, the city yard overhaul is estimated at $20 million, and the city's broader infrastructure requirements continue to grow. Every dollar the General Fund spends subsidizing permit fees is a dollar unavailable for public safety, street repair or capital projects. All this while facing significant renegotiations with LA County for the cost of fire and lifeguard services.
Hermosa Beach has not conducted a comprehensive fee study since 2016\. In the decade since, personnel costs, benefits, materials and overhead have all risen substantially, but most fees have remained largely static. The result, staff says, is a growing gap between what services cost to deliver and what the city collects to deliver them.
According to the staff report, Community Development services currently recover only 63 percent of their costs, leaving an annual subsidy of more than $1 million. Public Works recovers about 78 percent, with subsidies above $200,000\. The remainder is paid by the General Fund, which is funded primarily through property tax, sales tax and transient occupancy tax.
"The broader community subsidizes services that directly benefit individual users, such as permit applicants or project-specific activities," the staff report states.
## The Big Increases
The largest jumps are concentrated in discretionary planning permits that staff describes as a correction of historically subsidized fees. A commercial Conditional Use Permit would more than double from $6,065 to $12,800\. A standard Variance rises from $4,674 to $9,985\. A Sign Variance jumps from $3,338 to $7,980\. Mural review goes from $578 to $3,010.
Zone Changes and General Plan Amendments move to deposit-based billing at the fully allocated hourly rate, with deposits ranging from $12,000 to $18,000.
Concealed Weapons Permit applications would rise from $100 to $1,505, a 1,405 percent increase reflecting the actual cost of background investigation, live scan and psychological testing review.
Appeals to the City Council climb from $2,179 to $5,170\. Initiative processing moves from $200 to $1,510, though the staff report notes State Elections Code caps the effective fee at $200 with refund provisions.
## New Fees, Eliminated Fees
The schedule introduces a Food Truck Permit at $3,635 initial and $225 annual renewal, with City Council review built in. A new $570 annual monitoring fee would apply to active Conditional Use Permits to ensure ongoing compliance.
Several fees would disappear entirely. The Short-Term Vacation Rental annual renewal of $1,816 is eliminated and the initial permit drops from $2,100 to $660, a notable shift given the recent *Koerner v. City of Hermosa Beach* ruling on STR enforceability in the coastal zone. Booking processing, taxicab inspection, jail services, special event security and the duplicate business license fee are also struck from the schedule.
## Building Permits Restructured
Building and Safety fees would shift from a valuation-based model to a square-footage model tied to occupancy type. The General Plan Maintenance surcharge moves from $3 per $1,000 of valuation to a flat 10 percent of all building permit and plan check fees, applied to every permit rather than only those above $100,000.
Staff explicitly compares Hermosa Beach to its neighbors. Manhattan Beach has run multiple fee studies generating 15 to 20 percent in additional revenue and bringing many services close to full cost recovery. Redondo Beach has taken an incremental approach with 5 to 10 percent increases per cycle, including a recent 6.7 percent building fee increase.
"Hermosa Beach remains behind its peers in cost recovery," the staff report concludes.
## Pushback Likely
The scale of the proposed increases is likely to draw objections from residents and businesses, particularly on the larger-ticket planning permits. While the city frames the update as a long-overdue cost recovery exercise, some are already calling for a more careful and phased approach, arguing that triple-digit percentage hikes on individual permits, even after a decade without revision, risk chilling investment and discouraging applicants from working through proper channels.
Parks and recreation fees were carved out of the study. Staff cited demand sensitivity, demographics and competition as reasons to take a market-based approach, and will return to council in coming months with a separate analysis.
Fees would be adjusted annually based on the Los Angeles Consumer Price Index.
---
### KEEP READING
[City facing $3.2 million deficit as annual budget cycle kicks offCity budget squeeze laid bare as council prepares to consider a series of difficult options to balance the books.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-facing-3-2-million-deficit-as-annual-budget-cycle-kicks-off/)
[IN DEPTH: The $36 Million To-Do ListInside Hermosa Beach’s Capital Improvement Program, where the fault lines between what we might want for city infrastructure and what we can afford are really starting to showThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-the-36-million-to-do-list/)
### City Commissions Voter Survey on Funding and Services
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-commissions-voter-survey-on-funding-and-services/
Last updated: 2026-05-12T00:15:07.000Z
Some Hermosa Beach residents are receiving email invitations to participate in a city-commissioned opinion survey covering quality of life, city facilities and funding — a process that typically precedes a decision about whether to place a tax measure on the ballot.
The survey, which the city estimates will take around 10 minutes to complete, is being conducted by True North Research and Dynata, two independent research firms contracted by the city. Individual responses will remain confidential and will not be shared with city staff. The invitation was signed by City Manager Steve Napolitano and instructs recipients not to forward the link, as each invitation can be used only once.
This email survey request landed in some residents inboxes last week
The city has not publicly confirmed how many residents received invitations or disclosed the survey's specific questions.
The timing is significant. Hermosa Beach is contending with a looming structural budget deficit and faces key decisions on two major capital projects: the construction of a new city yard to replace the aging Public Works facility on Valley Drive, and pier replacement, estimated at $44.5 million, and City officials have previously acknowledged that a public financing mechanism may be required to address these challenges. There are also operating finance pressures, with the impending renegotiation of fire and lifeguard services expected to see a push by LA County for significant cost hikes.
## The tax landscape
Residents have faced three principal tax levers when it comes to city revenue:
**Transient Occupancy Tax** — the so-called hotel or bed tax paid by visitors staying in the city's hotels and permitted short-term rentals — has been raised twice by ballot measure. Voters approved an increase from 10% to 12% in November 2015, and a further rise from 12% to 14% in November 2019, with the higher rate taking effect January 1, 2020\. TOT is currently one of the city's most significant revenue streams. It's relatively efficient too - all of it is paid by visitors, and all of it goes into city funds, unlike sales tax receipts.
**Sales tax** has proved more resistant to voter approval. A three-quarter-cent general transactions and use tax measure placed on the November 2022 ballot failed, with 45% in favor and 55% opposed. The council tried again in November 2024 with an identical measure — Measure HB — which failed by a wider margin, 43% to 57%. A third attempt in 2026 has been floated by at least one councilmember.
**Property tax** is the third lever available to the city, though Hermosa Beach has not recently pursued a general or special property tax measure. A bond measure to fund pier replacement or a new city yard, for example, would likely appear on residents' property tax bills as a fixed annual assessment.
Where Hermosa Beach's money comes from
General fund revenue · FY 2025–26 adopted budget
Property tax 39%, other revenue 22%, service charges 18%, fines and permits 9%, TOT 7%, sales tax 5%.
total $55.26M
Property tax39%$21.5M
Other revenue22%$12.2M
Service charges18%$9.9M
Fines & permits9%$5.0M
TOT (hotel tax)7%$3.9M
Sales tax5%$2.8M
What’s in “other revenue”?
This category covers several smaller revenue streams that the city does not report as separate line items in its headline breakdown. The largest component is the Utility Users Tax (UUT) — a 6% levy on electricity, gas and water, and 5.5% on cable and telephone — which contributes roughly $2.8M annually. Also included are intergovernmental transfers and state allocations, interest earned on city investments, miscellaneous reimbursements, and smaller fee categories not captured elsewhere.
---
Percentages from City of Hermosa Beach FY 2025–26 adopted budget. Dollar figures derived from general fund revenue of $55.26M.
The results of the current survey are expected to be summarized by the research firms before being presented to the city.
---
### KEEP READING
[IN DEPTH: The $36 Million To-Do ListInside Hermosa Beach’s Capital Improvement Program, where the fault lines between what we might want for city infrastructure and what we can afford are really starting to showThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-the-36-million-to-do-list/)
[Mayor Detoy : “Fire and Lifeguard Contracts Will Bankrupt Us”Council Mulls Structural Budget Deficit as Costs Outpace RevenueThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/mayor-detoy-fire-and-lifeguard-contracts-will-bankrupt-us/)
[The End Of The Pier, Or A Fresh Start ?What the rise, fall, and uncertain revival of piers around the world can tell us about the costly decision Hermosa Beach now has to make about its own ailing landmarkThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/the-end-of-the-pier-or-a-fresh-start/)
### Hermosa Beach approves Nike After Dark Tour Run
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-approves-nike-after-dark-tour-run/
Last updated: 2026-05-12T00:15:14.000Z
Hermosa Beach City Council voted 5-0 Tuesday night to approve the Nike After Dark Tour LA 2026 , placing the global half marathon on the city's calendar for Saturday, October 24, with teardown the following day. The decision ends a month of follow-up negotiations that began after a split March 10 deliberation in which Council members sought stronger answers on resident displacement, business impact, and the size of Nike's financial contribution.
## What the event is
The After Dark Tour is a global race series held in six countries, designed as a nighttime running experience for women. The Los Angeles race is the only North American stop on the tour. The event is formatted as a 13.1-mile half marathon with a race window of 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and a four-hour cutoff for finishers. Registration is expected to open later this month.
Nike projects 12,000 runners. In 2025, 43 percent of participants were first-time half marathoners.
## The route
The course originates in Redondo Beach, enters Hermosa Beach traveling northbound on Hermosa Avenue, jogs down 10th Street and through Beach Drive past the Beach House Hotel, returns northbound to 15th Street, continues to 25th Street, turns left onto the Strand, and heads south back into Redondo Beach. Pier Plaza is described by Nike as the "pinnacle cheer zone," with runners passing through it twice near the end of the race.
## Resident and business impact
Nike's updated presentation included a resident impact count that had not been available in March. According to the figures provided, 143 residential driveways fall directly on the course, 354 residential addresses are landlocked but not directly on the course, 293 driveways and garages are landlocked by road closures, and 409 parking spaces on Hermosa Avenue are subject to temporary suspension during the event.
Nike After Dark Tour LA 2026 — residential impacts
Saturday, October 24 · Street closures from 4:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. · Hermosa Beach
579
homes directly on the race course
751
homes landlocked by road closures
88
driveways & garages on the course
564
on-street parking spaces affected
Homes affected by street segment
| Segment | On course | Landlocked | Garages | Closure window |
| ---------------------------------- | --------- | ---------- | ------- | --------------- |
| Hermosa Ave — Herondo to 10th | 75 | 334 | 20 | 4:45 – 9:30 pm |
| 10th St — Hermosa Ave to Strand | 43 | 4 | 14 | 4:45 – 9:15 pm |
| Hermosa Ave — 14th to 22nd | 53 | 397 | 10 | 4:45 – 9:30 pm |
| The Strand — 25th to N. Harbor | 227 | — | — | 5:00 – 10:00 pm |
| Manhattan / 27th / Gould / Ardmore | 113 | — | 23 | 4:45 – 10:00 pm |
| Hermosa Ave — 22nd to 25th | 29 | 16 | 7 | 4:45 – 10:00 pm |
| 14th St / Beach Dr / other | 39 | — | 14 | 4:45 – 9:15 pm |
| Total | 579 | 751 | 88 | |
On-street parking spaces lost
| Location | Spaces | |
| ----------------------------- | ------ | |
| Hermosa Ave — Herondo to 10th | 194 | |
| Hermosa Ave — 14th to 22nd | 127 | |
| 27th St / other cross-streets | 82 | |
| Hermosa Ave — 22nd to 25th | 48 | |
| Gould Ave | 44 | |
| Manhattan Ave | 29 | |
| Additional landlocked spaces | 40 | |
| Total | 564 | |
Source: Nike After Dark Tour LA 2026 Residential Impact Report, City of Hermosa Beach staff report 26-PR-016 (April 14, 2026). Landlocked addresses have no viable exit route during closures. The Hermosa Review / hermosareview.com
To address access concerns, Nike is proposing a free shuttle system for landlocked residents. Under the plan, affected residents would pre-register a need to leave or return during the closure window. Nike would reserve a parking space in a nearby lot and provide transport to and from that lot during the event.
The course will maintain a pedestrian access lane along the east side of the Strand throughout the race. Council members discussed allowing intermittent pedestrian crossings at multiple walk streets, staffed by course marshals and flaggers.
The Beach House Hotel sits directly on the race course. Nike confirmed during Tuesday's meeting that following a walk-through earlier that day, it intends to pursue a full buyout of the hotel for race weekend, with the exception of two rooms whose guests are already booked. Those two guests would be "accommodated greatly," Nike said.
## Community benefits
Nike's financial contribution totals approximately $30,000 in fees, comprising location fees for street closures, the Strand, and Pier Plaza; a teardown-day fee; and a $50,000 community impact contribution.
In addition, Nike is offering a $50,000 in-kind donation of sports equipment and services to the city, 100 race bibs for Hermosa Beach residents (distribution method to be worked out with staff), 30 bibs for Mira Costa High School, and 30 bibs for Redondo Union High School.
Nike also presented economic impact projections it had shared in March, forecasting $1.8 million to $2.4 million in direct visitor spending, an 18-to-32 percent increase in Saturday revenue for coffee shops and quick-service restaurants, and a 12-to-20 percent increase for retail. The projections are not independently verified. Resident Anthony Higgins, speaking during public comment, questioned whether any city official had validated the figures.
## Activation and Logistics
Council asked whether Pier Plaza could be programmed throughout the day rather than only during race hours. Nike said it was "open to hearing any considerations or feedback" and anticipated activating the space before the race, during it, and possibly earlier, including inviting local businesses to operate pop-up booths.
A pedestrian bridge (a steel-span walkway seen in reference photos from a comparable golf tournament) is proposed to allow access from Pier Plaza to the beach in order to minimize disruption. Nike said its preference would be to construct it entirely on race day (Saturday), though a potential Friday setup day for that structure had been raised by staff. Nike said with adequate planning, Saturday-only construction was achievable.
A pedestrian bridge is proposed to ensure that beachgoers can still access the sand from the plaza
Other items flagged for follow-up include coordination with the Beach Tennis Association tournament scheduled at 14th Street that day, removal of bollards on Beach Drive, and the timing of the rolling street closures. Nike said full closures would be in place by 6 p.m. and all roads would be reopened by 10 p.m., with aid stations and trash cleared within 30 minutes of the final runner and restrooms within 90 minutes.
The two other permitted events occurring on October 24 — IBVL and the beach tennis tournament — are not expected to conflict with the race, staff said.
Nike is formally listed as having "preliminary support" from Redondo Beach, though that city's own approval process is still underway. Manhattan Beach have already decided not to partner with Nike on the event.
---
## ***KEEP READING***
[Nike Wants to Bring a 10,000-Runner Half Marathon Through Hermosa Beach — at NightNike’s global women’s night race series wants to run 10,000 runners through Hermosa Beach. The city has to figure out whether the event is worthy of the disruption to residents and businesses.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/nike-wants-to-bring-a-10-000-runner-half-marathon-through-hermosa-beach-at-night/)
[Council Signals Support for Nike Run, But Won’t Just Do ItCouncil green-lights Nike’s After Dark women’s half marathon in concept, but sends it back for more money, better resident protections, and clarity on what other cities are getting in return for their support.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/council-signals-support-for-nike-run-but-wont-just-do-it/)
[DON’T JUST DO IT : Nike Run Proposal Sees Pushback From CommissionNike wants to run 10,000 women through Hermosa Beach on a Saturday night in October. The Parks Commission said...not so fast.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/dont-just-do-it-nike-run-proposal-sees-pushback-from-commission/)
### IN DEPTH: The $36 Million To-Do List
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-the-36-million-to-do-list/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T04:33:49.000Z
Somewhere beneath the sidewalk on 11th Street, between Prospect Avenue and Harper Avenue, city contractors recently discovered over a dozen sewer laterals that were not shown on any plans. They had to be reconnected, one by one, to a new sewer main. On the top deck of the Lot C parking structure, demolition crews uncovered compromised reinforcement in the concrete, forcing an emergency closure of the entire facility and an unplanned structural shoring operation. At the Community Center, ceiling penetrations for new gas lines revealed material requiring abatement before work could continue.
This is what infrastructure maintenance looks like in our city with buildings, pipes, and roads that are decades past their expected service lives. It is also the daily reality of Hermosa Beach's Capital Improvement Program, the city's formal mechanism for building and maintaining its physical assets. The program currently encompasses 28 active and pending projects with a combined budget of roughly $36 million. It is overseen by a Public Works team of about a dozen engineers, plus outside experts. For context, the entire annual budget of the city (including staff costs) is around $57 million. So the choices that the City Council make on capital improvements are hugely significant to the overall financial picture.
Sewer works in progress recently in the city
The numbers tell a story of ambition, progress, and arithmetic that does not quite work. The city is delivering projects at a rate that would have been unimaginable five years ago. But the backlog is long and the revenue picture is constrained. The annual process for allocating funds and prioritizing choices for next year's program begins again in just a few weeks.
## What the CIP Is and How It Works
The Capital Improvement Program is the city's comprehensive plan to develop and maintain capital facilities and infrastructure. Projects are typically high-cost, can take a year or more to complete, and result in the creation or preservation of a capital asset. They are organized into four categories: streets and highways ($13.7 million), sewer and storm drain ($6.1 million), parks ($2.4 million), and public buildings and grounds ($13.7 million).
The annual cycle begins in February when department heads submit budget estimates. The City Manager and Finance Director meet with each department, and the CIP budget is developed alongside the operating budget. A dedicated CIP study session, held last May for the current fiscal year, gives the Council and the public an opportunity to discuss project status, funding, and sequencing. Formal adoption follows with the annual budget a month or two later.
Public Works Director Joe SanClemente and his staff present a holistic review of every project, weighing new requests, grant timelines, public safety needs, regulatory requirements, available funding, and engineering staff capacity.
---
The Hermosa Review Infographic
CIP at a click
Hermosa Beach Capital Improvement Program
28 active and pending projects in the city's FY 2025-26 CIP, as of March 12, 2026\. Each project moves through six phases from planning to closeout.
Select a project category or phase below to explore the city's active and pending CIP projects. The colored bar beneath each project shows how far it has progressed through the six-phase pipeline.
All Streets Sewer/drain Parks Buildings
All phases Design/bidding Construction Closeout Pending
Design/bidding Construction Closeout Pending
Planning
Prelim design
Final design
Bid/approve
Construction
Closeout
Budgets shown are total project budgets reflecting cumulative appropriations across fiscal years, not single-year spending. Source: City of Hermosa Beach FY 2025-26 CIP Status Report, updated March 12, 2026\. Graphic by The Hermosa Review.
---
## So How Do Projects Get Prioritized ?
There is no published scoring methodology. But the documents reveal a consistent tension between what the city needs, what people might wish for, and what taxpayers will agree to pay for.
On the needs side, staff has been explicit. The May 2025 study session report recommended prioritizing deferred maintenance and safety projects, including building maintenance, sidewalks, sewers, storm drains, and paving, over enhancement projects. The logic is straightforward: continued investment in foundational infrastructure reduces future maintenance and capital costs. Defer a $3.1 million annual paving program and the streets don't wait. The Pavement Condition Index has already slipped from 70 to 68\. Sewer mains collapse. Gas and water mains leak.
Some projects have no flexibility at all. Grant-funded work must hit deadlines or the city loses the money. The city's Real Time Crime Center has a federal grant with a completion deadline, though the government shutdown has stalled processing.
Emergencies jump the queue entirely. When a gas leak forced the Community Center's gas service offline, or an electrical fire closed a city building on Valley Drive, staff created new CIPs mid-year and fast-tracked them to construction.
In practice, this means the city's most visible public-facing infrastructure, the streets residents drive on, the sewers beneath them, the sidewalks their children walk to school on, must compete for engineering hours with conceptual studies, signage programs, and enhancement projects that may be desirable but are not urgent. Staff is pushing to resolve that competition in favor of the basics. Whether council continues to back that approach will determine what Hermosa Beach looks like in five years, and what the cost of the program means for local taxpayers.
---
## The Money
The FY 2025-26 CIP budget totals $35.9 million, of which $15.3 million represents new funding requests. New funding breaks down as $6.9 million from the Capital Improvement Fund, $4.3 million from special revenue sources, and $4.0 million for the Greenwich Village undergrounding.
The five-year CIP plan projects $87.5 million in total spending through FY 2029-30\. The heaviest year is FY 2027-28 at $27.3 million, driven largely by an anticipated $18 million construction phase for the new City Yard.
But the five-year plan captures only what is currently programmed. Beyond it sits the Deferred and Unfunded Future Projects list: 20 items with estimated costs ranging from $30 million to $162 million. That list includes Community Center theater renovations ($5-14 million), Parks Master Plan implementation ($8-21 million), Civic Center deferred maintenance (more than $10 million), and additional pier deck repairs ($3-5 million). Combined with the $60 million in unfunded needs identified within the five-year CIP itself, the total unmet capital need exceeds $90 million and could approach $220 million.
---
The Hermosa Review Infographic
The funding gap
What the city is spending vs. what it needs. The five-year plan covers $87.5M, but total identified capital needs could reach $220M+.
FY 25-26 CIP budget
$35.9M
5-year plan total
$87.5M
5-year unfunded needs
$60M
Deferred project backlog
$30-162M
Selected deferred and unfunded projects
Corporate Yard
$19M unfunded
Park Master Plan
$8-21M
Civic Center maintenance
\>$10M
Pier deck repairs
$3.7M + $3-5M
CC theater renovations
$5-14M
Annual paving (10-yr need)
$16M unfunded
Source: City of Hermosa Beach FY 2025-26 CIP Study Session Report (May 13, 2025) and Five-Year CIP and Unfunded Future Projects list. Graphic by The Hermosa Review.
---
## The Bigger Picture
The growing funding gap is part of a backdrop against which Hermosa Beach voters have now twice rejected a three-quarter-cent sales tax increase. Measure B failed in November 2022 with 55 percent voting no. Measure HB failed again in November 2024 by an even larger margin. Each would have generated roughly $3 million per year. At the June 2025 budget session, Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker warned of fiscal headwinds from pending LA County Fire and Lifeguard contract negotiations, rising pension costs, and inflation.
Public trust in the CIP has not always been helped by the city's own track record. Under former City Manager Suja Lowenthal, several projects became symbols of delay and cost escalation. The Clark Building renovation, a relatively straightforward facility upgrade involving a new commercial kitchen, HVAC system, and interior improvements, stretched across multiple budget cycles with repeated scope revisions, re-advertisements, and value engineering before finally reaching completion in late 2025 at a total cost that approached $3,000,000\. A project to renovate park restrooms turned into an environmental boondoggle that ran massively late and over budget.
Meanwhile, the grandly titled 'Civic Facilities Project Advisory Group' convened under Lowenthal's tenure unveiled a vision for new civic center facilities with a price tag that could have reached $150 million or more, a figure that struck many residents as disconnected from a city that could not keep its public bathrooms functioning or its community buildings open. The advisory group's recommendations were quietly received and filed by the Council in July 2025\. Since the arrival of new City Manager Steve Napolitano in June 2025, the focus appears to have shifted toward practical delivery: deferred maintenance, paving, and getting construction contracts executed.
Public Works has dramatically increased its throughput. Historically, the department completed about four CIPs per fiscal year. In FY 2024-25, it reached 15, with an estimated construction value of $12 million. Several projects came in under budget: the South Park irrigation project released $1.15 million back to the CIP fund; storm drain projects on 5th Street and Bard Street returned a combined $273,000.
But the estimated project schedule through FY 2027-28 shows workload exceeding staff capacity in most months. The City Yard alone is projected to consume around 5,000 engineering hours over three years. Staff has been direct: with the number of projects in the CIP, the workload-to-capacity gap will likely continue through FY 2027-28, with apparently little to no capacity to take on new projects.
The City Yard at 6th Street is the Public Works infrastructure hub. Its renewal is a much-delayed CIP priority, now forecast to cost in the range of $20 million. The cost is likely to be financed by a municipal bond
The CIP documents paint a picture of a city simultaneously making real progress and falling further behind. The tripling of project completions is a genuine achievement. But the unfunded backlog is growing faster than the city can close it. The Pavement Condition Index is declining. The pier needs $6.7 million in repairs over five years. The Corporate Yard reconstruction could cost $15-20 million, with only $2.6 million set aside. And the deferred project list keeps getting longer.
Every unforeseen condition widens the gap between what the city needs to spend and what it can afford. Productivity alone cannot solve a structural funding shortfall. Until Hermosa Beach finds a way to close the revenue gap, whether through winning back enough public trust to enable a future tax measure, creative financing, grant windfalls, economic growth, or some combination, the CIP will remain a triage exercise: choosing which infrastructure to fix now and which to let deteriorate a little longer.
The city's streets, sewers, buildings, and pier are not waiting for that decision. They are aging on their own schedule.
---
### *FURTHER READING*
[Mid-Year City Budget Review Highlights Financial PressureHermosa Beach faces a $548K budget shortfall at midyear, with projected spending increases vs. original forecast outpacing revenue gains 3-to-1\. Staff proposes one-time funds to close the gap for the third straight year.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/mid-year-budget-review-highlights-financial-pressure/)
### City Gets Strong Financial Audit Report - But Pressure Is Growing
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-gets-strong-financial-audit-report-but-pressure-is-growing/
Last updated: 2026-04-20T23:32:20.000Z
The City of Hermosa Beach wrapped up fiscal year 2024-25 with a clean bill of financial health from its independent auditors, a growing asset base, and a General Fund that spent less than it took in. But a closer reading of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, due to be presented to the City Council this week, reveals genuine operational strength sitting alongside structural pressures that residents should understand.
The City's financial year runs to June 30th, **so this audit reflects a picture that is almost a whole year old.** City Council and staff have already indicated in recent discussions that the financial picture is tightening. There is a growing list of unfunded future projects, and contract negotiations with LA County for fire and lifeguard services are looming.
The Hermosa Review · Data briefing
### FY 2024–25 city finances at a glance
Year ended June 30, 2025 · Audit opinion: clean (unmodified) · Auditor: Gruber and Lopez, Inc.
---
Total net position
$92.5M
+$4.5M year-on-year
General Fund surplus
$4.6M
revenues over expenditures
Pension liability (CalPERS)
$58.2M
down $5.1M from FY24
TOT revenue
$4.76M
hotel & short-term rental levy
Capital invested
$10.4M
streets, sewers, Clark Bldg
**Pension context:** The $10M unrestricted deficit is driven almost entirely by a GASB 68 accounting requirement to record the $58.2M CalPERS liability on the balance sheet. Exclude pension and net position is approximately $150.8M. The liability itself improved by $5.1M in FY25\.
Where the money comes from
Total revenues: $65.8M · Government-wide, FY25
Property taxes 40% Other taxes 20% Charges for services 18% Grants 15% Other 6%
Property taxes 40%, other taxes 20%, charges for services 18%, grants 15%, other 6%.
Where the money goes
Total expenses: $61.4M · Government-wide, FY25
Public safety $29.5M, public works $16M, general government $8.3M, culture and recreation $2.8M, community development $2.7M, legislative and legal $2M.
Revenues vs expenses: two-year view
Government-wide totals ($M) · Expenses grew 11% in FY25 vs 5% revenue growth
Revenues Expenses
FY24: revenues $62.6M, expenses $55.2M. FY25: revenues $65.8M, expenses $61.4M.
Pressure points to watch
County contract renegotiations
Fire and lifeguard contracts with LA County are due for renewal. Even a 10% increase could add $2–3M annually to public safety costs — which already represent 56 cents of every General Fund dollar spent.
Deferred maintenance backlog
A citywide Facilities Condition Assessment is listed as forthcoming — meaning the full backlog has not yet been formally quantified. Known items include city-wide roof repairs, police facilities, Lot C, and pier inspections.
Expense growth outpacing revenue
Expenses grew at more than twice the rate of revenues in FY25\. The street rehabilitation cycle drove the Public Works spike and should normalise, but the gap bears watching across the FY26-27 budget cycle.
Unrestricted deficit deepening
Worsened from −$4.4M to −$10M, almost entirely pension-driven rather than operational. Warrants annual monitoring alongside pension liability progress.
Source: City of Hermosa Beach FY 2024–25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, audited by Gruber and Lopez, Inc. Presented to City Council April 14, 2026\. · The Hermosa Review · hermosareview.com
## What the city owns and owes
Total net position stood at $92.5 million at year-end, up $4.45 million from FY 2024\. That improvement represents a significant slowdown from the $7.39 million gain the prior year, as expenses grew 11.2 percent while revenues grew just 5.2 percent.
The most striking figure is the unrestricted net position: negative $10 million, worsening from negative $4.4 million. This is almost entirely a pension accounting artefact. Hermosa carries a net pension liability of $58.2 million, recorded under a requirement that forces cities to put CalPERS obligations directly on the balance sheet. Exclude that liability and adjusted net position is roughly $150.8 million. The city is not in crisis territory on this front, but the liability's servicing consumes a meaningful share of the annual operating budget.
## The General Fund
The General Fund brought in $55 million in revenues and spent $50.4 million, leaving $4.6 million of revenues over expenditures. Audited unspent funds totalled $2.39 million at year-end; $317,833 was transferred to the Insurance Fund and the remaining $2.07 million assigned toward the FY 2026-27 budget. The city maintained its 20 percent contingency reserve throughout the year.
Property taxes came in at $26.3 million government-wide, up roughly 5.4 percent. The transient occupancy tax generated $4.76 million, and TOT remains a very important factor going forward as the city weighs potential short-term vacation rental income and the possibility of additional hotel development in Hermosa.
## Where the money went: public safety and the contracts that underpin it
Public safety is the single largest spending category at just under $28 million in the General Fund. Hermosa does not operate its own fire department or beach lifeguard service – both are provided under contracts with Los Angeles County, whose Lifeguard Division tracked beach attendance swinging from 51,650 in November 2024 to 536,000 in July 2024, reflecting seasonality impact.
Both contracts are due for renegotiation. County costs have risen sharply, driven by pension, wage, and benefits pressures that flow directly into the rates charged to contract cities. A meaningful increase in either contract would land as a significant step-up in the city's largest spending category. Even a 10 percent increase in county contract rates would add roughly $2 to $3 million to annual expenditure -- absorbing most or all of the current General Fund operating surplus in a single budget cycle. That is not a prediction of crisis, but it is the single most consequential near-term financial variable not captured in these audited numbers.
## Capital spending
Total capital outlay across all governmental funds reached $10.4 million. The biggest items were Clark Building Renovations at $3.2 million, Annual Street Improvements at $3 million, and Annual Sewer Improvements at $2.2 million. That spending drove combined governmental fund balances down $3.95 million to $45.5 million -- a deliberate drawdown of capital reserves, not an operational warning sign. The Capital Improvement Fund ended the year at $13.1 million, with $841,393 designated for City Yard construction.
## The longer-term pressure points
Four structural issues deserve ongoing attention.
The first is the county contract exposure. It is the most immediate and least predictable cost risk on the city's horizon.
The second is deferred maintenance. The ACFR does not publish a backlog figure -- and a Citywide Facilities Condition and Needs Assessment is listed among capital projects still to be completed, meaning the city does not yet have a comprehensive accounting of what it would cost to bring all facilities to a state of good repair. The queue of already-identified work includes City Wide Roof Repairs, Police Facilities Improvements, a new Corporate Yard Facility, Parking Structure (Lot C) Assessment, Pier Structural Inspection and Assessment, and Kelly Courts Improvements, alongside the annual street and sewer cycles. The Facilities Condition Assessment, when it arrives, is likely to reframe how residents and elected officials think about medium-term capital needs and the revenue required to meet them.
The third is the pace of expense growth. Public Works costs jumped 45 percent due to the street rehabilitation program and should normalise. But if underlying expense growth continues to outpace revenue growth, the General Fund surplus will compress regardless of the contract outcome.
The fourth is pension obligations. At $58.2 million, CalPERS remains the city's largest single liability by a wide margin. If investment returns underperform the 6.9 percent discount rate assumption over the long run, required contributions will rise.
## The bottom line
The audit is clean, the General Fund is operating with a surplus, pension obligations are improving, and the city is investing in infrastructure rather than deferring it. The questions worth watching are whether the county fire and lifeguard contract renegotiations land at a cost the General Fund can absorb, what the Facilities Condition Assessment reveals about the maintenance backlog, and whether TOT and property tax revenues hold up strongly enough to support both ongoing operations and the financing demands of the pier. The FY 2025 report does not raise red flags – but it marks the baseline against which those pressures will be judged. The 2026-27 budget cycle is about to begin, and the squeeze is most definitely on.
### Pickleball Fee Fight After Residents File Legal Complaints
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/pickleball-fee-fight-after-residents-file-legal-complaints/
Last updated: 2026-04-10T14:54:45.000Z
Hermosa Beach city staff is recommending the City Council walk back a March decision on pickleball fees after two residents filed legal complaints alleging the vote violated California's open meetings law.
The council will take up the matter at its April 14 meeting, where staff is asking members to formally rescind any interpretation of their March 24 action as final approval of new fee rates and to restart the process with proper public notice.
At the March meeting, the council directed staff to set annual pickleball memberships at $25 and court reservations at $15 per hour. The vote came during discussion of an agenda item which nominally only covered the Kelly Pickleball Courts use policy and hours of operation. The agenda did not mention fee changes.
Residents Anna Garcia and John Bauer each filed timely cure-and-correct demands under Government Code section 54960.1, arguing the fee discussion was not adequately noticed, limiting public participation.
Staff is taking a careful position in response. Their report argues the March action is best characterized as direction to staff rather than final approval, pointing out that no resolution to amend the city's Master Fee Schedule was on the agenda and that a cost recovery analysis had not been conducted. The word "approve" was used in the motion, but staff say the legal characterization of a council action depends on its substance, not the phrasing used during deliberations.
By clarifying, rescinding and re-agendizing the item, the city says it cures and corrects any potential Brown Act violation.
### Police Chief Speaks On 'Beach Takeover'
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/police-chief-speaks-on-beach-takeover/
Last updated: 2026-04-28T08:14:50.000Z
Speaking to The Hermosa Review on Tuesday, Hermosa Beach Police Chief Landon Phillips said that most of the teenagers who took part in a so-called 'beach takeover' last week cooperated with police and that actual law-breaking was limited to a small handful of people, two of whom were arrested.
He also said police would begin routinely monitoring social media to keep an eye out for any such incidents in the future.
Friday’s gathering, which had been advertised on Instagram and other social media platforms, drew an estimated 400 to 500 teens and young adults from across the South Bay and Los Angeles.
“When something is advertised as a takeover, it raises concerns about the size of the crowd and the behavior that can come with it,” Phillips said. “Had we learned of it sooner, we probably would have done a little more to mitigate it.”
Phillips said calls began coming in from residents, visitors, and business owners Friday afternoon, with reports of a large, disruptive crowd, along with public drinking, fighting and disruptive behavior at local stores.
Phillips said six officers from the HBPD responded to 22nd Street and The Strand. Manhattan Beach sent two additional officers, and Redondo Beach provided a drone with an officer to monitor the crowd.
The crowd dispersed after about four hours and the beach was clear by about 9 p.m.
“Most everyone in the group was cooperative, respectful,” the chief said.
Some residents were particularly alarmed by what appeared to be fights for entertainment. Posts on Instagram had promised boxing. The chief said such impromptu boxing matches were not illegal.
“It’s what we refer to as mutual combat,” he said, “If it’s agreed, ‘hey we’re going to put on boxing gloves and fight each other.’ But when it starts to cause injuries, now we’re getting into liability and hospitals and things like that.”
Two people were arrested Friday. One man believed to be connected to the event, was taken into custody for possession of a stolen vehicle. And a girl was arrested on suspicion of assault after an altercation with an employee at the Green Store.
“She had either a cup or a bottle of Gatorade and threw it on the employee and then spat in his direction,” Phillips said. She was arrested, cited and later released to her parents.
Police received four additional reports of assault involving people attending the gathering, but no arrests were made.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a person being punched and kicked as the crowd spilled over from the beach. Police are investigating four reports of assault following the event.
Social media posts from residents following the event suggested organized fights and possible betting, but Phillips said investigators have found no evidence to support those claims.
“We're not aware of any type of betting that was occurring. Can't say that it wasn't, but we're not aware of it,” he said. “We did see a video and it shows two guys with boxing gloves fighting each other, and there is a caption on the video that says $100 per knockout.”
He noted, however, that “it's social media, so anyone can post a video through an editing software and throw a caption on there.”
Looking ahead, the department plans to increase monitoring of social media to identify similar events earlier.
“And had we learned of it sooner, we probably would have done a little more to try to mitigate it,” he said. “We're going to be doing a lot more to be watchful for anything that's happening on our beach.”
Phillips said a crime analyst will track posts mentioning Hermosa Beach and look for gatherings that appear to be gaining traction.
“If it looks like it's something that might gain traction, that's when we'll start putting together an operations plan,” he said.
Future responses could include increased staffing, earlier intervention and coordination with neighboring agencies or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
“When we learn of something, we'll staff up. Not stopping anyone from coming to the beach, they can do so. But if they're bringing alcohol on the beach, we're going to intervene. If they’re doing any type of activities where people might get hurt, we’re going to intervene.”
Phillips said the department’s approach will focus on early enforcement to deter disruptive behavior.
“If we get ahead of it early and stay with it and they communicate for us with each other that Hermosa Beach isn't the hangout spot this week or this month, then they'll move on.”
For now, police said day-to-day patrol operations will not change, but officers will conduct additional checks in the area and continue to respond to reports from the public.
“We're going to be monitoring it. We will respond. We will do everything we can to keep the community safe,” Phillips said.
### CRIME TIME: March 22-28
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-march-22-28/
Last updated: 2026-04-07T11:25:38.000Z
Hermosa Beach police responded to 35 reported incidents during the week of March 22-28, highlighted by a serious hit-and-run DUI crash that caused injuries, a stolen motorcycle pursuit, and successful arrests in multiple vehicle theft cases aided by tracking technology.
## Hit-and-Run DUI Causes Injuries
The week's most serious incident occurred early Friday morning at Hermosa Avenue and Pier Avenue when a driver under the influence struck multiple vehicles, causing injuries to a victim, and then fled the scene. Officers located the suspect in their vehicle locally and made an arrest. The incident underscores the dangers of impaired driving and fleeing the scene of an injury collision.
## Stolen Motorcycle Chase Ends in Arrest
Saturday saw a brazen incident when a subject was riding a stolen motorcycle recklessly and taunting officers at Pier Plaza. When the motorcycle was located stopped and officers approached, one subject fled while the other couldn't start the bike. The remaining suspect fled on foot but was eventually stopped and arrested at 35th and Palm Drive. The motorcycle was confirmed stolen out of LAPD. The subject resisted arrest, hit a patrol vehicle while attempting to flee, and was driving without a license.
## Technology Aids Vehicle Theft Arrests
Modern tracking technology led to a significant arrest Saturday morning when an unlocked vehicle was entered on the 1300 block of Sunset Drive and items were stolen. One stolen item was tracked online, leading officers to locate the vehicle. Two subjects were arrested and found in possession of multiple items of stolen property. Both suspects had outstanding warrants.
Early Tuesday morning, another successful recovery occurred when an e-bike was stolen from 35th Street and The Strand after the lock was cut. The subject was located and arrested.
Tuesday morning also saw a stolen property arrest at 8th Street and Hermosa Avenue when a subject was contacted and admitted to having property not belonging to him. Car keys, a social security card, and State ID cards all in other people's names were located. The subject was arrested.
## Vehicle Break-In Pattern
Multiple unlocked vehicle thefts occurred during the week, with four separate incidents reported in the north end. On the 1800 block of Manhattan Avenue, an unlocked vehicle was entered and various items stolen Tuesday evening. The same night, another unlocked vehicle on the 400 block of Gould Avenue was entered, rummaged through, and items stolen. A third incident on the 300 block of 26th Street saw a wallet stolen from an unlocked vehicle, later recovered locally with items missing.
In one unusual case, a victim lost their phone while on the Plaza Thursday night. Upon returning home, they tracked the phone to the police station. Officers had located it during an unrelated DUI arrest and returned it to the victim.
## Identity Theft Surge
Three identity theft cases were reported during the week. The most elaborate involved a victim on the 600 block of 5th Street whose tax return was intercepted to pay a student loan they never applied for. An unknown person had used the victim's identity to open the fraudulent student loan, with the theft occurring between late February and mid-March.
Two other cases involved subjects applying for lines of credit in victims' names on the 700 block of Monterey Boulevard and an earlier unreported incident.
## E-Bike & Bicycle Thefts
Beyond the arrested e-bike thief, an unlocked electric bicycle was stolen Tuesday afternoon from the 700 block of Pier Avenue, continuing a pattern of opportunistic bike thefts targeting unsecured vehicles.
## DUI Arrests
Four DUI arrests were made during the week beyond the hit-and-run incident. Early Friday morning, a driver was arrested on the 200 block of Hermosa Avenue. Two arrests occurred over the weekend on Pacific Coast Highway—one early Saturday morning at the 1600 block and another early Sunday morning at the 800 block. The Sunday arrest also included charges for driving without a license and an open container violation.
## Vandalism
Three vandalism incidents were reported. A rear window of a vehicle was shattered but remained intact on the 200 block of 4th Street between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Graffiti appeared on the front door of a business on the 00 block of 14th Street overnight Sunday. Thursday night saw a Toyota emblem and grill removed from a vehicle on the 300 block of 28th Street.
## Weapons & Quality of Life
A verbal argument on Pier Avenue Saturday evening escalated when one subject pepper sprayed another.
Two public intoxication arrests were made—one Friday evening on Pacific Coast Highway and another Wednesday morning on the 700 block of Pier Ave. A citation was issued Wednesday morning for amplified sound on Pier Avenue.
## Hit-and-Run Pattern Continues
Three additional hit-and-run incidents with property damage only were reported at 100 block Herondo Street on Tuesday, 33rd Street and Manhattan Avenue on Saturday, and Pacific Coast Highway and 2nd Street the previous Wednesday (March 19).
## Other Incidents
A bicycle accident Thursday morning on the 1100 block of Cypress Avenue resulted in injuries when one cyclist collided with another. The injured party was transported for medical care.
An e-bike accident Saturday evening on the 2600 block of Hermosa Avenue sent a rider to the hospital with no other parties involved.
An information report documented a patio theft from late February where multiple items were stolen from an apartment on the 400 block of 2nd Street.
Thursday evening, a subject was found attempting to stay at a residence on the 300 block of Hopkins Street without the owner's permission.
Found property included two bicycles, an envelope with an item inside, and a wallet.
[Click to view the Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### Roll of Honor
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/roll-of-honor/
Last updated: 2026-04-28T08:15:12.000Z
The Hermosa Beach Lawn Bowling Club will mark its historic 90th anniversary this year as host to one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country, a crowning achievement for an amiable group of enthusiasts whose numbers have been on an upswing in recent years.
“I can honestly say the club has never been stronger, livelier, or more fun,” said club President Tony Crutchfield. “We have built a great community that will surely last well into the future.”
Crutchfield is one of the eight legacy members who will be recognized at a special breakfast on Saturday to celebrate the club’s nine decades of operation.
Founded in 1936, the club once thrived as one of the premier lawn bowling clubs in the country. But membership gradually dwindled to near extinction. “In the 1980s, there was probably one member left,” he said.
Over the years, speculators have eyed the club’s prime location, tucked between the Clark Building and tennis courts, for everything from a dog park to a community plunge. But the club managed to stay put.
The Hermosa Beach Lawn Bowling Club is known for its casual beach vibe and friendly members.
Today, membership stands at a robust 82, testament to a successful mix of togetherness, outreach, and lively competition.
“It’s an outdoor activity that’s active, social, strategic and competitive,” said Board Member Myles Kropf, who picked up the sport after suffering a stroke. “The community is unbelievable. You make friends immediately.”
Board Member Myles Kropf started lawn bowling after suffering a stroke. He said he is now addicted to the sport.
Despite its long history and welcoming atmosphere, the club has largely flown under the radar, even among locals.
“Nobody knows we have this lawn bowling club that has national tournaments,” Board Member Vaughn Feather said.
That is beginning to change.
Last Labor Day weekend, the club hosted its first major open tournament, drawing top competitors from California and Arizona. With $6,000 in prize money, set to increase to $8,000 this year, it is now the largest pool for any lawn bowling event in the country.
For a club that had long been overlooked in competitive circles, it was a breakthrough moment.
“We were always looked at as sort of like, ‘Hermosa? Isn’t that the place where they’ve got this cow pasture for a green and nobody ever bowls there?’ We didn’t have much of a reputation,” Feather said.
“This put us on the map.”
The competition is now set to become an annual fixture over Labor Day weekend, with organizers expecting stronger turnout as the word spreads.
“I think we’ll fill up very quickly,” Feather said.
Beyond the prize money, players were struck by the quality of the greens, another factor in shaping the club’s reputation.
“They thought the playing conditions were going to be very poor,” he said. “But we have a very hard-working greenskeeper…and the conditions of our greens are vastly improved.”
(Left to right) HBLBC Tournament Director Darrell DeCastro, Board Member Myles Kropf, President Tony Crutchfield and Head Greenskeeper Dave Ostrom
The success of the tournament has also helped elevate the club’s standing locally. Once a largely hidden amenity, it is now emerging as a source of pride.
“It’s easy to start to play,” Feather said. “There’s a low bar of entry. But then as you play more and more, you realize to get really good, that’s a challenge.”
The club is working hard to secure its future by reaching new audiences, often hosting open houses, offering free lessons, and exploring partnerships with local schools.
“We’re all getting older,” Crutchfield said. “We’re not going to be around forever, so we need younger people to come in.”
The game’s blend of strategy, social connection and low impact offers a rare cross-generational appeal.
“It probably won’t appeal to the football player or soccer player,” Crutchfield said. “But it’ll appeal to the tennis player, golf player, even the video game enthusiast.”
For now, the club remains one of Hermosa’s best kept secrets, a place where people can play barefoot, listen to music while they bowl, and have fun.
“This is one of the greatest things to do in Hermosa before noon,” Kropf said.
### The Man Who Drew Hermosa
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/the-man-who-drew-hermosa/
Last updated: 2026-04-28T08:14:16.000Z
'Flying Bob' Reinbolt did not come to Hermosa Beach with a plan.
"I accidentally met the surveyor who had the contract to lay out the new town site of Hermosa Beach during the spring of 1901," Reinbolt told a local newspaper. "They were just preparing to start work, and, having nothing to do, I came along with them and helped them out."
He was 19 years old. He had come to Los Angeles from Fremont, Ohio. The place that would become Hermosa Beach was not yet Hermosa Beach. It was sand dunes, barley fields, a ranch house at the corner of Second and Camino Real, and not much else. B.H. Hiss had arrived with a grading outfit. A few structures were going up: the Morse & Morse building, the Pioneer building, a house belonging to a Mrs. Smith. The Hermosa Beach Land and Water Company, which had purchased 1,500 acres of beachfront the previous July at $35 an acre, needed someone to turn empty acreage into a town.
Reinbolt volunteered, and then he never stopped.
"The location looked good to me, and after the surveying was done I stayed right on with the Hermosa Beach Land and Water Co.," he said.
'Flying Bob' Reinbolt, a towering figure in Hermosa history
He stayed for nine years as superintendent, and for the rest of his life as a resident. His surveying crew laid out the bones of a city: Ocean Front Board Walk, now the Strand. Hermosa Avenue, the first paved street. Santa Fe Avenue, running east to meet the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway tracks. They carved the land into building sites, subdivisions, and plots for water wells. According to the memory of his widow, Janette, the first water well was drilled at what is now 2nd Street and Pacific Coast Highway.
Reinbolt helped install the water system, the sewer system, and the gas mains. He mapped them all. "I secured a very complete knowledge of these systems and the location of the mains," he recalled. "In fact I made maps which are very useful to me." The knowledge proved bankable: he built a plumbing business that handled most of the principal buildings in town, including the new bank building and the Larson building.
In 1903, when the Pacific Electric Railway brought its big Red Cars through Hermosa, Reinbolt drove the first spike and oversaw the project. That same year, he organized the city's first baseball team and made himself captain.
On December 24, 1906, Hermosa held its incorporation vote. The tally: 24 yes, 23 no. Reinbolt voted yes. Because of his position with the Land and Water Company, he kept one of the two official copies of the count. The other went to Sacramento. The State of California approved the incorporation on January 2, 1907\. By March, Reinbolt had been appointed the city's first Fire Chief, a post he held until 1923.
He was a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce in 1912, joined Kiwanis in 1926 and served as its president in 1931.
And then there was the car.
They called him "Flying Bob" because he owned the first known automobile in Hermosa Beach, and he drove it the way he did everything else: flat out. The local papers tracked his automotive misadventures with something between alarm and amusement.
One report described him as "the swiftest driver of a machine in Hermosa Beach." On that occasion, three schoolboys stood in the middle of the street to play a joke on him. When Reinbolt swerved to miss them, the boys panicked and ran in the same direction. To avoid a collision, he deliberately turned his car into a bank embankment, breaking the front axle.
Those pesky urchins from 1913
Another time, his car was struck by a southbound Pacific Electric trolley at 27th Street and Hermosa Avenue. The Red Car, obscured by the P.E. substation, hit the rear delivery box and threw it twenty feet down the track. Reinbolt and his passenger said they were going so fast they didn't feel the impact. The paper noted dryly that Reinbolt "seems to bear a charmed life," observing that about a year earlier the same car had rolled three times in the sand. He dug himself out unhurt and drove it back to the office under its own power.
On a rainy morning, he was rear-ended on Pier Avenue near Loma Drive while stopped to pick up a friend. The collision threw him against the seat and cab hard enough to twist his back and neck. He was taken to the Hermosa-Redondo hospital. His car, naturally, was driven away under its own power.
Even the dog got in on it. Reinbolt's dog Spot got into a fight with three other dogs. Reinbolt waded in to break it up and was bitten on the hand badly enough to require medical attention. No infection resulted.
'Dog Bites Man' : 1925 Hermosa
Reinbolt once claimed that anyone who said they were the first settler in Hermosa Beach should be referred to him. "I can show by my records that I connected up their house to the water system," he said.
He watched the place grow from what he called "a waste of beach sand to the modern metropolitan city that it is today." He married Janette F. Smith in 1908\. They had two sons, Evron and Elden, and Flying Bob spent 43 years in the town he surveyed into existence because he had nothing better to do on a spring day in 1901\. The family home was at 1516 Monterey Blvd.
In October 1944, Reinbolt traveled to Elsinore on the advice of his physician. Heart complications developed. He rallied, was thought to be out of danger, then relapsed suddenly on a Saturday afternoon. He died that evening, on October 7, 1944, one day before his 65th birthday.
The Requiem Mass was celebrated at American Martyrs Catholic Church on Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach. South Bay newspapers called him Hermosa's "first citizen." He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Today, 125 years after Reinbolt helped lay the first stakes, streets in Hermosa Beach still follow the lines he drew. The Strand. Hermosa Avenue. Pier Avenue. The grid of the city that we all call home began as pencil marks on a teenage surveyor's map. The sand dunes are gone. The barley fields are gone. Flying Bob is gone. But the lines hold.
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### CRIME TIME: March 15-21
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-march-15-21/
Last updated: 2026-03-27T17:44:28.000Z
Hermosa Beach police logged 33 reported incidents during the week of March 15-21, with financial fraud emerging as an unusually prominent theme alongside the typical downtown public intoxication arrests and a concerning pattern of garage burglaries in the north end.
## Financial Crimes & Fraud
The week saw a concentration of financial crimes, particularly involving intercepted and altered IRS checks. Two separate victims reported that their IRS refund checks had been intercepted, washed, and cashed by unknown suspects. One case dated back to June 2025 and was reported from the 800 block of 21st Street, while another was reported from the 500 block of Pier Avenue with the interception occurring between January 14-23.
A third fraud victim on the 200 block of Pacific Coast Highway began receiving emails about loan applications they never submitted, discovering the fraud had been ongoing since late December. Another victim on The Strand hired a contractor who stopped communication and failed to return money owed after the contract was terminated.
Modern financial crimes also made an appearance when funds were transferred out of a cryptocurrency account without permission in an incident reported from the 100 block of Pier Avenue. Identity theft struck the 1200 block of 20th Place when a victim received multiple letters about businesses that had been registered using their name and address.
A business on Pier Avenue reported a fraudulent transaction on their account between late February and late March.
## Property Crimes
Garage burglaries hit the 2000 block of Hermosa Avenue twice during the week. In the first incident, discovered Thursday morning, tools and a bicycle were stolen after the garage was opened. Just hours later, another garage on the same block was entered and an e-bike was stolen. The proximity and timing suggest a possible connection between the two burglaries.
A locked bicycle was stolen from The Strand on Sunday evening, and headphones were reported lost from 14th Court on Monday.
Vehicle vandalism occurred Tuesday afternoon when a passenger side window was smashed on a vehicle parked on the 800 block of Valley Drive.
In a concerning incident Monday afternoon, a victim dropped off jewelry at a business on the 1200 block of Hermosa Avenue, but when they returned to pick up the items, the store appeared to be closed.
## Assault & Public Safety
An e-bike-related assault occurred Wednesday evening on Pier Avenue when a verbal argument over bike riding on The Strand escalated. The suspect pushed their e-bike into the victim's legs before leaving the area.
## DUI & Narcotics
Three DUI arrests were made during the week. Early Friday morning, a driver was arrested at 10th Street and The Strand, while early Tuesday morning brought another arrest on the 1100 block of Aviation Boulevard. The week's first DUI arrest occurred early Saturday morning on the 1100 block of Hermosa Ave.
On Wednesday morning, officers located a subject with an outstanding warrant on the 200 block of Pier Avenue. During the search, controlled substances including methamphetamine were found, leading to arrest.
A bicycle stop late Sunday night at 11th Street and Hermosa Avenue resulted in a paraphernalia arrest.
## Quality of Life
Public intoxication dominated quality-of-life enforcement with seven arrests throughout the week. Downtown locations including Pier Avenue, Hermosa Avenue, and the Pier Avenue/Manhattan Avenue intersection saw multiple arrests. One arrest occurred Friday afternoon on the 1600 block of Pacific Coast Highway, breaking the typical early-morning pattern.
## Other Incidents
Two bicycles were found and turned in as property on Sunday morning, both near Pier Avenue.
An unusual burglary case emerged Thursday when items were stolen from an apartment on the 400 block of Herondo Street, though the victim had already been evicted from the unit.
A medical emergency Monday required subject transport after treatment, with the vehicle towed for safety. Another information report documented a disturbance at an apartment complex on 2nd Street.
Sunday saw a victim report that they believed they may have been a fraud victim, though no actual fraud was discovered upon investigation.
HBPD's canine unit assisted Redondo Beach Police Department with a high-risk traffic stop on the 1500 block of Pacific Coast Highway on Friday morning.
Residents are reminded to secure garages and outbuildings, particularly in the north end where the recent burglaries occurred, and to report suspicious activity immediately to HBPD.
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### The End Of The Pier, Or A Fresh Start ?
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/the-end-of-the-pier-or-a-fresh-start/
Last updated: 2026-04-20T23:31:58.000Z
The Hermosa Beach pier has less than ten years of economic life left. The recently submitted [structural condition assessment](https://www.hermosareview.com/pier-review/) found the deck in 'poor to serious condition', its load rating already reduced by half, and the cost of keeping the existing structure running through 2070 at a cumulative $210 million in inflation-adjusted dollars. A new pier is estimated at $44.5 million. According to the survey, the optimal replacement year is 2032\. After 2036, the math gets significantly worse.
Hermosa's current pier opened in June 1965 at a total cost of $589,600, half of which was covered by an external grant. That's $6.1 million today, adjusted for inflation. The city's current estimate for the construction of a brand new pier in 2032 is $44.5 million.
That assessment coincides with other major financial decisions facing our city. A renovation of the city yard is estimated to cost around $20 million. The deferred maintenance and unfunded project list is north of $100 million.
What the city does with its pier is now a political question, not just an engineering one. To understand the range of possible answers, it might help to look at what has happened to piers elsewhere when that same question came due.
#### THE QUICK CLICK (click for summary)
- The pier is failing. Engineers say replace it by 2032 or costs spiral fast.
- Repair vs. replace: continued repair gets exponentially more expensive
- The window closes around 2036\. After that, the structure starts making the decision for you.
- Half of Britain's piers are gone. Many of them deemed uneconomic.
- The Hastings Pier won an architecture prize and went bankrupt six months later. Building it is not the same as running it.
- A pier-head restaurant could generate $500k a year for the city. Real money for maintenance. Not remotely enough to pay for construction.
- San Diego's pier has been closed since 2023 with no rebuild start date. They waited too long.
- Capitola assembled its funding stack — sales tax, state grant, HUD money — before the storms hit. That is why they rebuilt in a year.
- Parcel tax could cost every homeowner $550 each year per $1m of assessed value
How Hermosa's pier looked back in the 1970's, complete with food stall
## Origin Story
Britain is where the pleasure pier was invented. The first opened on the Isle of Wight in 1814 — a wooden landing stage built so ferries could dock at low tide — and the form spread rapidly until, by 1914, more than a hundred piers served English seaside resorts from Cornwall to Yorkshire. They were the original model for what Hermosa Beach's pier, and thousands like it, eventually became: a structure extending over open water, available to anyone who wanted to walk out over the sea.
Britain is also where the consequences of getting pier stewardship wrong have played out at the largest scale and over the longest time. Fewer than 55 of those hundred piers survive today. The rest went to storms, fire, deferred maintenance, and the economics of resorts that ran out of visitors. The American version of the pier evolved differently - less bandstand, more bait shop - but the structural and financial pressures are the same. Salt water and marine organisms do not care which country a pier is in. Neither does the arithmetic of neglect.
---
## Iron-clad Problems
The most consistent lesson from pier failures globally is that deferred maintenance is the most expensive option. Every city that chose to keep patching an aging structure found that costs compounded until replacement became the only viable choice — but from a weaker position, with less time, and fewer options. The Hermosa engineering report makes this point in inflation-adjusted dollars. History makes it in demolished piers.
Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare, England is the extreme version. Opened in 1867, it closed in 1994 when storm damage and decades of underinvestment made it unsafe. For nearly thirty years afterward, a private holding company sat on the asset and did nothing. Parts of the deck fell into the sea. Historic England put it on their Heritage at Risk register in 1998 and left it there for twenty-five years. When the local council finally forced a compulsory purchase in 2023, restoration costs were roughly fifty times what sale and repair would have cost three decades earlier.
Birnbeck Pier fell into total disrepair under private ownership
Hermosa's pier is not Birnbeck. It is publicly owned, actively used, and now formally assessed. The point is simply that the gap between the cost of acting and the cost of waiting tends to widen faster than cities expect.
---
## Operating Pressures
Hastings Pier on England's south coast, built in 1872, closed in 2008 after its owners allowed the structure to become unsafe. In October 2010, a fire destroyed 95 percent of it. A community group rebuilt it anyway: the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £11.4 million, a community share scheme raised £550,000 from 3,000 local shareholders, and the pier reopened in April 2016\. In 2017 it won the Stirling Prize, the UK's most prestigious architecture award.
Six months later, the Hastings Pier Charity went into administration.
Rebuilding a pier requires one set of skills. Running it commercially — generating enough revenue from events, food, fishing, and footfall to cover maintenance of a metal structure in an ocean climate — requires a completely different set. The charity had the first and never adequately solved for the second. A private buyer purchased the pier for £50,000\. The 3,000 community shareholders lost their investment.
The lesson is not that community ownership is the wrong model. It is that the operating question must be answered before the groundbreaking, not after. A rebuilt pier needs a commercial strategy that covers ongoing maintenance costs from day one. Otherwise you are just postponing the crisis, as Hermosa is now finding out.
---
## Innovation
The piers that are currently drawing visitors and covering their costs have typically made a deliberate choice about what they are for, and built around that answer.
One recent example is the St. Pete Pier in St. Petersburg, Florida. The city's old 1973 pier — an inverted concrete pyramid that had become unprofitable and underused — was demolished and replaced through an international design competition. The result, opened in 2020, is a 26-acre public district stretching 1,380 feet into Tampa Bay. Rather than piling everything at the pier head, the design distributes programming along the entire length: a naturalized beach created by a new artificial reef and breakwater, a one-acre coastal thicket of native plantings housing an ecology education center, a tilted lawn for yoga and events, restaurants, fishing areas, a children's splash pad, and a local vendor marketplace. Hydrodynamic modeling produced calm enough water for a genuine swimming beach where none had existed before. The pier won the Urban Land Institute's Global Award for Excellence in 2022\. Total cost was around $90 million.
St. Pete Pier is more akin to public parkland, including two pickleball courts
In England, Bournemouth Pier installed a zip line from the pier head down to the beach, and converted its former theatre into a climbing wall and aerial activities complex. Folkestone's Harbour Arm, a former working pier redeveloped in 2016, runs a champagne bar at its tip and rotating pop-up food and music programming along its length. Weston-super-Mare's Grand Pier burned down in 2008 and reopened two years later with an enclosed amusement complex built around an indoor suspended go-kart track — purpose-built to draw visitors regardless of English coastal weather.
Bournemouth's zip line
None of these are the piers their grandparents knew. All of them are full. The Hermosa pier is simpler than any of them — no concession stand, no amusements, no commercial tenant. It is a fishing and recreation pier, and a landmark at the foot of Pier Avenue, and for most residents that has been enough. The question facing the city is not just whether to rebuild, but what a rebuilt pier should be for the next sixty years.
A rebuilt pier could certainly include some version of what other cities have added at the pier head: a restaurant space, most likely with a full liquor license, positioned to capture the view that is the site's principal commercial asset. At the end of the pier, a well-run operator could realistically generate $3.5 to $4.5 million in annual gross revenue out of a 4000 ft**²** space. Under a standard percentage-rent structure — the model used at comparable public waterfront sites up and down the California coast — the city as landowner would likely collect somewhere around 10% of that revenue. That would equate to $9.10 per foot/month, which is definitely at the top end of current market rates. The following table makes some estimates of potential revenue from a restaurant and concessions, versus the financing cost of a new pier. The gap is startling, with projected revenue covering just 18% of the debt cost. That would almost certainly mean a parcel tax of some type, with an annual bill reaching north of $1000 for some Hermosa homeowners. That's without considering the cost of actually building the restaurant or other facilities.
Pier revenue vs. bond cost Midpoint estimate · $44.5M bond · 30 years · 6% · annual figures ESTIMATED ANNUAL PIER REVENUE Restaurant lease 10% of $4M gross revenue + $40k base rent Equivalent to $9.10/sq ft on a 4,000 sq ft space $440,000 City sales tax retention \~1% of restaurant gross (city keeps 10.5¢ per dollar collected) $40,000 Events and private hire 20 events per year at average $3,500 per event $70,000 Concession leases 2 kiosks at $20,000 per year each $40,000 Total pier revenue $590,000 ANNUAL BOND DEBT SERVICE Annual payment Principal + interest · 30 years · 6% · $44.5M $3,232,880 18% covered by pier revenue ANNUAL TAXPAYER GAP $2,642,880 Per parcel (flat levy) $421 / year Per $100k assessed value $45.57 / year The Hermosa Review analysis · hermosareview.com
---
## Closer To Home
Down the coast, the Ocean Beach Pier in San Diego has been closed since October 2023, when high surf caused structural damage engineers determined was not worth repairing. A 2018 study had already found it beyond its useful service life. The city kept patching. Then a winter storm knocked a pile into the ocean and the decision was made for them.
San Diego is now pursuing full replacement at an estimated $170 to $190 million. The design — a curved structure called The Braid — is in environmental review under CEQA, which in California can take two to five years. As of early 2026, Ocean Beach residents have been without their pier for over two years with no construction start date.
Naples, Florida (population roughly the same as Hermosa) is currently rebuilding its hurricane-damaged pier for $26 million. Federal FEMA funding of $11.4 million arrived in December 2025, three years after the storm. The city hired a former federal employee specifically to navigate the permitting process, and the mayor eventually used a personal connection to get the Secretary of Homeland Security to personally intervene and unblock the review. Construction is now underway with an 18-month timeline.
Anna Maria, a small Gulf Coast city more comparable to Hermosa in scale, rebuilt its pier walkway after hurricane damage for $7 to $8 million — assembled from FEMA, county tourist development taxes, and state appropriations, all fronted by the city and reimbursed later.
Capitola offers the most recent California example of a small city navigating exactly this sequence. January 2023 storms split the Capitola Wharf in half – the structure, which dates to 1857, had already needed significant work before the storms hit. The city had actually been building toward a major renovation for years: voters approved Measure F in 2016, a quarter-cent sales tax increase dedicated in part to protecting the wharf from storms and rising sea levels, and in 2020 the California State Coastal Conservancy awarded the city $1.9 million for a resiliency and public access project. A $3.5 million HUD grant followed in December 2022, just weeks before the storms struck. That pre-assembled funding stack meant the city could move quickly: it signed a $7.9 million construction contract with Cushman Contracting, construction began in September 2023, and the rebuilt wharf – wider, with new pilings and decking – reopened in September 2024\.
A Capitola community fundraising effort raised an additional $425,000 for enhancements including seating, viewing stations, and public art. What the wharf does not yet have is the restaurant and bait shop that stood on it before – both were partially collapsed by a second storm in December 2023 and demolished in February 2024\. Whether to rebuild them is now an open and contested question, with options ranging from a $600,000 basic package to a $6.2 million plan including a full restaurant, stage, and boat storage. The Capitola case is instructive for Hermosa on two counts: the funding stack that made rapid action possible was assembled over several years before the crisis arrived, and the structural rebuild and the question of what to put on it turned out to be two entirely separate decisions, each with its own politics.
Manhattan Beach offers the nearest local example of a pier head put to a different use. The Roundhouse Aquarium was originally built as a pavilion in 1922 and converted in 1979 into a free marine science education center operated by a nonprofit. It draws around 300,000 visitors a year and runs school programs serving students bused in from across Los Angeles County. A $5 million revitalization completed in 2018, funded primarily through a private donation from the Harrison Greenberg Foundation and led by Skechers president Michael Greenberg in memory of his son, transformed the interior into a state-of-the-art teaching facility. The model is not without its financial fragility — the aquarium recently had to ask the Manhattan Beach City Council for $80,000 a year in maintenance support.
Manhattan Beach's Roundhouse Aquarium benefits from generous support by the Harrison Greenberg Foundation
---
## The Hot Potato
There is a reason pier decisions tend to get deferred, and it is not purely financial. No elected official wants to be the one who brings the hammer down on a community landmark. The pier is popular. It photographs well. It appears on city branding. Proposing to close it, demolish it, or replace it with something that requires a bond measure or significant new spending is not an obvious career enhancer for anyone on a city council. The path of least political resistance has always been the patch-up: spend enough to keep it open, avoid the big decision, and leave the harder question to whoever comes next.
Ryan Gosling on a Hollywood-lit Hermosa Beach pier in the movie 'La La Land'
Hermosa has, in various forms, been on that path for years. The structural report is significant not just for what it found, but for what it does to the political calculus. Deferred maintenance and incremental repair have been the default not because anyone formally chose them, but because no one formally chose anything else. The engineering assessment changes that. It establishes, on the public record and in inflation-adjusted dollars, what the default option actually costs: $210 million through 2070 versus a $44.5 million replacement. It is now harder for any council member to vote for another round of patch-up repairs without acknowledging what they are voting for.
Pier cost calculator
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Ad valorem: cost scales with your assessed value. Flat parcel tax is equal across all parcels.
The funding challenge is real and should not be minimized. Hermosa has no hurricane on its insurance claim, no FEMA trigger, no standing federal disaster declaration. Any significant pier work would need to be funded through state coastal grants, federal programs without obvious applicability, local bond measures (most likely), or private sources. None are quick, and some require a committed direction before the money appears. Coastal Commission approval adds another layer of complexity and time that other states' pier projects do not face.
The risk for Hermosa is that the political difficulty of committing to a course converts instead into another cycle of repairs, and another after that, until the structure's condition removes the choice entirely. That is roughly what happened in Ocean Beach. The 2018 report found the pier beyond its service life. The city kept patching. A 2023 storm knocked a pile into the ocean and settled the matter.
The engineering window the Hermosa report identifies closes between 2032 and 2036\. That is close enough that the current council will need to at least begin the formal planning process if the recommended timeline is to be met. What the city builds, how it pays for it, and what the pier is for when it is done remain genuinely open questions. Whether to engage with those questions seriously is, at this point, less open than it used to be.
Assuming that Hermosa taxpayers have to fund the cost of a pier replacement, that would equate to an average parcel tax of $500-$600 per property. Each year for 30 years. That burden should accelerate the conversation about innovation, commercial partnership and how much we want to ensure that our city has a pier for the next 50 years and beyond.
---
### *FURTHER READING*
[Pier Review Creates Pier PressureA year-long structural assessment of the Hermosa Beach pier comes to City Council Tuesday — with a cost-benefit analysis that could reframe how the city thinks about the structure’s future.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/pier-review/)
[Mid-Year City Budget Review Highlights Financial PressureHermosa Beach faces a $548K budget shortfall at midyear, with projected spending increases vs. original forecast outpacing revenue gains 3-to-1\. Staff proposes one-time funds to close the gap for the third straight year.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/mid-year-budget-review-highlights-financial-pressure/)
### Court Rules Hermosa Beach Short-Term Coastal Rental Ban Unenforceable
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/court-rules-hermosa-beach-short-term-rental-ban-unenforceable/
Last updated: 2026-04-12T18:18:16.000Z
A Hermosa Beach resident has won a significant legal victory against the city's short-term rental enforcement regime, with a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruling that the city's ban on short-term rentals in the coastal zone cannot be enforced until it receives approval from the California Coastal Commission.
#### THE QUICK VERSION (Click to view)
- A Los Angeles Superior Court judge tentatively ruled March 26 that Hermosa Beach's short-term rental ban is unenforceable in the coastal zone because the city never obtained Coastal Commission approval before enacting it in 2016.
- The ruling dismisses a $2,500 citation against Manhattan Avenue homeowner Todd Koerner and issues a permanent injunction blocking coastal zone enforcement citywide.
- The city's own appeal hearing officer had previously ruled that the ban was legally invalid; the code enforcement officer who cited Koerner knew this at the time.
- Around 200 Hermosa Beach short-term rental operators — mostly in the coastal zone — now have grounds to challenge citations.
- The city can still pursue a legal ban through the Coastal Commission, but the process is lengthy and approval is far from guaranteed. A final judgment hearing is set for May 5.
The tentative decision, issued March 26 in *Koerner v. City of Hermosa Beach*, orders the city to dismiss a $2,500 citation issued against Todd Koerner, who has rented a spare bedroom in his Manhattan Avenue home on Airbnb since 2012\. It also directs the court to issue a permanent injunction blocking enforcement of the ban across the entire coastal zone — not just at Koerner's property. The coastal zone covers most of the city west of Ardmore Avenue, representing over 40% of Hermosa's land area. Koerner's property at 237 Manhattan Avenue sits well within it.
## The Core Legal Issue
At the heart of the case is the California Coastal Act, a 1976 state law that governs land use in the coastal zone and requires local governments to obtain a Coastal Development Permit before making changes that affect the intensity of use of coastal land. The Coastal Commission, a state agency, holds ultimate authority over those decisions.
The city enacted its short-term rental ban — codified as section 17.42.180 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code — in 2016, prohibiting the offer, rental, or advertisement of any stay of less than 30 days in residentially zoned areas. It did so without seeking Commission approval.
The court found that was a legal error. Because the city's pre-2016 zoning code permitted residential rentals without any distinction between short-term and long-term stays, banning short-term rentals constituted a change in the intensity of use of land — which qualifies as "development" under the Coastal Act and requires a permit.
The ruling follows a line of California appellate decisions that have consistently rejected similar arguments from coastal cities. In *Keen v. City of Manhattan Beach* (2022), the court of appeal held that a city's permissive zoning code, if silent on rental duration, must treat short- and long-term rentals the same. Judge in the Koerner case applied the same logic: Hermosa Beach always permitted residential rentals; it cannot credibly claim it always banned short-term ones.
## The City's Defense, and Why It Failed
The city argued that short-term rentals were never permitted under its zoning code because the municipal definition of "dwelling" excluded hotels, boarding houses, and lodging houses — categories it equated with short-term occupancy. It also argued that its 2016 ordinance merely clarified an existing prohibition rather than creating a new one.
The court rejected both contentions. A room rented short-term in a private home, it found, is a residential use — not a hotel or boarding house. The municipal code's definition of "dwelling" contains no minimum length of stay. And because the city could not point to any pre-2016 ordinance that distinguished between short- and long-term rentals, the ban could not be characterized as a clarification of existing law.
## A Pattern the City Chose to Ignore
What makes the ruling particularly pointed is what the administrative record reveals about the city's awareness of its legal exposure. In earlier, unrelated citation cases, the city's own appointed hearing officer — Steve Napolitano, ironically now the city's manager — had already concluded that the STR ban was invalid in the coastal zone absent Coastal Commission approval. The code enforcement officer who cited Koerner in September 2024 knew about those rulings when he issued the citation.
Despite that, the city continued enforcement, escalated fines to as much as $20,000 per violation, and — when the City Council discussed in early 2025 whether to carve out owner-occupied homes from the ban — ultimately voted only to receive a report from the city attorney and take no action.
## What Happens Now
The ruling does not permanently prohibit Hermosa Beach from banning short-term rentals. It requires the city to seek approval through the proper channel: either a Coastal Development Permit or an amendment to its Local Coastal Program certified by the Commission. That process is lengthy and uncertain, and the Commission has historically been protective of lower-cost visitor accommodation as a matter of coastal access policy.
#### What is an LCP ? (click to view)
- ****Local Coastal Program (LCP):** a planning document that coastal cities and counties submit to the Coastal Commission for certification, meant to govern development in their coastal zone
- Has two components: a ****Land Use Plan (LUP)** setting general policies, and an ****Implementation Plan (IP)** with specific zoning ordinances and regulations to carry them out
- Hermosa Beach has a certified LUP but has never completed its Implementation Plan, leaving the LCP uncertified for 43 years
- Without a certified LCP, the Coastal Commission retains ****direct permitting authority** over virtually all significant development in the city's coastal zone
- Once certified, a city theoretically regains local control over most CDP decisions, with the Commission shifting to an oversight/appeal role
- Certification is not automatic: the Commission must find the plan "consistent with and adequate to carry out" the Coastal Act
- The Commission can impose ****"suggested modifications"** on a submitted plan; if the city doesn't accept them, the plan is denied
- Even after certification, the Commission ****retains appeal jurisdiction** over development in sensitive coastal areas and can require LCP amendments at any time
- The Shear Development case currently before the California Supreme Court tests whether the Commission can override a local government's interpretation of its own certified LCP
- In practice, LCP certification can function as a negotiation where the Commission extracts concessions on parking, encroachment fees, housing density, and public access as the price of granting local control
- Hermosa Beach's 2019 parking management study was explicitly designed to "assist in obtaining Coastal Commission approval of its Local Coastal Program," illustrating how the Commission uses certification as leverage
In the meantime, the injunction applies citywide within the coastal zone. Hermosa Beach had approximately 200 short-term rentals in late 2023, predominantly in the coastal zone, according to figures cited in the petition. Every one of those operators now has grounds to challenge any citation they have received or may receive.
The court set an Order to Show Cause hearing for May 5, at which point a final judgment and writ of mandate are expected to be formally entered. The city will have the opportunity to appeal, though it faces significant headwinds: three separate courts of appeal have now ruled against coastal cities making substantially the same arguments Hermosa Beach advanced here.
Koerner, who testified that his multiple sclerosis prevents him from working and that no neighbor had ever complained about his guests, has operated his Airbnb listing continuously for more than 13 years.
The City recently increased its budget for legal costs, citing 'significant litigation', without detailing specific cases. Former city attorney Patrick Donegan had previously advised that the city's position on short-term rentals was defensible, and the city continued its legal fight. The city is still represented by Best Best & Kreiger Law (Donegan's former firm), although it is not yet known whether the city will continue the legal fight.
**Attorney Frank Angel : "If you play with fire, you will get burned."*
Koerner is represented by attorney Frank Angel, who has become a significant figure in STR legal battles. He represented the plaintiff in the decisive Manhattan Beach case in 2022, and rebuked Hermosa Beach in 2024 during a previous case, saying:
> "we warned that city officials were playing with fire. If you play with fire, you'll get burned."
### Mayor Detoy : "Fire and Lifeguard Contracts Will Bankrupt Us"
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/mayor-detoy-fire-and-lifeguard-contracts-will-bankrupt-us/
Last updated: 2026-04-12T18:17:40.000Z
*Mayor's remark comes as a mid-year review shows the city patching a $548,000 shortfall with one-time funds – a temporary fix for what staff describes as a permanent problem.*
Hermosa Beach ended the first half of its 2025-26 fiscal year with a $548,000 general fund shortfall and a structural imbalance that staff warned Tuesday night will only widen in the years ahead. Mayor Mike Detoy did not mince words about the trajectory. "The county fire and the lifeguard contract will bankrupt us," he said. "We're at the point of no return." Detoy is himself a Fire Captain and union official in the City of Riverside, which adds an extra edge to his comments. He's also a supervisory board member of CalPERS, the state's pension scheme for government employees.
Hermosa's contracts with LA County for its fire and lifeguard services fall due for renewal within the next two budget cycles. The 20-year contract for beach maintenance dates back to 1997, and includes a complex revenue-sharing agreement involving the city's largest parking lot. City staff have already indicated that LA County are seeking significant increases in any renegotiation.
The city contracted fire and EMS to LA County Fire starting in December 2017, after dissolving its independent fire department. That contract allowed 4% annual increases for the first five years, with slightly larger increases negotiable after that, and either party can cancel after 10 years.
The mid-year budget review, presented to the City Council as the first item of a marathon session, laid out a picture of a city whose expenditures are consistently outpacing its revenues – and running out of one-time fixes to paper over the gap.
The city will close this year's shortfall by drawing on reserves: $236,000 freed up by the elimination of the deputy city manager position (a decision that Detoy argued against last year) and $312,000 from a grant contingency. That keeps the general fund technically in the black, but staff was direct about what that means. "The use of one-time funds are a temporary solution, not a permanent fix," the finance presentation noted. In total, the city has used approximately $910,000 in one-time money to balance this year's budget – and that figure would exceed $1 million if a one-time $100,000 administrative reimbursement were excluded from the revenue picture.
The five-year forecast presented alongside the mid-year figures shows expenditures exceeding revenues by $4.2 million in the final year, and by $14.3 million cumulatively across the five year period, driven primarily by labor costs. Newly negotiated MOUs with city employee bargaining units added $1.3 million to this year's expenditure side alone. Looking ahead, CalPERS pension obligations are expected to increase by approximately $600,000, fire service agreements with the county are nearing expiration with renegotiation expected to cost significantly more, and the city's light and landscaping district deficit requires an annual general fund subsidy of nearly $410,000.
The city has been here before. Voters rejected a sales tax measure twice. Parking rates were raised last October, generating a projected $645,000 increase in meter revenue this fiscal year – the largest single revenue increase in the mid-year report. A broader fee recovery discussion is scheduled for the next council meeting.
---
The Hermosa Review · Infographic
# Follow The Money
Hermosa Beach FY 2025-26 midyear budget review
---
Revised revenue
$56.1M
+$552K from adopted budget
Revised expenditures
$57.0M
+$1.84M from adopted budget
Projected shortfall
\-$548K
Covered by one-time funds
How a $900K gap becomes a $548K shortfall
1
The city expected to spend about **$900,000 more** than it would collect in taxes and fees this year.
2
To cover that, it started the fiscal year with **$361,355** in one-time savings carried over from prior years, already set aside to fill the gap.
3
But costs rose faster than planned, mostly from new employee contracts. The gap grew, and the $361K cushion now falls **$548,007 short**.
4
To make up the difference, staff is tapping two more pots of one-time money: **$235,594** from the salary saved by eliminating the deputy city manager, and **$312,413** from a fund-swap deal with West Hollywood.
Total one-time savings used to balance this year's budget: **$909,362**. That money can't be spent again next year.
01 Revenue changes at midyear
Parking meter rate hikes and plan-check fees drove the gains. Property tax softness, facility closures, and weaker permits pulled in the other direction.
Service charges
+$757,573
Transfers in
+$175,112
Other revenue
+$130,000
Utility user tax
+$10,792
Other taxes
\-$4,074
Sales taxes
\-$46,000
Use of money
\-$50,284
Licenses/permits
\-$87,355
Property taxes
\-$158,305
02 Where spending increased
New labor contracts account for $1.3M of the $1.84M increase. Police labor alone adds $913K. The City Attorney budget jumps 42%.
Police
+$925,663
$913K labor from new MOUs. $6K ergonomic chairs. $6.5K shooting range (offset by firearm resale).
City Attorney
+$200,000
$480K to $680K. A 42% increase. Cause not specified in staff report.
Management support
+$226,128
$60K parking citation collection fees. $9.3K parking/Lot A studies. Revenue services, finance staffing.
Parks & recreation
+$175,743
Labor cost adjustments from new bargaining unit agreements.
Equipment replacement
+$160,000
2 Ford Explorers ($107K). AEDs for all patrol/CSO vehicles ($35K). LARIAC aerial imagery ($22K).
Community development
\-$6,110 net
$163K pension savings offset by $157K in contract services: permit tech, plan review, housing trust, training.
Prospective expenditures
+$101,420
Replenishing contingency fund depleted by CSG consultant, CM recruitment, rec software, janitorial contract.
03 Plugging the hole: one-time funds used to balance FY 2026
The city has used non-recurring money to balance each of the last three budgets. This year: $909,362 total between the original adoption and midyear.
$169K
$144K
$236K
$312K
FY23 Prop A exchange ($48K)
FY25 midyear savings ($169K)
Compensated absences ($144K)
Deputy CM elimination ($236K)
West Hollywood Prop A contingency ($312K)
Key context
The $235,594 from the eliminated deputy city manager position is a one-time savings that cannot recur. The $312,413 from the Proposition A fund exchange with West Hollywood draws down a $660,000 stabilization contingency established in June 2025, leaving $347,587 remaining. Once these assigned balances are spent, they are gone.
04 Five-year outlook: the scissors
The city's own forecast, presented at budget adoption in June 2025, shows expenditures outpacing revenue by a widening margin through FY 2030-31\. Structural drivers include LA County Fire contract negotiations, CIP replenishment, and rising personnel costs.
Revenue Expenditures Structural gap
Source: City of Hermosa Beach Staff Report
Infographic by The Hermosa Review
## Where the money went
On the revenue side, gains in parking and plan check fees were partially offset by lower sales tax projections, declining permit revenue, and reduced recreation income -- the last partly attributable to the closure of the Kelly Courts pickleball facility for renovation. Property tax estimates were revised down slightly, reflecting higher delinquency rates and successful valuation appeals.
On the expenditure side, beyond the MOU increases, the city's legal budget jumped $200,000 -- from $480,000 to $680,000 -- due to litigation activity in the first half of the year. Community development contract services rose $150,000, covering contracted plan services and a permit technician to support state-mandated housing element reporting requirements.
## The vehicles
One of the more pointed exchanges of the budget discussion concerned a $107,000 request to replace two 2014 Ford Fusion hybrids used by police administration with Ford Explorers. Police Chief Landon Phillips acknowledged the Fusions could probably be deferred another cycle. The council ultimately agreed, voting to push the vehicle replacement into the full 2026-27 budget review for a holistic look at the city's fleet.
## The bus
The council also debated whether to continue its $20,000 annual subsidy for Beach Cities Transit line 109, which runs through Hermosa Beach.
BCT's transit manager appeared in person to present count data showing approximately 910 boardings and 1,130 alightings within Hermosa Beach over a four-month period – figures collected by bus operators at stops between November and March. Several public commenters spoke in support of retaining the service, including one resident who said she had taken the bus to the council meeting while recovering from knee surgery, and another who noted that seven riders a day at $20,000 annually works out to roughly $60 to $70 per rider – but argued the slow-season manual counts understated actual usage.
The council voted to continue BCT funding for the current year while directing staff toward a broader review of the city's overall public transit picture, including potential use of Measure A funds.
## What comes next
The budget study session is scheduled for May, with full budget adoption in June ahead of the July 1 fiscal year start. Staff's message Tuesday night was unambiguous: the adjustments available within the current year are largely exhausted, and the 2026-27 cycle will require the council to make structural choices -- not just find another one-time reserve to draw down.
One public commenter, Laura Pena, put the challenge plainly: the five-year forecast shows a $4.2 million gap, and the public deserves a clear strategy for closing it that doesn't rely on higher taxes, higher fees, or one-time fixes alone. She also pointed to foregone property tax revenue from years of development delays as an underappreciated cost of inaction, estimating one stalled project alone cost the city upward of $170,000 in lost annual tax base.
The budget study session is expected to be the most consequential financial conversation the council has had in years. Based on Tuesday night's presentation – and the mayor's own assessment – it will need to be.
---
### *FURTHER READING*
[Mid-Year City Budget Review Highlights Financial PressureHermosa Beach faces a $548K budget shortfall at midyear, with projected spending increases vs. original forecast outpacing revenue gains 3-to-1\. Staff proposes one-time funds to close the gap for the third straight year.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/mid-year-budget-review-highlights-financial-pressure/)
[Pier Review Creates Pier PressureA year-long structural assessment of the Hermosa Beach pier comes to City Council Tuesday — with a cost-benefit analysis that could reframe how the city thinks about the structure’s future.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/pier-review/)
### CITY HALL SKETCH: The Low Hanging Fruit
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-sketch-the-low-hanging-fruit/
Last updated: 2026-03-25T21:09:30.000Z
It was approaching 11 p.m. last night when Hermosa Beach City Council turned to the matter of the grandly named 'Downtown Beautification Subcommittee' – a body formed in May, which did not meet until January, and which had spent two sessions arriving at a masterplan to fix some brick planters and paint a couple of welcome signs.
The subcommittee was composed of Council Member Ray Jackson and Mayor Mike Detoy. The same two councilmembers who make up the less impressively named 'Finance Subcommittee'.
Their proposal: spend $100,000.
On plants.
Specifically, on plants at five locations around the city, plus brick repair and – the centerpiece of the vision – $15,000 for a landscape designer to advise on the correct plant palette for a handful of planters that had, over the years, gone somewhat feral.
"$15,000 for design," said Council Member Rob Saemann, through the gritted teeth of a man who has just been handed a menu with no prices and then shown the bill for the catch of the day. "Preposterous." He paused. "$100,000 is mind blowing...$100,000 including $15,000 to design three planters is out of control."
He was not the first to find the numbers arresting. A member of the public noted that she had once landscaped a planter outside her house for under $200\. Another suggested the friends of the park could grab some shovels. A third said flatly that the $100,000 should "go back in the piggy bank."
To be fair, the subcommittee had considered grander ambitions. String lighting across Pier Avenue, for instance, had come up. It was evaluated in 2018 and ruled out because the poles are too short. The subcommittee considered it again and reached the same conclusion. Palm tree lighting had been tried, but the string lights kept dying. Wayfinding signs, landscape lighting on Pier Avenue, a gateway experience for visitors arriving from Valley Drive – all were discussed, all were set aside in favor of what Jackson described, with some enthusiasm, as "low-hanging fruit."
What might that fruit be, you ask ? One confidential source close to the subcommittee suggests strawberries. Pick-your-own stands at every gateway, a planter-based farmers market at 2nd Street, Hermosa Beach rebranded as the agritourism destination the South Bay has always needed. At $15,000 for a landscape designer, and facing a budget crisis, we might as well try to monetize the real estate.
The sign on Valley Drive, Jackson noted, "looks like you know what." The sign on Prospect Drive: also "you know what." These were problems this fruitarian subcommittee could solve.
Chamber of Commerce representatives noted they had not been consulted. Businesses had not been consulted. The subcommittee had consulted primarily with each other. Jackson was pretty clear about Project Planter, saying "there was no need at this juncture to talk to the Chamber based on what we were doing...but they're not precluded from painting and pulling weeds and planting and all those things to beautify businesses." The Chamber's weed pullers took note.
"I didn't go to the extent of creating a focus group," said Community Development Director Alison Becker. 'I was asked to herd the cats'. Animal Control had entered the chat.
Saemann moved to fix the vintage signs -- cost: approximately $500 -- and return the rest to the beautification fund for future use. Mayor Pro Tem Keegan seconded it. It passed 3-2.
Jackson and Detoy voted no.
The planters, for now, remain as they are.
Those strawberries will have to wait.
---
***City Hall Sketch is The Hermosa Review's satirical take on our local government. Events depicted are real. The strawberries might not be.***
---
### *FURTHER READING*
[CITY HALL SKETCH: The Pickleball Wars, Chapter 47A commissioner resigned. A neighbor locked the gates. Tennis balls with hostile messages were lobbed at a nearby house. And now, after an $826,000 renovation, Hermosa Beach is ready to do it all again.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-sketch-the-pickleball-wars-chapter-47/)
[CITY HALL SKETCH - NSFWLearning new slang and getting the wobblesThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-sketch-nsfw/)
[CITY HALL SKETCH : The Comma Is Mightier Than The CameraThe City’s Civil Service Board battle punctuation, bathroom choices and Fox News in this week’s episodeThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-sketch-the-comma-is-mightier-than-the-camera/)
### Pickleball Court Hours Extended as Council Mulls Budget Woes
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/pickleball-court-hours-extended-as-council-mulls-budget-woes/
Last updated: 2026-03-25T19:13:35.000Z
Hermosa Beach City Council voted Tuesday night to expand operating hours at the Kelly Courts pickleball facility, approving daily play from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting when the renovated courts reopen at the end of April. The 3-2 vote came against a backdrop that gave the revenue arguments real weight: earlier the same evening, the council had worked through a mid-year budget presentation showing a $548,000 general fund shortfall and a structural deficit that one council member called "five to ten million dollars in interim problems."
The city recently completed a major capital renovation of the Kelly Courts facility – a public commenter pegged the cost at $1.2 million, though staff didn't dispute or confirm the figure – and the question before the council was how aggressively to monetize it. Staff projected that daily hours would generate roughly $79,800 in annual revenue, nearly double the $42,900 projected under the status quo. Council also voted unanimously to raise the hourly reservation rate from $9 to $15 and annual resident memberships from $19 to $25.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission had recommended the cautious path in February: keep hours as they are, let the four courts run for 120 days, and see what happens. But the residents who turned out Tuesday night were overwhelmingly on the other side. Speaker after speaker told the council they had spent years driving to El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach to play while Hermosa's courts sat restricted or shut down. One commenter, a 30-year South Bay resident, called the limited hours "wrong" given the investment the city had made. Another suggested the city could be charging even more -- noting that Glendale was pricing tennis court reservations at $25 an hour, while Hermosa had been charging $9\. A third proposed opening non-resident memberships with tiered pricing to grow the revenue base further.
Against that chorus, two neighbors spoke in opposition, raising the familiar concern about noise -- the courts sit in a quiet valley near Clark Complex, and a 2019 sound study had recommended a 12-foot acoustic barrier that was never built. What stands in its place is a windscreen, which staff confirmed is not a noise-attenuating product.
One speaker, Geraldine P., pushed back on the procedural argument that had animated the Commission's recommendation and Council Member Ray Jackson's dissent – namely, that when council approved the renovation project, it had committed to keeping hours unchanged until impact could be assessed. Geraldine said she went looking for that commitment in the formal record and couldn't find it. She then asked Parks and Rec Director Lisa Nichols directly. Nichols's response, as relayed to the council: the hours were "never formally adopted" as a condition of the project. She also contacted Mary Young, a pickleball advisory group member, who said she was "not aware of any such agreement."
> It's wrong to have the reduced hours. We made all this investment. Noise is noise. People that say that pickleball is so much worse – it's a matter of attitude or sensitivity... I see 12-year-olds competing with 60-year-olds in Manhattan Beach on a regular basis. There's nothing else like that in a community that brings together the different age groups.
> (John Bauer, Hermosa resident and pickleball enthusiast)
Jackson voted no regardless, arguing the city should determine the noise impact of four courts before expanding access. Mayor Detoy joined him in dissent. The remaining three members – Council Members Saemann, Francois, and Mayor Pro Tem Keegan – carried the motion, adjusting staff's new proposed closing time from 9 p.m. to 7 p.m. and designating Fridays as free open-play for all comers, resident or not, with an eye toward farmer's market foot traffic.
A separate motion, approved unanimously, directs staff to report back to the Parks and Rec Commission within 90 days of reopening with data on usage, complaints, and noise levels.
The courts are expected to open by the end of April. At $15 an hour, the city will have a better chance of getting its money back.
---
### *FURTHER READING*
[Jumping Through Hoops : Pickleball And Basketball Facilities Under ScrutinyTuesday’s agenda charts opposite paths for two sports at the same facility. Pickleball is poised for expanded access after a million-dollar renovation. Basketball hopes to rescue hoops removed after an unscheduled safety reviewThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/jumping-through-hoops-pickleball-and-basketball-facilities-under-scrutiny/)
[CITY HALL SKETCH: The Pickleball Wars, Chapter 47A commissioner resigned. A neighbor locked the gates. Tennis balls with hostile messages were lobbed at a nearby house. And now, after an $826,000 renovation, Hermosa Beach is ready to do it all again.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-sketch-the-pickleball-wars-chapter-47/)
### CRIME TIME: March 8-14
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-march-8-14/
Last updated: 2026-03-31T22:17:03.000Z
The week of March 8-14 was marked by the most serious crime Hermosa Beach has seen in recent memory when a homicide investigation concluded with a multi-hour standoff Friday afternoon on The Strand.
## Homicide Investigation
Officers responded to a residence on the 500 block of The Strand Friday afternoon at 12:37 PM for what developed into a standoff lasting until approximately 10:30 PM. A subject was arrested after the extended incident. The victim was found deceased inside the residence. HBPD has not released additional details about the circumstances of the death or the relationship between the suspect and victim. This represents an extremely rare occurrence of violent crime in Hermosa Beach.
## Hit and Run Pattern
Four separate hit and run incidents with property damage were reported during the week, suggesting either a pattern or coincidental cluster of flee-the-scene collisions. The incidents occurred at Hermosa Avenue and Pier Avenue on Friday (March 7), The Strand near 800 block on January 25, 34th Street and Palm Drive on Friday, and 19th Street and Golden Avenue on Saturday morning. All involved property damage only with no reported injuries.
## Retail Theft & Fraud
A persistent shoplifter was arrested Sunday evening after stealing various items on multiple occasions from a business on the 700 block of Pier Avenue. Employees had told the subject to leave, but they returned. When located, the subject was found in possession of stolen objects and arrested.
A sophisticated email fraud scheme cost a victim on the 100 block of Neptune Avenue a significant sum Monday morning. The victim received an email requesting payment for work that had been completed and wire transferred the money, later discovering the email was fraudulent.
Identity theft struck when an unknown subject attempted to open an account in a victim's name using information from someone on the 500 block of Pier Avenue. The attempt was discovered between March 6-12.
An e-bike battery was stolen from the 1600 block of Pacific Coast Highway on Tuesday morning.
## Vandalism & Threats
A parking dispute on Saturday turned criminal when a verbal argument over a parking spot on the 00 block of 13th Court escalated. When the victim returned to their parked vehicle hours later, they found a word had been scratched into the door.
A victim on the 2800 block of Ingleside Drive received a threatening email on Thursday, while another incident early Sunday morning involved a subject making threats on Pier Avenue.
## DUI & Traffic Enforcement
One DUI arrest was made early Wednesday morning at Gould Avenue and Morningside Drive.
Traffic enforcement resulted in multiple citations for driving with suspended or revoked licenses, including two specifically suspended for prior DUI convictions. One citation was issued on 11th Street, another at Bard Street and Pier Ave, and a third at 24th Street and Ardmore Avenue.
A traffic stop at Pier Avenue and Bard Street revealed confusion in the stolen vehicle system when a vehicle believed to be stolen was pulled over. The vehicle had previously been recovered by another agency but had not been updated in the stolen vehicle database.
## Public Intoxication & Disturbances
Two public intoxication arrests were made during the week. The first occurred Friday evening on the 700 block of Pier Avenue. The second, late Friday night into early Saturday morning on Pier Avenue, involved a subject who was acting erratically, throwing items, and resisted arrest.
A verbal altercation inside a store on the 1300 block of Hermosa Avenue Thursday evening involved an intoxicated subject. Friends intervened and walked the subjects home, preventing escalation.
## Noise Complaint
A noise control citation was issued Saturday morning on the 100 block of 30th Street after a subject was playing loud music on an amplified speaker and yelling. Officers initially asked the subject to turn down the music. When they returned, music was still playing. The subject closed doors and windows, but music could still be heard, resulting in a citation.
## Lost & Found
A lost purse was successfully recovered early Tuesday morning using modern technology. The subject lost their purse while at a restaurant/bar on The Strand. The phone was pinged and located on the beach.
Found property during the week included four wallets (500 block of Pier Ave, 2nd Street and The Strand, 500 Pier Ave again, and 500 Blk Pier Ave), one bicycle (800 block of Valley Drive), a music textbook (2500 block of Valley Park), paintings and papers (500 block of Pier Ave), and documents (500 block of Pier Ave).
HBPD reminds residents to remain vigilant, secure their vehicles and property, and report any suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information about the homicide investigation or any other crimes should contact HBPD.
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### Jumping Through Hoops : Pickleball And Basketball Facilities Under Scrutiny
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/jumping-through-hoops-pickleball-and-basketball-facilities-under-scrutiny/
Last updated: 2026-03-21T01:17:13.000Z
City Council will consider a pair of reports on Tuesday that together amount to a recreation reset at Clark Field, the city-owned sports facility on Valley Drive that houses tennis courts, a ball field, and the Kelly Pickleball Courts.
One report asks Council to choose among three options for pickleball court hours now that a capital improvement project is restoring the facility to its full four-court configuration. The other asks Council to approve the permanent removal of three of six basketball hoops along the western edge of Clark Field, roughly 100 yards from the pickleball courts.
The two items are unrelated in their operational details but share a common venue, the same advisory commission review at the February 10 meeting, and a question that connects them: how the city allocates recreational space and who benefits from those choices.
## Pickleball: Four Courts, Three Options
Two of the four Kelly Pickleball Courts have been closed since 2020\. CIP 619 is restoring all four, with reopening projected for late April. Staff is recommending Council update the use policy and choose one of three options for hours.
Option 1 would add Sunday hours to the existing schedule, bringing weekly access from 45 to 52 hours. Option 2 would open the courts 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, totaling 84 hours. Option 3, recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, would maintain the current schedule and require a 120-day report back on complaints, feedback, and usage.
The current hours were set in July 2021 following a stakeholder process balancing pickleball demand against neighborhood noise complaints. That produced a compromise: courts open five days a week, closed Sundays and Mondays, limited evening hours.
The city has made a substantial investment in the facility since then. CIP 619 carries a total budget in excess of $1 million, and Council awarded an $825,000 construction contract in November 2025\. The project expanded over time from a resurfacing job to a full modernization including lighting upgrades and ADA-compliant pathways. With that kind of money spent, the case for maintaining the most restrictive hours option becomes harder to make on fiscal grounds alone. At the current schedule's projected revenue of $42,900 per year, the construction contract alone would take nearly 20 years to recoup from court fees. Option 2's projected $79,800 would cut that roughly in half.
Staff's report also argues that demand has outgrown the existing schedule. Membership grew from 204 in the program's first year to 290 in 2024\. Before the courts closed for construction, they were reserved 98 percent of the time. The report notes the Kelly Courts sit 190 to 480 feet from the nearest residences, comparing favorably to facilities in Manhattan Beach (50 to 280 feet), Redondo Beach (60 to 180 feet), and other South Bay cities that operate significantly more hours.
A new Thursday evening adult league is expected to generate an additional $10,000 regardless of which option Council selects.
The Commission voted February 10 to recommend maintaining current hours, citing potential noise from two additional courts.
## Hoop Dreams
The basketball item is shorter and more procedurally unusual. It also arrives with a backstory that the staff report only partially tells.
On February 2, Public Works crews removed all six backboards and posted notices directing the public to the February 10 Commission meeting. The removal happened eight days before the Commission discussed the matter. As The Hermosa Review reported at the time, the move caught the neighborhood off guard and generated a 450-signature petition in less than a week.
The hoops were removed without prior notice in February after an unscheduled safety review
The staff report attributes the removal to findings by the city's risk management team. What it does not specify is that the review was actually triggered by a resident complaint about deteriorating asphalt. City Risk manager Boyd Horan presented the legal analysis to the Commission on February 10, laying out the liability exposure under Government Code Section 835, which establishes municipal responsibility for dangerous conditions on public property. The playing area measures roughly 60 by 24.5 feet per court, well below the standard half-court dimensions of 50 by 47 feet, with only three feet of buffer between the playing surface and a retaining wall on one side and a baseball field fence on the other.
The hoops have existed in this configuration for years. Under the legal framework Horan presented, they became an actionable risk once formally identified. The Council vote itself is framed in the staff report as a defensive measure: formal approval of the three-hoop plan would constitute a "deliberative policy choice" rather than "inadvertent neglect" should an injury claim arise.
But the February 10 Commission meeting made clear the community was not ready to accept removal as a foregone conclusion. Neighbor Renee Siemak described the hoops as a lifeline for neighborhood children who have few alternatives: homes without backyards, streets too busy for portable hoops, school courts locked and gated. Dan Madden, president of Hermosa Beach Youth Basketball, noted that the league's 1,000 kids have no public courts in the city with hoops below 10 feet. The Clark Field hoops, set at eight and nine feet, were the only option for younger players. Ten-year-old Elias Brafman LaMonica told the Commission simply that the hoops were important and that there was a way to fix them without taking them out.
Commissioner after commissioner signaled agreement. Vice Chair Traci Horowitz urged staff to "find a way to say yes to the kids." Commissioner Elka Worner argued the hoops provided a rare space for children to exercise and let off steam. Commissioner Tom Moroney suggested reducing the six hoops to three at varying heights, which is essentially the configuration staff is now recommending. The motion to restore hoops with safety modifications passed unanimously.
Following that meeting, staff met February 25 with nearby residents and Madden. One hoop was restored the next day. The recommendation now before Council would keep three hoops (one at 8 feet, two at 9 feet) all facing the same direction to discourage organized play, install "Use at Your Own Risk" and "No Organized Games" signage, and resurface the asphalt at an estimated cost of $11,000.
## What to Watch Tuesday
On pickleball, the central question is whether Council follows the Commission or sides with staff on expansion. The 98-percent reservation rate and the scale of the city's investment are powerful talking points. If the neighborhood doesn't mobilize, Option 1 appears to be the path of least resistance. Option 2 would make the faster case for recouping the renovation cost but would eliminate the last closed day entirely, a harder sell given the 2021 stakeholder compromise.
On basketball, the staff recommendation largely reflects what the Commission asked for unanimously in February. The question is whether Council has anything to add about the process that produced it, or whether the 450 signatures and the testimony of the kids who use those hoops have already done their work.
### City Weighs Options to Put More Boots on the Strand
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-weighs-options-to-put-more-boots-on-the-strand/
Last updated: 2026-03-21T01:18:04.000Z
Hermosa Beach Police Department will present City Council with four staffing models on Tuesday aimed at increasing public safety presence on the Strand, beach, and city parks, a direct response to years of resident complaints about e-bikes and reckless riding on the city's most heavily used public space.
The options range from roughly $104,000 to nearly $197,000 per year. No vote will be taken Tuesday; a council majority would need to request the item return as an 'action item'.
One central tension is one the city has been circling for years: e-bikes are prohibited on the Strand when operated under electric power but permitted when pedaled. Enforcing that distinction in real time is, as staff acknowledges, "subjective, momentary, and difficult to clearly articulate."
The discussion coincides with a mid-year budget review that highlights a financial shortfall, with city employment contract costs and property tax deficits outpacing revenue increases from fees.
## Enforcement is already ramping up
In 2025, HBPD conducted 21 traffic enforcement operations, 11 including e-bike enforcement on the Strand, resulting in 267 citations and 11 e-bike impounds. In the first ten weeks of 2026, the pace accelerated: 17 operations, nine Strand-specific, producing 167 citations, 105 for bike and e-bike violations on the Strand.
That surge is not an accident. Since February, HBPD has already been assigning officers and community service officers to the Strand on overtime, effectively piloting what the report now labels Option 1.
## The four options
**Option 1 (Staff's recommendation): Overtime for existing personnel.** Two police officers and two CSOs would each work eight-hour shifts, totaling 32 hours per week. Estimated annual cost: $103,876 to $141,720\. Staff recommends a six-month trial with pre- and post-surveys. The appeal is trained, supervised personnel already within the department's accountability structure. The risk is overtime fatigue, which staff proposes to manage through a rotating schedule.
**Option 2: Contract code enforcement officers.** Two contracted officers, 32 hours per week, at $133,120 annually, though that excludes potential equipment and technology costs. The operational complications are significant: contract officers cannot conduct traffic stops, would need access to police databases and report-writing systems, raise liability and supervision questions, and would require meet-and-confer negotiations with bargaining units that staff warns could take months.
**Option 3: A full-time Park Ranger.** A new city position within the police department's Community Services Division, 40 hours per week, at $131,620 in salary and benefits plus $65,248 in first-year outfitting (radios, body cameras, beach vehicle), totaling roughly $197,000 in year one. The salary is benchmarked to Manhattan Beach's equivalent position. A ranger would carry Penal Code Section 832 enforcement authority and build institutional knowledge over time, but the role comes with ongoing pension obligations and would cover multiple public spaces, not just the Strand.
**Option 4: Change nothing.** HBPD continues periodic enforcement using existing resources and state grant funding. No additional cost, but the report is candid about the perception risk.
The underlying policy challenge remains: the municipal code's pedal-versus-electric distinction creates an enforcement gray area that no staffing model fully resolves. Staff's recommended six-month trial of Option 1 is the most conservative path, seemingly both in cost and institutional disruption. Whether council views that as prudent or insufficient will depend on how much weight members give to enforcement data already in hand versus the community perception that more needs to be done. Oh, and the nagging issue of that budget shortfall.
---
### *FURTHER READING*
[Mid-Year City Budget Review Highlights Financial PressureHermosa Beach faces a $548K budget shortfall at midyear, with projected spending increases vs. original forecast outpacing revenue gains 3-to-1\. Staff proposes one-time funds to close the gap for the third straight year.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/mid-year-budget-review-highlights-financial-pressure/)
[City Explores Contract Officers for E-Bike Enforcement at Public Safety ForumAdditional Contract Officers among possible solutions being explored to combat e-bike problemsThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-explores-contract-officers-for-e-bike-enforcement-at-public-safety-forum/)
[Police Chief Confirms Felony Charges Against Two Juveniles in E-bike Assault; Five More Under InvestigationChief Phillips provides update on November 21st beating as community demands accountabilityThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/police-chief-confirms-felony-charges-against-two-juveniles-in-e-bike-assault-five-more-under-investigation/)
[E-Bike License Plates A Step Closer With Sacramento ProposalLicense plate scheme proposed in new State Assembly legislationThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/e-bike-license-plates-a-step-closer-with-sacramento-proposal/)
### Mid-Year City Budget Review Highlights Financial Pressure
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/mid-year-budget-review-highlights-financial-pressure/
Last updated: 2026-04-12T18:17:29.000Z
The City of Hermosa Beach is projected to end the current fiscal year with a General Fund shortfall of almost $550,000, according to a midyear budget review due to be presented to City Council next week.
Staff is recommending the council close the gap entirely with one-time savings: $235,594 from the salary and benefits of the deputy city manager position eliminated last June, and $312,413 from a contingency created through a Proposition A fund exchange agreement with the City of West Hollywood.
💲
Proposition A is a half-cent LA County sales tax for transit. Cities get a share back as "Local Return" funds, but they must be spent on transit purposes and they expire if unused.
Hermosa Beach had Prop A dollars about to expire. In June 2025, the city cut a deal with West Hollywood: Hermosa assigns its expiring transit funds to West Hollywood (which has eligible projects to spend them on), and West Hollywood pays Hermosa $560,000 in unrestricted General Fund cash. Restricted money the city was about to lose gets converted to spendable dollars at roughly 70 cents on the dollar.
It is the third consecutive year the city has relied on non-recurring funds to balance its operating budget. A total of $909,362 in one-time money will have been used to balance the FY 2025-26 budget when the original adoption and midyear adjustments are combined.
The review paints a picture of a city where costs are accelerating faster than its tax base can support. General Fund revenues are projected to increase by $552,347, or about 1 percent over the amended budget. Expenditures are projected to increase by $1,835,257, more than three times the revenue gain.
---
The Hermosa Review · Infographic
# Follow The Money
Hermosa Beach FY 2025-26 midyear budget review
---
Revised revenue
$56.1M
+$552K from adopted budget
Revised expenditures
$57.0M
+$1.84M from adopted budget
Projected shortfall
\-$548K
Covered by one-time funds
How a $900K gap becomes a $548K shortfall
1
The city expected to spend about **$900,000 more** than it would collect in taxes and fees this year.
2
To cover that, it started the fiscal year with **$361,355** in one-time savings carried over from prior years, already set aside to fill the gap.
3
But costs rose faster than planned, mostly from new employee contracts. The gap grew, and the $361K cushion now falls **$548,007 short**.
4
To make up the difference, staff is tapping two more pots of one-time money: **$235,594** from the salary saved by eliminating the deputy city manager, and **$312,413** from a fund-swap deal with West Hollywood.
Total one-time savings used to balance this year's budget: **$909,362**. That money can't be spent again next year.
01 Revenue changes at midyear
Parking meter rate hikes and plan-check fees drove the gains. Property tax softness, facility closures, and weaker permits pulled in the other direction.
Service charges
+$757,573
Transfers in
+$175,112
Other revenue
+$130,000
Utility user tax
+$10,792
Other taxes
\-$4,074
Sales taxes
\-$46,000
Use of money
\-$50,284
Licenses/permits
\-$87,355
Property taxes
\-$158,305
02 Where spending increased
New labor contracts account for $1.3M of the $1.84M increase. Police labor alone adds $913K. The City Attorney budget jumps 42%.
Police
+$925,663
$913K labor from new MOUs. $6K ergonomic chairs. $6.5K shooting range (offset by firearm resale).
City Attorney
+$200,000
$480K to $680K. A 42% increase. Cause not specified in staff report.
Management support
+$226,128
$60K parking citation collection fees. $9.3K parking/Lot A studies. Revenue services, finance staffing.
Parks & recreation
+$175,743
Labor cost adjustments from new bargaining unit agreements.
Equipment replacement
+$160,000
2 Ford Explorers ($107K). AEDs for all patrol/CSO vehicles ($35K). LARIAC aerial imagery ($22K).
Community development
\-$6,110 net
$163K pension savings offset by $157K in contract services: permit tech, plan review, housing trust, training.
Prospective expenditures
+$101,420
Replenishing contingency fund depleted by CSG consultant, CM recruitment, rec software, janitorial contract.
03 Plugging the hole: one-time funds used to balance FY 2026
The city has used non-recurring money to balance each of the last three budgets. This year: $909,362 total between the original adoption and midyear.
$169K
$144K
$236K
$312K
FY23 Prop A exchange ($48K)
FY25 midyear savings ($169K)
Compensated absences ($144K)
Deputy CM elimination ($236K)
West Hollywood Prop A contingency ($312K)
Key context
The $235,594 from the eliminated deputy city manager position is a one-time savings that cannot recur. The $312,413 from the Proposition A fund exchange with West Hollywood draws down a $660,000 stabilization contingency established in June 2025, leaving $347,587 remaining. Once these assigned balances are spent, they are gone.
04 Five-year outlook: the scissors
The city's own forecast, presented at budget adoption in June 2025, shows expenditures outpacing revenue by a widening margin through FY 2030-31\. Structural drivers include LA County Fire contract negotiations, CIP replenishment, and rising personnel costs.
Revenue Expenditures Structural gap
Source: City of Hermosa Beach Staff Report
Infographic by The Hermosa Review
## Where the money comes from
The revenue picture is mixed. The largest positive movement comes from parking meters, where the rate increases adopted in October 2025 are projected to generate roughly $635,000 in additional revenue this fiscal year. Plan-check fees are also running ahead of budget by approximately $240,000, reflecting construction activity in the first half of the year.
Those gains are partially offset by softness in property taxes, the city's single largest revenue source. The secured property tax estimate dropped 1.89 percent from the original budget due to higher-than-anticipated delinquency rates and successful valuation appeals from the prior fiscal year. The revised estimate for current-year secured property taxes is $21.4 million, within a total property tax line of $26.6 million.
Sales tax revenue is down a projected $46,000, with growth in restaurants and hotels offset by declines in food and drug stores and auto sales.
Sales tax receipts are down, not helped by several high profile closures and vacancies
Transient Occupancy Tax, the city's hotel tax, is holding steady at its budgeted level of $5.19 million through the first half of the year.
Two facility closures are dragging on revenue. The Kelly Courts closure has reduced pickleball reservation income by an estimated $45,500, and the delayed reopening of the Clark Building is further cutting into community center rental revenue. The PARK After School Program is also under-enrolled by roughly $50,000.
A one-time $100,000 reimbursement from the 2025 bond issuance for the Greenwich Village North undergrounding assessment district accounts for most of the $130,000 increase in the other revenue category.
## Where the money goes
Labor costs are the primary driver of the expenditure increase. The recently negotiated memoranda of understanding with the city's employee bargaining units account for approximately $1.3 million of the $1.84 million midyear spending increase. The Police Department alone absorbed $913,000 in additional labor costs from the new contracts.
The City Attorney budget is increasing $200,000, from $480,000 to $680,000, a 42 percent jump attributed to activity in the first half of the year. The staff report does not specify what legal matters are driving the increase.
Community Development needs $157,000 more for contract services, including $60,000 for a contracted permit technician to support new Accela permitting software activation and state-mandated reporting, $50,000 for outside plan review, $37,000 for the city's match to the South Bay Regional Housing Trust (approved by council on March 10), and $10,000 for departmental training.
The prospective expenditures account, a contingency fund originally budgeted at $200,000, was nearly depleted in the first half of the year. It covered the CSG consultant contract amendment, the city manager executive recruitment, recreation management software implementation, and a janitorial services contract. Staff is requesting it be replenished to $200,000.
Management Support includes a $60,000 increase for third-party collection fees tied to an expected increase in parking citations, and a net $9,275 increase in the city manager's budget to fund studies of parking operations and the Downtown Lot A.
## Donations become capital projects
Staff is requesting $550,000 in capital appropriations from restricted donation fund balances for two projects. The larger is a $500,000 monument sign funded by a donation from Chuck and Missy Sheldon, accepted by the council in December 2025\. The smaller is a $50,000 marquee sign funded by a historic donation from the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce dating back over a decade.
## The five-year picture
The staff report includes a five-year General Fund forecast presented during the June 2025 budget adoption. The projection shows expenditures and revenues nearly converging in the current year but then diverging sharply through FY 2030-31, when the gap is projected to reach approximately $4.2 million.
Staff attributes the structural pressure to several factors: pending contract negotiations with the Los Angeles County Fire Department for fire protection, beach operations, and lifeguard services; the need to replenish the capital improvement fund for critical infrastructure projects; rising contract service costs; and personnel and benefit cost increases.
The report recommends that the council approve all proposed fund transactions and assign the remaining $2.2 million in unspent FY 2024-25 funds to support development of the FY 2026-27 budget.
The midyear budget review is on the council's regular agenda for Monday, March 24.
---
### *FURTHER READING*
[LA County Wants to Raise Sales Tax by 0.5% for Healthcare. Here’s What It Means for Hermosa Beach.Proposed sales tax hike would hit local pockets for an extra 0.5% to raise money for an LA County Healthcare proposal.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/la-county-wants-to-raise-your-sales-tax-by-half-a-cent-for-healthcare-heres-what-it-means-for-hermosa-beach/)
[City Yard Renovation Project Takes Major Step Forward After Years of DelaysThe Hermosa Beach City Council unanimously approved hiring an owner’s representative for the long-stalled city yard renovation project Tuesday night, marking a significant milestone in efforts to modernize the aging municipal facility at 555 6th Street. The council authorized a contract with Cumming Management Group for up to $565,000The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-yard-renovation-project-takes-major-step-forward-after-years-of-delays/)
### Riding On The Right Side Of The Road
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/riding-on-the-right-side-of-the-road/
Last updated: 2026-04-12T18:17:20.000Z
Some Hermosa Beach middle schoolers who ride e-bikes say they’re trying to follow the rules of the road, but still get yelled at and harassed from passing cars.
“They honk at us and scream out their windows, ‘Get off the road,’” said 11-year-old Drew Balik.
“One time we were stopped at a light and a guy was yelling at us, ‘Come over here and fight me like a real man,’” said 12-year-old Jagger Lunz.
The middle schoolers I spoke with said they understand why some residents are concerned after last year’s widely publicized assault involving teenagers on bikes near the pier.
“I think it was pretty bad and they shouldn’t have done that,” Beau Venning, 12, said of the attack. “But everybody thinks all e-bikers are like that now.”
E-bike riders Beau Venning, Drew Balik and Jagger Lunz.
Several students said learning the rules of the road was part of getting an e-bike in the first place. They said they participated in a Vista school bike safety program known as “bike rodeo,” where students practice riding through mock streets with stop signs and traffic signals.
“It’s like a mini town,” said Julia Brown, 14\. “They teach you road safety and looking forward and back and side to side for cars.”
At Hermosa Valley students must complete an e-bike certification course if they want to park their e-bikes on campus.
Some students said their parents required safety training before allowing them to ride.
Julia Brown, 14, on her e-bike
“My dad made me take a class and my mom made me watch safety videos,” said Venning, whose father owns E-Ryde, an e-bike store in El Segundo.
That hasn’t stopped the vocal critics.
Misha Weinberg, 14, said she was yelled at while sitting on her bike near the pier.
“It’s like you’re not doing anything wrong,” she said. “There’s no reason for them to be getting mad.”
The riders I spoke with say their e-bikes are just good clean fun.
14-year-old Misha Weinberg
“It got me out of the house,” Lunz said. “I’m not playing Roblox and watching YouTube.”
“All my friends had e-bikes and it was insanely hard to keep up on my normal bike,” Balik said. “Once I got my bike, I started hanging out more and riding around more.”
While they say reckless riders should face consequences, the students aren’t convinced confiscating bikes is the best solution. Several suggested a warning system that escalates for repeat violations.
“Maybe give them a warning first,” Lunz said. “And if they keep doing it, then there should be a fine.”
After all, they say. You can’t blame every kid for the behavior of a few.
“Everybody got the hate for one person or a few people’s actions,” Venning said. “Which isn’t really fair.”
“People think we’re all in gangs or doing wheelies and being bad,” Balik said. “But most of us are just trying to ride our bikes.”
These are admirable kids and I’m glad they’re taking their responsibilities seriously. The trouble is, not everyone is so conscientious. That’s why we need thoughtful, sensible rules that protect both riders and the residents who share the road with them.
Hermosa Beach has already taken significant steps. The city passed one of the strictest e-bike ordinances in the South Bay. Riders who break the rules can have their bikes impounded and face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000\. The city has also partnered with the school district to offer e-bike safety classes for students.
But despite the crackdown, Hermosa does not require riders to have a license, insurance or DMV registration.
State lawmakers are now grappling with that gap. Seven e-bike bills are moving through the Legislature this session, each proposing new rules and safety measures.
E-bikes are already divided into three classes based on power and top speed. Higher-powered bikes, particularly Class 2 and Class 3 models, should come with greater accountability.
AssemblyBill 1942 would require those bikes to be registered with the DMV and display a license plate. Since Hermosa police generally don’t chase e-bike riders, many who break the rules simply speed away. Registration could make it easier for officers to identify reckless riders, issue citations and track repeat offenders.
[E-Bike License Plates A Step Closer With Sacramento ProposalLicense plate scheme proposed in new State Assembly legislationThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/e-bike-license-plates-a-step-closer-with-sacramento-proposal/)
E-bikes can be a great way for kids to get around town. But like any motorized vehicle, they come with responsibility. Smart legislation that combines education, accountability and enforcement is the best way to keep both riders and residents safe.
---
[](https://www.elkaforhermosa.com/?ref=hermosareview.com)
Elka Worner is a community volunteer, City Commissioner, journalist, and Hermosa Beach local. She contributes occasional columns to The Hermosa Review, and publishes her own regular newsletter titled 'Elka's Update’ which you can subscribe to for free.
[Sign Up For Elka's Updates ](https://www.elkaforhermosa.com/?ref=hermosareview.com)
### Pier Review Creates Pier Pressure
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/pier-review/
Last updated: 2026-03-22T17:07:52.000Z
### *The Pier Has Maybe Ten Years Left. Here's the Plan*
The Hermosa Beach pier has needed serious structural work for years. On Tuesday, March 24, the City Council will get the most comprehensive update yet on where that project stands — and, for the first time, some hard numbers on what the pier's long-term future actually costs.
Public Works Director Joe SanClemente gave the Public Works Commission a preview Wednesday night. The short-term remedial work is one thing, but the long-term prognosis is not good and certainly not cheap.
## Where things stand
The city has been working through a detailed structural assessment of the pier for over a year. That report is now finished and includes something that's been conspicuously absent from public discussions so far: a cost-benefit analysis weighing the current repair against what the city will eventually need to spend on the structure long-term. One commissioner asked Wednesday night, only half-joking, how much a new pier would cost.
The target construction start for the short-term work is October or November — deliberately timed to take advantage of the quieter season at the pier. It's a narrow window. Start too late and you're working through winter swells; start too early and you're disrupting the summer. SanClemente was direct about how important hitting that window is to keeping the project on track.
A grant application to the L.A. County Parks and Open Space District came back unsuccessful due to competition for funds, but the city has money in the budget to proceed regardless.
## Long-term financial headache
The pier is in worse shape than it looks.
That's the takeaway from the structural condition assessment delivered to the city last month. Based on months of inspections including underwater dive surveys, the report paints a picture of a structure slowly losing its fight with the Pacific Ocean.
The structural report contains photos showing cracking and movement of the structure
The piles and pile caps are in Fair condition. The concrete deck panels you walk on are in Poor to Serious condition, and the deck is now the weakest link. The pier was built in 1965 for 10-ton trucks. It is now restricted to vehicles under 5 tons. If high-priority repairs aren't completed within two years, that rating drops further and sections of the pier start closing.
## The Deck Is the Problem
Of the pier's 156 deck panels, roughly 20 are in serious trouble: 13 show fractures from overloading and 7 have significant areas of weak, delaminated concrete. The engineers estimate these panels have lost about half their original capacity.
The damage goes well beyond those worst cases. About 75% of panel undersides have corrosion spalling. Roughly 70% of the tops show spalls and delamination. At 14 locations, the shear keys connecting adjacent panels have failed, meaning those panels are no longer sharing loads.
## Repair or Replace ?
The immediate priority, at $3.25 million, is replacing 4 panels and repairing 14 others with fiberglass laminate within 1-2 years. Without it, the load rating drops and parts of the deck close. A second round at $3.22 million covers pile cap and additional deck work over 3-5 years. Beyond that, the engineers are blunt: deterioration will keep accelerating. The Hermosa pier is 60 years old, and concrete marine structures past 50 typically need corrosion repairs on 5-year cycles.
The city asked the engineers to model 45 years of maintenance costs against full replacement, running a scenario for each potential replacement year from 2026 through 2070.
■ The Hermosa Review · Infographic
## Pier Pressure
Structural Condition Assessment, January 2026
Built
1965
61 years old
Load limit
5 tons
Originally 10 tons
Optimal replacement
2032
Lowest 45-year cost
Repair timeline and estimated costs
High priority · 2027
$3.25M
Replace 4 deck panels, repair 14 with fiberglass laminate. Without this, load rating drops and sections close.
Medium priority · 2030
$3.22M
Spall repairs to 80% of pile caps and additional deck panel work. May be scaled back if replacement proceeds.
Planning begins · 2026
CEQA + public outreach
Environmental review and planning studies need to start now to hit a 2032 construction date.
New pier · 2032
$44.5M
Full replacement pier, same dimensions. Low maintenance for first 15-20 years.
Do nothing · through 2070
$210M cumulative
Repair costs accelerate every 5 years. By 2070 the pier is 105 years old with no remaining service life.
Total 45-year cost by replacement year
Green = optimal window (within 4% of lowest cost) Costs spike after 2039
Current deck condition
75% of panel undersides have corrosion spalling
70% of panel tops show spalls and delamination
20 panels in serious condition
14 shear key failures between panels
Source: City of Hermosa Beach Structural Condition Assessment · January 2026
The Hermosa Review · hermosareview.com
Repairing the existing pier through 2070 would cost a cumulative $210 million in inflation-adjusted dollars. A new pier is estimated at $44.5 million in 2025 dollars. The optimal replacement year is 2032, yielding total costs of $103.9 million through 2070\. Any replacement year before 2036 falls within 4% of that figure. After 2039, costs climb sharply.
The recommendation: complete high-priority deck repairs by 2027, begin planning and CEQA review as early as 2026, and break ground on a new pier in 2032.
## Other Findings
The Surfer's Walk of Fame plaques between Bents 13 and 18 are actively damaging the pier. Cutting into the deck compromises the concrete cover, and waterproof seals around many plaques have failed. The city has agreed to remove existing plaques and move future ones to the handrails. Bench anchorages are also in widespread disrepair, and the deck appears to dip at Bent 13 in a pattern that may indicate ongoing pile settlement.
## What It Means
The engineers have given the city a clear roadmap: fix the deck now, start planning immediately, and build a new pier within the decade. The window of cost-efficient life is about 10 years. After that, every year of delay costs more. Where that money comes from should concern every resident, given the scale of the issue.
### Pipe Dreams ?
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/pipe-dreams/
Last updated: 2026-03-20T17:24:44.000Z
A major Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts project to reline an aging sewer trunk line that runs the full length of Hermosa Beach is set to begin March 30, Public Works Director Joe SanClemente told the city's Public Works Commission at its meeting Wednesday night.
The line is over 100 years old. It carries a significant share of the city's sewage outflow and runs from the southern city limit all the way north to the Manhattan Beach border. One short section on Bayview Drive was repaired on an emergency basis about a year and a half ago; this project covers everything else — roughly 8,000 feet of pipe.
## What they're doing and why
Rather than digging up and replacing the pipe, crews will install a cured-in-place liner from the inside — a method that rehabilitates the existing line without major excavation. Work proceeds manhole to manhole, with crews typically accessing the pipe at existing manholes along the route. At certain locations, they'll need to cut small trenches into the street surface; where those trenches cross busy intersections, steel plates will cover them to maintain access.
The bigger visible disruption will be the bypass pipe. Because the existing line has to be completely emptied to install the liner, crews run a temporary above-ground pipe down an adjacent street to keep sewage flowing during construction. Think orange pipe, traffic cones, and a lane of your street occupied for a few weeks at a stretch.
Hermosa Beach Infrastructure
# Sewer Line Construction
Phasing Plan
Six phases spanning March 2026 to February 2027, sequenced to avoid overlap with other active city construction and respect the downtown moratorium.
## Timeline at a Glance
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Phase 1
Apr–Sep Moratorium
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 3
Phase 4
Phase 4
Phase 5
Phase 5
Phase 6
Phase 6
Phase 1
Mar 30 – Apr 15
Valley Drive, 2nd to 4th St
Bypass runs along the Greenbelt.
Phase 2
Mar 27 – Apr 30
Palm Drive, 18th to 25th St
Runs concurrently with the start of Phase 1.
Phase 3
Apr 18 – Jun 22
22nd St & Pier Avenue area
The only phase near downtown during the April–September construction moratorium the city negotiated.
Moratorium exception
Phase 4
Jun 22 – Sep 17
Hermosa Ave, 25th to 30th St
Bypass likely runs through the median. Pushed back to let Greenwich Village undergrounding advance first.
Deliberately delayed
Phase 5
Sep 17 – Nov 18
Hermosa Ave north to city limits
Also pushed back for the Greenwich Village undergrounding project.
Deliberately delayed
Phase 6
Nov 18, 2026 – Feb 17, 2027
Downtown / Manhattan Ave
Bypass on Hermosa Ave (not freshly repaved Pier Ave). Crews will cut through the HB logo intersection; Sanitation Districts will restore it.
Downtown finale
### Key Notes
Phases 4 and 5 were deliberately pushed back to avoid overlap with the Greenwich Village undergrounding project.
The city negotiated an April–September downtown construction moratorium. Phase 3 is the sole exception, operating near (but not in) the core downtown area.
Pier Avenue was recently repaved and will not be trenched. The Phase 6 bypass runs up Hermosa Avenue instead.
The painted HB logo at Hermosa Ave and Pier Ave will be restored by the Sanitation Districts after Phase 6 work.
THE HERMOSA REVIEW
## What the city negotiated
Director SanClemente noted that staff put considerable work into the phasing agreements. The city required the Sanitation Districts to stay out of the downtown core from April 1 through September 30, which is why Phase 6 is last. The city will also have its own inspector on site throughout the project, alongside the Districts' inspector.
Residents and businesses will receive notifications 14 days, 7 days, and 24 hours before work begins in their area. A small number of properties are directly connected to the county trunk line rather than the city's lateral system; those households will face temporary service disruptions and the Districts will provide portable restrooms and wash stations.
All project costs are borne by Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. The city pays nothing. Any pavement damaged during construction must be restored to city standards at the Districts' expense — typically a lane-width repair around the trench footprint.
## The bigger picture
Commissioners acknowledged that the timing is rough. The southern end of the city — around 2nd Street and Monterey — is already dealing with Cal Water's water main replacement work and the Torrance-led Green Streets project simultaneously. Commissioner Scott Hayes noted that residents trying to navigate the area have been caught between overlapping detours with little coordination between the different crews.
SanClemente acknowledged the frustration but was direct about the urgency. The Bayview emergency repair was a warning sign. "This is over 100 years old," he said. "This carries a lot of flow out of the city. That's why we're trying to break it into manageable pieces."
The project is expected to run close to a year in total. Residents experiencing specific traffic control problems are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department directly rather than wait — staff said they go out daily to enforce compliance with approved traffic control plans and will intervene when contractors aren't following them.
A dedicated project webpage has been set up by the Sanitation Districts. The city's Public Works Department can also be reached directly for issues as they arise.
### A 3-Foot Fight: Hermosa Beach Homeowner Wins Appeal in Disputed Height Calculation
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/a-3-foot-fight-hermosa-beach-homeowner-wins-appeal-in-disputed-height-calculation/
Last updated: 2026-03-19T03:19:21.000Z
A Hermosa Beach property owner won a procedural victory Tuesday night when the Planning Commission unanimously overturned a staff decision that would have effectively capped the height of his planned home three feet lower than comparable properties on his block — the result of a new interpretive standard applied to his application without notice after it was already in process.
The 5-0 vote in favor of David Toomey, who owns the property at 333 26th Street and intends to build a primary residence there, hinged not on whether his lot was convex — commissioners largely agreed it was — but on whether the city could fairly change the rules in the middle of his application.
## What a Convex Slope Determination Does
In most of Hermosa Beach, building height is measured from an interpolated grade line — essentially a straight line drawn between a lot's corner elevations. But for lots where the natural terrain arches upward between those corners, the city's municipal code allows a different approach: measuring height from the actual contour of the land, which can add meaningful vertical allowance at the lot's high point.
The city adopted the convex slope provision in 1994 specifically to avoid penalizing owners of dome-shaped lots, common in a city built on coastal dunes. In practice, the determination has been applied by staff and confirmed by the Planning Commission for at least 15 years, requiring applicants to submit a detailed topographical survey at two-foot intervals and a soils report to establish how much, if any, fill soil has been added over the natural grade.
Toomey did exactly that. His survey showed the lot rising in a dome shape along both property lines, with an apex roughly in the middle. His soils report, based on seven boring samples at locations specified by city staff, documented approximately a half foot of fill at the crown. Under the historical methodology, that would support a convex slope determination and allow him to measure building height from the natural arched grade — gaining roughly three feet of allowable height at the lot's midpoint compared to the straight-line method.
## The Denial
The Community Development Director denied the application in January on two grounds. First, she found the survey did not show a sufficiently pronounced arch along the property line. Second — and more consequentially — she found that because Toomey's proposed home includes a basement requiring excavation of up to 12.5 feet, the construction itself would eliminate the lot's convexity. Granting a height bonus based on a topographic feature that the development would immediately destroy, staff argued, was contrary to the intent of the provision.
Staff also introduced a new numerical threshold: a slope of roughly 10 percent or greater to potentially qualify as convex. Toomey's lot has a slope of 16 percent at its steepest segment — which would seem to clear that bar — but staff said the post-excavation condition brought it back below the standard.
## The Appeal
Toomey's representatives, land use expert Brandon Straus and attorney Frank Sandelmann, mounted a two-pronged challenge. On the merits, they argued the lot plainly meets the code's definition of a convex contour and that prior Planning Commission approvals had recognized similar — and in some cases lesser — convexity on nearby lots. Straus presented examples of 20 previously approved convex slope determinations, none of which matched the diagram staff cited as the standard, and at least one of which was located a single block from the subject property with a smaller slope than Toomey's lot.
On process, Sandelmann argued that the new standard — tying the determination to proposed post-construction grade rather than existing natural grade — was introduced after Toomey filed his application in November and was never communicated to him. The denial letter predated the point at which staff even proposed the new approach to the Planning Commission. "The rules need to be there for everybody," Sandelmann said, "and everybody needs to know what the rules are."
Toomey himself addressed the commission briefly, describing himself as a future full-time resident relocating from Dallas who had engaged in good faith with city staff from the outset, attending a pre-application meeting and soliciting guidance on the soils analysis methodology. "We've tried to be good, respectful collaborators throughout this process," he said, asking the commission to follow the 15-year precedent his application relied upon.
## Commission Response
Commissioners were largely sympathetic — and notably candid about their discomfort with the new standard.
Chair Steve Izant framed the situation directly: the commission was looking at a 33-foot house in a 30-foot zone, which he initially called "a creative way to exceed our zoning" before being corrected by colleagues who noted that the convex slope provision is itself part of the zoning code. He ultimately supported the appeal on fairness grounds, saying it was not appropriate to apply a new interpretation retroactively.
Commissioner Hoffman said he was troubled on multiple fronts. He agreed the lot appeared convex under the criteria the commission has historically applied. He also acknowledged the director's expertise and said the post-construction analysis had conceptual merit — but said applying it to an application already in process was the wrong way to implement a policy change. "I'm concerned that we're applying it to an application that was retroactively being considered under a new criterion," he said, adding that he would welcome a formal update to the standards going forward.
Commissioner Hirsch said the lot appeared to comply with what the commission has seen in prior convex slope cases and that changing the rules quickly on an in-process application was difficult to justify. She called for clarification of the policy going forward.
The vote to grant the appeal and approve the convex slope determination was unanimous.
## What It Means
For Toomey, the practical effect is roughly three additional feet of allowable height at the midpoint of the proposed home — the difference between a building that tops out at approximately 33 feet at its peak interior measurement and one capped at 30 feet throughout.
The broader implication is that the city's convex slope process — which has operated largely on institutional memory and case-by-case precedent for three decades — is due for a formal rewrite. Multiple commissioners said Tuesday they want updated written standards that are transparent, consistently applied, and prospectively noticed to applicants before they are enforced. The Community Development Director's office did not indicate a timeline for that work.
### Verizon Cell Tower Hearing Draws Neighbor Opposition - Decision Postponed to Allow Alternative Options
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/verizon-cell-tower-hearing-draws-neighbor-opposition-decision-postponed-to-allow-alternative-options/
Last updated: 2026-03-18T19:29:10.000Z
The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission voted unanimously Monday night to continue a Verizon Wireless cell tower application to its May 19 meeting, directing the company to explore relocating a proposed rooftop facility at 725 5th Street away from the residential properties bordering the site to the west.
The 5-0 vote came after more than an hour of testimony that laid bare the central tension in most cell tower disputes in built-out beach cities: federal law heavily constrains what local governments can do, but residents living next door to a proposed 35-foot telecommunications structure showed up ready to fight.
## What's Proposed ?
Proposed site of the cell tower at 725 5th St.
Verizon is seeking a Conditional Use Permit to build an unmanned wireless facility on the roof of an existing commercial building at 725 5th Street, currently home to an auto repair shop, offices, and a CrossFit gym. Nine panel antennas, six radios, and three equipment cabinets would be housed in a screened enclosure painted to match the building's split-face concrete exterior, positioned in the northwest corner of the L-shaped roof — ten feet from a residential property line.
Verizon representative Tom Johnson said the installation is intended to close a coverage gap running roughly between 1st and 14th Streets along PCH, and that four other candidate sites were ruled out due to lack of property owner interest.
## Neighbors Push Back
Four residents testified in opposition. Adjacent property owner Liz Brubaker argued Verizon had not demonstrated a verified coverage gap under the Telecommunications Act, citing the absence of independent drive test data or third-party RF analysis. Her husband Robert Brubaker questioned whether smaller, less intrusive alternatives — like pole-mounted small cells — had been seriously considered. A third speaker, identified as a complex litigator, warned of "a very long tail of litigation" and said the staff report contained glaring evidentiary gaps. A fourth speaker with telecom industry experience suggested the city maintenance yard and the Verizon central office near 1st and PCH as superior alternatives.
During the public hearing, online commenter Dave Horowitz said he had purchased his property with the understanding his view would not be obstructed and expressed concern about the precedent the approval might set. Resident Laura Pena raised a land use compatibility question, noting that 725 5th Street carries a Housing Element Overlay designation for very low and low-income units, and asked what analysis had been done to ensure the cell tower approval would not complicate or foreclose future housing development on the site.
## The Pivot
During questioning, Verizon's Johnson acknowledged that the facility's three antenna sectors could potentially be separated — keeping the westward-facing sector on the existing northwest corner while relocating the remaining equipment to the northeast portion of the roof above the CrossFit gym. Commissioners seized on that opening.
Commissioner Hoffman argued the northeast corner is the true functional center of the L-shaped property, surrounded by commercial uses and largely screened from street view. Vice Chair Flaherty and others said the overriding concern from neighbors wasn't aesthetics — it was proximity. Commissioner Hoffman acknowledged the political reality plainly: "If it doesn't go here, it's going to go somewhere, and it's going to be a different audience of 20 people who now have a cell tower in their backyard."
After Johnson signaled openness to a continuance, Chair Izant moved to continue to May 19 and direct staff and Verizon to work together on a redesign centered on the northeast corner. All five commissioners voted yes.
### CRIME TIME: March 1-7
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-march-1-7/
Last updated: 2026-03-15T13:16:07.000Z
### THE E-BIKE SITUATION (AGAIN)
Hermosa's e-bike crime wave rolled into another week with three separate incidents. In the most brazen, someone pried batteries off multiple e-bikes parked in a secured underground garage on the 400 block of Monterey Boulevard in the early hours of Thursday, March 5\.
Meanwhile, up at the 3400 block of The Strand, an unknown subject walked into a garage on Friday and simply stole e-bikes outright. And over in Area 3, an e-bike locked to itself — as in, locked only to itself, not to anything stationary — was taken from the 800 block of 15th Street on the evening of February 27\.
---
### TAX SEASON CRIME CORNER
It's March, which means the scammers are filing early and often — with your information.
A resident on the 600 block of 1st Place discovered on March 5 that someone had filed fraudulent IRS *and* California state tax returns in their name.
Over on the 600 block of Longfellow Avenue, a victim received a 1099-K tax form for Uber work they say they never performed.
Tax fraud wasn't the only financial crime this week. A resident on the 100 block of Longfellow Avenue applied for a garage rental, provided personal information to what turned out to be a scammer, and realized mid-process they were being defrauded. The report spans February 17 to February 28 — nearly two weeks of slow-dawning horror.
On the 500 block of Hermosa Avenue, a construction company received what appeared to be an email from a client requesting an invoice. They sent it. The client later said they'd never asked for one. A fraudulent invoice followed. Classic business email compromise — the digital equivalent of someone intercepting your mail and cashing it. Which, incidentally, also happened: a check mailed to cover property taxes from the 1200 block of North Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach was intercepted, washed, and cashed sometime between February 1 and February 19.
And over on the 2900 block of Tennyson Place, a subject had been having packages delivered to a vacant house and showing up to collect them — until a sharp-eyed employee at the location confronted them. The suspect fled.
---
### PIER AVENUE: OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The 100 block of Pier Avenue had a full Tuesday. At 8:17 a.m. on March 4, officers contacted a man camping on the beach who was found to be smoking in public and in possession of drug paraphernalia. By 1:47 p.m., a different subject was arrested for public intoxication at the same general stretch.
Over at the 700 block of Pier Avenue, a driver was cited on March 7 for operating a vehicle on a suspended or revoked license. Earlier in the week, on March 4, a separate subject at the same block interfered with a traffic stop — reportedly refusing repeated requests to move back. After declining to comply, they were arrested.
---
### THE STRAND MIDNIGHT TOUR
In the early hours of March 3, two subjects were spotted walking around the 600 block of The Strand. One attempted to open the front door of a residence. The other made off with an electric bicycle. The subject taken into custody was also found to be in possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia.
---
### ASSORTED MATTERS
A DUI arrest on the evening of March 1 at 20th Street and Hermosa Avenue — driving under the influence *and* without a license.
On March 2, threatening text messages were reported from the 600 block of 5th Street.
On the 2400 block of Prospect Avenue, someone entered an apartment and made off with a necklace and a fur coat on the afternoon of March 5\. Paperwork in the unit had been searched as well — suggesting the burglar was looking for more than accessories.
A child's bicycle and helmet were left unattended on the 400 block of Valley Drive on the afternoon of March 4\. They were stolen.
On March 3, a neighbor on the 1200 block of 24th Street apparently entered the adjacent yard, painted a gate, and dripped paint onto the ground in the process. This one was filed as an information report, not a crime.
At 8th Street and Prospect Avenue, a subject was found in possession of a nitrous oxide tank on the evening of March 4\. Cited and released.
A lifeguard truck bumper was damaged when a garage door closed on it, reported February 28 from the 1200 block of The Strand. The door, presumably, had no comment.
A purse was found at the 700 block of Golden Avenue on March 7\. A card holder with ID and other cards was found at the 500 block of Pier Avenue on March 4\. Both turned in to HBPD.
---
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### UPDATED: MURDER CHARGE FILED. Dead Man and Suspect Named in Strand Homicide Investigation
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-swat-operation-at-strand-and-5th-possible-murder-investigation-begins-after-7-hour-standoff/
Last updated: 2026-03-28T22:52:00.000Z
A charge of murder was officially filed today against Robert Simmons following his arrest on Saturday evening. According to District Attorney spokesperson Zara Lockshin, Simmons did not appear as scheduled for his arraignment hearing Tuesday, which has been rescheduled for Wednesday before Judge Amy Carter. Simmons was named in the paperwork under both his legal name and *aka Elanor Beaulieu.*
Murder charge filed today. Simmons is now due to appear in court tomorrow, Wednesday 18th March
🚨
****UPDATED**
The deceased has been now been officially named as ****Demetrius Doukoullos**, aged 92.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department ****Robert Simmons** (39), was booked on suspicion of murder Saturday evening, He was listed as a male, but under the name ****Elanor Beaulieu**, and was being held at the Inmate Reception Center in downtown Los Angeles in lieu of $2 million.
Simmons was previously booked in Redondo Beach on Feb. 23, 2026 following an alleged misdemeanor petty theft offense. On that occasion he was listed as non-binary gender.
He was also arrested on February 5th by LAPD on a felony charge which was subsequently dismissed. On that occasion he was booked as a white male, 5'10", 130 pounds.
A booking record from last month shows that Simmons was detained on a misdemeanor by Redondo Beach Police. On that occasion his sex was classified as non-binary
Booking record from February 5th by LAPD Wilshire Division
Booking Record from Saturday evening. Suspect name is shown as Elanor Beaulieu, male.
---
Person exiting the home, hands raised, at around 8pm
HBPD confirmed on Sunday that an adult male was found dead inside the Strand property last night after gaining entry at the end of a seven hour siege. Also confirmed that this is being investigated as possible homicide. One individual is in custody, identity not released at this stage.
---
A standoff that involved multi-agency SWAT and K-9 teams lasted over 7 hours at 5th St and The Strand/Hermosa Ave on Saturday. Tonight, one person appears to have been taken into custody following reports of a dead body in the house.
Details are patchy, but at around 8pm one person appeared to surrender, exiting the home with their hands raised. Eyewitnesses reported that officers referred to the suspect as ‘Eleanor’ during the final stages of the standoff, but authorities have not yet confirmed the identity or gender of the person taken into custody.
HBPD said that an initial report came in at 12.37pm, when they responded to a request for a welfare check, after the landlord or agent said that they had not heard from a tenant in over a week. Neighbors apparently mentioned a bad smell coming from a downstairs unit. On arrival, police apparently encountered a person who was not the tenant. That person then allegedly barricaded themselves in the house, claiming to be armed and dangerous. Police did not release the name of the individual, nor did they confirm whether they are male or female.
Police have tonight confirmed the discovery of a dead body at the scene, and LASD have further confirmed that their homicide team have taken charge of the investigation.
### ST. PATRICKS DAY PARADE PHOTO GALLERY
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/st-patricks-day-parade-photo-gallery/
Last updated: 2026-03-28T22:51:55.000Z
Blue skies, Green pride. Hermosa Beach marked its 30th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, filling Pier Avenue with marching bands, local nonprofits and more. From Valley Drive all the way down Pier Avenue, our town and visitors showed up in a swathe of green.
### GALLERY (click to enlarge)
### New Hermosa Ave. Approval Raises More Questions About Coastal Commission Overreach
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/new-hermosa-ave-approval-raises-more-questions-about-coastal-commission-overreach/
Last updated: 2026-03-28T22:51:42.000Z
🏠
****IN BRIEF :**
****\- The Coastal Commission approved a redevelopment at 2464 Hermosa Avenue, replacing a 1953 triplex unit — but attached conditions that go well beyond coastal protection, and reflect a pattern of increasing overreach in Hermosa Beach by the Commission.**
****\- Unusual special conditions require separate utility meters for each unit, specific garage access and layout for all units in perpetuity, and ten years of annual rental reports filed with the state disclosing tenants, rent charged, and how the units are being used.**
****\- Hermosa Beach Councilmember Ray Jackson, who sits on the Coastal Commission, was present at the March 11 hearing, and approved all of these new conditions.**
At 2464 Hermosa Avenue, a 1953 triplex is coming down. In its place, the applicant wants to build a three-story, 5,513-square-foot structure with a main residence and two accessory dwelling units. The California Coastal Commission approved it this week, 270 feet from the beach, in a built-out residential neighborhood where this kind of redevelopment happens constantly.
So far, routine.
What isn't routine is what the Commission attached to that approval. Three of the eight special conditions imposed on this private development project are extraordinary in their reach — and together they form a picture of an agency that is no longer simply regulating the coastline. It is inserting itself into the internal operations of a private residential building.
_This post is for subscribers only._
### Council Signals Support for Nike Run, But Won't Just Do It
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-signals-support-for-nike-run-but-wont-just-do-it/
Last updated: 2026-03-28T22:51:36.000Z
### *Council stops short of outright approval for Nike event, looking for additional financial support and reassurances over disruption to residents and businesses*
The Hermosa Beach City Council signaled cautious support for moving forward with the Nike After Dark Tour LA 2026 — a women's nighttime half marathon that would run through the heart of the city — but stopped short of a final green light Tuesday night, directing staff to return with a more fully negotiated deal at its April 14 meeting.
The unanimous vote to continue the public hearing reflected a council that was broadly enthusiastic about the event but united in wanting better answers on resident impacts, financial terms, and how Hermosa's compensation package would compare to neighboring cities also involved in the race.
## What's Proposed
Nike organizers are seeking city approval to route a 13.1-mile women's race through Hermosa Beach on either October 17 or October 24\. The event — billed as a nighttime running experience, with waves launching between approximately 5 and 5:40 p.m. and runners finishing by 10 p.m. — would begin and end in Redondo Beach, passing through Torrance before entering Hermosa and returning south along the Strand.
_This post is for subscribers only._
### Ex-Chamber CEO Cited for Allegedly Serving Alcohol Without License at Cypress 'Studio'
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/ex-chamber-ceo-cited-for-allegedly-serving-alcohol-without-license-at-cypress-studio/
Last updated: 2026-03-28T22:51:08.000Z
The former CEO and President of the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce has been cited for allegedly serving alcohol without a license following an undercover sting operation by Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents at a Cypress Avenue event venue.
Authorities said 'The Studio' owner Jessica Accamando hosted a Sake Tasting Experience on Jan. 30, 2026, at the unit located at 636 Cypress Ave.
Jessica Accamando stood down as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce at the end of last year. She previously served as its President and CEO
Accamando had been warned twice by ABC before the citation was issued, agents said.
After receiving a complaint, two undercover agents purchased $60 tickets to attend the January event, which was advertised on The Studio’s Instagram page. The event was open to the public. The Studio advertises itself on its website as a place where 'Creativity Breaks The Rules.'
“While at the location, we were served sake, an alcoholic beverage,” the report said. The menu included eight samplings of different types of sake.
The ABC Investigation Report summary
According to the ABC investigation report, “The Studio” did not have a caterer’s permit or a one-day license for the location or event.
During the tasting, Accamando told guests the Sake Tasting Experience “was the first of many upcoming tasting/pairing events” she would be hosting, the report said. “Accamando said they would have Tequila, wine, and other related tasting/pairing events. She added they planned to do at least one event every quarter.”
When an agent asked whether she would host a beer tasting event, “Accamando answered that they would have a beer tasting event since she knows many people in the beer industry,” authorities said.
An extract from the full ABC report into the undercover operation on January 30th
#### The ABC (click to expand)
The ABC in California stands for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
∙ Purpose: The state agency responsible for regulating the manufacture, sale, purchase, possession, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in California.
∙ Licensing: Issues and oversees all liquor licenses — for bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, retail stores, and more.
∙ Enforcement: Conducts inspections and undercover operations to catch violations like sales to minors, over-serving, or operating without a license.
∙ Authority: Can suspend, revoke, or deny licenses and issue fines for violations.
∙ Scope: Regulates over 90,000 licensed businesses statewide — one of the largest such agencies in the U.S.
∙ Local coordination: Works alongside local law enforcement and planning agencies (like city councils and planning commissions) on conditional use permits (CUPs) tied to alcohol sales.
∙ Appeals process: Licensees can appeal ABC decisions through an administrative process and, ultimately, the courts.
The Studio has had prior contact with ABC agents.
After receiving an anonymous tip, ABC agents told Accamando on Feb. 28, 2025, that she needed a liquor license or temporary license for alcohol-related events she hosted at the location.
On March 7, 2025, ABC’s Lakewood District Office received a complaint regarding a “Paint and Sip” event advertised on the business’s Instagram page. Undercover agents attended the event, described as “bottomless wine,” and then identified themselves to Accamando, informing her she needed a liquor license.
“Accamando stated that she understood,” the report said. She was not cited at that time.
Accamando was ultimately cited for selling alcohol without a license in connection with the Jan. 30 event and was ordered to appear in Torrance Superior Court on May 19.
City rules on events in the Cypress District were relaxed last year as part of a review that looked specifically at the provision of alcohol and amplified sound. Opponents warned at the time of potential problems involving The Studio's program, raising concerns over possible safety and public nuisance issues.
Speaking before the Planning Commission as part of that review on February 18th last year, Accamando said that "...it seems crazy that we can't have small events where legally there can be provided wine by somebody with a catering license or a temporary ABC license."
Ten days after that meeting, Accamando was specifically advised by ABC officers over event licensing requirements. One week after that they conducted their first undercover enforcement operation at The Studio during an unlicensed event.
An ABC spokesman told The Hermosa Review last week that “…sale of alcohol without a license (B&P 23300) is a misdemeanor. Deciding to file charges is determined by the local district attorney and ABC has no say in that process. The severity of the penalties are usually based on whether it’s a first offense or a repeat offense—a first offense could result in up to six months in jail (which is rare) as well as potential fines and community service requirements.”
### CRIME TIME : February 22-28
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-february-22-28/
Last updated: 2026-03-09T03:22:56.000Z
## The Week in Blue
A relatively quiet week by recent standards, though two weapons arrests—including an armed security guard working illegally with a restraining order prohibiting firearm possession—stand out. Vehicle thefts continue, and the usual parade of public intoxication and opportunistic property crimes rounds out the log. Here's what happened.
## Weapons Arrests
**Armed Security Guard Arrested**
In one of the week's more notable incidents, a subject working as an armed security guard on Pier Avenue was found to have a restraining order prohibiting him from owning or possessing a firearm. He was arrested on February 26th.
**Gun and Open Tequila in Parked Car**
Officers contacted four occupants in a parked vehicle at 22nd Street & Beach Drive late on February 24th. The driver was found in possession of an unloaded handgun and a loaded magazine, plus open bottles of tequila. He was arrested on gun charges.
## DUI with Cocaine
A subject arrested for DUI at 16th Street & Loma Drive early on February 25th was found during a search to be in possession of cocaine, adding drug charges to the DUI.
## Vehicle Crimes
**Car Stolen from Dealership**
A vehicle was stolen from a car dealership on PCH between February 22-23\. Whether this was a test drive gone wrong or an after-hours theft isn't specified in the report.
**Vehicle Parts Theft**
Someone disassembled and stole the side step from a vehicle parked on PCH, also taking the vehicle's battery (February 24-25).
**Electric Scooter Stolen**
An unlocked electric scooter was stolen from 22nd Street & The Strand (February 26th). Lock your rides, people.
## Stolen Property
**Bicyclist Arrested with Stolen E-Bike**
A subject riding a bicycle on Hermosa Avenue was contacted by officers and found to be carrying an electric bicycle missing its front wheel (February 23rd). The subject was arrested for possession of stolen property.
## Opportunistic Thefts
**Phone Snatched from Restroom**
A victim set their phone down on a restroom countertop at Pier Avenue. Another subject grabbed the phone and fled, chased by the victim (February 28th).
**Unlocked Vehicle Searched**
An unlocked vehicle on 9th Street was entered overnight February 26-27\. Thieves searched through paperwork and baby items before stealing sunglasses and earphones.
## Traffic
Three hit-and-run incidents with property damage were reported:
- Manhattan Avenue & 27th Street (February 18th—late report)
- 26th Street & Myrtle Avenue (February 23rd)
- PCH (1100 block) (February 24th)
Two citations for driving on suspended/revoked licenses were issued at 8th & Hermosa (February 26th and 27th).
In Redondo Beach, HBPD assisted with two suspended license citations—one on February 21st and another on February 23rd involving expired/no registration as well.
## Public Intoxication
Three public intoxication arrests were made:
- Pier Avenue (February 23rd)
- Pier Avenue (February 25th)
- Restaurant on Pier Avenue where intoxicated subject couldn't pay bill (February 26th)
## Quality of Life
**Public Urination with Fake ID**
A subject cited for public urination on 13th Court was also found to be in possession of a false ID (February 22nd).
## Vandalism
A vehicle's passenger side door was dented on PCH (February 28th).
## The Digital World
**Email Used for Porn Site Account**
A victim reported receiving spam and emails from various accounts after their email was used to create an account on a pornographic site. The incident was first noticed in October 2025 but reported in February (February 25th).
## Found Property
Officers recovered:
- Cell phone on Manhattan Avenue
- Bag with miscellaneous property on Pier Avenue
A bicycle was also taken for safekeeping on Pier Avenue.
If you're missing any of these items, contact HBPD.
### Play Ball, Hermosa! Opening Day Brings the Magic Back to Clark Field
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/play-ball-hermosa-opening-day-brings-the-magic-back-to-clark-field/
Last updated: 2026-03-28T22:51:30.000Z
Hermosa Beach Little League celebrated its 75th anniversary Saturday as 570 players from 57 teams gathered at Clark Field to begin another season.
Clark Field became a sea of bright uniforms and nervous excitement as first-time tee-ball players clutched oversized gloves and seasoned players eyed the playoff bracket.
“Opening Day of Little League season is the greatest thing that Hermosa Beach does,” said Bob Jones, who unfolded his chair and sat down in the middle of the grass before the ceremony began.
Kids scurried past him in brand-new jerseys, dads gathered in small circles, moms watched their kids run around the field.
Jones took it all in, the way a grandfather does. This is the third time through for him. His two older grandsons played before. Now 5-year-old Alfonso is starting T-ball.
“I have a whole drawer full of hats,” Jones said.
### GALLERY (click to enlarge)
**Clockwise from top left : Chris Brown, who grew up playing baseball at Clark Field, with his son Taylor, wife Laura and baby Kyla; Molly Fulbright with Dakota, Hank, Bode and Enzo; Robyn Torres, Bob Jones, Kathy Jones, Alfonso Torres and 5-year old Alfonso; Dan and Jenny Mason with Landon, 8, and Morgan, 3; Lexi Basil and her daughter; Hermosa Beach Little League President Evan Smith; Players rounding the bases as part of the opening parade.*
Hermosa Beach Little League President Evan Smith kicked off the ceremony with some impressive league numbers. Participation is at a record high this year, almost 600 players. More girls are playing at every level. Seventy local businesses, surf shops, restaurants, banks, are sponsoring the teams.
“It's unbelievable how much support we have in the league, how much involvement we have,” Smith said. “We have this because the community is so strong. It’s the folks, the families, volunteers that make this a special place.”
After his remarks the 57 teams lined up for the opening parade, each player sprinting onto the diamond to round the bases.
“It was fun because everyone was cheering,” 11-year-old Everett Grad said.
Hermosa Valley’s Asha Shah delivered a soulful national anthem before the head coach of the USA Women’s National Hockey Team, John Wroblewski, threw the ceremonial first pitch to Hermosa Police Chief Landon Phillips, the ball popping cleanly into the mitt.
Behind home plate, Hector’s Tacos fired up the grill, continuing its tradition of serving breakfast burritos, tacos and burgers to hungry players and their families.
In an era of travel ball and hyper-competition, Hermosa has chosen a slightly different path. The league does not keep regular-season standings. Coaches rotate players through positions. Kids who have never pitched get a chance to take the mound.
“What we offer is an opportunity for kids to play with their friends, the kids they go to school with,” Smith said. “There’s a lot of failure in baseball. You strike out. You make errors. You walk a guy. But it gives you an opportunity to build resilience and character. You fight through it, you see progress, and it becomes a really cool metaphor for life.”
For some families, the field represents something even deeper.
Hank Bulczynski, 8, and his younger brother Bode, 4, are playing their first season after their family lost their home in the Malibu fires and relocated to Hermosa.
“We got so lucky we landed here,” their mother said.
Longtime Hermosa Beach resident Chris Brown knows the feeling of returning. He accompanied his 5-year-old son, Taylor, to Opening Day.
“This is exactly 49 years since my opening day, which is pretty crazy,” he said.
“I’ve been fortunate to do a lot of cool stuff in my life, but memories from playing Little League here are just about as great as anything you can do.”
He still remembers beating Manhattan Beach in All-Stars.
“I pitched a no hitter, and the losing pitcher was Eric Fonoimoana, who went on to win the Olympic gold medal in beach volleyball. We’ve been friends our whole lives, but I still talk trash to him about it.
“Yeah, you might have an Olympic gold medal, but I pitched a no hitter against you. And he has no comeback. It still hurts him.”
Brown said playing is only part of the experience.
“Baseball is awesome. It’s the national pastime,” Brown said. “But there’s everything else that goes with it. The relationships. The friendships that are going to last a lifetime.”
For 11-year-old Riggins Smith, a pitcher and shortstop who has played seven years, the best part is simple.
“Being able to play with all my friends,” he said. “Whoever wins gets bragging rights.”
Even teenagers who have aged out find their way back. Seventeen-year-old Chase Mamber, a Mira Costa student and junior umpire, worked behind the plate Saturday.
“I love Clark Field. I love baseball. It’s just perfect,” he said.
Do kids question his calls?
“All the time, mostly parents,” he said. “I have to explain it’s not MLB rules. It’s Little League. It’s just for fun.”
For a few hours on a sunny spring day, hundreds of kids gathered on one small patch of grass in the center of town. They cheered, laughed, and played ball.
In a world that often feels hurried, Clark Field did what it has done for 75 years, it brought Hermosa Beach together.
Player Justin Ciani summed it up best: “It’s beautiful here. No matter how bad your day is, you always have fun at Clark Field.”
---
### FURTHER READING
[Clark Field improvements teased at Parks & Rec Commission meetingLittle League and Clark Field improvements take center stageThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/clark-field-improvements-teased-at-parks-rec-commission-meeting/)
### Parks Commission Advances Dog Park Proposal, Favors Greenbelt and Valley Park Options
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/parks-commission-advances-dog-park-proposal-favors-greenbelt-and-valley-park-options/
Last updated: 2026-03-28T22:51:22.000Z
The Hermosa Beach Parks & Rec Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend that City Council move forward with a dog park feasibility study, narrowing the focus to two preferred locations: the Greenbelt near City Hall and Valley Park East.
The commission also recommended that the city explore placing a ballot measure before voters this November that would amend the Greenbelt's 1989 founding ordinance — which mandates leashed dogs and restricts new structures — to allow for a designated off-leash area. Any such amendment would require a public vote under the terms of Proposition D, the 1988 ballot measure that established the Greenbelt.
Community group Bark for a Park, which has been driving the effort, has pledged to cover all pre-development costs including design, construction, and permits. The group reported $70,000 in donations and pledges to date, plus a $250,000 anonymous matching grant for donations of $100 or more — potentially putting roughly $500,000 toward construction.
Five locations were evaluated in a feasibility study: the Greenbelt, Valley Park East, Edith Rodaway Friendship Park, Bicentennial Park, and a stretch of beach between Herondo Street and 1st Street. Commissioners broadly rejected the beach option, and expressed reservations about Bicentennial Park given its proximity to residences. The commission asked that Valley Park East receive a more detailed ADA accessibility review before being ruled in or out.
The commission's recommendation goes to City Council on April 14\. If council approves further study, a comprehensive report involving Public Works and possibly a consultant would follow. The city would need to act by approximately early August to place a Greenbelt measure on the November ballot.
---
### FURTHER READING
[Dog Park Progress On LeashBark For A Park group detail fundraising progress but urge city staff to move fasterThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/dog-park-progress-unleashed/)
### Hermosa Beach Pair Arrested in Alleged Jail Drug Smuggling Scheme
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-pair-arrested-in-alleged-jail-drug-smuggling-scheme/
Last updated: 2026-03-13T03:55:47.000Z
### *Sheriff's investigators intercepted narcotics before they reached the county jail system*
Two Hermosa Beach residents were arrested Tuesday after Los Angeles County Sheriff's investigators say they thwarted an attempt to smuggle narcotics into the county jail system through the U.S. Postal Service.
_This post is for subscribers only._
### CRIME TIME : February 15-21
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-february-15-21/
Last updated: 2026-03-09T03:22:42.000Z
## The Week in Blue
Car thieves had a field day this week with one successful vehicle theft, one stolen moped, two attempted thefts, and two more vehicle tampering incidents—all using similar smash-and-grab tactics. Meanwhile, a serial garage burglar hit twice in one morning, and the usual downtown disorder continued. Here's what happened.
## Vehicle Crime Spree
**Car Stolen from Manhattan Avenue**
On February 20-21, thieves shattered a vehicle's window on Manhattan Avenue and made off with the car. This was the second successful vehicle theft of the week.
**Unlocked Car Vanishes from Pier Avenue**
A victim parked their vehicle unlocked on Pier Avenue on February 13th. When they returned in the early morning hours of February 14th, the car was gone. PSA: Lock your cars.
**Moped Stolen from Parking Garage**
A moped was stolen from a parking garage on Ardmore Avenue overnight February 16-17.
**Multiple Attempted Thefts**
Car thieves struck twice more but failed to steal the vehicles:
- 7th Court & Hermosa Avenue: Rear passenger window smashed, steering column and ignition tampered with (February 20-21)
- 4th Street & Bayview Drive: Ignition punched in an attempt to steal vehicle (February 20-21)
**Vehicle Tampering on 4th Street**
The right passenger window was smashed and ignition punched on 4th Street in another attempted theft. A USB cable was stolen (February 20-21).
All these incidents appear to use similar methods—smashing windows and tampering with ignition systems—suggesting organized theft activity.
## Serial Garage Burglar
**Thief Returns for More E-Bikes**
In a brazen early-morning crime spree on February 17th, a subject entered a garage on 29th Street, stole a bicycle, and moved it to a new location. The thief then returned to the same garage and took two backpacks and another electric bicycle before fleeing. One bicycle was recovered locally, but the suspect and other items remain at large.
## Other Property Crimes
**Retail Theft**
Multiple incidents of shoplifting were reported:
- Subjects entered a store on PCH, grabbed alcohol, cosmetics, and various items and left without paying (February 16th)
- Subject took multiple oral care items from Pier Avenue store (February 16th)
**Bicycle Theft from Unlocked Garage**
A bicycle left inside an unlocked garage was stolen on 6th Street (February 17-18).
**EBT Card & Medication Missing**
An EBT card and medication went missing from a residence on 2nd Street (February 16th).
## Fraud & Forgery
**IRS Check Washed and Cashed**
An IRS check from June 2025 was intercepted, washed, altered, and cashed—not discovered until February 16th. This is becoming a recurring theme in our crime reports. If you're expecting tax documents or IRS checks, monitor your accounts carefully.
**REI Account Hacked**
A victim's REI account was used to purchase items without permission overnight February 19-20.
## Assault Incident
**Moving Day Dispute Turns Threatening**
Movers damaged a refrigerator and walls during a move on Manhattan Avenue. When the resident said he would contact the manager, a mover physically stopped him from heading downstairs and threatened him (February 19th).
## ABC Violation
**Unlicensed Alcohol Tasting**
A business on Cypress Avenue was found operating an alcohol tasting experience without a license for sales of alcohol on January 30th (late report)
[Ex-Chamber CEO Cited for Allegedly Serving Alcohol Without License at Cypress ‘Studio’Second undercover sting operation at Cypress Avenue venue by ABC officers results in citation and court date.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/ex-chamber-ceo-cited-for-allegedly-serving-alcohol-without-license-at-cypress-studio/)
## DUI & Public Intoxication
Two DUI arrests were made:
- February 16th at 8th Street & Cypress Avenue
- February 17th in Redondo Beach (resisting arrest)
Three public intoxication incidents:
- Subject arrested on 11th Street (February 20th)
- Subject arrested at Pier & Valley (February 15th)
- Intoxicated subject fell and was transported for medical care on Hermosa Avenue (February 16th)
## Quality of Life Issues
**Property Loiterers**
Two subjects were found on private property on 2nd Street, charging phones and leaving possessions behind (February 17th).
**Public Urination**
One citation issued on 13th Court (February 21st).
## Traffic Incident
An officer attempted to contact a subject who walked away from a vehicle and refused commands to stop at Longfellow & Valley. The vehicle was towed due to expired registration—more than six months overdue (February 17th).
## Lost & Found Property
Lost: wallet, backpack with items
Found: clothing, credit cards, and other items on 8th Place
If you're missing any of these items, contact HbPD.
---
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### CRIME TIME : February 8-14
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-february-8-14/
Last updated: 2026-02-25T15:48:09.000Z
## The Week in Blue
An e-bike theft ring was busted this week when suspects were tracked to El Segundo with two stolen bikes, a loaded gun, and a stash of drugs. Meanwhile, two separate weapons incidents involving guns and ghost guns kept officers busy. Here's the breakdown.
## Major Bust
**E-Bike Thieves Caught with Gun, Drugs**
The week's biggest arrest came on February 9-10 when suspects stole an e-bike from Manhattan Avenue, loaded it into a truck, and fled. Officers tracked the vehicle to El Segundo where they found not one but two stolen e-bikes in the back, along with a loaded handgun and a large amount of controlled substances. Multiple arrests were made.
**Ghost Gun Found on Loma Drive**
On February 11th, officers responded to a vehicle blocking a driveway on Loma Drive. What started as a parking complaint turned into a major bust when they spotted marijuana in plain view. A search uncovered a large amount of psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, and a loaded handgun with no serial number—a so-called "ghost gun." Both occupants were arrested.
## Assaults & Violence
**Unprovoked Attack at Pier**
In a bizarre early-morning incident on February 13th, a subject struck a victim in an unprovoked attack at Pier Avenue, then attempted to enter a lifeguard truck before being arrested.
**Bar Fight Turns Violent**
Two subjects were talking at a bar on Hermosa Avenue when one suddenly punched the other multiple times (February 13th). The suspect was arrested.
**Intoxicated Subjects Brawl**
Two intoxicated subjects got into it at Pier Avenue in the early hours of February 8th. One resisted arrest and was involved in a battery. Both were arrested.
**Pepper Spray Attack**
A victim was pepper-sprayed in the face on Owosso Avenue on February 10th. The suspect fled and remains at large.
## Identity Theft & Fraud
**Student Loan Fraud**
In a sophisticated identity theft spanning December 2025 to February 11th, an unknown subject opened a new loan in a victim's name on their student loan portal, added a new address in Indiana to their credit file, and triggered numerous requests for secure codes and password resets. The victim discovered the fraud when they received alerts about the suspicious activity.
**Ticket Scam**
A victim communicating online was scammed by someone impersonating another person. The victim sent $300 for a ticket that was never received (February 5-9).
**Multiple Account Fraud**
Unknown subjects used a victim's identity to attempt to open multiple accounts and withdraw money (February 2-9).
## Strange But True
**Stolen Item Returned at Police Station**
In an unusual twist, a victim who'd purchased an item but never received it still had the serial number. They arranged to buy the same item again from a different seller and scheduled the meeting at the police department. The seller showed up with the item—which matched the victim's original serial number. The new seller said he'd bought it online from someone else and handed it over. None of the crimes occurred in Hermosa Beach, so this was logged as an information report.
## Property Crimes
**Vehicle Burglary in Garage**
A vehicle parked in a subterranean garage on Herondo Street was entered by unknown means and multiple items were stolen (February 10-11).
**Package Theft**
Two package thefts were reported—one delivered to the wrong address on 8th Street (stolen or lost between January 31 and February 13), another requiring a signature on Monterey Boulevard that shows as "signed for and delivered" but the victim never received it (February 12-13).
**Retail Theft**
A subject grabbed a bottle of alcohol at Pier Avenue, concealed it, and walked out without paying (February 13th).
## DUI Arrests
Three DUI arrests were made during the week:
- February 8th on Hermosa Avenue (also driving without a license)
- February 9th on Hermosa Avenue
- February 12th on Hermosa Avenue
## Quality of Life
**The Usual Downtown Drama**
- Public urination citations on 11th Street (January 24th—late report) and Pier Avenue (February 8th)
- Public intoxication arrest on 15th Court (February 12th)
- Highly intoxicated subject found with facial and hand injuries at Pier Avenue, transported for medical care (February 10th)
- Subject with stay-away order cited for riding bicycle in walk zone at Pier Avenue (February 13th)
- Erratic past customer denied hotel room at Pier Avenue establishment after previous incidents (February 8th)
## The Weird Stuff
**Palm Frond Thieves**
Unknown subjects were caught cutting palm fronds from a tree on the greenbelt at Valley Drive (February 9th). It's unclear whether this was unauthorized landscaping or frond theft.
---
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### Detoy Elected Mayor, Keegan is New Pro-Tem as Saemann Passes the Gavel
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/detoy-elected-mayor-keegan-is-new-pro-tem/
Last updated: 2026-03-13T03:55:33.000Z
Michael Detoy was unanimously elected as Hermosa's new mayor on Tuesday night in a special City Council meeting that doubled as a civic celebration, drawing a packed chamber of current and former elected officials, state and county representatives, and residents.
Councilmember Michael Keegan was elected Mayor Pro Tem on a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Ray Jackson casting the lone dissent — the only discordant note in an evening that was otherwise defined by ceremony, gratitude, and calls for civility.
## A Smooth Handoff
Councilmember Dean Francois nominated Detoy for mayor, praising his "long professionalism" and predicting that council meetings under his leadership would "remain professional and efficient." Outgoing Mayor Rob Saemann seconded the nomination, and the vote carried 5-0.
Francois then nominated Keegan as Mayor pro tem, pointedly citing his status as the second-highest vote-getter in the last election and his track record of professionalism. Without naming Jackson directly, Francois said he could not support a nominee "who lacks professional\[ism\] and caused disruptions at meetings."
Jackson declined to cross swords on the night. "Out of respect for our community and the council, I am not going to engage in any public theatrics that are personal back and forth," he said. "This dais is where we do the people's work. We don't score political points or settle grievances." He said he would submit a statement for the record and voted no on Keegan's nomination.
The final tally on Keegan was 4-1, with Francois, Keegan, Detoy, and Saemann voting yes.
Neither Detoy nor Keegan are mayoral novices. Detoy served as Mayor back in 2022, and Keegan served two terms as Mayor in the 2000's during his previous stint on city council.
## Public Commenters Weigh In
The evening's public comment period previewed the tension around the pro tem vote. Nancy Schwappach urged the council not to elect Jackson as Mayor pro tem, citing what she described as a "potentially irreconcilable conflict of interest" between his roles on the City Council and the California Coastal Commission.
Schwappach argued that when council votes on the residential parking permit program did not go Jackson's way, he "as much as threatened to weaponize the Coastal Commission" against the city, specifically calling out three council members who voted against him. She also said Jackson had not taken a public position on the Coastal Commission's recent threats against Walk Street property owners.
Jim Rosenberger echoed the concern from a different angle, saying he worried about "how our city could be perceived in the press" if the mayor pro tem would not communicate with a fellow council member or a staff member. Reports have circulated for some time that Jackson is not on speaking terms with three of his council colleagues, and has refused to shake hands on multiple occasions.
Former Mayor George Barks offered a historical perspective, recounting how he was nearly denied the mayoralty in 1975 despite receiving the most votes. He said he fought for the position, served fairly, and was elected mayor twice more. "This fighting has to stop," he said. "We need to all get along and we all need to respect one another and agree to disagree."
## The Gavel Passes
Outgoing Mayor Saemann struck a gracious tone, thanking his colleagues, city staff (singling out Executive Assistant Ann Yang) and his wife Katie. He reflected on accomplishments during his roughly ten month term, which representatives from Congressman Ted Lieu's office, County Supervisor Holly Mitchell's office, and State Senator Ben Allen's office recognized with certificates and proclamations.
Incoming Mayor Mike Detoy presents outgoing Mayor Rob Saemann with a ceremonial gavel at Tuesday night's special meeting
Among the achievements cited: emergency repairs to the downtown parking garage, forward momentum on the public works yard overhaul, the reopening of the historic Clark Building, completion of the accessible greenbelt pathway, and the naming of the Casey Rohrer South Park accessible playground.
Looking ahead, incoming Mayor Detoy flagged several priorities: expiring county contracts for county fire services, and beaches and harbors management, pressures on city infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and preserving Hermosa's character.
---
### **FURTHER READING**
[History Repeating? Hermosa’s Gavel Game Set to Continue in Mayor Pro Tem RotationForthcoming mayoral rotation seems set to be overshadowed by personal disagreements and tensions that have boiled over in recent weeks.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/history-repeating-hermosas-gavel-game-set-to-continue-in-mayor-pro-tem-rotation/)
[SPECIAL REVIEW : The Coastal Commission Is Coming for Hermosa’s Walk StreetsThe Coastal Commission is quietly using building permits to force Hermosa Beach toward charging walk street and Strand homeowners annual fees for front yards they’ve maintained for generations. And finishing the city’s Local Coastal Program is unlikely to save them.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/special-review-the-coastal-commission-is-coming-for-hermosas-walk-streets/)
[“We Are Hermosa” - Mayor’s State of the City Celebrates Community Past, Present, and FutureCivic pride tops the bill as packed Clark Building audience hear Mayor Rob Saemann lay out the 2026 State of the CityThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/we-are-hermosa-mayors-state-of-the-city-celebrates-community-past-present-and-future/)
### E-Bike License Plates A Step Closer With Sacramento Proposal
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/e-bike-license-plates-a-step-closer-with-sacramento-proposal/
Last updated: 2026-03-13T03:55:25.000Z
California lawmakers are taking another swing at the e-bike problem, and for a city like Hermosa Beach, where electric bikes have become a significant part of daily life and a persistent source of community conflict, the proposal is worth watching closely.
Assembly Bill 1942, introduced by Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) and dubbed the E-Bike Accountability Act, would require owners of Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles to register their bikes with the DMV and display a license plate. Riders would also need to carry proof of ownership tied to the bike's serial number, with fines for non-compliance.
Bauer-Kahan framed the bill as an urgent public safety response, arguing that the dramatic rise in e-bike injuries has made it difficult for law enforcement to hold reckless riders accountable, particularly on higher-speed Class 2 and 3 models, without a registration system and visible plates.
Hermosa has lived this problem in concrete terms. In December 2025, HBPD ran a coordinated enforcement operation on the Strand, citing seven riders in a single evening for wheelies in pedestrian-heavy areas, riding in walk-only zones, running stop signs, carrying passengers, and riding three-up on one bike. The operation impounded bikes. Within days, violations were back.
## The Class System
Not all e-bikes are the same, and the distinctions matter for understanding what AB 1942 would and wouldn't do.
Under current California law, e-bikes are divided into three classes: Class 1 (pedal assist only, up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-equipped, up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal assist only, up to 28 mph). Class 1 bikes only provide motor assistance while the rider is pedaling and cut off at 20 mph, the e-bike equivalent of a traditional bicycle with a boost. These are the least powerful and generally the least controversial. AB 1942 would not touch them.
Class 2 bikes add a throttle, meaning the rider doesn't have to pedal at all to get up to 20 mph. Class 3 bikes go faster, up to 28 mph, but require pedaling to engage the motor. State law already restricts Class 3 to riders 16 and older and requires helmets. AB 1942 would require registration and plates for both Class 2 and 3.
Then there's a fourth, unofficial category: bikes that aren't legally e-bikes at all. Modified bikes, overseas mail-order "e-motos," and throttle bikes with motors well above the 750-watt legal limit regularly appear on Hermosa streets and the Strand. AB 1942 doesn't address them in any meaningful way, although existing laws already prohibit them for street use.
## The Right Target?
Critics of the bill argue it would burden commuters, families, and workers who rely on legal Class 2 and 3 e-bikes for daily transportation, while doing little to address illegal e-motos and heavily modified bikes that already exceed legal speed limits and skirt existing rules. The bad actors won't register anyway, they say. Law-abiding riders would absorb the compliance costs. Supporters argue that failure to display a license plate would give police an easy way to identify non-compliance, and those fines could be used to support the system.
Hermosa's own enforcement experience complicates that framing, though. The violations that have drawn the most citations here, including wheelies in pedestrian areas, running stops, riding three-up, and ignoring walk-only zones, aren't being committed exclusively by riders on illegal hardware. They're being committed by riders on ordinary e-bikes who simply don't follow the rules. The problem, in large part, is behavior. A license plate doesn't change behavior. What it does is create accountability after the fact, which is something Hermosa currently lacks almost entirely.
Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, the two categories targeted by the bill, likely account for over 90 percent of road-legal electric bikes in California. Treating that entire population as a regulatory burden is a blunt instrument, but it's also the population doing most of the riding and, based on local enforcement data, most of the violating.
## The Case for Plates Anyway
The accountability argument behind AB 1942 is real, and Hermosa has a specific example to point to. In November last year, a victim was assaulted by a group of juveniles at 11th Court and Beach Drive and required hospital transport. The assailants were on e-bikes. Whether a visible license plate would have deterred the attack or aided identification afterward is impossible to say with certainty, but the question isn't unreasonable. Anonymity has consequences.
More broadly, when a rider causes a collision or injures a pedestrian and rides off, a plate creates a trail that currently doesn't exist. For a city with limited officers and a geography that makes pursuit impractical, that's a meaningful change. The city has explored contract code enforcement officers as a cheaper alternative to sworn police for Strand patrol, but even that approach runs into the same wall: no plate, no record, no follow-up. The city is investing considerable amounts of money in license plate readers for other applications, and supporters of e-bike plates argue that this is another obvious use case.
Hermosa has tried other approaches with mixed results. At a public safety forum late last year, city leadership discussed the challenge of juveniles in 'gangs' on e- bikes. Police Chief Phillips committed to ongoing targeted enforcement operations. The Beach Cities Health District began developing an e-bike diversion program. Hermosa Valley School launched a written and practical e-bike certification program for students who want to ride to campus, earning a Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association. These are all worthwhile efforts. None of them solve the accountability gap that a registration system would. Hermosa Beach Mayor Rob Saemann has also been gathering support for a local government coalition on this subject, using his position on the South Bay Cities Council Of Government to press for action. Speaking this week, Saemann said :
> “I'm so happy to see this bill get started. It is exactly what I have been advocating for almost a year. I plan to support this in every way I can and encourage the leadership in the South Bay to do the same. First stop the SBCCOG.”
The bill is still in early stages, with committee hearings ahead. Hermosa's experience with e-bike enforcement, more extensive than most California cities of comparable size, gives the community standing to weigh in as it moves through Sacramento.
---
## **FURTHER READING :**
[Police Chief Confirms Felony Charges Against Two Juveniles in E-bike Assault; Five More Under InvestigationChief Phillips provides update on November 21st beating as community demands accountabilityThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/police-chief-confirms-felony-charges-against-two-juveniles-in-e-bike-assault-five-more-under-investigation/)
[City Explores Contract Officers for E-Bike Enforcement at Public Safety ForumAdditional Contract Officers among possible solutions being explored to combat e-bike problemsThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-explores-contract-officers-for-e-bike-enforcement-at-public-safety-forum/)
[TV News Crews Show Up for Community Forum Dominated by E-bike ConcernsMonday evening meeting dominated by discussion of e-bike dangers after recent assault incidentThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/tv-news-crews-show-up-for-community-forum-dominated-by-e-bike-concerns/)
### Robert's Liquor Gets the Deal It Was Promised — After a Last-Minute Reversal by City Staff
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/roberts-liquor-gets-the-deal-it-was-promised-after-a-last-minute-reversal-by-city-staff/
Last updated: 2026-02-18T18:53:13.000Z
### A revised resolution appeared minutes before the hearing. Commissioners approved four new conditions and nothing more.
Robert's Liquor walked out of Tuesday night's Planning Commission hearing with exactly what its attorney said the city had agreed to in January: four targeted additions to its existing 1990 conditional use permit, and nothing more. But the path to that outcome was anything but smooth, and it raised pointed questions about how a negotiated agreement nearly became something much larger.
### Background
Robert's Liquor has operated on Pier Plaza since 1996 under a conditional use permit — a land use entitlement required because the store remains open until 2 a.m., past the 11 p.m. threshold that triggers CUP requirements for off-sale alcohol establishments in the C-2 zone. The business is the only alcohol retail store in the downtown area open past midnight and through bar closing hours, a fact that has made it a recurring focus of police attention in discussions about late-night conditions on Pier Plaza.
⚖️
***What is a 'Conditional Use Permit'?**
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a city-issued approval that allows a business or property to operate a use that isn't automatically permitted in a given zone — but isn't prohibited either.
In Hermosa Beach, a liquor store that closes by 11 p.m. is permitted by right in the downtown commercial zone. One that stays open past 11 p.m. requires a CUP.
A CUP comes with specific conditions the business must follow — hours of operation, staffing requirements, signage, and so on — tailored to address the potential impacts of that particular use.Once issued, a CUP is considered a property right that runs with the land, meaning it transfers to new owners when a business is sold.
The Planning Commission retains authority to review, modify, or revoke a CUP if the business violates its conditions or state law.
Because a CUP is a vested property right, the city must follow due process before modifying or revoking one — including proper public notice and a hearing where the business can respond to the allegations against it.
Between February 2024 and August 2025, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control conducted two undercover investigations at the store resulting in confirmed sales of alcohol to minors, and police documented a third incident involving juveniles leaving the store with open containers. The violations triggered a city-initiated review of the business's CUP under Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Section 17.70, which authorizes the Planning Commission to modify or revoke a permit when violations are documented.
The commission first heard the case in October 2025, where it declined to impose immediate restrictions — commissioners expressed skepticism about the evidentiary record and questioned whether the store was truly the source of Pier Plaza's broader late-night problems — and instead directed staff to meet with the owner to develop agreed-upon operational improvements. Owner Dung "Mike" Tran had already voluntarily installed electronic ID scanners and completed ABC training before that hearing. Following a November meeting between staff, police, and the owner, four specific new conditions were negotiated: mandatory electronic ID verification, warning signage, ABC LEAD training for all employees, and a video surveillance system with 60-day retention.
That, both sides believed, was the deal. What happened next is what brought the matter back to the commission Tuesday night.
### A Last-Minute Reversal
The hearing opened with Assistant Planner Johnny Case presenting a revised resolution that staff had circulated only minutes before the 5 p.m. start time — a document that differed substantially from the version publicly noticed the previous Thursday. That earlier version, which had been available for public review all week, would have superseded and replaced the business's 35-year-old permit in its entirety with a new 21-condition document. The version presented Tuesday night stripped it back to the four conditions the parties say they agreed to in December.
Case explained the shift matter-of-factly, telling commissioners that staff was recommending "striking all conditions except for conditions of approval 5, 10A and 10B, 12, 16, 17 and 21" and that the amended resolution would be "in addition to" rather than superseding the 1990 City Council resolution. He framed it as a response to the owner's request to preserve the original permit.
What he did not explain — and what commissioners did not ask — is how the publicly noticed resolution came to contain 21 conditions replacing the entire 1990 permit when the negotiated agreement called for four additions, and what specifically prompted the reversal on the day of the hearing.
Commissioner Flaherty, the most pointed in his remarks, expressed frustration with the last-minute nature of the change. "I appreciate the last-minute changes from our staff report that we got on Thursday to today at nine o'clock letters and today late — five minutes to five seeing this for the first time," he said, adding that he would have preferred a cleaner document without extensive strikethroughs.
Commissioner Hoffman noted that the episode had revealed something important about the limits of CUP enforcement. "Part of the difficulty of this is that the staff report indicated at some point we were trying to mitigate the impacts of the violations," he said. "Well, that's not the function of a CUP." He characterized the four additions as a rare opportunity to modernize a decades-old document — ID scanners and video surveillance systems simply didn't exist in 1990 — while keeping the original permit structure intact.
Robert's attorney Patrick 'Kit' Bobko (a former Hermosa Beach councilmember), appearing before the commission, was gracious following the agreement. "We appreciate the chief and staff working with us on this. I think this is the right result," he told commissioners, noting that the four conditions accurately reflected what the parties had negotiated. He acknowledged ongoing factual objections to some of the language in the resolution's recitals — "I'll just leave that where it lies" — but said the outcome was acceptable.
Police Chief Landon Phillips echoed the sentiment. "We don't want that challenge to limit the ability for businesses to be successful, and that's something we worked through in this process," he said, praising the owners for installing ID scanners within a week of the August 2025 ABC violation, even before the October commission hearing.
The commission voted 5-0 to approve the amended resolution.
For Tran, who is in the process of selling the business, the resolution removes the cloud of uncertainty his attorney had argued was depressing the sale's value. The business's 1990 permit — and the property rights attached to it — remains intact.
Bobko is no stranger to taking on Hermosa Beach on behalf of clients who believe the city has overstepped its authority. A former two-term city councilmember and mayor, he represented the owners of CrossFit Horsepower, the Cypress Avenue gym that the city declared a public nuisance following neighbor complaints about noise and vibrations. That case ended badly for the city — a Los Angeles Superior Court judge invalidated the city's abatement effort and found that Councilmember Stacey Armato had been biased when she voted on the nuisance resolution. The gym owners subsequently filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging deprivation of due process and an unconstitutional taking of property without compensation. The pattern in both cases is similar: a local business facing city enforcement action that Bobko argues crosses constitutional lines, a record that he contends doesn't support the action taken, and a client whose property rights and business value are directly on the line.
### CRIME TIME : February 1st-7th
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-february-1st-7th/
Last updated: 2026-02-15T19:06:57.000Z
## The Week in Blue
A busy week for Hermosa Beach PD with multiple drug arrests, several assaults, ongoing e-bike thefts, and the usual parade of public intoxication incidents around Pier Plaza. Here's the breakdown.
## Notable Incidents
**Drug Dealer Busted on 11th Street**
Early morning hours of February 1st, a traffic stop at 11th Street netted a significant arrest when officers found the driver in possession of multiple packages of marijuana and a large amount of cash. The subject was arrested for possession for sales.
**Parking Dispute Turns Violent**
A verbal argument over a parking spot at 11th Street on February 1st escalated when one subject struck the other multiple times. The suspect was arrested for assault.
**Suspect Swings Sweatshirt in Attack**
In a bizarre assault on February 5th, a suspect found sleeping at the 700 block of 11th Place swung his sweatshirt multiple times at the victim when told to leave.
**Romance Scam Costs Victim Thousands**
In one of the more elaborate frauds this week, a victim was contacted online by multiple women claiming to be in relationships with him (December 2025-January 2026). The victim sent money to multiple women before realizing he'd been scammed.
**Party Buses Bring Fake ID to Pier Plaza**
Two party buses full of people showed up at Pier Plaza on February 6th. An ABC compliance check revealed at least one fake ID among the crowd inside local establishments.
## Narcotics Activity
Officers were busy with drug arrests this week:
- Cocaine found in a baggie on Pier Avenue (February 1st)
- Three subjects arrested after being found with nitrous oxide tanks and balloons in a parked car on 2nd Street (February 4th)
- Subject with outstanding warrant searched on Pier Plaza, found with both paraphernalia and controlled substances (February 6th)
- Driver arrested after traffic stop revealed cocaine possession, open alcohol container in vehicle (February 7th, 11th Street)
- Bicyclist stopped on Hermosa Avenue found with methamphetamine and paraphernalia (February 2nd-3rd)
## Property Crimes
**E-Bike Thefts Continue**
Two more electric bikes were stolen this week—one from the side of a house on Longfellow Avenue (January 31-February 1), another from the common area of an apartment complex on PCH (February 2nd). Both were locked at the time.
**Bicycle Theft & Recovery**
In a rare success story, a stolen bicycle was tracked to a residence on Prospect Avenue where it was recovered and the suspect arrested (February 5th).
**Storage Locker Burglary**
Multiple items were stolen from a storage locker in a secured parking garage on 2nd Street between January 22 and February 2\. The lengthy reporting delay suggests the victim may have been out of town.
**Retail Theft**
Two suspects walked into a store on PCH, placed multiple bottles of alcohol into bags, and walked out without paying (January 28th).
## Assaults & Fights
Beyond the parking dispute and sweatshirt incident, there were multiple other physical altercations:
- Subject approached victim on 5th Street and threw a punch; both exchanged blows before suspect fled (February 1st)
- Physical fight broke out on The Strand at 5th Street (February 3rd)
- Verbal argument over shopping cart at Pier Avenue escalated when one subject pepper-sprayed the other, leading to a physical fight (February 5th)
## DUI Arrests
Four DUI arrests were made during the week:
- January 31st at PCH & Pier Avenue
- February 4th on Hermosa Avenue
- February 7th on Pier Avenue
- Plus one in Redondo Beach (RB) on Artesia Boulevard where the driver was clocked doing over 100 MPH
## Quality of Life Issues
**The Usual Suspects**
- Public urination citations issued on 11th Street (twice) and 13th Street
- Public intoxication arrest on Pier Avenue (February 1st)
- Intoxicated subject found injured in roadway at Pier & Valley, transported for medical care (February 1st)
**Under the Pier Drama**
An information report logged a subject yelling incoherently under the pier, making statements against the president and threatening the White House (February 2nd). No arrest was made.
## Traffic
Multiple hit-and-run incidents with property damage were reported at:
- The Strand (800 block) - January 25th
- PCH (2600 block) - February 2nd
- PCH (400 block) - January 27th
Officers also cited drivers for operating without licenses or with suspended/revoked licenses in multiple incidents.
## Vandalism
Two vehicles were damaged during the week:
- Rear driver's side window shattered on 6th Street (February 6-7)
- Multiple dings found around a vehicle on Ocean View Avenue (February 7th)
## Redondo Beach Activity
HBPD assisted with two high-speed incidents in Redondo Beach:
- Reckless driving arrest on Artesia Boulevard with speeds exceeding 100 MPH (February 1st)
- Motorcyclist fled at high speed when officers attempted a traffic stop on Hawthorne Boulevard (February 2nd)
### History Repeating? Hermosa's Gavel Game Set to Continue in Mayor Pro Tem Rotation
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/history-repeating-hermosas-gavel-game-set-to-continue-in-mayor-pro-tem-rotation/
Last updated: 2026-03-13T03:54:58.000Z
### The February 24 City Council meeting will feature the election of a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. Mike Detoy's elevation to Mayor appears all but certain. The more interesting question is what happens *next in line* \- especially in an election year, and considering simmering tensions on the dais.
Every nine and a half months, Hermosa Beach's five council members go through a ritual that is equal parts ceremony, tradition, and - on occasion - political theater. The outgoing mayor hands over the gavel. The Mayor Pro Tem steps up. A new Mayor Pro Tem is nominated. In theory, it's a collegial formality. In practice, it has sometimes been anything but.
On February 24, Mayor Rob Saemann's term will end and current Mayor Pro Tem Mike Detoy is expected to be nominated as Mayor. No one on the current council has signaled any objection, and the rotation would follow the pattern the council has maintained since a bitter battle involving former councilmember Hany Fangary that resulted in a lawsuit.
The real question is who gets nominated as Mayor Pro Tem - putting them next in line for the gavel roughly nine months later.
****WHAT IS A 'MAYOR PRO TEM' ?**
A Mayor Pro Tem (from Latin **pro tempore*, meaning "for the time being") is a city council member elected by their peers to act as mayor when the official mayor is absent, disabled, or if the office becomes vacant. They may perform mayoral duties, such as presiding over meetings, but retain their voting rights as a council member. In Hermosa Beach, the Mayor and the Mayor Pro Tem serve together for a period of nine-and-a-half months, before the next rotation. It is customary at that point for the Mayor Pro Tem to become the new Mayor of the city.
## Who's Up Next?
The current council consists of Saemann, Detoy, Francois, Jackson, and Keegan. Saemann and Detoy will have served their turns. Dean Francois already served as Mayor from July 2024 to April 2025\. That leaves Ray Jackson and Michael Keegan as the two members who haven't held the position during the current rotation cycle.
Jackson has been on the council continuously since his May 2021 special election win and served as Mayor during 2023\. Keegan won his seat in November 2024, though he previously served two terms from 2001 to 2009, including two stints as Mayor in 2003 and 2007.
Under the old system - the informal, decades-long tradition of rotating based on seniority and election vote tallies - the answer might have been straightforward. But that system no longer exists.
## The Resolution That Changed the Rules
In October 2020, the council adopted [Resolution 20-7265](https://pub-hermosabeach.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10378&ref=hermosareview.com), a document born directly from the bitter controversy over Councilmember Hany Fangary being passed over for Mayor Pro Tem in November 2019.
The resolution is explicit: it "rescinds, replaces and supersedes any and all previous practices and policies, written or unwritten" regarding mayoral selection. Gone is the old seniority-and-vote-tally formula. In its place is a set of discretionary criteria the council "may" consider - not "shall," not "must," but "may."
Those criteria include giving priority to a member who has not previously served as Mayor, and thereafter to the member with the longest continuous service since last serving. The resolution also states that the person selected should be able to "preside over City Council meetings" and "work effectively with City staff" - language widely understood as a codification of the rationale used to justify skipping Fangary.
The resolution passed 4-0 with Fangary abstaining. It was adopted via teleconference during the pandemic, with the Fangary lawsuit still pending.
## How the Criteria Apply
If the council follows the resolution's discretionary guidelines, the analysis gets interesting.
Section 4(4) says priority "may be given to a member who has not previously served as mayor." Both Jackson and Keegan have served as Mayor - Jackson during the current cycle, Keegan way back in 2007\. The resolution also suggests the council may consider "the member with the longest continuous service since last serving as mayor pro tempore and mayor." By that measure, Jackson's continuous service since his 2021 election is longer than Keegan's current stint, which began when he returned to the council in December 2024\. But this language might also be construed to effectively exclude Keegan's earlier service, given the eighteen year interval between his last stint as Mayor and today.
Councilmember Michael Keegan last served as Mayor in 2008
But every criterion in Section 4 is discretionary. None are binding, none take precedence over the others. They are all simply factors the council may weigh - or ignore. The council could consider working relationships, policy alignment, availability, or simply preference, and still be acting within the resolution's framework.
In another twist to the story, Jackson actually became Mayor Pro Tem for the first time in November 2021\. He was nominated by former Councilmember Stacy Armato, who gave up her own customary turn in the rotation to allow Jackson in. This event ignored the guideline that the council had adopted the previous year which recommended that any Mayor/Pro Tem should have served a minimum of twelve months on council first. Jackson had served only seven at that point. So yes, the guidelines are completely discretionary.
Under the old guidelines of vote tallying, Keegan has a clear edge over Jackson. He won 4,373 votes in the 2024 election. Jackson won 3,572 votes in 2022 and just 1,576 in the special election of 2021.
## A Tradition That Worked - Until It Didn't
For decades, the mayoral rotation was genuinely ceremonial. Council members took their turn, colleagues voted unanimously, photos were taken, and everyone went home. Michael Keegan, speaking at the July 2024 rotation as a private citizen, put it simply: "We have a rotational, ceremonial Mayor. It's worked fine for decades. It's not a popularity contest."
That began to change in November 2019\. Councilmember Hany Fangary arrived at City Hall expecting to be named Mayor Pro Tem. Instead, incoming Mayor Mary Campbell nominated Justin Massey, citing Fangary's refusal to communicate directly with City Manager Suja Lowenthal. What followed was one of the most acrimonious episodes in recent Hermosa Beach politics. Fangary's wife filed a lawsuit, claiming illegal collusion in the decision by at least three other councilmembers. The city ultimately prevailed in court in March 2024, but the damage was done. Fangary was passed over again in 2020, resigned on Christmas Eve that year, and moved to Manhattan Beach, saying he'd been "slapped in the face" by colleagues he'd considered friends.
Former Councilmember Hany Fangary
Since then, the rotation has carried a charge it never used to. In October 2023, when Jackson's mayoral term ended, he nominated Rob Saemann for Mayor Pro Tem instead of Dean Francois, arguing the process should be treated as "an election, not a rotation." The council rejected his alternative 3-2 and stuck with tradition, approving Francois on a 4-1 vote with Jackson the lone dissenter. In July 2024, when Francois rose to Mayor, it was preceded by public comments from a handful of residents alleging personal misconduct. Jackson again cast the sole no vote against Francois.
What was once a rubber stamp has become, in recent cycles, a moment where political tensions surface publicly.
## The Fangary-Jackson Connection
There is a certain irony in Raymond Jackson's position in all of this. Jackson won his council seat in May 2021 in the special election called specifically to fill the vacancy created by Fangary's resignation - the same resignation triggered by Fangary being passed over in the rotation. Dean Francois, now a fellow councilmember, was among the four other candidates Jackson defeated in that race.
Jackson arrived on a council still dealing with the fallout of the Fangary affair. Resolution 20-7265, which formalized the discretionary criteria for selecting the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, had been adopted just seven months before Jackson was sworn in. The resolution was designed to prevent another Fangary-style controversy by giving the council clear legal standing to exercise judgment rather than follow a rigid rotation.
And yet Jackson has been the council member most willing to use that discretion - voting against the rotation in both 2023 and 2024, arguing each time that the process is an election, not an entitlement. He now finds himself on the other side of that question. The resolution born from the controversy that created his council seat is the same framework that will determine whether he gets the nod on February 24.
## The Elephant on the Dais
Any discussion of the Mayor Pro Tem selection has to grapple with what has happened on the Hermosa Beach City Council since the November 2024 election - because the atmosphere has been poisonous.
The arrival of Michael Keegan, who campaigned on a promise of "course correction," shifted the council's balance of power. The most visible consequence was the departure of City Manager Suja Lowenthal, who resigned in May 2025 after two marathon closed-session performance reviews totaling more than five hours. Lowenthal had enjoyed majority council support since her hiring in 2018, but the election of Keegan - and what appeared to be a shift by Saemann - left her without it. Jackson, who had been one of Lowenthal's strongest defenders, was furious.
The council then hired Steve Napolitano, the former Manhattan Beach mayor and councilmember, as interim and then permanent city manager. Jackson voted against Napolitano's appointment at every stage - as interim in May 2025 (a 3-2 vote, with Detoy also opposed), and as permanent city manager in December (4-1, with Jackson the lone dissenter). Jackson's objections were partly procedural (he argued Napolitano was never properly interviewed or vetted), and partly emotive. At the December meeting, he noted that Lowenthal's compensation had been "considered too much money" while comparable pay for "the less qualified guy" was apparently acceptable.
But the tension has gone well beyond policy disagreements. There are repeated reports that Jackson refuses to speak to or shake the hand of either Francois or Keegan, and barely communicates with Saemann or City Manager Napolitano. He has publicly and repeatedly criticized Francois, Keegan, and Saemann for their roles in Lowenthal's departure, and Napolitano for putting himself forward for the interim position without going through a competitive process. More recently, Keegan has reported that Jackson called him "a racist prick" and referred to Keegan and Napolitano as "butt buddies."
The Hermosa Beach 'Leadership Guide' makes specific reference to collaboration, respect and the need to avoid personal attacks.
The behavior is impossible to ignore in the context of the Mayor Pro Tem selection - not least because of the Fangary precedent. Fangary was skipped for Mayor Pro Tem in 2019 specifically because he refused to communicate with the city manager. Resolution 20-7265, adopted in the aftermath of that controversy, explicitly lists the ability to "work effectively with City staff" as a criterion for the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. If Jackson is refusing to engage with the city manager, three of his four council colleagues, and is using the kind of language Keegan has described, his colleagues would have both precedent and a textual basis in the resolution for passing him over - just as Fangary was passed over before him.
The parallel is almost too neat: Jackson sits in the seat Fangary vacated, governed by the resolution Fangary's skipping produced, and now faces the same question Fangary faced - whether his colleagues believe he can "work effectively" with the people he needs to work with.
## "MAGA-Style Politics"
Jackson's frustration with his council colleagues has not been confined to City Hall.
In recent weeks, Mayor Saemann replaced Jackson as Hermosa Beach's delegate to the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG), the regional joint powers authority that coordinates transportation funding, homelessness programs, climate initiatives, and major grants across 16 South Bay cities. Jackson had served as Hermosa's representative for three years, rising to Second Vice Chair of the organization.
Jackson did not go quietly. In an email obtained by The Hermosa Review under a public records request, Jackson wrote to all SBCCOG board members describing his removal in inflammatory terms. Unable to attend the SBCCOG meeting in person because he was traveling to San Francisco for an emergency Coastal Commission meeting, Jackson asked that his statement be read into the record.
"The decision by Hermosa Beach Mayor Rob Saemann and his empowered council majority to remove me as Hermosa Beach's delegate and Second Vice Chair was not about governance or performance," Jackson wrote. "It was a nakedly political act, fully consistent with their past conduct and reflective of the same election-driven, MAGA-style politics that have degraded institutions at the national level."
Jackson's 22nd January email to the SBCCOG Board
Jackson characterized the move as résumé-padding by Saemann ahead of the November election - an accusation that carries a certain irony given the questions about Jackson's own interest in carrying the Mayor Pro Tem title into his re-election campaign.
"With an election less than ten months away, this move appears designed to pad a résumé, not serve the region," Jackson wrote. "It is impossible to credibly justify on policy or governance grounds and was plainly not motivated by what is best for Hermosa Beach or the South Bay."
Jackson's critics say that his outburst is "sulking" and "sour grapes".
The email also contained language that sits uneasily alongside Jackson's likely grab for the Mayor Pro Tem title. "I have never chased titles," Jackson wrote. "I have chased outcomes."
One former Hermosa Beach mayor laughed when presented with that quote last week. "Jackson is all about titles. That's part of the problem here. His ego is getting in the way of just getting on with business. And all this stuff about racism and misogyny - it's crap. You can't keep going around throwing this stuff out there every time you lose a vote. We used to disagree about all kinds of stuff in my time, but we never carried on like that."
The SBCCOG email is notable for several reasons. It was sent to elected officials from across the South Bay, airing Hermosa Beach's internal political disputes before a regional audience. The "MAGA-style politics" characterization - in a nominally nonpartisan small-city context - is the kind of language that escalates rather than resolves conflict. And Jackson's inability to attend the SBCCOG meeting in person because of a Coastal Commission scheduling conflict underscores the availability questions that surround his candidacy for Mayor Pro Tem.
## The Coastal Commission Question
That availability issue deserves its own examination. In May 2025, Jackson was appointed by the Senate Rules Committee to the California Coastal Commission, filling the South Coast seat for a four-year term running through 2029\. It is a significant appointment - the Commission oversees development along all 840 miles of California's coastline - and Jackson has described it as 'challenging' work.
But it comes with a significant time commitment. The Coastal Commission meets monthly for three-day sessions, typically Wednesday through Friday. Since his appointment, Jackson has been absent in person from multiple City Council meetings due to scheduling conflicts with Commission business.
That matters in this context because Resolution 20-7265's criteria for the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem include the ability to "preside over City Council meetings." The Mayor Pro Tem's primary formal duty is to step in when the Mayor cannot attend. If the Mayor Pro Tem himself is regularly unavailable due to an outside commitment, the position's core function is undermined. And if Jackson were to advance to Mayor - as the Mayor Pro Tem traditionally does - it could become even more significant.
Jackson's colleagues may view his Coastal Commission service as commendable public service. They may also view it as a reason to question whether he can fulfill the duties of either role.
## The Election Year Factor
This November, three council seats are on the ballot. The terms of Francois, Jackson, and Saemann all expire. All three men have indicated to friends that they intend to run for re-election.
That adds another dimension to the Mayor Pro Tem question. The title may be largely ceremonial in terms of governing authority, but it carries symbolic weight. A council member running for re-election as Mayor Pro Tem has a built-in advantage: name recognition, a title that signals leadership, and the appearance of being next in line for the top seat. In our local elections, where small margins and name familiarity can make the difference, that kind of edge matters.
If Jackson secures the Mayor Pro Tem designation on February 24, he would carry the title straight through the November campaign. Depending on the timing of the next rotation, he would be in line for the mayorship itself around the time voters head to the polls.
Whether his colleagues see a reason to hand him that advantage - given the current state of relations on the dais, the practical question of his availability, and the tone of his recent public communications - is another question entirely. And whether Jackson, who has repeatedly argued that the rotation should be treated as an election rather than an entitlement, would find it awkward to now claim it's automatically his turn - that's worth watching too.
## What to Watch For
The February 24 meeting will test whether this council can find a way through. The dynamics are complicated: Jackson's seniority argues for his selection, but his behavior, his availability, his own stated philosophy about the rotation being merit-based, and his public characterization of his colleagues in the SBCCOG email could all be used against him. Keegan is the newest member of the current council, but he is no political novice - he served two terms and held the mayoralty during his previous stint from 2001 to 2009\. More to the point, he has working relationships with the city manager and his colleagues that Jackson currently does not - and he doesn't have a three-day-a-month scheduling conflict.
There is also the question of whether anyone (incoming Mayor Detoy ?) tries to broker a quiet resolution before the meeting - or whether the nomination plays out live, as it has in some of Hermosa's more dramatic recent rotations.
One former Hermosa Beach Mayor gave a fairly blunt assessment this week. "We never struggled with this rotation thing back in my time. We didn't always agree on every item, but the rotation was simple. The old council should never have started this mess with Hany, and Jackson shouldn't have carried on the way he did with Francois. Now he will have to suck it up."
---
### KEEP READING
[SPECIAL REVIEW : The Coastal Commission Is Coming for Hermosa’s Walk StreetsThe Coastal Commission is quietly using building permits to force Hermosa Beach toward charging walk street and Strand homeowners annual fees for front yards they’ve maintained for generations. And finishing the city’s Local Coastal Program is unlikely to save them.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/special-review-the-coastal-commission-is-coming-for-hermosas-walk-streets/)
[“We Are Hermosa” - Mayor’s State of the City Celebrates Community Past, Present, and FutureCivic pride tops the bill as packed Clark Building audience hear Mayor Rob Saemann lay out the 2026 State of the CityThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/we-are-hermosa-mayors-state-of-the-city-celebrates-community-past-present-and-future/)
[Council Approves Steve Napolitano as Permanent City Manager in 4-1 Contract VoteCity Manager contract approved. Jackson dissents as Napolitano pledges to ‘put the city first’The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/council-approves-steve-napolitano-as-permanent-city-manager-in-4-1-vote/)
### New Study Proves that SoCal Beaches Are Growing — And Hermosa Beach Is Part of the Story
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/southern-california-beaches-are-growing-and-hermosa-beach-is-part-of-the-story/
Last updated: 2026-03-13T03:55:04.000Z
A landmark study published last month in [*Nature Communications*](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-68880-9?ref=hermosareview.com) is turning heads among coastal scientists — and is relevant to anyone who lives along the South Bay waterfront.
The study, led by researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and UC Irvine, analyzed 40 years of satellite imagery to track beach changes along the entire California coast. Their headline finding: Southern California's beaches, as a region, are **growing**, not shrinking — accumulating more than 2 million square meters of new beach area between 1984 and 2024.
Our beach in 1924
A view of the beach from 1951
### What the data shows
Using a newly developed technique to extract precise shoreline measurements from Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, the researchers tracked changes across 320 kilometers of Southern California coastline — the most comprehensive and accurate assessment ever conducted of the region's beaches.
"There's been a number of reports suggesting that Southern California beaches are disappearing," said Brett Sanders, Chancellor's Professor of Engineering, Urban Planning and Public Policy at UC Irvine and one of the study's lead authors. "What surprised the research team was that the most urbanized and heavily dammed segment of the California coastline — from Santa Barbara down to San Diego — beaches there were growing at a time when you might think that because of all the human influence, they might be shrinking."
Prof. Brett Sanders, lead author of the new study, was interviewed by The Hermosa Review this week on its findings
Their finding directly contradicts prior studies that had declared Southern California in a state of "chronic erosion." Those earlier assessments, the authors note, were based on only two or three historical shoreline measurements with large uncertainties. The new satellite-derived dataset provides annual measurements over four decades, reducing measurement error by nearly an order of magnitude.
### Where does Hermosa Beach fit in?
Hermosa Beach sits within what scientists call the Santa Monica littoral cell — a continuous band of sand transport stretching from Malibu to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The study found this littoral cell has experienced a statistically significant widening trend of roughly 11,600 square meters of new beach area per year over the study period.
The Santa Monica cell's growth is driven primarily by longshore sediment transport — sand moving southward along the coast from Malibu Creek and the Santa Monica Mountains — and by the way coastal structures interrupt that flow. Marina del Rey, just north of Venice Beach, acts as a sand trap, concentrating sediment along the central portion of the cell. Venice Beach, which lies just up the coast from Hermosa, has been widening at a rate of 1.5 meters per year and now stretches roughly 200 meters from the waterline to the boardwalk.
The Hermosa Review spoke this week with Professor Sanders about what the study's findings mean specifically for our beach.
Sanders confirmed that the stretch of beach from the Hermosa pier south to King Harbor is colored blue in the study's Figure 4B — the color indicating measurable, statistically significant widening. His estimate for our beach: approximately one meter of widening per year over the 1984-2024 measurement period.
Study map showing relative changes across the region. Darker blue illustrates an increase in sand area.
The primary mechanism, Sanders explained, is the way King Harbor's jetty interrupts the natural southward flow of sand along the coast. Waves arriving from the west in winter push sediment southward along the coast; summer's southerly waves push some back, but the net movement is toward King Harbor. When that moving sand reaches the jetty structure, it has nowhere to go — and accumulates on the updrift side. "Your beach is sort of, in some sense, benefiting from this blockage of sediment from the structure," Sanders said.
He also identified two major historical contributors to Hermosa's sand supply: the construction of Marina del Rey, whose jetties trap enormous volumes of northerly sediment, and the construction of the Hyperion Treatment Plant, whose excavation of coastal bluffs deposited large quantities of material onto nearby beaches, which then moved down the coast. "I would say that probably a bigger influence on your long-term record would have been the Hyperion construction," Sanders said. "I think those two projects delivered large volumes of sand into the region."
Local historians have also pointed to the demolition of the old Biltmore Hotel, whose debris was deposited offshore and may perhaps function as a subsurface breakwater. Sanders was intrigued by the account but suggested Hyperion was likely the more significant factor.
### The Distribution problem
Despite the good news for Hermosa, Sanders was careful to frame the regional picture accurately. The problem in Southern California isn't a sand shortage — it's a distribution problem.
"There are beaches that are really significantly impacted by narrowing, but there's also beaches that are widening," he said. "The point is that the beaches that are widening offset the beaches that are narrowing on average." About 30 percent of the Southern California shoreline experienced significant narrowing during the study period, even as the regional total grew. Sand accumulates where structures concentrate it; beaches downdrift of those same structures can starve.
The study's broader value, Sanders argued, is in giving coastal managers the data to make smarter decisions. "When sediment is placed in particular areas, it will spend a long period of time moving down the coast and benefiting many communities," he said. "This type of data is really going to help coastal managers come up with better interventions — smarter interventions that are good for California's economy and good for California's precious resource of the beach."
The authors point to harbor sediment bypass systems, routine maintenance dredging, and planned dam removal projects as tools that could spread sediment more equitably along the coast. They also acknowledge the barriers: cost, regulation, politics, and institutional resistance to change.
### A local footnote worth watching
During the interview, we mentioned to Professor Sanders that Hermosa Beach may have historically sold sand to Hawaii — that some of the sand on Waikiki and Kauai came from our beach. He was visibly surprised. "Oh, wow," he said, before engaging enthusiastically with the broader point about the global sand economy and the growing scarcity of construction-grade sand worldwide.
The Hermosa Review is continuing to research the documentary record of those sand sales. The well-established historical account of California-to-Hawaii sand shipments in the 1920s and 1930s centers on Manhattan Beach, where the Kuhn Brothers Construction Company loaded excess dune sand onto railroad cars bound for San Pedro Harbor and then by barge to Waikiki. Whether Hermosa Beach sand made the same journey — at that time or since — is a question we are still working to confirm. If you have documents, photographs or family accounts bearing on this history, we'd welcome hearing from you.
---
### RELATED ARTICLES
[CITY HALL SKETCH : Sand Value RecaptureGrains of Gold, right under our nosesThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-sketch-sand-for-sale/)
### CITY HALL SKETCH: The Pickleball Wars, Chapter 47
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-sketch-the-pickleball-wars-chapter-47/
Last updated: 2026-02-13T20:44:43.000Z
### *In which Hermosa Beach reopens four pickleball courts and pretends everything will be fine this time.*
The Kelly Courts pickleball renovation is approaching completion. New surfaces. New fencing — ten feet tall now, because six wasn't enough to stop the climbers. New gates. New separation between the tennis and pickleball courts.
What hasn't changed is the argument.
On Monday night, staff presented the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission with two options for the reopened courts. Option 1: add Sundays. Option 2: go full seven-days-a-week, nine-to-nine.
Chair Barbara Ellman, who has spent eight years - *yes, eight years* \- mediating the pickleball wars, launched into a retrospective of her bruising pickleball journey with the intensity of a Ken Burns documentary and the neutrality of a plaintiff's attorney.
"I am so offended that this has come back the way it has," she said.
_This post is for subscribers only._
### DON'T JUST DO IT : Nike Run Proposal Sees Pushback From Commission
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/dont-just-do-it-nike-run-proposal-sees-pushback-from-commission/
Last updated: 2026-02-15T18:24:11.000Z
### *A global women's night race series wants to run 10,000 runners through Hermosa Beach. After a divided Parks Commission hearing, it's now up to City Council to decide.*
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission voted 3-2 on Monday night to forward the Nike After Dark Tour LA 2026 to City Council for a public hearing — but pointedly declined to recommend approval of the event, which would bring an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 runners through Hermosa Beach on a Saturday evening in October.
_This post is for subscribers only._
### Hoop Heartache - City Faces Criticism over Clark Field Basketball Decision
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hoop-heartache-city-faces-criticism-over-clark-field-basketball-decision/
Last updated: 2026-02-13T20:22:46.000Z
The Parks & Rec Commission were urged last night to restore basketball hoops that were quietly removed from the west side of Clark Field — a move that caught the neighborhood off guard and generated a 450-signature petition in less than a week.
The hoops were taken down after a resident complaint about the deteriorating asphalt surface triggered a risk assessment by the city's acting risk program manager, Boyd Horan. His presentation laid out a thorough — and sobering — legal analysis.
The three small courts along the service road at Clark Field were never engineered as recreational courts, Horan explained. They have less than three feet of buffer between the playing surface and a retaining wall on one side and a baseball field fence on the other — well below the recommended minimum. Under California Government Code Section 835, the city could face liability if someone were injured by a condition it knew about and failed to address.
"If you were pushed into the retaining wall and we know that the retaining wall is there and we don't have a very large buffer zone, the answer then is that it's a big deal," Horan said. He noted the city's recent experience with a high-severity pickleball claim involving hard surfaces too close to play areas, which resulted in a settlement.
Acting City Risk Manager Boyd Horan
But commissioner after commissioner made clear they weren't willing to let risk elimination override community need.
"Let's find a way to say yes to the kids," said Vice Chair Traci Horowitz.
Commissioner Elka Worner echoed that view, saying "Kids go from school and then they do homework or they're in front of computers. This is a space for them to play, to let out some steam, exercise. I think we should do everything we can to bring the hoops back.”
Notices displayed this week detailing the removal of the basketball hoops
The most compelling testimony came from the community itself. Renee Siemak described the hoops as a lifeline for neighborhood children who have few alternatives — homes without backyards, streets too busy for portable hoops, school courts locked and gated. Her husband Jesse Obrand, an attorney, acknowledged the city's liability concerns but urged "a scalpel type approach" rather than outright removal.
And 10-year-old Elias Brafman LaMonica told the commission simply, "These hoops are very important, and I think there is a way to fix them without taking them out."
10 year-old Elias Brafman LaMonica giving his side of the hoops story during public comment last night
Dan Madden, president of HBYB (Hermosa Beach Youth Basketball), called in to note that the league's 1,000 kids have no public courts in the city with hoops below 10 feet — the Clark Field hoops, at eight and nine feet, were the only option for younger players.
The commission's consensus: restore some hoops as soon as possible, prioritize youth-appropriate heights, install warning signage and other risk mitigation measures, and bring an update back to the commission in March. Commissioner Tom Moroney suggested reducing the six hoops to three at varying heights. Commissioner Todd Tullis pointed out a 48-foot-wide area in the southwest corner of the site where at least one hoop could be placed with adequate buffer space.
The motion — a recommendation for staff to consider, not a directive — passed unanimously. Maybe those hoop dreams are still alive.
### Nike Wants to Bring a 10,000-Runner Half Marathon Through Hermosa Beach — at Night
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/nike-wants-to-bring-a-10-000-runner-half-marathon-through-hermosa-beach-at-night/
Last updated: 2026-02-11T15:29:12.000Z
**The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday evening on whether to recommend City Council approval of the Nike After Dark Tour LA 2026, a women's half marathon that would close Hermosa Avenue, the Strand, and several side streets on a Saturday evening in October.**
The event, classified as Impact Level III — the city's highest impact designation for special events — would bring approximately 10,000 runners and 1,000 spectators through Hermosa Beach on October 17 this year as part of a global women's night race series spanning seven cities worldwide.
Hermosa Beach would be a pass-through. The 13.1-mile course starts and finishes in Redondo Beach, with runners heading north through Hermosa and into Manhattan Beach before looping back.
## What Would Close, and When
Road closures on the Hermosa Beach portion of the course would begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, with a 5:00 p.m. race start time. The closures roll through in stages:
- **Herondo Street** (westbound lanes, N. Francisca Ave. to N. Harbor Dr.): 3:00–8:30 p.m.
- **Hermosa Avenue** (northbound lanes, Herondo St. to 22nd St.): 3:00–9:00 p.m.
- **34th Street** (whole road, Hermosa Ave. to Manhattan Ave.): 3:00–9:00 p.m.
- **Manhattan Avenue** (whole road, 34th St. to 35th St.): 3:00–9:00 p.m.
- **35th Street** (whole road, Hermosa Ave. to Manhattan Ave.): 3:00–10:15 p.m.
- **Hermosa Avenue** (whole road, 22nd St. to 35th St.): 3:00–10:30 p.m.
- **The Strand** (24th St. to N. Harbor Dr.): 3:00–11:00 p.m.
The start/finish area on N. Harbor Drive in Redondo Beach would be closed from 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 16, through noon on Sunday, October 18.
Staff noted that where Hermosa Avenue narrows from two lanes to one between 26th Street and 35th Street — at the Greenwich Village intersection — presents a logistical challenge. As an alternative, staff is considering extending the Strand closure south to 26th Street rather than 24th Street.
## Staff Recommendations on the Route
City staff have been working with the event producers since December 2025 and have proposed several modifications to the original route plan:
- Switching runners from the southbound to northbound lanes on Hermosa Avenue to avoid blocking access to parking lots, downtown businesses, and to improve emergency vehicle access.
- Evaluating whether the route through Hermosa could be limited solely to the Strand.
- Closing Pier Head/Plaza for crowd safety.
Staff says the actual period when runners are passing through Hermosa would last approximately 50 minutes, during which hard closures would be in effect. Before and after that window, closures would be "soft" — allowing some vehicle and pedestrian movement.
## The Event
The After Dark Tour is positioned as a celebration of women runners. The 2025 edition ran through central Los Angeles — starting at The Grove and finishing at SoFi Stadium — and drew 15,000 runners with 40% being first-time racers under 25.
Nike's description of the After Dark race series
The 2026 South Bay course was selected in part for its proximity to the Del Amo Nike Store, the availability of the Redondo Harbor area for an expo and parking, and what the organizers describe as "iconic course moments" including Hermosa Pier, the Strand, and Pier Avenue.
On-course activations would include music, lighting, and Nike branding. The event would also include an after-party, vendors, sponsors, filming, amplified sound, generators, fenced areas, signage, barricades, and pop-up tents.
## What Hermosa Beach Gets
The event is estimated to generate around $16,500 in permit fees for the city.
Direct city costs for staffing, reserved parking, and services have not yet been determined.
Nike would also provide 100 complimentary race entries for Hermosa Beach residents, to be distributed and managed by city staff.
## Scheduling Wrinkle
If approved, the event's Sunday teardown on October 18 would overlap with two other events already on the 2026 Special Events Calendar: the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk and AAU High School Beach Volleyball League Matches. That would mean three events in one day, which exceeds the city's Special Events Policy Guide limit of two events per day. Staff is recommending an exception, noting the teardown times should not conflict with the morning events.
## How many events is enough ?
Critics may point to the city's own 2024 Parks Master Plan — a document the city paid $329,000 to develop, backed by 1,123 pages of community survey data, and unanimously approved by City Council just over a year ago as a 30-year guiding document. A statistically valid community survey conducted as part of that plan found that over 70% of residents felt the city already had the right number of special events. Hermosa Beach currently hosts 52 special events generating 144 total event days annually. Adding the Nike After Dark Tour — which would also require an exception to the city's own two-events-per-day policy — raises the question of whether the calendar is creeping beyond what residents said they wanted, barely a year after the city asked them.
There is also criticism in the community over the somewhat opaque notification regarding this event. It was not until late last week that the meeting agenda finally confirmed that this event was indeed the Nike run, although it had been generically noticed to households affected by street closures several weeks earlier. Nike's own global announcement of the race series is not scheduled to take place until March 1st, which may explain the secrecy.
## What's Next
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission hearing on Tuesday, February 10, is the first step. If the commission recommends approval, the proposal would advance to City Council for final consideration.
If approved, the event producers would continue working with the city's Special Event Team — including representatives from all city departments, the Hermosa Beach Police Department, and the LA County Fire Department — on safety planning, emergency access, crowd management, and permitting.
The event seems unique and interesting - but given the fact that two events are already scheduled across the proposed date, the city can expect some pushback from residents.
### SPECIAL REVIEW : The Coastal Commission Is Coming for Hermosa's Walk Streets
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/special-review-the-coastal-commission-is-coming-for-hermosas-walk-streets/
Last updated: 2026-03-13T03:55:19.000Z
### *Sacramento's most powerful land-use agency is squeezing homeowners permit by permit, deploying an ideology of 'equity' and 'access' to reshape a community it doesn't live in.*
### *The conventional wisdom that certifying a Local Coastal Program would fix everything may be the most dangerous assumption of all.*
If you live on one of Hermosa Beach's iconic walk streets or The Strand, the California Coastal Commission has a message for you: that front yard you've been enjoying for decades? It's not yours. And the Commission intends to make you pay for it.
_This post is for subscribers only._
### LA County Wants to Raise Sales Tax by 0.5% for Healthcare. Here's What It Means for Hermosa Beach.
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/la-county-wants-to-raise-your-sales-tax-by-half-a-cent-for-healthcare-heres-what-it-means-for-hermosa-beach/
Last updated: 2026-02-24T19:43:03.000Z
### The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday on whether to place a half-cent sales tax increase on the June 2 ballot — a measure that would raise Hermosa Beach's combined sales tax rate to 10.25%.
The proposal, called the Essential Services Restoration Act, comes from Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis. It would impose a 0.5% general sales tax across all of LA County to supposedly fund a local coverage program for residents who have lost or will lose their Medi-Cal insurance as a result of H.R. 1, the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' signed by President Trump last year.
If the Board of Supervisors approves placing the measure on the ballot — a vote expected as early as Tuesday, with a final deadline of March 6 — it would need only a simple majority of county voters to pass. (UPDATED : Tuesday's vote was indeed in favor of placing the measure onto June's ballot.)
## What Does It Mean For Hermosa Shoppers?
Hermosa Beach's current combined sales tax rate is 9.75%, which already includes the countywide Measure A homelessness tax that took effect in April 2025\. The healthcare tax would push the rate to 10.25%.
On a $100 restaurant tab, that's an additional 50 cents. On a $50,000 vehicle, it's $250\. On the roughly $36 million in annual taxable sales generated in Hermosa Beach, it represents a significant new revenue stream — but one that flows to the county, not the city.
The tax increase lands in a politically loaded spot for Hermosa Beach.
_This post is for subscribers only._
### CRIME TIME : January 25-31
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-january-25-31/
Last updated: 2026-02-16T16:41:35.000Z
## The Week in Blue
A relatively quiet week in Hermosa Beach, though a pair of violent assaults on PCH were notable exceptions and continued e-bike thefts kept officers busy. Here's what went down.
## Notable Incidents
**Felony Warrant Suspect Flees on Foot**
A routine traffic stop at 10th and Manhattan on January 24th turned into a foot chase when the driver—already busted for driving without a license—turned out to have an outstanding felony no-bail warrant from San Bernardino. He resisted arrest and took off running before officers tracked him down and cuffed him.
**Racial Attack on PCH**
In the most serious incident of the week, an unknown suspect launched a racially motivated assault on January 27th near the 2500 block of PCH. The attacker yelled racial slurs at the victim, struck their vehicle, then attacked when the victim got out—knocking them to the ground and continuing to strike them until bystanders intervened. The suspect remains at large.
**Assault Over a Lighter**
Just a day later at the 400 block of PCH, a victim asked a suspect for a lighter and got punched and struck multiple times instead. Police arrested the suspect.
## Property Crimes
**E-Bike Thefts Continue**
Two electric bikes were stolen this week—one locked to a parking meter pole on Hermosa Avenue (January 25-26), another from a secured parking garage on 2nd Street (January 29-30). Both were locked at the time of theft.
**Tool Thefts from Garages**
Thieves hit two residential garages this week. Multiple tools were stolen from an unlocked storage area in a shared gated parking garage on Monterey Boulevard (January 26-27), and more tools were taken from a tool bag in a residential garage on Palm Drive (January 29-30).
## Scams & Fraud
**Email Phishing Hits Home**
A sophisticated phishing scam cost one resident money when a fraudster posed as an email administrator (January 20-22). After the victim handed over their password, the scammer accessed contacts and requested gift card purchases "on behalf of" the victim. At least one contact fell for it and bought the cards.
**Check Washing**
An IRS check mailed between October and November 2025 was intercepted, washed, and cashed—a reminder that old-school mail fraud is alive and well.
## Traffic & DUI
Officers issued citations for driving without a license (three incidents) and driving with suspended/revoked licenses (three incidents including two for DUI-related suspensions). One DUI arrest was made in El Segundo, another in Redondo Beach involving a driver with a license already suspended for DUI.
Three hit-and-run incidents with property damage were reported at 33rd & Manhattan, Manhattan & Longfellow, and Valley & Gould.
## The Weird Stuff
- Residence on Cypress Avenue was egged (January 27)
- Male transient defecated in Valley Park (January 29)
- Subject cited for public urination at Hermosa & Pier (January 25)
- Adult grabbed a juvenile and forced them to pick up trash they'd dropped in a yard (January 31)
## Community Safety Note
One information report stands out: on January 25th at Pier Avenue, friends reported a highly intoxicated woman who they believed may have been drugged based on her behavior. If you're out at the bars, watch your drinks and stick with your friends.
---
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### Hermosa Beach Police Welcome K9 Arco
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-police-welcome-k9-arco/
Last updated: 2026-02-05T03:44:26.000Z
The Hermosa Beach Police Department introduced its newest four-legged officer Tuesday night—a three-year-old Belgian Malinois named Arco.
Unlike the department's previous canines, which were trained only for narcotics and explosives detection, Arco is a dual-purpose apprehension and detection dog, imported from the Netherlands with an elite pedigree.
"Arco holds a KMPV title, which is a prestigious title from the Royal Dutch Police Association, which emphasizes in control and apprehension," Officer Ivan Torres, Arco's handler, told the City Council. "Prior to arriving in Hermosa Beach, Canine Arco already established an elite standard in police work."
Officer Torres with his K-9 partner Arco
After arriving in the United States, Arco and Torres completed a 240-hour intensive police training program in Riverside covering obedience, searches, and real-life deployment scenarios. They're now required to train a minimum of 20 hours per month to maintain Arco's skills.
## A De-Escalation Tool
Torres emphasized that Arco's primary value may be his presence rather than his bite.
"Crucially, his mere presence is a tool in and of itself because it can encourage the safe surrenders of these kinds of suspects and allow us to not use force," Torres explained. "He is a de-escalation tactic which more often than not, if you hear this guy barking, you'll come out."
The dog is also being trained in explosives detection, which will assist the city in keeping schools, public events, and facilities safe.
## Life-Saving Protection
The evening's presentation centered on a crucial piece of equipment: a bulletproof vest donated by Canine Armor, a public benefit charity that provides protective gear to California police dogs.
Arco receiving his ballistic vest from Suzanne Saunders of Canine Armor.
Co-founder Suzanne Saunders presented the $4,000 vest, which features a removable collar—a first in the 20 years she's been providing vests to departments.
"Sadly, some dogs are injured and killed in the line of duty when they don't have a bulletproof vest," Saunders told the council. "They need them and they deserve them, but most departments don't have the budget for a $4,000 vest."
Saunders noted that Burbank Police Department's K9 Spike was killed in November, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers police dogs face. The new vest design with the removable collar allows Arco to maintain full mobility while staying protected.
"It doesn't hinder their movements and so he can still run and bite and do his duty, but it'll keep him safe," Saunders said.
Police Chief Landon Phillips explained that the department had never budgeted for bulletproof vests because previous canines didn't have Arco's apprehension capabilities and faced different risk profiles.
"Just like officers here in Hermosa Beach where we run towards the danger first, Arco will as well," Torres said. "So having a ballistic vest is very important."
Torres noted Arco's intelligence extends beyond following commands: "He understands context more than anything... When he's ready to work, when he's in drive, he's just all go."
Torres said that Arco 'speaks' Dutch—though the actual command vocabulary is only about 10-12 words. More important is context.
"He understands the context very smart, he's a very intelligent dog," Torres said, noting he even had to adjust his morning routine: the handler shared that Arco won't eat breakfast if he comes out in his police uniform—the dog immediately knows it's time to work and refuses food until after the shift."I have to come out in my PJs first, Arco has his breakfast, and then I come out in uniform and let's go to work."
The council thanked Canine Armor for their support and formally welcomed Arco to the Hermosa Beach Police Department.
As Saunders put it: "Thank you for putting your lives on the line for the city of Hermosa Beach. And thank you council members for taking care of the citizens."
### City Council Eases Land Value Recapture Fees, Aims to Spur Downtown Development
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-council-eases-land-value-recapture-fees-aims-to-spur-downtown-development/
Last updated: 2026-03-13T03:55:11.000Z
In a 4-1 vote Tuesday night, the Hermosa Beach City Council approved Planning Commission recommendations to significantly reduce Land Value Recapture (LVR) fees for small mixed use development by commercial property owners, with supporters hoping the change will finally unlock stalled downtown construction.
#### What is 'Land Value Recapture' ? (click to see detail)
- ****The Basic Concept:** When a city rezones property to allow more valuable uses (like adding residential development rights to commercial-only land), the property value increases. Land Value Recapture policies require property owners to share a portion of that windfall with the public.
- ****How It Works in Hermosa Beach:** Properties that gained residential development rights through the Housing Element overlay can either include affordable housing units on-site OR pay a per-square-foot fee when they develop.
- ****The Fee Structure:** Smaller properties (4 or fewer units) pay $76 per square foot; larger properties (5+ units) pay $104 per square foot. These fees go into funds for affordable housing development elsewhere in the city.
- ****The Exemption:** Developers can avoid the fee entirely by making 15% of their units affordable to very-low or low-income residents, or 25% affordable to moderate-income residents.
- ****The Goal:** Generate funding for affordable housing or incentivize developers to build affordable units directly—ideally making the fee high enough that developers choose to build affordable housing rather than pay.
- ****The Reality:** Since taking effect in August 2024, not a single development application has been submitted on affected properties—no projects with affordable units, no projects paying the fee. The policy designed to create affordable housing may instead be preventing any housing from being built at all.
The council voted (in line with a Planning Commission recommendation) to eliminate LVR fees entirely for properties with maximum density of one to two units and reduce fees from $76 to $40 per square foot for three to four-unit developments. The changes take effect 30 days after adoption.
A substitute motion by Councilmember Michael Keegan to eliminate fees for properties up to six units failed 2-3, with only Councilmember Dean Francois joining in support.
Councilmember Raymond Jackson cast the lone dissenting vote on the approved measure, arguing that relaxing LVR requirements undermines the city's affordable housing mandate. Jackson had previously stated in October 2023 when the scheme was first proposed "I don't want money, I'm not a fan of the fee...I want affordable housing...I don't want to incentivize market rate development."
Jackson also raised the specter of "land banking," suggesting property owners might hold parcels indefinitely without building if fees were eliminated. But as Planning Manager Alexis Oropesa confirmed, "there is nothing to prevent someone from holding on to the property" even with LVR fees in place.
Critics of LVR argued that it may in fact encourage land banking by making immediate development unprofitable while preserving the theoretical future value of the upzoning.
Upper Pier Ave. property owner Jon David, who has warned about LVR since 2022, was blunt: "It is just a program that programmatically makes small infill housing in Hermosa Beach infeasible on our commercial lots... You can't capture any value if you don't create that value."
He noted the program "blocks protected housing 10 units and under" and warned of potential legal jeopardy: "We have proven mathematically that it blocks housing, protected housing. And so I think... we have to be careful also of following the law, of having HCD come to us and say we mathematically proved our study proved that we're blocking housing, blocking protected housing. And why didn't you fix it?"
Hermosa's 'Housing Element', a part of the city's General Plan that aims to satisfy state mandates on 'affordable' housing provision has come under increasing scrutiny after a recent appeal court decision in neighboring Redondo Beach which ruled that part of their plan was infeasible.
#### What is 'The Housing Element'? (click to see detail)
- ****The State Mandate:** Every California city must update its Housing Element every eight years, demonstrating how it will accommodate its share of regional housing growth. Hermosa Beach's current element covers 2021-2029 and was certified by the state in July 2024.
- ****The Numbers:** Hermosa Beach must plan for 558 new housing units this cycle, broken down by income level: 232 very-low income, 127 low-income, 106 moderate-income, and 93 above-moderate (market rate) units.
- ****The Strategy:** The city rezoned properties through a "Housing Element overlay" that allows residential development on formerly commercial-only sites. The element includes 14 programs addressing everything from ADU development to affordable housing preservation.
- ****The Progress:** Halfway through the cycle, 384 units are somewhere in the development pipeline—from applications to completed construction. The city claims that it is on track to exceed its market-rate housing target.
- ****The Problem:** All 384 units in the pipeline are market-rate housing. Zero affordable units have been proposed or built, meaning the city is falling behind on its affordable housing obligations across all income categories—a failure that could trigger state penalties and "builder's remedy" provisions that override local zoning controls.
- ****The Regional Context:** Neighboring Redondo Beach's Housing Element is currently being challenged in court, illustrating the legal risks cities face when their housing plans don't satisfy state requirements. A failed Housing Element can result in loss of local control over development decisions, and there are strong similarities between our plan and the Redondo plan.
## Failed Experiment Acknowledged
The vote marked a significant retreat from the city's ambitious 2022 affordable housing strategy. Mayor Rob Saemann, who had previously supported the program, acknowledged it as "a failed experiment."
"I honestly, I think that being able to change your mind as a planning commissioner or councilman or mayor... is a plus not a minus," Saemann said. "I think it's a plus to be able to reevaluate something, a decision you made once, to reevaluate it and say the world changes, the situation changes."
The program, incorporated into the city's 2021-2029 housing element, was supposedly designed to capture value from commercial properties rezoned to allow residential development. The fees were intended to either incentivize developers to include affordable units or generate revenue for a housing trust fund.
To date, the program has produced zero affordable housing units and zero revenue, according to Community Development Director Alison Becker.
"I recommend that we be... gingerly handling the request from the council to consider changes to the land value recapture program," Becker told councilmembers. "We're mid-cycle. We will be beginning our process to develop our next cycle housing element within two years."
However, Becker acknowledged reality: "If we are really not seeing... revenues which can help us subsidize or otherwise support affordable housing production, we can design a new program."
The council could revisit the entire LVR program structure for the next housing element cycle and potentially eliminate it for larger projects as well if the pattern of zero results continues.
One public commenter wryly observed: "There is affordable housing in Hermosa Beach. I know this because I took advantage of it... in my 20s. It was called having roommates."
---
[Redondo loses appeal in Housing Element lawsuitRedondo Housing Ruling Casts Shadow Over Hermosa’s Development BattlesThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-news-redondo-loses-appeal-in-housing-element-lawsuit-3/)
[Housing Development Under Scrutiny at Special SessionReview shows City lagging on critical affordable housing targetsThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/housing-development-under-scrutiny-at-special-session/)
### Patio Fee Debate Postponed as Business Owners Plead Their Case
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/patio-fee-debate-postponed-as-business-owners-plead-their-case/
Last updated: 2026-02-25T15:58:27.000Z
The City Council postponed a decision on outdoor dining encroachment fees Tuesday night—this time at the last minute after an 11 a.m. email from a business owner requested more time to gather information—leaving frustrated business owners and supporters to wonder when, or if, relief will come.
Encroachment fees are levied on businesses who use city property for outdoor patios (or selling space as in the case of three affected Pier Plaza retail businesses). Councilmember Michael Keegan previously requested a council agenda item to potentially reduce the fees charged to businesses like Mickey's Deli or The Green Store, where the outdoor space is not used for full service dining or alcohol, and where the location is some distance from the main commercial downtown district. He also asked for the council to consider the retail businesses on the Plaza (Spyder Surf, The Treasure Chest and Heavenly Couture) for potential relief from recent fee increases.
## A Community Gathering Place
The Green Store emerged as the focal point of Tuesday's public testimony, with multiple speakers describing owner Lana Istwani's small outdoor patio as a neighborhood institution rather than a revenue-generating dining deck.
Elka Worner, who grew up in Hermosa Beach, painted a nostalgic picture: "Growing up, my friends and I would stop at the Green Store on our way home from the beach. We'd walk in with sandy feet and wet bathing suits to buy Abba-Zabas and Slurpees. Thankfully not much has changed at the Green Store."
Worner noted that Istwani works the deli and register from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, and that the patio serves more as a community space than a profit center.
"The Green Store patio... is a community space that Lana created for her customers and to make the store more welcoming," Worner said. "The patio is not a major revenue generator like it is for the Pier Plaza restaurants or Martha's across the street, which is known for its outdoor dining."
The Green Store patio
Mark Paaluhi, a longtime resident, seconded that view: "I live down the street from there and I meet some of my friends there to have a little drink or food and stuff on the little patio there. So I think it's very valuable. Lana and her family do a great job and her staff—they're really making it a community-based location."
Worner questioned the city's priorities, noting the contrast between debating fees that would cost the city roughly $4,000 annually and the recent $51,000 appropriation for the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
"Why are we hassling small businesses over nickels and dimes when we just gave the chamber $51,000 for the St. Patrick's Day parade?" Worner asked. "Don't get me wrong, I love the parade, but we should also be supporting small neighborhood stores that have been here for decades."
She urged the council to roll back encroachment fees to $1 per square foot for businesses like the Green Store, arguing the rate "reflects the difference between neighborhood grocery stores and full-service restaurants."
"Once these small iconic businesses are gone, they don't come back," Worner cautioned. "They get replaced by something generic or corporate, something that doesn't reflect the character of Hermosa Beach."
## Lack of Transparency Criticized
Lana Istwani herself spoke with evident frustration about how the fee increase was originally implemented.
Green Store owner Lana Istwani making her case at City Council on Tuesday evening
"I'm finding it a hard time that I'm still wrestling with the city about this encroachment fee that the city back in 2022 or 2023... took it upon themselves to impose on us small businesses without even giving us an opportunity to speak about it beforehand," Istwani said.
She described being "broadsided" with a letter announcing a 100% fee increase, then struggling to get answers from staff about the justification.
"I reached out to Douglas Krauss twice, emailed him, called him, had him come over, and I was like, how? What basis did you guys come upon this fee and how do you increase it a hundred percent?" Istwani recounted. "He just said, yeah, there were countless meetings. I was like, why were we not notified?"
When Krauss presented information to the council at a previous meeting, Istwani said she found it "very disturbing because it was supposed to be information guided to you so you are informed about the decision, but it wasn't. It was misinformation."
She criticized the lack of clear criteria for the fee structure: "There's no set criteria... he could not speak to the factors leading to the increase."
Istwani pointed out that her patio receives no sun for over half the year, doesn't serve alcohol, and has a vastly different business model than restaurants with table service—factors she said weren't properly considered.
## "This is Who We Are"
Laura Peña, wearing a "We Are Hermosa" hat, framed the issue in terms of the city's identity and economic development priorities.
"1914—that's how old The Green Store is," Peña said. "We should want to do everything we can to keep them thriving and supporting our community."
Peña suggested the city should view small business patios differently: "Why don't we look at this as an opportunity for placemaking? Because when I went to the green store before they had their outside dining deck, I would go grab a sandwich, go on the beach. Now I go there to meet community."
She described a recent Saturday when the patio was packed with families, people moving tables and chairs to accommodate each other. "This is who we are. This is not just a hat that we wear. It's who we are because what we believe in."
Peña noted that insurance premiums and cost of goods are rising for business owners: "Fixed costs do \[make a difference\]. So anything that you can do to help... we say we support retail. Why don't we support our retail that needs us now?"
Councilmember Michael Keegan defended the postponement, noting he had spoken with Dennis Jarvis, co-owner of Spyder Surfwear, who also wanted the delay. Keegan promised to ensure any fee savings would be made retroactive to January so businesses wouldn't lose money during the delay.
Mayor Rob Saemann acknowledged the frustration but defended the delay, saying he hoped additional information might help inform the council's decision. He promised to support the idea that if fees are reduced at the next meeting, any savings would be made retroactive to January.
### Council Preview : February 3rd
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-preview-3-february/
Last updated: 2026-02-02T21:34:53.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council unusually meets just one week after its last session, with several items continued from the January 27 meeting including an update on the city's now-defunct homelessness outreach program, a proposal to allow food vendors at beach events, and potential changes to affordable housing fees.
### Homeless Program : Mixed Results Before Funding Ran Out
Council will receive a final report on the HB Cares pilot program, a mobile crisis response initiative that operated from May 2024 through September 2025 before federal grant funding expired.
The program, run by Los Angeles Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA), deployed civilian teams to respond to calls involving homeless individuals and mental health crises as an alternative to police response. Over approximately 251 days of service, the program handled 336 total calls and provided 234 services to 34 individuals experiencing homelessness.
The outcomes were modest: two individuals were housed, two were reunited with family, two entered shelter, one went to a nursing home, and one entered drug rehabilitation. However, 22 of the 34 individuals served remained "service resistant," according to staff.
The program faced significant challenges including staff turnover at L.A. CADA, limited staffing during peak periods, difficulty locating and engaging individuals, and barriers to housing resources. Staff recommends future programming include continuous mental health and housing assistance and exploration of regional collaborations.
### Beach Vendors Could Be Allowed at Special Events
Following a recommendation from the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Advisory Commission, council will consider whether to allow food, beverage, and merchandise vendors—beyond just event producers—to sell at approved beach events like volleyball tournaments.
Current city code permits only the event producer to sell on the beach. The proposed change would allow additional vendors selling prepared food and non-alcoholic beverages, with a $115 per-vendor daily fee. Hermosa Beach businesses with valid city licenses would receive a 25% discount, paying $86.25 per day.
The commission did not recommend allowing alcohol sales or consumption on the beach, citing public safety concerns, potential liability, and the operational requirements that would include fenced areas and additional police staffing.
Staff noted that event producers, particularly volleyball tournament organizers, have requested these changes to improve the financial viability of their events.
### Controversial Development Fee Program Under Scrutiny
In a move aimed at encouraging housing development on smaller parcels, council will consider reducing or eliminating Land Value Recapture fees for properties that can accommodate only a few residential units.
The Planning Commission recommended exempting lots with minimum density of one to two units from any fee, and temporarily reducing fees for three- and four-unit lots from $76 to $40 per square foot for 24 months.
The LVR program, adopted as part of the city's Housing Element, charges developers a fee when building market-rate housing on parcels that were rezoned to allow residential use. The fee can be avoided by including affordable units in the project. To date, no applications have been submitted on Housing Element overlay sites that include affordable units or trigger LVR fees.
Small lots account for nearly 25% of the 558 residential units the city must plan for under state housing requirements.
### Outdoor Dining or Just A Seating Area ?
Council will consider reducing commercial encroachment fees for businesses that don't offer table service or alcohol in their outdoor dining areas. The change might possibly apply to just two establishments—Mickey's Deli and the Green Store—reducing their rate to $2 per square foot from the current $2.50.
The city collects approximately $200,000 quarterly in commercial encroachment fees. The proposed reduction would decrease revenue by about $4,000 annually. Council may also discuss converting these spaces to other public uses such as benches or bike parking.
### Police Equipment, Employee Benefits, and Zoning Updates
In other business, council will:
- Conduct its annual review of the Police Department's military equipment use policy, as required by state law. The department purchased eight 40mm tactical single launchers in March 2025 and reports no community complaints or internal investigations regarding equipment use.
- Consider side letters extending education incentive pay to Teamsters and Professional and Administrative Employee groups, matching benefits already provided to unrepresented employees. The $150,000 annual cost would be offset by refocusing the sign-on bonus program to difficult-to-fill positions only.
- Hold first reading of an ordinance aligning zoning code appeal periods with recent changes to Title 2, standardizing the timeframe at 15 days for Planning Commission decisions.
- Receive the final progress report on the 2022 Economic Development Strategy, with staff recommending the strategy be retired after three and a half years of implementation.
🎤
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****Supplemental Email:** Submit a supplemental email for agenda items only to cityclerk@hermosabeach.gov. Supplemental emails should indicate the agenda item and meeting date in the subject line and must be received no later than three (3) hours before the meeting start time.
****Cable TV:** Spectrum Channel 8 and Frontier Channel 31 in Hermosa Beach
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****Live Stream:** [www.hermosabeach.gov/agenda](http://www.hermosabeach.gov/agenda?ref=hermosareview.com)
### Strand March Protests Trump Immigration Enforcement
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/strand-march-protests-immigration-enforcement/
Last updated: 2026-02-02T19:28:29.000Z
A large crowd walked the Strand Sunday in the largest local protest yet against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies.
Organized by South Bay Takes a Stand, the march began at the Manhattan Beach Pier and continued to the Hermosa Beach Pier before returning—the same route the grassroots group established during its inaugural march last June.
Sunday's turnout appeared to be substantially larger, with crowds filling the beachfront pathway as marchers carried signs and chanted.
South Bay Takes a Stand was founded last year by Manhattan Beach resident Tanya Monaghan, Redondo Beach native Luisa Cabrera Faist, and podcaster Meghan Judge after ICE raids began occurring locally.
### CRIME TIME : Jan 18-24
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-jan-18-24/
Last updated: 2026-01-31T23:46:10.000Z
Multiple fraud cases during the week demonstrated increasingly sophisticated social engineering tactics, with victims losing significant sums to scammers.
In the most costly incident, a victim in the 500 block of Pier Avenue called a number displayed on a pop-up ad claiming to be from Microsoft on January 21\. The suspect was given access to the victim's computer and remotely accessed bank accounts. The victim went to the bank and wire transferred money to the suspects before realizing it was a scam, losing $16,000.
In a similar cryptocurrency scam on January 20, a victim in the 2400 block of Hermosa Avenue received a call from someone claiming that someone in Germany was attempting to hack their accounts. The victim worked with the subject to "secure" their cryptocurrency account, and money was then removed from the victim's accounts.
Another victim on Pier Avenue had their account accessed without permission between January 19-21, with $3,600 withdrawn.
Two IRS check interception cases were also reported—one where a check mailed between April-January was intercepted, washed and cashed, and another where a check mailed in September 2025 was similarly altered. These mail fraud cases represent a long-standing pattern of check theft and alteration.
### E-Bike Thefts Continue Unabated
Two more e-bikes were stolen during the week, maintaining the alarming trend that has persisted since early December. On January 23, an unlocked e-bike was stolen from outside a store in the 700 block of Pier Avenue. On January 21, an unlocked e-bicycle was stolen from a residence in the 800 block of 13th Street.
Notably, both thefts involved unlocked bikes, suggesting that while thieves have demonstrated the ability to defeat locks in previous incidents, opportunistic theft of unsecured bikes remains common.
This brings the total e-bike and e-motorcycle thefts since early December to at least 11 reported cases across the city.
### Three Vehicle Thefts
The week saw three separate vehicle thefts across the city. On January 16-19, a vehicle was stolen from the street in the 900 block of 1st Street. Two additional vehicles were stolen—one on January 23 from 5th Street and Pacific Coast Highway, and details of location were limited for the third theft.
### "Swatting" Call Draws Police Response
On January 23, police responded to a shots fired call in the 100 block of Palm Drive. It was later determined to be a "swatting" call—a false report designed to provoke a large emergency response—and no shooting had occurred. Swatting incidents waste police resources and can pose dangers to both officers and residents.
'Swatting' Incident on Jan 23 involved a large police resource
### Assault with Metal Knuckles
On January 22, a victim in the 1200 block of The Strand asked a suspect to turn down their music, which led to the suspect threatening the victim. The suspect was located, arrested, and found to be in possession of metal knuckles, an illegal weapon.
### Retail Burglary and Theft
On January 18, three subjects entered a store in the 100 block of Pacific Coast Highway, took multiple items including hair care products and alcohol, concealed the items and left without paying.
A suspect stole a purse hanging from the back of a chair at a restaurant in the 00 block of 22nd Street on January 20.
An employee removed a wedding band while working in the 1300 block of Hermosa Avenue on January 18, and it went missing.
### Package Theft
A package was stolen upon delivery on December 14 from the 200 block of 10th Street, with the theft signed for by an unknown person.
### DUI Arrests
Two DUI arrests were made during the week—one on January 18 at 5th Street and Pacific Coast Highway, and another on January 19 at Pacific Coast Highway and Pier Avenue.
### Narcotics and Warrants
On January 19-20, a subject contacted at Ardmore Avenue and Pier Avenue was found to have outstanding warrants and was in possession of controlled substances.
### Traffic Enforcement
A traffic stop on January 20 at 16th Street and Pacific Coast Highway found the driver to be on probation and also the restrained person listed in a court order from the passenger in the vehicle. The subject was arrested.
One citation was issued for driving on suspended/revoked license on January 18 at Gould Avenue and Valley Dr.
### Identity Theft
On January 21, an unknown subject used a victim's identity without permission in the 1300 block of Hermosa Avenue.
### Mayor and City Manager Discuss City Hall Culture Change at Town Hall Q&A
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/mayor-and-city-manager-discuss-city-hall-culture-change-at-town-hall-q-a/
Last updated: 2026-02-15T18:22:02.000Z
Mayor Rob Saemann hosted a comprehensive town hall forum Thursday evening, addressing community questions ranging from e-bike enforcement to business development, city infrastructure projects, and immigration enforcement policy. The two-hour session followed up on questions submitted at the recent State of the City address.
### E-Bike Enforcement Dominates Discussion
E-bike safety emerged as the evening's most prominent theme. Mayor Saemann acknowledged the city currently lacks authority to require license plates on e-bikes but expressed strong support for pursuing state legislation through the South Bay Council of City Governments.
The mayor proposed using contract officers to enforce existing regulations on the Strand and Plaza, noting he personally observed approximately 15 violations during a 10-minute period on the Plaza that afternoon. "If we had contract officers that could be there, those people all would have gotten tickets," he explained. Saemann has taken a lead on city council in recent months in advocating for a pilot program to explore the use of contract officers.
Police Chief Landon Phillips confirmed the department has issued hundreds of citations and impounded dozens of e-bikes since the urgency ordinance passed in June. "There's no magic bullet that's going to solve this immediately, but we will continue to enforce," Phillips said.
### Business Development and Regulatory Reform
Responding to business owner Gina Rothwell's concerns about downtown vacancies and foot traffic, Saemann outlined several initiatives. The city employs a liaison officer to help businesses navigate permit processes, and City Manager Steve Napolitano has been meeting with property owners to "kick-start revitalization."
Community Development Director Alison Becker has implemented significant improvements since joining in May 2025, Saemann said. The department is finalizing its implementation of Accela, an electronic permitting system allowing online submission, payment, and tracking.
The city also implemented a self-certification process for minor tenant improvements, allowing licensed architects or engineers to certify plans meet code requirements and submit them directly for permit issuance. Additionally, the city reduced regulatory review of alcohol-serving businesses with no complaints, eliminating unnecessary Planning Commission hearings.
### City Yard Project and Infrastructure
The city yard facility at 6th Street emerged as a major priority. Saemann described the aging facility as "old and tired and dilapidated" but emphasized its critical importance to city operations. The city has hired a construction manager to assess the facility and guide the project.
City Manager Napolitano explained the project will be funded through new parking revenue without drawing from the general fund. The city is in "maintenance mode" on City Hall, focusing on necessary improvements while prioritizing the city yard project.
### Budget and Revenue
Saemann broke down the $3.6 million in new revenue: $2.5 million from increased parking meter rates, $800,000 from parking citation rates, $200,000 from eliminating the deputy city manager position, and $200,000 from eliminating consultant contracts.
He emphasized this revenue prevents city yard bond payments from competing with core services but does not eliminate the structural deficit. "Addressing that imbalance still requires separate ongoing actions," the mayor said.
### Immigration Enforcement Policy
Responding to concerns about potential ICE operations, Saemann read the city's official policy: "HBPD does not enforce immigration laws. We do not stop or detain people for the purposes of immigration enforcement. If any federal agency is in our city limits conducting federal law enforcement business, we will not interfere or obstruct them in doing so."
The mayor added, "I think that's fairly clear. I think that's a reasonable policy that we're not going to help enforce immigration laws. That's not our job. It's not the police department's job. But we're here to protect our people in the meantime."
Saemann expressed confidence in the police department's handling of any situation that might arise: "I have great confidence in our chief and our department that they'll handle it properly and that our citizens will be safe and that whatever the federal officers are doing, as long as it's legal, they'll be able to do that unimpeded by our police department."
### Parade and Fiesta Controversy
Zoom participant Tony Higgins criticized the council's approval of a second Labor Day fiesta event. He expressed frustration that the Chamber had announced that they would make $350,000 in profit from the fiesta events but announced it will no longer contribute St. Patrick's Day parade profits to community causes.
Saemann confirmed he was the sole vote against approving the second fiesta, having proposed adding a beer garden to the St. Patrick's Day parade to generate shared profits between the city and Chamber. "If the city is going to pay for these things and pony up money for these events, then we should share in the profits," Saemann explained.
### Culture Change
Local planning expert Stacy Straus from Srour & Associates praised the cultural shift under Napolitano's leadership:
> "I have seen a tremendous change overall in the whole city with Steve's presence, and the culture is significantly different and so very much appreciated."
She requested that staff hold a dedicated community development forum for detailed feedback.
"Hermosa means business," Napolitano said. "Our first answer should not be no."
Napolitano discussing his intentions regarding City Hall culture change during Thursday night's town hall session
Napolitano cited a recent example of this collaborative approach: "I sat down with a lot of different business owners working on different projects. Most recently, I sat down with the new owner of the laundromat down on the south end of town on Hermosa Avenue, and she had a few issues, wanted to come in, talk, so I made time, brought in Alison. We went over what her needs were, how we can address those, and she was very happy with the outcome."
He acknowledged ongoing challenges while emphasizing the commitment to improvement: "As Rob said, it is not perfect. It's never going to be perfect. You're dealing with processes, people, and interpretations, but we're going to work on those, and our first answer isn't going to be no. It's going to be, okay, let's see if we can find a solution for this."
Saemann closed the meeting by emphasizing the importance of ongoing community dialogue: "We've got to keep this up. We have to keep talking to each other to make this a better city."
### CITY HALL SKETCH - NSFW
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-sketch-nsfw/
Last updated: 2026-01-30T15:54:51.000Z
The January 27th City Council meeting began with an announcement: Mayor Pro Tem Mike Detoy would be joining remotely due to "contagious illness."
One imagines Detoy at home, wrapped in a blanket, mug of tea in hand, watching his colleagues descend into a nearly five-hour marathon of architectural mysteries, financial confessions, and one very public airing of grievances.
Spoiler alert: he didn't make it.
## A Touching Moment Between Colleagues
During council comments, Councilmember Michael Keegan decided to get something off his chest.
"At the end of our last City Council meeting on January 13th, after the adjournment, I was leaving the chambers walking down this aisleway here, and I was confronted by Councilman Jackson in front of City Manager Napolitano," Keegan said. "And he yelled towards me that *there's that racist prick*."
Keegan paused and the room held its breath. Luckily it wasn't one of those evenings where the entire second grade class was waiting in City Hall to pick up a prize.
"And I just wanted to also say that he followed up that conversation a few seconds later calling myself and the City Manager *butt buddies.*" At least one jaw dropped in the audience.
For those unfamiliar with the term, Urban Dictionary defines "butt buddies" as "two or more guys that are friends in more ways than one," The more detailed definition describes activities that would definitely not be part of City manager Napolitano's 2026 Performance Objectives.
[Urban Dictionary 'Butt Buddy' Definition (click to read)](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=butt+buddies&ref=hermosareview.com)
The chamber fell silent. Detoy, one assumes, reached for more tea and a couple of Aleve.
"I won't tolerate this kind of bullying by my colleagues," Keegan continued. "I am not a racist, and I'm not a prick." No further mention of butt buddies.
Jackson offered no response. No apology. No denial. Just silence and a quick smirk.
## A Floored Argument
The 901 Hermosa Avenue project offered its own surreal moments.
Staff explained that the building's second floor featured "movable floors"—sliding platforms that provide access to storage units. The space between these platforms, staff said, shouldn't count toward the building's square footage.
Mayor Rob Saemann, a 52-year veteran of the construction industry, was perplexed.
"I have never heard of a movable floor," he said. "So if there is such a thing, I'm very interested in why we aren't counting it as floor space. It's the only way to access the storage rooms, movable or not."
Keegan, who had toured the building, was less diplomatic.
"What I see in the building is illegal construction. I think it's a fire hazard. I think if the fire inspector walked in the building, he'd shut the building down."
He described a second floor with no fire protection, no sprinklers, illegal stairways without handrails, and storage units that were "essentially furniture strapped to the floor."
Fireman Detoy briefly rallied at the mention of sprinklers, but Keegan pressed on.
"It doesn't have any cross bracings. It has no shear value. The floor is unsafe," Keegan said. "I mean, it's a liability that I'm shocked the owner puts any bodies into that area of the building."
The movable floors, it turned out, do move. "When you walk on it, the whole thing moves," Saemann confirmed. "That entire second floor is wobbly. Very wobbly."
And yet, according to city records, this wobbly wonderland was permitted in 1998.
Somewhere, a building inspector's signature haunts the archives. Peering through his little Zoom window, Detoy now looked even wobblier than a 1990's era floor, and seemed to be in danger of faceplanting his keyboard.
## The Chamber's Confessional
Then came the Chamber of Commerce, green bowler hat in hand, asking for $51,000 to keep the St. Patrick's Day Parade alive.
Notably absent: Chamber Foundation President Katie Vernon, the head of the organization that actually produces the parade. She had been in the chamber earlier in the evening but slipped out before the item was called. Lucky Charm, indeed.
Perhaps she, too, had caught something contagious. It was going around.
Chamber CEO Michelle Crispin took the confessional approach. She seemed to have kissed the Blarney Stone shortly before standing at the podium.
"Questions about fiscal management are fair and not wholly unwelcome, believe it or not," she grimaced.
The Chamber lost $100,000 in 2025\. And $125,000 in 2024\. The parade alone is bleeding money, to be sure to be sure.
Erika Newman, the Chamber's new volunteer Vice Chair of Finance, introduced herself as a forensic accountant of sorts. She spoke earnestly of her 'transaction-based approach' to unravelling the mess.
Newman promised "100 percent transparency" and said there is "nothing to hide." One almost expected her to pull $51,000 and a couple of white doves from her sleeve.
Crispin and Newman continued with their talk of a 'hard reset'. Detoy was now absent from our screens, presumably undergoing a hard reset of his own.
## Man Down
Somewhere around the three-hour mark, the council took a ten-minute break. When they returned, Madam City Clerk called the roll.
"Mayor Pro Tem Detoy?"
Silence.
Detoy had logged off. Too sick to continue. The mystery contagious bug had won. Snore-O-Virus ? Or maybe he just couldn't face the Chamber's *mea culpa* or the looming debate on Land Value Recapture.
He joined Ms. Vernon in the ranks of those who saw what was coming and got out while they could.
One pictures him collapsing into bed, the distant sound of his colleagues debating barricade costs fading into merciful silence.
The council pressed on without him. They still had a quorum. They still had hours to go.
## The Prescription
Saemann proposed a beer garden to save the parade. Jackson was momentarily stirred into action by this idea, wondering about the possibilities. Live music? Alcohol profits? No - he began to discuss "cute girls in their outfits". The 1970's then called in and asked for their meeting back.
Keegan called it "risky and poor judgment", but by this stage it wasn't clear if he was discussing the commercial prospects or Jackson's turn of phrase. The council authorized the money anyway, directed staff to look into using dump trucks as barricades, and left the beer garden as a maybe. The Chamber agreement? One year only. Come back after Labor Day and show us the receipts.
Trust, it seems, is on a movable floor of its own.
The meeting finally adjourned at 11:46 p.m.
Detoy, presumably, was already asleep—the only council member wise enough last night to know when to quit.
The camera and microphones were switched off. I guess we will have to wait until next time to hear what was said immediately afterwards.
### Council Bails Out St. Patrick's Day Parade Amid Questions About Chamber Finances
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-bails-out-st-patricks-day-parade-amid-questions-about-chamber-finances/
Last updated: 2026-02-15T18:21:48.000Z
### City commits up to $51,000 in taxpayer funding for 2026 event and retains traditional parade route as Chamber acknowledges need for improvement in financial management and a 'course correction'
The Hermosa Beach City Council approved up to $51,000 in city funding Tuesday night to keep the St. Patrick's Day Parade alive, but not before councilmembers and residents raised pointed questions about the Chamber of Commerce's financial management and whether taxpayers should be subsidizing an organization that critics claim has lost its way.
The council also approved a three-year agreement with the Chamber for Fiesta Hermosa and other events, but inserted the right to cancel or amend the contract at annual reviews.
## "Questions About Fiscal Management Are Fair"
Chamber CEO Michelle Crispin acknowledged the organization is struggling and said scrutiny of its finances is warranted.
"Questions about fiscal management are fair and not wholly unwelcome, believe it or not," Crispin told the council. "We are actively putting together stronger financial oversight and controls in place. We're committed to transparency moving forward."
The Chamber lost $100,000 in 2025 and $125,000 in 2024, Crispin confirmed under questioning from Councilmembers.
"The numbers don't lie," Crispin said.
"The numbers don't lie" Chamber CEO Michelle Crispin at last night's city council meeting
Speaking about the Chamber Foundation (the entity that is technically responsible for the delivery of the St. Patrick's Day parade and the Hermosa For The Holidays event) Crispin said:
"The foundation is in the process of also hitting reset. There's been a change of leadership there and a renewal of energy, hopefully, to try and resuscitate it."
It is understood that the Chamber Foundation is currently operating without a permanent Treasurer following recent resignations. The President is local resident Katie Vernon, and the interim Treasurer since last week is her wife, Dr. Arlene Vernon. Crispin herself acts as the Foundation's executive director, following the recent resignation of local resident Liz Tyndorf. Tyndorf herself was only in that job officially for a few weeks, according to Secretary of State filings.
Chamber Foundation treasurer Arlene Vernon (L), pictured with Foundation president Katie Vernon (R), together with Councilmember Raymond Jackson during LGBTQIA+ Month in 2023
Erika Newman, the Chamber's new volunteer Vice Chair of Finance and acting Chairman, told the council she joined in October and has spent three months conducting a detailed review of the organization's accounts.
"My overarching goal is to build trust with you on behalf of the Chamber," she said.
"My priorities this year are, number one, to ensure the completeness and correctness of financial reports. Number two, provide these financial reports to you, the Board of Directors, and anyone else who may ask for these reports, just in the spirit of transparency."
"I will provide 100 percent transparency about the Chamber's financial status, and there is nothing to hide. I do welcome collaboration from anyone from the City, from the community. We sure do need your help."
Recently appointed Chamber Finance VP and acting Chairman Erika Newman spoke of her recent work to understand the Chamber's financial position and to 'make things right'.
The Chamber of Commerce has faced calls over the last two years to allow more scrutiny of its financial position, from both members and taxpayers. The Chamber and its associated Chamber Foundation receive hundreds of thousands of dollars of 'fee waivers' from the city in addition to assistance with some direct costs.
## Resident Raises Alarm Over Indirect Costs
During public comment, resident Tony Higgins questioned why the city continues to waive hundreds of thousands of dollars in indirect costs for Chamber events.
"Table 1 basically said that over a three-year period, three events—the parade, the fiesta, the new Labor Day fiesta, and the holiday celebration—would result in $51,000 in direct expenses to the city and $350,000 in indirect expenses," Higgins said. "We don't recover indirect expenses."
Higgins challenged the assumption that taxpayers should subsidize the Chamber at all.
"The model that everybody was looking for was the businesses pay the Chamber, and the Chamber covers the direct and indirect costs to the city," he said. "This idea that we automatically give away the indirect expenses as just welfare, for lack of a better word, to the Chamber or to the event promoters really bothers me."
"Somebody's got to look at the giveaway here," Higgins said.
Higgins went further in a letter sent to the Council following the meeting, writing:
"The Chamber informed the city that from now on it will keep 100% of the profits from the two fiestas to fund its internal operations and they want the city and its residents to eat what is likely $100k annually in indirect expenses; while telling us the days of Chamber Support for the St. Patty Parade are over.
"And the council just rolled over, spread its legs, wagged its tail and smiled."
## A Chamber in Decline?
Crispin described an organization that has drifted far from its core mission.
"The average chamber of commerce sees roughly 40% to 60% of their revenue come in from membership," she said. "Right now, the Chamber sees about 10%. Everything is based on events, and that's what's hurting us."
She said the Chamber is undergoing a "hard reset"—cutting staff, streamlining operations, and evaluating every event.
"Having so many large-scale events that take up so much staff time and so much money to produce, with the expenses getting higher and higher, sponsorships getting lower and lower, it's setting us up to fail," Crispin said.
When Councilmember Dean Francois asked whether Fiesta profits could fund future parades—as they once did—Crispin was blunt.
"The revenue that we make from fiesta, the Chamber needs for operating costs to support our membership services," she said. "The model that we have right now is not fiesta funds going towards paying for Foundation events. The days of that happening, I think we're past."
## Council Demands Accountability
Councilmember Keegan pushed for a one-year agreement rather than a multi-year commitment.
"I don't want to keep going down the same road for three years," Keegan said.
He also asked the Chamber to return 60 days after Labor Day to report on what went right and what went wrong. The council ultimately approved a one-year deal with options for two additional one-year renewals—each subject to council approval.
Mayor Rob Saemann proposed a more fundamental restructuring: add a beer garden to the parade to generate revenue, then split any profits between the city and the Chamber.
"A beer garden would turn the St. Patrick's Day Parade into a winner, into a positive event," Saemann said.
He rejected the idea of simply handing over $51,000 with no strings attached.
"We can't do that anymore. Not anymore," Saemann said. "Maybe someday when this reset happens and trust is built and everything's going swell, we'll see what happens in the future."
Chamber staff estimated a basic beer garden would cost around $37,000 to set up, though beer sales typically generate strong margins. The council left the door open for the Chamber to pursue it if commercially feasible.
## Barricade Costs and Alternative Approaches
The parade's biggest expense is barricades and traffic control, which cost $19,303 last year even after the city helped the Chamber borrow equipment from the Port of Long Beach.
Staff presented alternative routes that could reduce costs. A Strand-based route would cut barricade expenses from roughly $40,000 to $22,000 by using the Strand wall as a natural barrier.
But event producer Michael Bell said six weeks wasn't enough time to change course.
"I do not have the logistical ability to execute a reroute in just six weeks," Bell said. "The current route is tried and true, with a 30-year history of success."
Councilmember Raymond Jackson proposed a different approach: coordinate with neighboring cities that use dump trucks and trash trucks as barriers for their events.
"Torrance does it for their veterans parade, Manhattan Beach for their hometown fair, Redondo Beach for their 10K—and all of those are bigger than ours," Jackson said. "If those safety measures are working in other cities, why can't we implement those here?"
Police Chief Landon Phillips said staff would work with a certified traffic engineer to evaluate the approach.
The council approved keeping the historic route, authorized up to $51,000 in city support, and directed staff to explore cost-cutting measures through alternative barricade arrangements.
The subject is expected to return at the next City Council meeting for final approval. Opinion in the city remains sharply divided over the return of the Labor Day Fiesta, which is granted to the Chamber of Commerce in their new contract. The Chamber had asked for the event to be resurrected, citing the commercial failure of the Oktoberfest which replaced it. Some residents and businesses welcome the tradition and economic stimulus, while others are opposed on the grounds of the disruption it causes.
Local resident Ira Ellman wrote "I am against a second Fiesta (Labor Day Weekend). It has been excellent having this three day weekend free of the Fiesta takeover of downtown. One each year is enough."
Local business owners are also in two camps. One Pier Avenue business owner told us "I don't want to see it come back. I lost business all weekend, especially with the removal of parking." On the contrary, a Pier Plaza bar owner was eager to see its return, saying: "It was always good for us at Labor Day. Oktoberfest did nothing for us, and probably had a negative impact if anything."
### FURTHER READING
[St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Jeopardy as Chamber Seeks Taxpayer BailoutAnnual Parade could disappear as Chamber of Commerce battles financial decline and spiraling costs.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/st-patricks-day-parade-in-jeopardy-as-chamber-seeks-taxpayer-bailout/)
### Council Approves 901 Hermosa Avenue Renovation After Parking Fee Compromise
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-approves-901-hermosa-avenue-renovation-after-parking-fee-compromise/
Last updated: 2026-01-28T19:26:35.000Z
### Developer agrees to pay in-lieu fees after councilmembers reject "decommissioned space" workaround
The Hermosa Beach City Council unanimously approved a plan to add a third story to the century-old building at 901 Hermosa Avenue Monday night, but only after the developer agreed to abandon a controversial proposal to wall off 1,340 square feet to avoid triggering parking requirements.
The project will preserve the 1920's building's distinctive exterior walls while completely rebuilding the interior with modern construction, fire safety systems, and code-compliant stairways. Staff will calculate the final in-lieu parking fee based on actual square footage.
## The Decommissioned Space Question
Under Ransford's original plan, 1,340 square feet on the second floor would have been sealed off and prohibited from use—"decommissioned" in planning parlance. That would have allowed the project to claim a net increase of only 793 square feet, safely under the 10 percent threshold that triggers parking requirements.
Councilmembers questioned whether future owners might simply cut a door into the decommissioned space and lease it.
"1,300 square feet at $50 a square foot a year—this is a space that's worth $60,000," Councilmember Michael Keegan noted, echoing concerns raised by Planning Commissioner Pete Hoffman when the project was approved 4-1 in December.
The concept isn't totally without local precedent. In 2019, the council allowed the owners of Vista Restaurant to wall off 744 square feet inside the building in exchange for adding outdoor dining without additional parking. But Mayor Rob Saemann said this case was different.
"Although it will help you keep an older building, I appreciate that, but it allows this development to not provide parking that it should," Saemann said. "And that's another problem that we have in this city—parking."
## Square Footage Disputes and "Movable Floors"
Before reaching a compromise, councilmembers raised pointed questions about how the building's existing square footage had been calculated in the first place.
Keegan, a former commercial real estate executive and licensed contractor, said he toured the building and found conditions that called the baseline measurements into question. The second floor, he said, featured substandard construction with no fire protection, no sprinklers, illegal stairways without handrails, and what staff described as "movable floors"—sliding platforms that provide access to storage units.
"I've been a building contractor and developer for 52 years. I have never heard of a movable floor," Saemann said. "So if there is such a thing, I'm very interested in why we aren't counting it as floor space. It's the only way to access the storage rooms, movable or not."
Keegan was more blunt: "What I see in the building is illegal construction. I think it's a fire hazard. I think if the fire inspector walked in the building, he'd shut the building down."
Staff said they relied on building permits from 1998 and architectural calculations to determine the existing 12,012 square feet. But Keegan disputed whether those permits reflected actual permitted construction, noting the plans lacked structural engineering details and the as-built conditions didn't match code requirements.
"I don't think there was ever a square footage developed by a permit," Keegan said. "I think the square footage was placed in there by shoddy construction methods and it shouldn't be counted towards the building square footage at all."
Councilmember Raymond Jackson asked whether county tax records showed a different figure. Staff said they don't rely on tax records for permitted floor area, acknowledging the numbers don't always align.
Ransford acknowledged the building's problems but said he inherited them. He described walking the building with the previous building official before purchasing it, seeking clarity on what had been permitted.
"We didn't build anything in this building. We didn't get the permits in 1998," Ransford said. "Everything that is completely substandard is to go. We're here working to clean up this situation."
Applicant Kyle Ransford at last night's public hearing
## Veiled Threat?
Applicant's representative Brandon Strauss urged the council to approve the project, noting the precedent set by Vista Restaurant's decommissioned space in 2019\. But he also issued a warning about what might happen if projects like this don't move forward.
"Some people tell me this city's one lawsuit away from the builder's remedy coming back into effect," Strauss said. "More likely is that a developer would use state law to demolish what's there, build residential or mixed-use, and they'll use whatever state law is available for parking, which may be none."
Strauss has represented a number of past and current projects in the city. One well-connected property owner said this morning "Make no mistake - that was a threat. If the City really wants to play rough, we can play that game too."
## The Breakthrough
The impasse broke when Ransford offered an alternative: count all the square footage and pay in-lieu parking fees for any space exceeding the allowed 110 percent.
"If it was decided that you would prefer to count the decommissioned space and have us pay in lieu for any square footage that it goes in excess," Ransford told the council, "we would be open to that."
Staff estimated the project would require a minimum of seven parking spaces if the decommissioned area and stairways were counted—possibly more once other excluded areas like transformer rooms were factored in.
Saemann made the motion to approve the project with staff calculating the final floor area and required parking, with the developer paying in-lieu fees for any shortfall. The council also required that the second-floor storage areas remain storage in perpetuity—a condition Keegan requested to prevent conversion to higher-intensity office use and the potential impact on surrounding parking.
## Four Years in the Making
Ransford told the council his team has been working on the project for four years, submitting plans eight times to various city departments under the previous administration.
"We're really trying to bring forward interesting, special, unique building," Ransford said. "We are trying to save something of the historic nature of the building. It's expensive to do it that way, but our hope is that it will last for another hundred years."
The building at the corner of Hermosa Avenue and 9th Street was constructed in 1928 and currently houses retail on the ground floor and storage on the second floor. The renovation will add a third story with office space, outdoor amenities, and raised gardens, while maintaining retail frontage on Hermosa Avenue and smaller offices along the adjacent walk street.
The vote was 5-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Mike Detoy participating remotely due to illness. The project will return to council for final approval once staff have completed a further analysis of allowable square footage and the resulting parking-in-lieu fees.
### RELATED ARTICLES
[Planning Commission Approves Controversial 901 Hermosa Avenue RedevelopmentHistoric showroom redevelopment gets go-ahead after lengthy debate over square footage and parkingThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/planning-commission-narrowly-approves-controversial-901-hermosa-avenue-redevelopment/)
[Century-Old Showroom To Get Fresh Start?Hermosa Ave location in focus at tonight’s Planning Commission meetingThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/century-old-showroom-to-get-fresh-start-2/)
### A Rare Gem
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/a-rare-gem/
Last updated: 2026-02-25T15:58:18.000Z
When I was growing up, my mom used to drag me to Seymour's to get her jewelry repaired. And for many of my friends, getting their ears pierced at Seymour's was a rite of passage. The store has remained a part of the fabric of the community. Now its owner Scott Bilowit is retiring and a new owner is taking over.
She has promised to keep the name, respect the legacy and bring her own mark to the store. That balance, honoring what came before while welcoming fresh energy is what makes Hermosa special. Not everything old should be frozen in time, and not everything new needs to erase the past. That balance is worth preserving.
---
The retirement sale at Seymour Jewelers has been going on for two years. But now, Scott insists, he really means it.
After 45 years behind the counter, Scott is preparing to step away from one of Hermosa Beach’s oldest family-owned businesses.
“It’s the people I’ll miss the most,” Scott said of his retirement.
For decades, Seymour’s has been where locals came for wedding and engagement rings, anniversary gifts, watch repairs and until recently, ear piercings. Customers often returned years later, sometimes with the same pieces, sometimes with new family members in tow.
Scott Bilowit, preparing to retire after 45 years behind the counter. Pictured here with his daughter Sara **(Photo:Robert Enger)*
Scott, 69, plans to split his time between family in the Dominican Republic, Florida, Idaho, and Redondo Beach, where he has a home. For now, though, he remains a familiar sight on Pier Avenue, casual and relaxed, more surfer than jeweler, riding his bike to work in a Hawaiian shirt, shorts and flip-flops. He wears a black pearl necklace around his neck. On his hand is his father’s Masonic ring.
“Just wearing his ring,” Scott said, “I feel close to him.”
Scott's father Seymour Bilowit, pictured on right during his time as Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce President in 1963
Scott’s dad, Seymour, a World War II veteran from Brooklyn, opened the store in 1960\. From the beginning, it was a family operation. When Scott was 12, he started engraving plaques and trophies on a machine in the back of the shop.
“We did engraving for the city,” he said.
Scott took over from his dad 45 years ago, in what he described as a “seamless transition.”
Under his ownership, Seymour’s stayed rooted in Hermosa Beach while expanding how it sourced its jewelry. Rather than relying solely on wholesalers, Scott traveled around the world to buy gemstones directly from the source.
He went to Brazil for emeralds and tourmalines, Thailand for rubies and sapphires, and Australia for opals. He spent weeks on a black pearl farm in Tahiti, diving for pearls among reef sharks.
“There was nothing there,” he said. “Just sharks and seagulls.”
That approach helped define the store’s reputation. Seymour’s became known for custom work, antique restorations, redesigned heirloom pieces and custom engagement rings.
“We don’t turn down anything,” Scott said. “We do everything.”
Longtime Hermosa Beach resident Paul Amarillas said he bought several pieces of jewelry from Scott over the years. He said he trusts Scott, a fellow Kiwanian.
“I bought a beautiful gemstone necklace for my wife. It was orange. She loved it,” Amarillas said. “Scott’s a real character. He has this casual demeanor. He leans against the counter and when he talks to you. You just knew you weren’t being taken.”
While Scott is stepping away from daily operations, Seymour’s is not closing. A new owner, Alex Scharff, is expected to take over the business in February.
New owner Alex Scharff **(Photo:Robert Enger)*
Scharff, who moved to Hermosa Beach a year ago and fell in love with the community, said she plans to remodel the interior of the store, and keep two current employees, while putting her own stamp on the business.
“This is just a change of ownership,” she said. “I want to continue the legacy.”
The Pierced Look from 1972\. Getting your ears pierced at Seymour's was a local teenage rite of passage back then.
[](https://www.elkaforhermosa.com/?ref=hermosareview.com)
Elka Worner is a community volunteer, City Commissioner, journalist, and Hermosa Beach local. She contributes occasional columns to The Hermosa Review, and publishes her own regular newsletter titled 'Elka's Update’ which you can subscribe to for free.
[Sign Up For Elka's Updates ](https://www.elkaforhermosa.com/?ref=hermosareview.com)
### St. Patrick's Day Parade in Jeopardy as Chamber Seeks Taxpayer Bailout
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/st-patricks-day-parade-in-jeopardy-as-chamber-seeks-taxpayer-bailout/
Last updated: 2026-01-28T21:38:07.000Z
### Council to decide Tuesday whether to pick up tens of thousands in costs the Chamber of Commerce says it can no longer afford
Hermosa Beach's St. Patrick's Day Parade may not happen this year unless the city agrees to take over core costs the Chamber of Commerce says it can no longer sustain.
"Without meaningful cost-sharing from the City, the Foundation will be unable to continue serving as the producing entity for the Parade," Chamber President and CEO Michelle Crispin wrote in a January 12 letter to the Mayor and City Council.
The Chamber and its associated Foundation, which has produced the parade since 2010, is now asking the city to assume financial responsibility for security, barricades, insurance, and LA County Fire services. Without that support, the Foundation says it cannot justify producing an event that loses money year after year.
In January 2025, Crispin asked for a $15,000 city handout which was blocked by city council. In lieu, the Council offered the money in the form of an interest-free loan which was subsequently declined by the Chamber.
Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO appearing before City Council last year to discuss the St. Patrick's Day Parade
For the parade to move forward in 2026, the Foundation is asking the city to pay for:
- Private security and public safety staffing: $8,000
- Street closure barriers: TBD (estimates range from $22,550 to $40,825 depending on route)
- Insurance: $1,400
- Fire Department: $900
- All city-related permit and administrative fees
Total city contribution requested: approximately $33,000 to $51,000
### Possible Strand Route proposed in order to reduce costs
Staff has presented several alternative routes that could significantly reduce barricade expenses:
The **historic route** (utilizing most of Pier Avenue and substantial surrounding street closures) would cost an estimated $35,075 to $40,825 for barricades and labor.
A **Strand-based route**—staff's recommendation—would cost $22,550 to $28,050\. The parade would proceed down Pier Plaza and south along the Strand to 2nd Street. Staff favors this option because the Strand wall provides physical separation between spectators and participants, and fewer street closures mean fewer barricades.
**Hermosa Avenue routes** fall in between, ranging from $28,050 to $39,050 depending on staging area and endpoint.
Each alternative would require reducing the number of parade participants.
### The Bigger Picture
The parade funding request comes amid broader financial challenges for the Chamber. The organization's 2024 tax return showed total a net loss of $125,250\. It's understood that the 2025 loss was in excess of $100,000, and that Chamber cash reserves have become substantially depleted as they battle to recover their financial footing. Critics point to what they believe to be financial mismanagement, with large amounts of money having been spent on failed projects and excessive staff and administrative costs. There has been substantial turnover of board directors, and both the Chamber and its Foundation are understood to have experienced difficulty in filling key positions.
The city already subsidizes Chamber events substantially, with staff estimating the annual value of indirect cost waivers at approximately $350,000 across all events. The Chamber has already shed the New Year's Eve event on Pier Plaza, citing cost concerns.
The Chamber of Commerce has also asked the City to allow the return of the Labor Day Fiesta, which they decided to replace with a smaller 'Oktoberfest' event in recent years. In a letter to the City this month, Crispin stated :
> "Oktoberfest has not performed: 37% of businesses reported no noticeable impact, and 21% said it had a negative one. Financially, the event declined from a near break-even model to a net loss of over $13,000 by 2025, confirming it is no longer sustainable for the Chamber."
Whether or not the City Council are prepared to bridge the financial gap with taxpayer funds remains to be seen. The St. Patrick's Day Parade is a well-loved local event, and it seems that few people would like to see it disappear. But questions are most certainly being asked about how the Chamber of Commerce has ended up in such a precarious position.
### Former Hermosa Beach Dance School Employee Sentenced to Probation in Hidden Camera Case
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/former-hermosa-beach-dance-school-employee-sentenced-to-probation-in-hidden-camera-case/
Last updated: 2026-01-31T23:47:29.000Z
A Torrance man who worked as a front desk receptionist at a Hermosa Beach children's dance studio has been sentenced to lifetime sex offender registration after pleading no contest Thursday (January 22) to charges stemming from hidden cameras discovered in the studio's bathroom.
Jourdyn Godoy (Hermosa Beach Police Department)
Jourdyn Alexander Godoy, 26, pleaded no contest to one felony count of possession of child pornography and one misdemeanor count of invasion of privacy. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Francis Bennett II sentenced Godoy to lifetime sex offender registration, 52 sex offender classes, 30 days of community labor, and two years of probation.
Godoy received credit for approximately one week served in jail following his June 2025 arrest by Hermosa Beach Police Department. He had initially been held on $100,000 bail before it was reduced to $55,000, which he posted. A third charge, a misdemeanor count of child annoyance, was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
The sentence represents a significant reduction from the maximum four years in state prison Godoy faced when originally charged in June 2025.
## From Discovery to Arrest
The case began May 3, 2025, when a parent discovered hidden cameras at the School of Dance and Music's Aviation Boulevard studio in Hermosa Beach. The parent immediately turned off the recording devices and contacted police.
Hermosa Beach police officers responded that day and discovered multiple cameras concealed in wicker baskets inside a unisex bathroom used by students, parents, and employees. The studio served students ranging in age from 2 to 18 years old.
Studio owners Liliana Somma and Dan Galitzen worked closely with investigators and identified Godoy as a potential suspect within the first 24 hours, according to a letter sent to parents and students.
"We are deeply grateful to local law enforcement for their tireless work over the past six weeks," Somma and Galitzen wrote in the email following Godoy's arrest. They confirmed that Godoy was "a former front desk staff member, a young adult in his 20s with no prior criminal history, who is no longer employed at our studio."
Hermosa Beach detectives collaborated with the Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a nationwide network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, to build the case.
After a six-week investigation, HBPD officers executed a search warrant at Godoy's Torrance residence on June 14, 2025, where they recovered potential evidence. Godoy was arrested that afternoon and initially held on $100,000 bail.
"We want to thank the business owners for their immediate assistance and transparency in this case," HBPD noted in a news release. "The Hermosa Beach Police Department remains committed in its mission to serve with dedication, integrity, and honesty."
Godoy was formally charged June 17, 2025, with one felony count of possession of child pornography and misdemeanor counts of child annoyance and invasion of privacy. The case was prosecuted by the DA's Cyber Crime Division.
Godoy initially pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 3, 2025, to determine if sufficient evidence existed to proceed to trial. He subsequently changed his plea to no contest Thursday, resolving the case without trial.
At the time of charging, District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman issued a strong statement condemning the alleged crimes. "To invade a child's privacy in a place where they should feel completely safe is a grotesque violation of trust, safety, and basic human decency," Hochman said. "We will do everything in our power to hold this individual fully accountable. No child — or adult — should have to worry about being secretly recorded in such a private space."
## Sentencing Outcome
The no contest plea resulted in Godoy avoiding the four-year maximum state prison sentence he faced. Instead, Judge Bennett imposed:
- Lifetime registration as a sex offender under California's Megan's Law
- 52 sex offender treatment classes
- 30 days of community labor
- Two years of formal probation
- Credit for one week already served in custody
The dismissal of the child annoyance charge and probationary sentence rather than prison time may raise questions among parents whose children attended the studio about whether justice was adequately served.
## Implications for Local Families
The case raised significant concerns among Hermosa Beach families whose children attended the School of Dance and Music. The discovery of hidden recording devices in spaces where minors changed clothing represents a serious breach of trust and privacy.
The lifetime sex offender registration requirement means Godoy's information will remain permanently accessible through California's Megan's Law database, which provides public access to information about registered sex offenders.
## Studio Response and Security Overhaul
The incident prompted the School of Dance and Music to implement sweeping security changes. In their letter to parents, Somma and Galitzen detailed the measures taken to prevent future incidents:
- Installation of security cameras in hallways to monitor activity
- Deployment of devices to detect hidden cameras
- Hiring of a security company to inspect both studio locations
- Changing all locks
- Evening security personnel
- Designation of student-only bathrooms
"My heart aches for this horrific violation of our sacred space, a place meant to be a sanctuary for creativity, trust, and community," Somma said in an earlier statement.
Somma, who told ABC7 she had been in business for 25 years and trained thousands of students, acknowledged that the incident led some customers to leave the business. However, the owners emphasized their commitment to the community.
"We are dedicated to ensuring that every SDM location remains a safe and sacred space for our community," Somma and Galitzen wrote to parents.
### BREAKING : LA Metro Board votes unanimously to support Hawthorne Blvd. Route for C-Line Extension
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-la-metro-board-votes-unanimously-to-support-hawthorne-blvd-route-for-c-line-extension/
Last updated: 2026-01-23T02:10:03.000Z
This afternoon (Jan 22) the LA Metro Board voted unanimously in favor of the Hawthorne Blvd. option for the Metro C-Line extension, rejecting staff recommendation of a 'hybrid' alternative involving the Redondo Beach 'ROW' or right-of-way.
After a marathon hearing, involving 172 oral public comments, the result was met with delight by the many NO ON ROW campaigners who attended the meeting.
A packed chamber saw supporters of both the ROW and Hawthorne Blvd. options face each other during a marathon public comment session
The project has been highly contentious locally, with residents from both Lawndale and Redondo Beach asking for Hermosa's support in opposing the ROW option, claiming significant quality of life impacts for those living along the proposed route.
Redondo Beach Mayor Jim Light and Councilman Zein Obagi celebrate as the vote is announced
The project has also had a controversial history here in Hermosa. In June 2023, then-Mayor Raymond Jackson signed a letter with the co-operation of former City Manager Suja Lowenthal and former Councilmember Justin Massey that offered support for the ROW in the name of the City Council. That letter had to be withdrawn after a complaint from Councilmember Dean Francois that it had not been presented to or approved by the Council.
In October 2025, the City Council voted 4-1 to offer support for the Hawthorne Blvd. option, citing the importance of standing with our neighboring cities 'as they did for us over oil drilling'
The dissenting vote was cast by Councilmember Mike Detoy, who chose to offer no comment on his deliberation and remained silent throughout the item.
[IN DEPTH : Hermosa Beach Backs Hawthorne Blvd Route for Metro C-Line Extension in 4-1 VoteCouncil stands with neighboring cities after marathon debateThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-hermosa-beach-backs-hawthorne-blvd-route-for-metro-c-line-extension-in-4-1-vote/)
### CRIME TIME: January 11-17
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-january-11-17/
Last updated: 2026-01-23T23:11:55.000Z
🚨
****WEEK IN SUMMARY**
Total incidents: 35
Weapons incidents: 1
E-bike/e-motorcycle thefts: 3
Hit-and-run incidents: 5
Public intoxication arrests/citations: 4
Suspended license violations: 6
DUI arrests: 1
Fraud cases: 3
### E-Bike Theft Epidemic Continues with Three More Incidents
The city's ongoing e-bike theft problem showed no signs of abating during the week, with three separate incidents e-bikes across downtown locations.
On January 14-15, thieves broke a slide lock to a garage in the 1200 block of Bayview Drive and stole an e-motorcycle. The forced entry marks an escalation from earlier thefts where perpetrators accessed secured parking garages through other means.
In the most brazen incident of the week, two locked e-bikes secured to a parking sign were stolen on January 16 at 10th Street and Beach Drive. The theft occurred in broad daylight between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, demonstrating that thieves are no longer limiting their activity to overnight hours.
In a positive development, an e-bike was found and turned in to police on January 16 at 2nd Street and Hermosa Avenue, though it's unclear if this bike was from a previous theft.
These incidents bring the total e-bike and e-motorcycle thefts since early December to at least nine reported cases, with most occurring in Area 1 (downtown/pier area). The pattern suggests organized theft activity with thieves equipped to defeat various security measures including locks, garage doors, and secured parking facilities.
### Hit-and-Run Surge on Pacific Coast Highway
The week saw a spike in hit-and-run incidents with property damage, with four separate crashes reported along Pacific Coast Highway between January 7-9\. The incidents occurred at the 2500 block, 1100 block, and 1200 block of PCH, along with one at 10th Street and Owosso Avenue.
### Handgun Brandished After Business Altercation
On January 17, subjects involved in a verbal altercation inside a business in the 400 block of Pacific Coast Highway escalated the conflict when one subject brandished a handgun after returning to their vehicle.
### Multiple Vehicle Vandalism
Unknown subjects vandalized multiple vehicles in the 1200 block of 8th Street overnight between January 10-11\. The targeting of several vehicles suggests either random vandalism or a dispute with residents in that specific location.
### Fraud and Scams
Two distinct fraud cases were reported during the week. On January 11, a victim in the 100 block of 35th Street was contacted and told her Instagram account had been accessed. After the victim reset codes—which actually gave the suspects access to the account—she sent photos to the subjects before being told it was a scam. This represents a social engineering attack using Instagram account compromise.
On January 15-16, a former employee forged a check on a business account in the 300 block of 10th Street, demonstrating the ongoing risk of internal fraud.
A rental scam was reported on January 17 when a residence in the 800 block of 1st Street was listed for rent fraudulently, likely targeting prospective renters with fake listings.
### Vehicle Crimes
A known subject took a vehicle without permission from the 700 block of Palm Drive on January 10, classified as a stolen vehicle incident.
A vehicle in the 500 block of 16th Street was entered by unknown means overnight on January 9-10, with multiple items stolen from inside.
### Public Intoxication Enforcement
Officers made multiple contacts for public intoxication during the week. Two arrests were made—one on January 12 in the 1100 block of Loma Drive and another on January 11 at 14th Street and Hermosa Avenue. Two citations were issued on January 17, one at 2nd Street and The Strand and another at 800 block of Cypress Avenue.
### Traffic Violations
Six citations or arrests were made for driving on suspended or revoked licenses at various locations throughout the week, continuing the pattern of enforcement for this violation.
One citation was issued on January 12 for multiple violations including expired registration, failure to maintain light equipment, and driving with a suspended license.
### DUI Arrest
One DUI arrest was made on January 11 at Pier Avenue and Valley Drive.
### Other Incidents
A dumpster fire was reported in the 700 block of 21st Street in the early morning hours of January 14.
A subject believes she was possibly drugged while out drinking on Pier Avenue on January 10-11.
On January 16, a subject in a vehicle blocking a driveway exited and threatened the reporting party. The subjects are known to one another.
A public urination citation was issued in the early morning hours of January 17 in the 00 block of 11th Street.
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### CRIME TIME : January 4-10
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-january-4-10/
Last updated: 2026-01-21T22:48:05.000Z
🚨
****Total incidents: 24**
Weapons arrests: 3
Narcotics arrests: 3
E-bike thefts: 1
DUI arrests: 2
Public urination citations: 2
Hit-and-run incidents: 2
### Multiple Weapons Arrests Yield Firearms and Drugs
Three significant weapons-related arrests were made during the week, highlighting ongoing enforcement of firearms and narcotics laws.
On January 5, subjects in a parked vehicle in the 00 block of 22nd Street were contacted by officers. The driver admitted to having marijuana and firearms in the vehicle along with knives on his person. Officers located a loaded firearm, multiple packages of marijuana, and an unloaded rifle. The subject was arrested.
On January 7, a subject was contacted by vehicle with false plates at 19th Street and Prospect Avenue. Officers discovered a disassembled handgun inside the vehicle. The subject gave a false name and was found to be restricted from possessing a handgun, had an outstanding warrant, and was in possession of paraphernalia and controlled substances.
Additionally, on January 7, a handgun was taken for safekeeping at 16th Street and Hermosa Avenue following a vandalism incident.
### Dangerous DUI Chase Damages Multiple Vehicles
A dramatic DUI incident unfolded on January 4 when multiple calls came in about a reckless driver near North Prospect Avenue and 190th Street. When an officer located the vehicle and the subject began to pull to the curb, the suspect suddenly fled the scene. The suspect ran a red light, striking multiple vehicles before being apprehended. The driver was arrested for DUI while on probation for a previous DUI, evading an officer, driving on a suspended license for DUI, and multiple vehicle violations.
### E-Bike Theft Continues
On January 4, an electric bicycle with a lock connecting the wheels was stolen from the 900 block of 1st Street. This marks another in the ongoing series of e-bike thefts that have plagued the city since early December, with thieves continuing to defeat various locking mechanisms.
### Narcotics Enforcement
Multiple narcotics-related arrests were made during the week. On January 4, a traffic stop in the 00 block of 11th Street found the driver in possession of a nitrous oxide tank, continuing a pattern of nitrous oxide violations seen in previous weeks.
On January 5, a subject was contacted passed out in a vehicle in the 700 block of Palm Drive. A search of the vehicle located heroin and cocaine, resulting in an arrest.
On January 6, a traffic stop at 5th Street and Pacific Coast Highway led to the arrest of a driver with a no-bail felony warrant. A search of the vehicle located drug paraphernalia.
### Retail Theft
On January 6, a suspect entered a store in the 1600 block of Pacific Coast Highway, tried on clothes, and left without purchasing anything. Security and price tags were removed from clothing and found in the dressing room, indicating deliberate theft.
### Traffic Violations and Hit-and-Runs
Two hit-and-run incidents with property damage were reported—one on December 13 at Valley Drive and 2nd Street, and another on January 2 at Pacific Coast Highway and 11th Street.
Multiple traffic citations were issued for driving on suspended or revoked licenses, including stops on December 29 at 16th Street and Ardmore Avenue, January 8 on Pier Avenue, and January 10 on Pier Avenue.
On January 8, a subject was arrested for reckless driving at Pacific Coast Highway and 2nd Street.
### Quality of Life Issues
Two public urination citations were issued during the week—one on January 7 in the 00 block of 11th Street and another on January 6 on Pier Avenue.
On January 6, a subject was arrested for public intoxication at 3rd Street and Hopkins Street.
A municipal code violation was cited on January 5 at Aviation Boulevard and Prospect Avenue when a subject who had previously been offered resources and advised of the camping ordinance was found camping again.
### Unusual Incidents
On January 10, a house in the 1000 block of Valley Drive was found unlocked with the front door open. Officers searched the residence and found nothing suspicious.
On January 3, a neighbor dispute was reported in the 3100 block of The Strand when one neighbor moved another neighbor's Christmas tree from the street back onto their property.
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### New Club Pilates gets go-ahead in Plaza Hermosa
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/new-club-pilates-gets-go-ahead-in-plaza-hermosa/
Last updated: 2026-01-21T16:36:06.000Z
The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit Monday night for Club Pilates to operate in Plaza Hermosa, but not before questioning why the fitness studio needed their approval at all—and ultimately stripping away all restrictions on operating hours.
The Pilates studio will occupy a 2,425-square-foot space at 703 Pier Avenue, Suite H14, formerly home to an AT&T retail store. Club Pilates will offer low-impact, instructor-led Pilates reformer classes with a maximum of 12 participants, as well as private sessions.
## When is a gym an 'assembly hall'?
The approval process became complicated when Commissioner Pete Hoffman noticed the business appeared to fall under the municipal code's "gymnasium, health and fitness" category—which doesn't require a conditional use permit—rather than "assembly hall," which does.
Planning staff explained that a 2017 ordinance consolidated various assembly-type uses, including gyms, into one category following federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act requirements. The consolidation was intended to create parity between all assembly uses, particularly houses of worship.
However, the old "gymnasium" listing was never removed from the code, creating an inconsistency that has confused applicants.
"There was a drafting error there, so there's an inconsistency," Community Development Director Alison Becker acknowledged. "The original definition remains in the table while the assembly use captured it within, and we didn't do the reconciliation properly."
Becker said staff has been consistently treating similar uses as assembly halls since 2019, including another yoga studio in the same shopping center. The city plans to clean up the code inconsistency in the first half of this year.
Commissioner Greg McNally raised a related question about whether the business being classified as an assembly hall rather than a gym or fitness facility would require additional permits, especially for any outdoor uses. Staff confirmed no additional licenses or permits would be necessary to operate.
## Opening Hours ?
The confusion led to a broader discussion about why the commission was conditioning a fitness studio's hours of operation in a commercial zone with no nearby residential properties.
"The result of this is that we're here, but for example... those \[hours\] will now be conditioned by CUP where \[a standard\] C-3 use wouldn't be," Hoffman said.
Staff had recommended approving specific operating hours: Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. But Hoffman advocated for simply deleting the hour restrictions entirely.
"I don't know what the issue is here in this location that would compel us to think we need to regulate those hours," Hoffman said, noting there are no residential neighbors who might be disturbed.
Becker confirmed there was no code requirement for specific hours of operation.
After discussion, Hoffman moved to approve staff's recommendation but delete the condition entirely. The motion passed unanimously.
"If they want to close at three o'clock, then close at three o'clock," Hoffman said.
## Parking Concerns
Vice Chair Mike Flaherty raised concerns about parking at Plaza Hermosa, noting that while the shopping center has approximately 400 parking spaces, more than 100 are designated for specific uses like food pickup, EV charging, or marked as private parking. Others are tandem spaces, which he doesn't consider true public parking.
"We don't need to relook at the parking plan based on a 1980 parking plan?" Flaherty asked.
Becker explained that state law requires EV charging spaces to count toward minimum parking requirements. She also noted that a 2019 parking amendment actually contemplated about 6,000 square feet more of gym and fitness use than currently exists in the center, meaning the parking plan shows consistency even with the new Pilates studio.
Under city code, no new parking spaces are required for a change of use in existing buildings unless the use is a new late-night alcohol-serving establishment.
With two workout studio areas potentially accommodating just under 30 people per session plus employees, Flaherty said he had initial concerns but was satisfied with staff's explanation.
"Be aware of the UPS trucks parked right out in front of your place every day," Flaherty quipped to the absent applicant. "Other than that, good luck. I support the agenda."
### Valerie's Story
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/valeries-story/
Last updated: 2026-08-15T21:14:04.000Z
VALERIE'S STORY (click to play audio version)
0:00
/597.2375510204082
1×
On Thursday, Hermosa Beach will conduct its annual homeless count. It is part of a county wide effort to understand the scope of the homeless problem. According to last year’s count, there are between 15 and 30 unhoused people in Hermosa Beach. They live in tents, cars, and make-shift dwellings. Many are struggling and need support.
One homeless outreach worker, Valerie Campos of Harbor Interfaith Services, has made a real difference in our community.
Her work, and her achievements, inspired me to launch **HB SAFE**, a local outreach effort designed to connect the unhoused with vital services, improve public understanding of homelessness, and keep Hermosa Beach safe and welcoming for everyone.
This is Valerie's story.
## Her Work
Valerie spends her days looking for people who don’t want to be found or helped.
She has helped dozens of homeless people find housing and worked tirelessly on two cases that illustrate the hardest edge of the homeless crisis: people classified as “service resistant” who repeatedly reject shelter, housing, and treatment.
“It can take a long time to convince someone to get housing,” Valerie said. “I just keep trying over and over again.”
One of the women Valerie worked with, Denise (Dee), had been living on the streets for six years. She used a wheelchair and slept primarily outdoors, often positioning herself outside the Police Department, where she felt safest at night.
During the day, she rolled her wheelchair down Pier Avenue, recharging it at the library until it closed. Her life had a familiar cycle, brief motel stays, trips to the hospital for treatment of an infected leg, and a return to her spot outside City Hall.
Denise (Dee) was a familiar face in Hermosa Beach. She lived on the streets for six years, before finally moving into an apartment in San Pedro last month.
Denise (Dee) was a familiar face in Hermosa Beach. She lived on the streets for six years, before finally moving into an apartment in San Pedro last month.
Housing was offered five times. Denise turned down every option. She didn’t like the floors in one unit. Another had a broken elevator. Others were in locations she didn’t trust.
“I’m not going to shelters in Watts. I’m not going to them in Wilmington. I’m not going to them. They’re not going to help me,” she said. “There’s a lot of terrible characters down there. There’s people from jail down there. It’s not safe.”
Instead of giving up on Dee, Valerie persisted.
Dee finally accepted an apartment in San Pedro. But the placement stalled after paperwork was misplaced and county inspections delayed. The unit sat vacant for months while Dee remained on the streets. She finally moved in shortly before Christmas and credits Valerie for her good fortune.
“I really love her. I think she’s wonderful,” Dee said. “She cares about her clients. I think she goes all out.”
The second woman Valerie helped had been living in her car for nearly 20 years. Quynh (Queenie) moved between parking spots in north Hermosa, couch surfing and at times staying at a Buddhist temple. Like Dee, she was wary of services and reluctant to commit to housing. Valerie maintained regular contact, offered options without pressure, and eventually helped her secure permanent housing.
“I don’t think anybody really wants to be out there on the street,” Valerie said. “It’s a lonely feeling, watching everybody going to work, going to school, being a part of society.”
Valerie’s persistence was shaped by more than professional training. She understands homelessness because she has lived it.
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## Her Childhood
Growing up, her family moved from motels to cars to living with relatives in East Los Angeles and Pasadena. She grew up in what she calls survival mode, a constant state of anxiety, always waiting for the next disruption.
“I just wanted routine so bad,” Valerie said. “I wanted structure so bad. I would see it on television, you know, the mom cooking, and we would have to cook for ourselves."
Her mother struggled with alcoholism and was “stressed out because she was the only one working,” Valerie said. Her father was depressed because he wasn’t the breadwinner in the family.
Valerie, her older sister and two younger brothers attended countless schools, never staying long enough to form lasting friendships.
“I never had people I grew up with,” she said.
The instability bred other problems. Valerie was infested with lice, which her mother failed to address. The other kids at her school screamed when they saw lice in her hair during choir practice. Her mom’s solution was to cut off her hair.
“I looked like a boy all my life,” Valerie said. “So that alone was just traumatizing for me.”
At 13, Valerie began running away from home. The relationship with her father was “very rocky.” She would escape out her window and hide with gang members in the area. One night, when she was sleeping in a garage, they tried to rape her.
“I kicked them off me. I don’t know how I got them off me. I was screaming,” she said. “This guy had his hand over my mouth, and I couldn’t breathe. They could have killed me that night.”
Because she was pulled out of school so often, Valerie couldn’t focus on her schoolwork. Her grades suffered, she was held back and eventually dropped out.
“I loved school. I really enjoyed learning and going to school, but I just couldn’t focus.”
## Her Turning Point
After dropping out, she had no skills or formal education. She recalled seeing an ad for modeling that paid $1,000 a week. It turned out to be an escort service in downtown Los Angeles.
“You sit with these men and spend time with them like if you were at a club,” Valerie said. “It was a disgusting place.”
She left and became a dancer, traveling to different cities. In Las Vegas, she was human trafficked. Soon depression, suicidal thoughts, and alcoholism consumed her.
“I was very hopeless at the time.”
Her turning point came in a hotel bathroom. Homeless again, with nowhere to go, she cried out to God.
“I asked God if he was real, and I instantly was filled with the spirit,” she said.
Her brother had gotten sober at the Los Angeles Dream Center, so she knew exactly where to go. She checked herself into the Echo Park facility.
Valerie spent three and a half years there. No phone, TV, or radio her first year. She lived on campus, worked there, and studied the Bible for five hours a day.
She rose through the ranks to become an intake coordinator for women coming off the streets. She also did service work, going to Skid Row to hand out food, water, and prayer.
“I fell in love with being there for somebody,” she said. “Just letting them know they weren’t alone.”
When she left the program, the transition back to the real world was difficult. She started drinking again. Soon she was homeless again, this time sleeping on the beach in Redondo Beach.
“I was just crying, having nowhere to go,” Valerie said.
Out of options, she headed to the Redondo Beach Police station and pressed the intercom. Through tears she asked for someone she trusted, Lila Omura, from Harbor Interfaith, who had helped her brother years earlier.
That call changed everything.
With Harbor Interfaith’s help, Valerie was housed in a pallet shelter, enrolled in mental health services, found work.
She landed a job at Zale’s near the shelter and would dress up in heels, “looking like a million bucks.” She bought a car and moved into an apartment.
When a position opened at Harbor Interfaith, Valerie applied and was hired.
## On Policy and Solutions
Her views on homeless policy have been shaped by her personal experiences and she is candid about what she thinks works and what doesn’t.
“There needs to be more attention on the mental health part of homelessness,” Valerie said. “More facilities. More mental outreach. More programs."
That perspective shapes how she thinks about Matthew, a homeless man who is familiar to many in town.
Matthew, in his regular spot on Pier Avenue
He has stood on the same corner for years, watched by a community who cares. People bring him food, money and sometimes clothes. Others stop to talk.
“It comes from a good place. People care,” Valerie said.
But caring, she has learned, doesn’t always mean helping.
“When someone’s been outside that long,” she explained, “they’re not really choosing that life anymore. They’re surviving it.”
Valerie doesn’t see Matthew as a fixture. She sees a man whose world has narrowed, days repeating, options shrinking, health deteriorating in plain sight.
“He deserves a bed,” she said. “He deserves a place where he can sleep and feel safe. A table where he can sit down and eat.”
She is conflicted about the food people bring him. “It keeps him alive. But if nobody was feeding him, he wouldn’t be able to feed himself.”
If the community weren’t enabling him, he might be more receptive to services, Valerie said. She believes Matthew should be under a doctor’s care, on court-ordered medication, living a better life, one with structure, treatment, and dignity.
“He doesn’t deserve to be on that corner all day, talking to himself.”
To those who argue that Matthew isn’t harming anyone and that this is where he wants to be, Valerie is direct.
“How do you know that’s where he wants to be?” she said. “I know it makes people feel good to help. But can you imagine if we could actually change his life?”
Valerie believes if outreach workers and programs like Harbor Interfaith had existed when she was a child, her life might have unfolded very differently.
“I would have had security,” she said. “I had no stability. I felt scared. I feared all my life.”
After decades spent in survival mode, Valerie finally understands what safety feels like.
“Now, I can get cozy,” she says softly.
---
***All the individuals featured in this story gave permission for their names and photographs to be used.***
***You can contact the HB SAFE team at*** [***hbsafe365@gmail.com***](https://www.elkaforhermosa.com/r/83a0f3fe?m=08dca6cf-460c-47ba-a9a1-0f07ee2c15a4&ref=hermosareview.com) ***or reach out to the author at*** [***elka@elkaforhermosa.com***](https://www.elkaforhermosa.com/r/0127edc2?m=08dca6cf-460c-47ba-a9a1-0f07ee2c15a4&ref=hermosareview.com)
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Elka Worner is a community volunteer, City Commissioner, journalist, and Hermosa Beach local. She contributes occasional columns to The Hermosa Review, and publishes her own regular newsletter titled 'Elka's Update’ which you can subscribe to for free.
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### "We Are Hermosa" - Mayor's State of the City Celebrates Community Past, Present, and Future
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/we-are-hermosa-mayors-state-of-the-city-celebrates-community-past-present-and-future/
Last updated: 2026-02-04T17:38:33.000Z
The question hung in the air as Mayor Rob Saemann neared the end of his 2026 State of the City address Thursday night: "What is Hermosa?"
The answer, delivered to a packed Clark Building just one day after the city's 119th birthday, was both simple and profound.
"It's the beach, the events, the Hermosa Open, the St. Patrick's Day parade, the Surfers Walk of Fame, the greenbelt, the pier," Saemann said. "But ultimately, it's us. It's all of us who love our City. We are Hermosa."
Mayor Rob Saemann stands by to welcome local athlete Annie Seawright in a moment from a video shown at his State of the City event last night
That theme of collective identity ran throughout the evening's presentation, which eschewed the traditional format for a multimedia show featuring videos, live performances, and a surprise appearance by local athlete Annie Seawright, who had starred in the opening video showcasing her run through the city's iconic locations.
The movie featured many familiar faces, including a cameo from five former mayors, captured playing pool together at The North End Bar. Robert 'Burgie' Benz led the group, which also featured Chuck Sheldon. Mayor Saemann later recognized Sheldon and his wife Missy for their recent $500,000 donation to the city. Other co-stars included City Manager Steve Napolitano on the volleyball court, Jay Leno waving as Seawright passed the Comedy & Magic Club, and a posse of dogs from the local *'Bark For A Park'* group.
## IN VIDEO : PROUD OF OUR TOWN
The high-energy opening video, titled *'Proud Of Our Town',* brought the crowd to their feet in the first of two standing ovations that would punctuate the evening, as Seawright herself made a dramatic entrance through the Clark Building's from door.
## Grounded in History, Moving Forward
Saemann framed the city's current trajectory by invoking its past, opening with the building that hosted the event itself. The Clark Building, named after Mayor John Clark and built in 1937, represents both Hermosa's heritage and its capacity for renewal. After years of stalled renovation, the building reopened in August 2025 under Saemann's tenure.
Mayor Rob Saemann at the podium during his State of The City
"This building will last generations as a community space: hosting the Women's Club Pancake Breakfasts, wedding receptions, birthday parties, baby showers, lawn bowling and more — just as it had since 1937," Saemann said, gesturing to the restored interior around him.
The Clark Building served as a metaphor for the Mayor's central message: Hermosa Beach is "grounded in our unique history, but always moving forward."
## New Leadership, New Direction
Saemann highlighted the significant leadership transitions that occurred in May 2025, including his own election as mayor alongside the appointments of new City Manager Steve Napolitano, Police Chief Landon Phillips, and Director of Community Development Alison Becker.
"I am proud to be a part of those changes because I believe those changes sent our City in a new direction. The right direction," Saemann said.
The Mayor invited Napolitano to the stage to discuss city operations and staff departments, praising the new city manager's "steady leadership" and "unique blend of local experience, a huge network of contacts, and his own calm and friendly style."
City Manager Steve Napolitano
Napolitano spoke briefly, thanking all of his staff for their efforts over the last year. Addressing the debate that surrounded his own appointment, he finished by saying "I know why I’m here. I’m here for you and I’m here because I love Hermosa Beach.”
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## Accessibility and Inclusion
One theme in Saemann's address was the city's commitment to making Hermosa accessible to all residents. The Mayor, an original ACCESS Hermosa member since 2017, spoke personally about dedicating both the Greenbelt Accessible Trail and Casey Rohrer Accessible Playground during his time as Mayor.
"I have become increasingly aware of the mobility challenges that could affect all of us and our loved ones at some point in our lives," Saemann explained, noting that the Greenbelt had been a special place for years but one that "too many years, people with mobility challenges couldn't fully enjoy."
## The Spirit of Charity
In perhaps the evening's most emotional segment, Saemann highlighted the community organizations that define Hermosa's character: Kiwanis Club, Hermosa Hermanos, Rotary Club, Women's Club, Friends of the Park, Friends of the Library, and numerous others.
"Day after day, without expectation of reward or recognition, those people make Hermosa special," he said. The Mayor gave special recognition to the Kiwanis Club, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this month, commemorated by a new mural depicting Hermosa's history. Saemann is also the president of the Hermosa Kiwanis in their centenary year.
The program included a solemn "In Memoriam" segment honoring community members who have passed away over the last year, featuring a surprise performance by 13-year-old Saxon Weiss, who dedicated his original song "Sapphire" to the 'Hermosa Heroes'. The live accompaniment to the video segment visibly moved the audience, who rose for a second standing ovation in tribute to those remembered.
13 year-old Saxon Weiss performing during last night's In Memoriam tribute
Among those honored was Cathy McCurdy, whom a visibly emotional Saemann described as "a dear friend." Quoting Isaac Newton, the Mayor said: "If I can see farther than others, it's because I stand on the shoulders of giants. The people in that video are the giants that have come before us. It is up to us to carry their legacy forward."
## IN VIDEO : IN MEMORIAM
## Public Safety
Addressing a pressing community concern, Saemann discussed efforts to improve e-bike safety following an assault incident on November 21st that "shook all of us, and raised important questions about safety and enforcement."
The Mayor noted that he and Police Chief Phillips held a Public Safety Forum in November after residents raised concerns about e-bikes, "making sure we heard from and spoke with the community."
Rather than hiring additional full-time officers, the city is exploring the use of contract officers to strengthen e-bike enforcement on the Strand, Pier Plaza, and busy streets "without adding long-term staff costs."
Saemann also signaled his support for requiring license plates for e-bikes, calling it something that "could play a significant part in dealing with the enforcement challenge going forward." However, he acknowledged such a policy would require state-level action.
"That decision does not rest solely with our city. It will take a coalition of interests to make this happen at the state level," Saemann said, adding that he has begun preliminary discussions with other South Bay mayors and intends to use his position as the city's new delegate on the South Bay Cities Council of Government to advance the issue.
"I am committed to exploring all possibilities to ensure the safety of our community. All of our residents, including our e-bike riders," Saemann said.
## Fiscal Discipline and a Balanced Budget
Before turning to future challenges, Saemann highlighted the city's strong financial position, calling it the "solid foundation" that makes progress possible.
"Our City enters 2026 with a fully balanced budget," Saemann announced. "Our emergency reserves remain healthy – with 20% set aside for rainy days."
The Mayor credited City Manager Steve Napolitano with helping create over $3.6 million in additional annual city revenue "without raising taxes, and without impacting city services."
That additional revenue, Saemann explained, can service the debt for a new city yard – connecting fiscal responsibility directly to infrastructure improvements.
"The possibility that I mentioned earlier of using contract officers for additional e-bike safety enforcement is another real, tangible example of smart spending: choices that meet today's needs while positioning Hermosa for a bright future," Saemann said.
## Looking Ahead: Infrastructure and Challenges
Turning to the future, Saemann outlined both opportunities and challenges facing Hermosa Beach. Plans for a new city yard are finally moving forward after years of delay, with an owner's representative appointed this week to lead the project.
The city has also amended its approach to civic facilities, remaining committed to improving City Hall and Police Department buildings "without a total demolition and reconstruction."
Saemann acknowledged "tough challenges ahead," particularly major negotiations with County Fire and Lifeguard partners, critical pieces of public safety infrastructure that "don't come cheap." He also referenced ongoing conversations about the improvement of downtown parking lots and how to integrate the city's past into its future.
"Budgets will always be tight, but with smart spending and sensible choices we can thread the needle," Saemann said. "Nothing is perfect, but it's our role to show up every day to make Hermosa as good as it can be."
## A Community Celebration
We Are Hermosa : Julie Christensen and Michele Lee Hampton sporting their 'birthday present' from the Mayor - a specially commissioned baseball cap.
City Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright with guests Laura Pena and Jon David
Burgie Live : Former Mayor Robert 'Burgie' Benz worked the room like he'd never been away. Pictured with Mary Ann Benson and event sponsor Greg Newman of Baja Sharkeez
Guests sported their 'We Are Hermosa" baseball caps at the reception, a special birthday gift from the Mayor. The program ended with Saxon Weiss leading the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to Hermosa Beach, followed by a reception with music, food, and drinks.
In his closing remarks, Saemann returned to his central theme: "Tonight, I hope that I've shown you the State of our City is strong — moving forward with a bright future. Not by accident, but because of the people in this room, and our shared commitment to leaving Hermosa Beach better than we found it."
As the crowd enjoyed birthday cake and Creamy Boys ice cream, the chatter seemed to be of civic pride and of a shared sense of belonging. Gina Hoskins, an invited civic guest from Torrance said "I didn't know any of those people in the two films, apart from Jay Leno. But now I feel like I know all of them. I've never attended a civic event before that has touched my emotions quite like this"
Young guitar hero Saxon had been paying attention. Leaving the venue after his performance, his father Christian asked him what his takeaway was from the evening.
Saxon's reply ?
"Smart spending Dad, smart spending."
### City Yard Renovation Project Takes Major Step Forward After Years of Delays
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-yard-renovation-project-takes-major-step-forward-after-years-of-delays/
Last updated: 2026-01-14T23:16:05.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council unanimously approved hiring an owner's representative for the long-stalled city yard renovation project Tuesday night, marking a significant milestone in efforts to modernize the aging municipal facility at 555 6th Street.
The council authorized a contract with Cumming Management Group for up to $565,000 in pre-construction services over a four-year term ending January 13, 2030, bringing specialized expertise to guide the complex project through its initial phases of environmental assessment, design planning, and delivery method selection.
Matthew Feldhaus, a licensed California architect and certified construction manager with 25 years of experience delivering public agency projects, will serve as the dedicated project manager. Cumming Group demonstrated the strongest ability to provide experienced staff and has provided similar services for numerous public agencies including LA County Public Works, Orange County Public Works, the City of Murrieta, and the City of West Hollywood.
Significantly, Feldhaus brings direct expertise working on maintenance yard projects, including the Imperial Yard Relocation Study in South Gate for Los Angeles County Flood Control District, Pasadena Public Works Maintenance Yard Renovations, and most recently, the City of Anaheim's maintenance yard project. Cumming Group also maintains a local office in Hermosa Beach.
The City's new 'owner's representative' on the project, Matthew Feldhaus, explaining his role and proposed timeline on Tuesday evening
"It's really about functionality here," Feldhaus told the council when asked about the project's guiding principles. "We have to make sure that the people, the end users of this building on a day-to-day basis, can be the most efficient at their job."
Feldhaus emphasized the project isn't about creating "an award-winning architectural style" but rather ensuring the facility "needs to blend in with the rest of the area and it needs to be functional."
#### What comes next ? (click for detail)
The pre-construction phase will extend through December 2027, with multiple critical milestones along the way. The detailed schedule includes:
****Early 2026 (Next 3-6 Months):**
- City Council award of owner's representative contract (January 2026)
- Selection of A/E from on-call contracts (March 2026)
- Consultant solicitation for environmental and CEQA work (May 2026)
****Mid-2026:**
- A/E programming completion (June 2026)
- ****Selection of project delivery method (June 2026)** \- a critical decision point
- ESA Phase I, CEQA Initial Study, and A/E feasibility (August 2026)
****2027:**
- ESA Phase II and CEQA MND/EIR completion (March 2027)
- Design phase (March 2027)
- Plan check and permitting (July 2027)
- Bid and award (November 2027)
- Environmental site remediation plans (December 2027)
- Interim housing planning and move-in for displaced operations (December 2027)
- ****Notice to Proceed for Construction (December 2027)**
The timeline shows that if all phases proceed as planned, construction could begin in late 2027.
## 'Facility Far Exceeded Its Useful Life'
According to the staff report, "the existing facility has far exceeded its useful life and is in poor condition with a growing urgency for extensive repairs and renovation to ensure continued use and efficient service delivery."
Photos presented to the council showed deteriorating structures and cramped conditions that have left city staff struggling with basic maintenance and upkeep issues rather than focusing on public service delivery—a key driver behind the renovation push.
The owner's representative will be responsible for:
- Coordinating the advancement of the overall project and advocating for the city
- Assisting with developing a clear schedule and total project budget
- Advising on a project delivery method that benefits the city and reduces risk
- Organizing work to maintain public safety during construction
- Facilitating the vision of the city, stakeholders, and end users to build a modern, efficient, healthy, and streamlined facility
## Funding Remains Major Challenge
The project faces significant financial hurdles. The city has funds budgeted for soft costs and initial planning, but far short of what full construction will require.
City Manager Steve Napolitano indicated that recent increases in parking meter and citation rates could provide a new revenue stream for bonding to fund construction. "We have a beginning right now with the increase in the citation, the parking meter rates," Napolitano said. "If we set those aside to bond, we'll be looking for additional revenue sources along the way as well."
When Councilmember Mike Detoy asked whether the city was "putting the cart before the horse" by hiring consultants before securing full funding, Public Works Director Joe Sanclemente explained the need to define actual costs before pursuing financing. Detoy has served on council since 2019, and was part of a council majority who voted to proceed with a cadre of consultants on the now mothballed City Hall project, which was estimated to have a total unfunded cost in excess of $100 million.
"We really need to get to the environmental assessment, figure out what cleanup is going to cost and really start to shape what is the program for this project," Sanclemente said. "We have to build that budget so we understand better about what kind of funding that we're going to need."
Current estimates suggest the project could cost anywhere from $10 million to $20 million or more, but these figures remain highly uncertain until detailed assessments are completed. The environmental assessments will be particularly crucial, as contamination cleanup costs could significantly impact the total budget. The City Yard site was originally the site of a municipal refuse incinerator going back to the 1950's.
## Long-Awaited Progress
Mayor Rob Saemann expressed relief that the project is finally advancing after years of discussion.
"This is exciting, that this is actually going to get started," Saemann said. "The sooner we get started, the sooner we get finished. It's been a long time coming and it's here now."
Sanclemente noted that when he arrived at the city four and a half years ago, "there was an old inspection report that was sitting on a shelf and not going anywhere." The city has been working to address a backlog of deferred maintenance projects, with the city yard representing a critical need.
The owner's representative will act as an extension of city staff, advocating the best interests of the city and providing strategic oversight, technical guidance, and coordination support to ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the city's quality requirements.
For a city that has discussed renovating its aging yard facility for years, Monday's vote represented tangible progress—with a clear roadmap now in place leading to construction commencement in late 2027.
### Hermosa Beach Resident Tom Horton to Receive ALS Commitment to Cures Award
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-resident-tom-horton-to-receive-als-commitment-to-cures-award/
Last updated: 2026-02-15T18:21:32.000Z
### Local advocate honored for research committee work following mother's death and friend Greg Browning's ALS journey
Hermosa Beach resident Tom Horton will receive the 2026 Essey Commitment to Cures Award from the ALS Network at the organization's Champions for Cures and Care gala on January 24 at the Pasadena Convention Center.
Horton, who serves on the ALS Network's Community Research Committee, has been a dedicated advocate for ALS research and patient services since his mother, Peacha Horton, died from the disease in 2005\. His advocacy intensified following the August 2023 diagnosis of longtime friend Greg Browning, a South Bay surf legend who died in April 2025 at age 50\. Browning was a student in Peacha Horton's third-grade class at North School in Hermosa Beach.
"Greg said she was one of his favorite teachers," Horton wrote in a fundraising appeal.
The Commitment to Cures Award recognizes Horton's contributions to advancing the ALS Network's global research program through his work on the Community Research Committee, which provides guidance and feedback to ensure research funding targets the most impactful projects. The committee consists entirely of volunteers with lived ALS experience, either as patients or caregivers.
"The Community Research Committee embodies our belief that people affected by ALS must have a voice in shaping the research that will change the future," said Sheri Strahl, president and CEO of the ALS Network.
#### What is ALS ? (click to find out more)
****The basics:**
- Fatal neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord
- Also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease
- Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS and someone dies from it
- Approximately 5,600 people diagnosed annually in the U.S.
****How it affects patients:**
- Progressive loss of ability to walk, move, speak, swallow, and breathe
- Mental acuity and senses remain completely intact throughout
- Patients describe it as "being trapped inside a body that is failing you"
****Who gets it:**
- Most people develop ALS between ages 40-70 (average age at diagnosis: 55)
- Cases do occur in people in their 20s and 30s
- 20% more common in men than women (though gap narrows with age)
- Military veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS (reason unknown)
****Genetics:**
- 90% of cases occur without any known family history or genetic cause
- Only 10% are inherited through a mutated gene
****Prognosis:**
- Average life expectancy: 2-5 years from diagnosis
- 50% of patients live at least 3 or more years
- 20% live 5 years or more
- Up to 10% live more than 10 years
- Some evidence suggests people are living longer due to clinical management and treatments like riluzole
****Current state of treatment:**
- No known cure
- A few FDA-approved treatments exist, but none are meaningfully effective at slowing progression
- New biomarkers continue to be identified
- Emerging technologies like liquid biopsy offer promise for future research
****Notable people with ALS:** Lou Gehrig, Stephen Hawking, Dwight Clark, Stephen Hillenburg (SpongeBob creator), Steve Gleason, O.J. Brigance, and many others
Horton brings a unique perspective to the committee through his professional work at Caris Life Sciences, where his experience with liquid biopsy technology for cancer diagnostics has given him insight into emerging technologies that could revolutionize ALS research. Liquid biopsy approaches, which analyze biomarkers in blood samples, offer promising potential for identifying ALS biomarkers and accelerating the development of effective treatments.
"The more I learn about liquid biopsy technology, the more excited I get about its contribution," Horton wrote, noting that while the technology is currently used in cancer treatment, its evolution toward neurodegenerative diseases represents a significant frontier. "I want to be on the field when that becomes a reality, not in the stands."
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His mother's ALS diagnosis took over a year to confirm, highlighting the challenges physicians face in identifying this disease. Since then, research funded in part by the viral Ice Bucket Challenge has identified numerous new biomarkers beyond the familial SOD1 gene, though no effective treatments to slow disease progression have emerged. 90% of ALS cases appear without any familial history or mutated gene.
Horton has channeled his advocacy into endurance athletics for 18 years, completing the 32-mile Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race annually along with other grueling events including the Molokai to Oahu relay, the Chattajack 32-mile race, and the Honolulu Marathon to raise funds for ALS research and patient services.
"I've added these other endurance events out of respect for what ALS patients endure on a daily basis," Horton wrote, noting that ALS patients describe the experience as "being trapped inside a body that is failing you, with no effective way to stop the downward trend."
Browning, who grew up in Hermosa Beach and was inducted into the city's Surfers Walk of Fame in 2024, was a professional surfer and member of the Momentum Generation who transitioned into filmmaking, creating the beloved Drive Thru series.
Local surf hero Greg Browning died of ALS last year, aged just 50
When Horton encouraged Browning to complete bucket list items before the disease progressed, Browning responded: "I don't have a bucket list. My whole life has been amazing with nothing left to do on a wish list. I just want to spend my remaining days with family and friends, hearing surf stories, fart jokes, having as much fun as possible."
**Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis**, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative illness affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Patients progressively lose the ability to walk, move, speak, swallow, and breathe while mental acuity remains intact. Average life expectancy is two to five years from diagnosis. Veterans face twice the risk of the general population, though the reasons remain unclear.
The January 24 gala will feature cocktails, wine tasting, silent and live auctions, dinner, and entertainment. Actor Eric Dane has been named ALS Network's Advocate of the Year. Proceeds support care services, public policy advocacy, and research.
Tickets and sponsorship information are available at ALSChampions.org. Those interested in supporting Horton's fundraising efforts can visit [paddlerun2cureals.org](https://secure.alsnetwork.org/site/TR/DIY/General?pg=team&fr%5Fid=1250&team%5Fid=7491&ref=hermosareview.com).
---
**About the ALS Network**
The ALS Network partners with the ALS community to drive the discovery of prevention strategies, treatments, and cures for ALS; provide access to quality care and connection; and promote initiatives to improve health outcomes.
The ALS Network, formerly ALS Golden West, serves people with ALS and their families throughout California, Hawaii and beyond.
**EVENT DETAILS:**
Pasadena Convention Center Ballroom: 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
6:30 PM - Wine Tasting, Cocktails and Silent Auction
7:30 PM - Dinner, Entertainment, Ceremony. Cocktail Attire
Individual tickets can be purchased at[ ALSChampions.org](http://www.alschampions.org/?ref=hermosareview.com)
### CRIME TIME: December 28 – January 3
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-december-28-january-3/
Last updated: 2026-01-13T21:56:59.000Z
The first crime report of 2026 brings familiar Hermosa Beach themes: public intoxication arrests downtown, identity theft, and a couple of unusual incidents that stand out from the typical weekly log.
## Smash & Grab Lottery
Someone smashed through the glass door of a PCH business with a brick around 3 AM on January 3rd and made off with lottery tickets.
## The Mani-Pedi Caper
In what might be the most audacious incident of the week, a suspect received a manicure and pedicure at a salon on the 1100 block of Pacific Coast Highway on December 30th, then discovered they couldn't pay the bill. After attempting to use fraudulent credit cards and getting into a confrontation with employees, the suspect fled. The incident was classified as robbery.
## Identity Theft and Fraud
Two identity theft cases were reported. In one, someone's Social Security number was used to purchase a cell phone. In another case with a date range stretching back to August 2023, a credit card account was opened in a victim's name with an address in Oregon.
A Facebook Marketplace transaction went sideways on New Year's Day when a buyer attempted to purchase a computer with counterfeit money. The seller recognized the fake bills, and the would-be fraudster took the bogus cash back and left empty-handed.
## E-bikes, E-scooters, E-crimes
Electric two-wheelers continue to create headaches. An e-bike was stolen from a locked pillar in an underground carport on 3rd Street. A locked electric scooter was stolen from the bike rack on the Pier plaza on December 29th.
Meanwhile, two e-moto bicycles fled from officers near Monterey Boulevard and Pier Avenue, running stop signs, speeding, splitting lanes, and weaving through traffic to escape.
## DUI Arrests
Officers made two DUI arrests during the week. One occurred on December 27th at 6th Street and Pacific Coast Highway, the other on New Year's Eve at Neptune Avenue and Manhattan Avenue in Manhattan Beach jurisdiction.
## Public Intoxication
Eight arrests for public intoxication were scattered throughout the week, concentrated in the downtown area. A particularly eventful Saturday afternoon (December 28th) saw two subjects arrested near 800 block Hermosa Avenue after they were spotted looking through packages and into a golf cart—both were found with items not belonging to them.
One arrest on December 29th at 10th and Monterey also included a charge for resisting arrest.
## Public Urination Citations
Three citations for public urination were issued during the week, with two occurring at the same location—the 00 block of 11th Street—within days of each other.
## Vandalism
Someone smeared black tar on a vehicle and stop sign on the 300 block of 28th Street overnight on December 27th-28th. The vehicle was also scratched and had part of its mirror broken off.
## Retail Theft
Shoplifting hit the 3100 block of Manhattan Avenue on December 30th when subjects loaded items into a cart, concealed merchandise in their clothing, and left without paying.
## Miscellaneous
A dog bite was reported on Valley Drive. Someone stole multiple newspapers from a residence on Loma Drive. A Christmas gift bag containing multiple stolen license plates, a thumb drive, and a parking citation was found in a mailbox on The Strand. And LA County lifeguards turned in a bag of found property from the Pier Avenue area.
Happy New Year, Hermosa. Stay safe, lock your e-bikes, and please try to use the public restrooms.
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### NEW : Man seriously injured in PCH traffic accident
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-man-seriously-injured-in-pch-traffic-accident/
Last updated: 2026-02-15T18:22:10.000Z
A man in his 50s riding an e-bike sustained serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway Monday evening.
The Hermosa Beach Police Department responded to reports of a traffic collision with injuries near the 1800 block of PCH at approximately 7 p.m. According to police, a northbound driver of a gray Toyota Camry swerved into the center turn lane to avoid stopped traffic and struck the e-bike rider.
Paramedics transported the victim to the hospital with serious injuries. At the time of writing, no further update had been released on the man’s condition.
Police traffic investigators are conducting an investigation into the collision. PCH was shut down in the area as multiple officers examined the scene. Television news cameras were hovering above the area of the accident at around 11pm.
This is a developing story.
Police detained the driver of a Toyota Camry at the scene (PHOTO : Hermosa Review)
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VIDEO : Police at the scene.
(PHOTO : Hermosa Review)
Police investigators remained at the scene for several hours examining the wreckage (PHOTO : Hermosa Review)
### History Restored: Centennial Mural Unveiled on Glorious Hermosa Morning
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/history-restored-centennial-mural-unveiled-on-glorious-hermosa-morning/
Last updated: 2026-02-15T18:21:40.000Z
Tamit the Tongva 'sun god' most definitely blessed the city this weekend. Under brilliant January skies, Hermosa Beach gathered Saturday morning to witness the unveiling of a restored tribute to the city's history, a 40-foot mural that blends community memory with artistic renewal.
The ceremony on Pier Plaza marked both the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club's 100th anniversary and the return of the Centennial Mural, originally created in 2007 but weathered by nearly two decades of coastal elements. It coincides with Hermosa's 119th 'birthday', incorporated as a city on 14th January 1907.
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****VIDEO : Watch the moment the mural was unveiled**
"This day has been a long time coming for us," said Chris Miller, author of two books on Hermosa Beach history and a driving force behind the restoration project. Miller, daughter of Warren Miller who brought the family to Hermosa over 60 years ago and established his film business at 505 Pier Avenue, led the mural team alongside Kiwanis lieutenant governor Rick Koenig.
Artist Dawn Whitney-Hall, who created the original 2007 mural with her ex-husband Neal Von Flue, returned for the restoration with considerably more time to work. Where the first version was completed in perhaps eight weeks ("kind of a rush job," she said) this time she had about five months to plan and create.
"I had the time to give it a little more headspace," Whitney-Hall said. She also benefited from nearly two decades of artistic maturity and improved internet resources for finding historical imagery, resulting in compositional changes from the original.
The restored artwork features 118 distinct components spanning the city's evolution in a timeline format, moving left to right from the Tongva people through successive eras of Hermosa history.
Whitney-Hall worked on three panels at a time in the old Warner film studios in San Pedro, swapping them out as each was completed. She hadn't seen the full 10-panel mural assembled until a recent signing party.
"Everybody was standing there with their hands over their mouths," she recalled. "That's the best reaction I could possibly have. My hand was over my mouth too."
The mural includes nods to key moments and symbols: the Red Cars that once ran through the city, legendary 1950s surfer Dewey Weber, and even Colonel Duncan's pirate ship (a playful reference to both a street name and the city's "salty" character). Whitney-Hall admitted that "there's a lot of little 'easter eggs' in there for people to spot."
Annie Seawright, the five-time champion of the Hermosa Beach Ironman (a July 4th tradition of running a mile on the beach, paddling a mile in the ocean, and downing a six-pack of beer) appears in a portrait on the far right of the mural. She was absent from Saturday's ceremony as her daughter Piper, Roy Seawright's great-granddaughter, was running a 50-mile race on Catalina Island, with the entire family there to cheer her on. Hermosa's circle of life continues to turn.
Miller's remarks at the unveiling wove together threads of local history, recalling conversations with Howard Rumsey, the legendary Lighthouse manager who helped birth the West Coast Jazz movement, and Bob Hare, who ran the *Insomniac Cafe* and the *Either/Or* bookstore.
She recalled meeting Ted Kerwin, one of eleven siblings in the Kerwin family who opened their bakery in 1910 (now the site of Palmilla restaurant). Many of the Kerwins became the city's first lifeguards and were part of the early Hermosa Surfing Club.
Among those in attendance were members of founding families whose legacies appear on the mural. The MacFaden family, who organized Fourth of July celebrations complete with hourly cannon fire, joined Barb Guild, whose husband's family opened their first drugstore in 1936\. Jim Lindberg, lead singer of *Pennywise*, represented Hermosa's punk rock heritage.
"Our history lives and breathes and grows everyday," Miller told the crowd. "We are fortunate to have many of the original buildings still standing and the families who built this town still living among us."
Rick Koenig, Kiwanis lieutenant governor who spearheaded both the original 2007 mural and this restoration, spoke to the power of public art in community life.
"A mural doesn't just decorate a wall, it tells a story," Koenig said. "It becomes part of the daily life of a city. People pass by it on their way to work, to school, to the beach, and back home again. Over time, it becomes a familiar landmark, a source of pride, and a reflection of who we are."
He noted that such projects happen "because people care. They happen because artists share their vision, volunteers give their time, sponsors provide support, and community leaders believe in the value of public spaces that inspire, educate, and bring people together."
Koenig said the mural represents the spirit of Hermosa Beach: "its history, its creativity, its people, and its sense of community."
Mayor Rob Saemann, who also serves as president of the Kiwanis Club, spoke of the unique convergence of anniversaries.
"As Mayor of Hermosa Beach, it is an incredible honor to stand before you during such a meaningful year," Saemann said. "Our city is celebrating 118 years, and at the same time, the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club is celebrating 100 years of service to this community."
> "For 18 years, this mural has watched over Hermosa Beach. It has seen sunsets and storms, laughter and reflection, residents and visitors alike. It has looked out over an ever-changing shoreline and an ever-growing community, capturing the magic of a place that is truly one of a kind. Thank you to everyone who makes this city special. Thank you to our volunteers, our residents, our partners, and our families. Together, we honor our past, celebrate our present, and confidently step into the future."
> MAYOR ROB SAEMANN
Looking ahead, Saemann emphasized the ongoing commitment to service. "As Kiwanis begins its next 100 years, our commitment remains clear: to serve, to lead, and to ensure that Hermosa Beach continues to thrive, not just for today, but for decades to come." It's a busy week for the mayor, as he also prepares to deliver his State of the City address on Thursday evening.
### PHOTO GALLERY
The original mural, which had "the best view in town, watching everybody on The Strand, getting sunlight every day," Koenig said, ultimately fell victim to those same sun rays. Even the best materials fade, crack and peel, and no maintenance budget had been allocated 18 years ago. Eventually, commissioning a new mural proved more cost-effective than repairing the damaged original.
"I am very pleased with its vibrant portrayal of our history," Koenig said of the completed work. As such a small beach community, he noted, "a lot of people don't even realize just how much history there is here."
The project faced literal headwinds. The installation crew survived gale-force winds in the week before the unveiling. Miller thanked the entire installation crew for their support.
Miller announced the launch of hermosamural.com, a website that will provide background on each of the mural's 118 components. Attendees received postcards with QR codes linking to the site.
"We see this as a giant anniversary card to the City of Hermosa Beach we all love and cherish," Miller concluded.
Before the unveiling, both Koenig and Mayor Saemann rallied the crowd for a countdown to reveal the restored artwork.
The celebration included a flyover by a formation of historic planes, adding a dramatic flourish to the morning's festivities.
The Kiwanis Club, established in Hermosa Beach in 1926, funded the restoration through private donations, repeating the fundraising approach used for the original 2007 installation.
---
## A LOOK AT THE DETAILS
**(Reproduced with the kind permission of Chris Miller)**
A tribute to the Tonga Indians at the start of the mural timeline
#### Tongva/Gabrielano Indians (click to read more)
The Tongva (/ˈtɒŋvə/ TONG-və) are an Indigenous people of California .
Tongva is the most widely circulated endonym among the people, used by Narcisa Higuera in 1905 to refer to inhabitants in the vicinity of Mission San Gabriel. Some people who identify as direct lineal descendants of the people advocate the use of their ancestral name Kizh as an endonym.
The Tongva, along with neighboring groups such as the Chumash, played an important role in the cultural and economic dynamics of the region at the time of European encounter. They had developed an extensive trade network through te'aats (plank-built boats). Their food and material culture was based on an Indigenous worldview that positioned humans as one strand in a web of life (as expressed in their creation stories). Over time, different communities came to speak distinct dialects of the Tongva language, part of the Takic subgroup of the Uto-Aztecan language family. There may have been five or more such languages (three on the southernmost Channel Islands and at least two on the mainland)
Shakespeare Beach featured in its mural cameo
#### Shakespeare Beach (click to read more)
Shakespeare Beach was located at the city's northern border with Manhattan Beach, where the Pacific Electric Red Car Line came into the city. When the Shakespeare Tract was divided into parcels,the streets that were created were named after noteworthy English poets and writers. Such as Homer , Longfellow, and Tennyson, to name a few. This was an attempt to create an artists colony in Hermosa Beach.
Pacific Electric Red Car
#### Pacific Electric Red Car (click to read more)
The Pacific Electric Car Line ran parallel to the beach down from Marina del Rey, past Playa del Rey, through El Segundo to Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches. It was a favorite mode of transportation for the Los Angeles and Hollywood crowds to get to the big resort of Redondo Beach.In 1914, Pacific Electric laid stronger rails for bigger trains. The tracks dividing the northbound and south bound lanes of Hermosa Avenue were pulled out in 1941.
The MacFaden family home at 3301 The Strand
#### The MacFaden Family Home (click to read more)
John R. and Moya L. MacFaden had seven children.
The house at 3301 Strand in Hermosa Beach hosted friends of the children, extended family, dignitaries both local and international. The house was rarely quiet.
John R. was a big personality. He and Moya loved to entertain. Throwing numerous parties including the 4th of July parade which included a cannon being shot off every hour on the hour from 8AM to 8PM.
John R. graduated from Redondo Union High School in 1927\. He was instrumental in bringing the Olympics back to Los Angeles in 1984\.
Warren Miller's family home at 3417 The Strand
#### The Miller Family Home (click to read more)
Warren and Dottie Miller based his film company Warren Miller Productions at 505 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach for over 40 years.
Miller made documentaries about surfing, skiing, snowboarding and other sports and were direct precursors to the rise of extreme sports. Miller's more than 75 feature length films include **Skiing a la Carte*(1978) and **Endless Winter*(19955). Known as the "king of sports movie maker," Miller was once described in the Los Angeles Times as a "combination of Jean Claude-Killy, Robert Redford, Ingrid Bergman and Woody Allen". The Millers lived at 3417 The Strand in Hermosa Beach.
Roy and Bunny Seawright
#### The Seawrights (click to read more)
The Seawrights, Roy and Bunny, are seen in silhouette on the beach in 1924\. Roy W. Seawright was special effects technician for the movies. Bunny was one of the top female water sports athletes of her day. Roy's special effects work can be seen in Laurel and Hardy films as **Babes in Toyland* (1934), **Way out West* (1937) and **Saps at Sea* (1940), as well as other films like **Topper* (1937) with Cary Grant, **Captain Caution* (1940 ) and Victor Mature, and **The Big Cat* (1949) with Lon McCallister. For three years in a row, Seawright was nominated for an academy award for Best Effects in the following movies: **Topper* **Takes a Trip* (1939)**One Million Years B*C (1940) and **Topper Returns* (1941) The Seawright's made their home at 2627 The Strand for more than 60 years.
Granddaughter Annie features in the mural, competing in the Hermosa Beach Ironman, a July 4th competition of which she is a five-time champion.
Unveiling the City seal in 1965
#### John T. Hales (click to read more)
The official seal of the City of Hermosa Beach was designed by graphic designer John T Hales, and adopted by the city in September 1965\. Hales painstakingly pieced together the seal together with his son Donald and wife, Lorraine. The seal ingredients included 3,000 pieces of Italian tile with beach pebbles and shells. Sharing his appreciation was Quentin "Boots" Thelen then Mayor of Hermosa Beach.
---
### QUICK LINKS
[The Hermosa Mural website](https://hermosamural.com/?ref=hermosareview.com)
[Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club](https://hermosakiwanis.org/?ref=hermosareview.com)
For more information on the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club and membership, call (**310) 990-0673**
---
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[Forty Years of Fresh Trees and Community Spirit: The Kiwanis Christmas Tree LotIt’s about more than just the tree. Much more.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/forty-years-of-fresh-trees-and-community-spirit-the-kiwanis-christmas-tree-lot/)
[Mayor Rob Saemann to Deliver State of the City Address at Thursday January 15 EventState of the City Address will focus on current and future priorities at special evening eventThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/mayor-rob-saemann-to-deliver-state-of-the-city-address-on-january-15/)
### Parks Commission Approves LA Galaxy World Cup Watch Parties
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/parks-commission-approves-la-galaxy-world-cup-watch-parties/
Last updated: 2026-02-25T15:58:12.000Z
The Hermosa Beach Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Advisory Commission unanimously approved a recommendation Tuesday night to allow LA Galaxy to host FIFA World Cup watch parties on the beach south of the pier this summer, while also advancing new policies to permit vendor sales during beach events.
#### The Quick Review (Click for meeting summary)
- ****World Cup Watch Parties Approved**: Commission unanimously recommended City Council approve LA Galaxy's proposal to host FIFA World Cup watch parties on the beach south of the pier in July 2026, expecting up to 3,000 attendees per day. Events will overlap with AAU volleyball tournaments, requiring a one-time exception to allow temporary volleyball courts south of the commercial zone.
- ****Vendor Sales Policy Advances—No Alcohol**: Commission voted 5-0 to recommend allowing food, beverage, and merchandise vendors at beach events, but firmly rejected alcohol sales after Police Chief Landon Phillips outlined significant public safety and staffing concerns. Food sales will be limited to prepared/pre-packaged items only.
- ****Pool Initiative Heard, No Action Yet**: Representatives from the Hermosa Pool Initiative presented their case for a community swimming pool, but staff indicated they haven't begun research due to competing priorities. The group was encouraged to continue their own research and outreach.
## World Cup Comes to Hermosa
The LA Galaxy proposal would bring watch parties for several World Cup matches to Hermosa Beach in July 2026, with events expected to draw up to 3,000 attendees per day. The matches include semifinal and final games, with the World Cup final being broadcast on July 19th.
"This is one of the biggest events in the world," said Nick Gilbert, LA Galaxy's director of game presentation and events. "The World Cup final is the most viewed event in television with billions of viewers worldwide."
The events would feature a large screen for match broadcasts, a stage, merchandise sales, and sponsor activations. LA Galaxy is also considering adding live music following weekend matches and potentially a VIP section, though the latter raised some concerns among commissioners.
### Coordination with Existing Events
The proposed dates overlap with the longstanding AAU Hermosa Beach Championships volleyball tournament. After coordination meetings between city staff, LA Galaxy, and AAU representatives, organizers resolved most logistics issues through sound coordination and clear event boundaries.
One key accommodation: the commission approved a one-time exception to allow temporary AAU volleyball courts to extend slightly south of the commercial zone—just past the 10th Street swing set—to accommodate both events simultaneously.
"AAU is aware that's a possible element and is more than willing to work with LA Galaxy," said Lisa Nichols, the city's community resources director. "They understand the value of us hosting the World Cup watch parties in 2026 and are ready to collaborate."
Commissioner Tom Moroney, initially skeptical about crowd size, changed his perspective when the venue shifted from Pier Plaza to the sand. "The fact that we're putting it on the sand totally alleviates any concern I have about the size of the crowd or how it's going to happen," he said. "I think the community is going to love this event."
The proposal now heads to City Council with the commission's recommendation, though commissioners requested LA Galaxy reconsider plans for a VIP section on the beach, preferring to keep the sand open to all attendees.
## New Vendor Sales Policy Advances—Without Alcohol
In a separate but related discussion, the commission recommended allowing food, beverage, and merchandise vendors to operate on the beach during permitted special events, while firmly rejecting any expansion of alcohol sales.
The policy change, requested by City Council for review, came after event producers sought greater flexibility to include additional vendors to improve events' financial viability and enhance attendee offerings.
### The Alcohol Question
While City Council's initial request included consideration of alcohol sales on the beach, Police Chief Landon Phillips delivered a detailed presentation outlining significant public safety concerns that ultimately convinced commissioners to maintain the current prohibition.
"There are concerns that if it becomes permitted in the municipal code, that it's going to open a door to one event and perhaps future events," Phillips explained. "If we open that door for one event, then it's going to invite every producer that wants to do something big and fantastic on the beach to do something similar."
Phillips outlined the strict requirements that would be needed if alcohol were permitted: dedicated fencing, security checkpoints at all entry and exit points, dedicated police officers (not just private security), and responsible beverage service training for all vendors—requirements that would strain the department's resources.
"When you have an event of a large magnitude where now I'm going to create the alcohol service area and I need 40 people over the course of a weekend to work it—those are the challenges," he said.
Referencing Manhattan Beach's problems with alcohol-fueled behavior during their 6-Man Volleyball Tournament, Phillips cautioned against the risks of introducing alcohol sales into future beach events :
> "We understand that this is being considered now, and there may be one or two events that are on everyone's mind. Volleyball, certainly. But we're also concerned about three years from now, five years from now, 10 years from now. We're just concerned that we're going to look back in 10 years and ask, how did we get here? And I'm not picking on Manhattan Beach, but again, at one point, Six Man had to look back and say, how did we get here? What happened? This is that point in time that we're considering."
The chief also noted that the city would need to staff events entirely with overtime officers, and arrests during events would remove officers from their posts for extended periods.
Commissioner Elka Worner emphasized the family-friendly nature of beach events: "I think the chief has some concerns and there are a lot of kids that attend these events. To have that mix there and that alcohol element there is not I think what we stand for in Hermosa."
### Food and Vendor Guidelines
Commissioners extensively debated what types of food sales should be permitted, ultimately recommending limiting sales to prepared or pre-packaged foods that don't require cooking or refrigeration on-site.
"I think you could say just snack food because even if you're doing sandwiches you're directly competing with our businesses downtown," Moroney noted, concerned about impact on local restaurants.
Commissioner Elka Worner raised concerns about oversight: "My concern is which vendors are we going to have? How many? What's the footprint? And who decides which vendor is going to be allowed to be on the beach? I'm concerned about those that might compete directly with our local businesses."
Staff proposed implementing a $115 daily vendor fee but recommended offering a discount to Hermosa Beach-based businesses to incentivize event producers to work with local establishments.
"We can have a discussion on if we want to form a policy," Nichols said. "What I would consider and recommend to the commission for discussion and further consideration is ensuring that the event producers extended the invite for \[local businesses\] to be invited as part of the event footprint as a vendor and maybe providing a discount to the vendor fee if they select a Hermosa Beach based business."
The commission voted 5-0 to recommend the vendor sales policy to City Council with modifications limiting food to prepared items only, maintaining the alcohol prohibition, and encouraging discounted fees for local businesses.
## Swimming Pool Advocates Dive In Again
The commission also heard from representatives of the Hermosa Pool Initiative, a group advocating for a community swimming pool. Staff indicated they haven't yet begun research on pool feasibility due to competing priorities but encouraged the group to continue their own research and outreach.
Both the LA Galaxy World Cup watch party proposal and the vendor sales policy recommendations now move to City Council for final consideration.
### CRIME TIME: December 21-27
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-december-21-27/
Last updated: 2026-01-07T06:47:41.000Z
🚨
****Total incidents: 33**
****E-bike thefts: 3**
****Weapons arrests: 3**
****Retail thefts: 3**
****Public urination citations: 5**
****DUI arrests: 2**
## Weapons Arrests Across Jurisdictions
Three significant weapons arrests were made during the week across multiple jurisdictions. On December 21, a subject contacted on the beach in the 2200 block of Waterline was found in possession of a loaded firearm. The suspect had an expired concealed carry permit from Nevada and the gun was not registered in California.
A traffic stop during a DUI task force operation in Hawthorne on December 26 uncovered a loaded non-serialized handgun (ghost gun) with a fully loaded extended magazine, along with drug paraphernalia. The weapon was found in a backpack belonging to a passenger with outstanding warrants.
In Manhattan Beach, a subject previously advised of trespassing at a store was found in possession of tear gas, drug paraphernalia, and multiple ID items in other people's names.
## E-Bike Thefts Continue Downtown Pattern
E-bike thefts persisted during the holiday week, with three separate incidents reported across downtown locations. On December 26, locked e-bikes were stolen from a secured parking garage in the 300 block of Hermosa Avenue, continuing a troubling pattern of thefts from supposedly secure locations that began earlier in the month.
On December 20, a locked e-bike was stolen from a bike rack on the plaza at 13th Street and The Strand. In a third incident on December 23, an unlocked electric bicycle was taken from outside a store in the 1300 block of Pacific Coast Highway, demonstrating that both locked and unlocked bikes remain vulnerable targets.
The garage theft on Hermosa Avenue marks at least the second secured parking structure targeted this month, following the triple hit at a Monterey Boulevard location in early December. The pattern suggests organized theft activity with perpetrators equipped to defeat locks and access controlled parking areas.
## Retail Theft Surge on Pacific Coast Highway
The 1100-1300 blocks of Pacific Coast Highway experienced a spike in retail theft incidents. On December 21, a suspect grabbed a stack of flannel shirts and fled a business. On December 24, a suspect concealed multiple hair extensions inside their jacket and left without paying. On December 26, suspects entered a store with one going into an employee-only area to attempt stealing clippers before being confronted and fleeing.
## Cryptocurrency Scam
On December 23, a victim in the 1000 block of Monterey Boulevard was contacted by a subject claiming to be from Crypto.com, warning of fraudulent activity on their account. The victim accessed a website, entered personal information, and unauthorized transactions were then made on their account. This represents a sophisticated phishing attack using social engineering tactics.
## OfferUp Exchange Scam
In the early morning hours of December 27, a victim met a suspect in the 400 block of 29th Street for an OfferUp exchange of shoes for jewelry. The suspect tried on the shoes and fled the location, leaving behind fake jewelry.
## Quality of Life Enforcement
Five public urination citations were issued during the week, with four occurring in the early morning hours of December 27 at various downtown locations including Pier Avenue, Palm Drive, and 13th Court. One additional citation was issued on December 23 at Hermosa Avenue and Pier Avenue.
One arrest was made for public intoxication on December 21 at 6th Street and Hermosa Avenue.
## DUI Enforcement
Two DUI arrests were made during the week, including one on December 20 that continued from the previous week's checkpoint operation at Bard Street and Pier Avenue, and another on December 21 in the 2400 block of Pacific Coast Highway.
## Narcotics Activity
Drug paraphernalia was found on two subjects contacted in the 100 block of Pacific Coast Highway on December 26.
In Redondo Beach jurisdiction, two significant narcotics arrests were made during traffic stops. On December 23, a passenger on federal probation was found with methamphetamine and paraphernalia. On December 24, a driver on probation was found with narcotics for sale and admitted to giving narcotics to a passenger to hide during the traffic stop. Both subjects were arrested in each incident.
## Other Property Crimes
A package was stolen from a mailbox in the 400 block of Herondo Street on December 20\. Another package was stolen from a residence in the 1200 block of 7th Street on December 22.
An unlocked vehicle in the 1800 block of Pacific Coast Highway was entered on December 24 and various items were stolen.
A vehicle tire was slashed in the 600 block of Hermosa Avenue on December 27.
## Traffic Enforcement
Two subjects were arrested on December 19 at Pier Avenue and Bard Street for driving with suspended licenses. Another traffic citation for suspended license was issued in Redondo Beach on December 21.
## Unusual Incidents
On Christmas morning at 1:52 AM, subjects were observed manipulating the message sign on pier plaza.
A check fraud case was reported in Redondo Beach where an IRS check mailed between December 14-22 was intercepted, altered, and cashed.
---
***Crime Time is a summary of police activity gathered from the HbPD's weekly crime logs.***
[Hermosa Beach Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
[Manhattan Beach PD Calls For Service Dashboard](https://citymb.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/e33c912ba90b41c6be679bb61da6f000?ref=hermosareview.com)
### Mayor Rob Saemann to Deliver State of the City Address at Thursday January 15 Event
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/mayor-rob-saemann-to-deliver-state-of-the-city-address-on-january-15/
Last updated: 2026-02-25T15:58:06.000Z
Hermosa Beach Mayor Rob Saemann will present his State of the City Address next Thursday, January 15th, as his mayoral term approaches its conclusion.
The address will provide an overview of the city's current priorities, recent accomplishments, and future goals for the community.
🗓️
****Event Details:**
****Date:** Thursday, January 15, 2026
****Time:** 6 p.m.
****Location:** Clark Building, 861 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach
Mayor Saemann's term is scheduled to conclude next month, with current Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Detoy expected to assume the role of mayor following the council's traditional rotation. The State of the City Address provides an opportunity for residents to hear directly from the outgoing mayor on issues affecting Hermosa Beach, including infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and community initiatives.
The event will be the first of its kind to be held at the Clark Building since its reopening last year after a long-awaited renovation. It will also be the first since the appointment of Steve Napolitano as Hermosa Beach City Manager.
Complimentary food and drinks will be provided, and all are welcome. RSVP's are requested to [anny@hermosabeach.gov](mailto:anny@hermosabeach.gov)
### Kiwanis to mark 100th Birthday With Mural Unveiling on Jan 10
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/kiwanis-to-mark-100th-birthday-with-mural-unveiling-on-jan-10/
Last updated: 2026-01-12T00:16:48.000Z
A celebration of community service and local history converges on January 10 when the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club unveils a restored mural at 11 Pier Avenue. A ceremony in the Vista/Mermaid parking lot at 10.30 a.m. will honor both the club's 100 years of service and the return of an important piece of public art.
The mural first appeared in 2007 as part of Hermosa Beach's own centennial celebration. Created by artists Neal and Dawn Von Flue, it chronicles the city's evolution through roughly 100 images—beginning with indigenous inhabitants and continuing through to contemporary beach culture.
Nearly two decades of coastal weather conditions degraded the original artwork, prompting the restoration effort led by Kiwanis lieutenant governor Rick Koenig and volunteer Chris Miller. Dawn Whitney-Hall (formerly Von Flue), one of the original artists, designed the updated version.
The new installation comprises ten 4-by-8-foot panels totaling 40 feet in length. Whitney-Hall shared on social media that the project occupied much of her previous year's work.
“It’s a special day when we get to celebrate both the rededication of our Centennial Mural and the Hermosa Kiwanis Club’s century of service,” said Mayor Rob Saemann. “As both the Mayor of Hermosa and President of our Kiwanis Club, I’m especially proud to see Hermosa’s residents and Kiwanis members come together to celebrate their respective beginnings. Our City has always been deeply connected to Kiwanis, and we remain united in our shared goal of improving Hermosa Beach for today’s residents and future generations.”
“For more than a century, Hermosa Beach has been shaped not only by our beautiful coastline, but by the people who care deeply about this community,” said Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor and event producer Rick Koenig. “This Mural represents decades of work by community partners, volunteers and donors. Its renewal is a fitting way to celebrate 118 years of Hermosa’s history and a century of Kiwanis Club service, while reaffirming our shared commitment to preserving Hermosa’s history for years to come.”
Koenig is tight-lipped about the new additions to the mural, but promises some surprises. At a recent private preview for community donors to the project, photographs of the mural were strictly forbidden.
The Kiwanis Club has operated in Hermosa Beach since 1926, funding youth programs, educational initiatives, and community projects. The organization helped finance the original 2007 mural through private donations and has undertaken the same fundraising approach for this restoration.
### Light and Life
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/light-and-life/
Last updated: 2026-01-14T01:35:27.000Z
I love Hermosa during the holidays. The town slows down, people are friendlier and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.
This year I judged the city’s annual sand snowman contest, watched Santa cruise into Valley Park with a police escort, sirens blazing, lights flashing, and stood at Pier Plaza as firefighters lit the menorah and Hanukkah gelt floated down from the sky on tiny parachutes.
My daughter and I attended community fundraisers, including the South Bay Boardriders Club brunch for the Hunger Project, wrapped toys alongside hundreds of volunteers and capped it all off with Christmas Mass at American Martyrs Church.
But sometimes, the most enduring holiday traditions come from just one person, quietly doing the work, never seeking recognition.
For 27 years, Jamie Freitag has turned his home into a full-blown holiday production, the kind that makes drivers slow down, kids press their faces to the window, and neighbors smile even if they’ve seen it many times before.
That’s probably no accident.
Freitag worked as an assistant director on major Hollywood films, including *Rush Hour*, *The Wedding Singer* and *The Family Man*. His home is dotted with photos of movie stars like Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Eddie Murphy, Anthony Hopkins, Halle Berry, Matthew McConaughey, and Bill Murray.
This man knows what it takes to pull off a production. And every December, he brings that same sensibility home.
Jamie with just one of his cast of Christmas characters
It all started in 1998, when he moved into his house on Porter Lane and noticed hooks lining the eaves. On a whim, he decided to put up some Christmas decorations.
“I’m Jewish, but I’m a fan of Christmas,” Freitag said. “Okay, I’m not a very good Jew.”
What began as a few icicle lights grew into a full-blown display that costs hundreds of dollars in electricity and rivals Candy Cane Lane in Torrance.
Freitag, 72, spends most of November on his roof, working three to four hours a day for about two weeks to install the lights, signs, and ornaments. He manages six electrical circuits, all now automated on timers, that light the spectacle from 5 to 11pm nightly.
Most of the decorations come from Costco, a magnificent giant Santa, penguins, snowmen, towering gift boxes with oversized bows. But Freitag also searches online every year for something new and unique. This year, it was giant gingerbread people, positioned near his Hanukkah bear, his playful nod to his Jewish roots.
There’s a clear order to the work, another habit from his film days.
Roof lights first. Then the “Merry Christmas” sign. Then the yard lights, lined up in perfect unison. Snowmen come next. Last are the big pieces like the archway. He works left to right, every decoration landing exactly where it’s supposed to be.
Santa's Helper - Jamie spends most of November getting everything in place and wired up
Freitag does it all himself. Friends suggest he hire help. His girlfriend tells him he’s done enough.
“Everybody tells me, ‘Jamie, you’re getting too old. Stop,’” he said. “But I don’t like to break the tradition.”
Besides, he knows the setup better than anyone.
“I was going call a company,” he said. “Then I said, Nah, I’d have to show them everything anyway. I know all the circuits. I know the wiring. I know how to put everything up.”
Behind the house are three sheds filled with decorations. Smaller pieces are stored in the garage rafters. His 26-year-old son, Taylor, helps lift boxes and occasionally joins him on the roof, especially for the reindeer perched high up, which require two ladders.
“It’s awesome,” Taylor said of his dad’s winter wonderland, though when a new decoration appears, he usually asks, “Dad, where are we going to put that?”
But that doesn’t stop Freitag. Neither does Mother Nature. Last weekend’s torrential rain knocked down a few of his signs and decorations, including the signature Merry Christmas sign.
“The reindeer are still down, but I’m going to go up there.”
What keeps him going isn’t the spectacle, it’s the people. He gets dozens of letters from neighbors.
“Thank you for doing this. I bring my kids here every Christmas.”
One was addressed simply to “Dear House of Christmas Cheer.”
“The beauty of your Christmas display is a joy forever.”
For years, an anonymous admirer left a box of See’s candy at his door. This year, the man finally rang the bell.
“He just wanted to say thank you,” Freitag said.
For someone who spent a career helping bring big productions to life, this holiday display may be his most personal.
It’s a place of shared joy, staged, assembled, and cared for by a man who knows exactly how to make a little magic look effortless.
---
[](https://www.elkaforhermosa.com/?ref=hermosareview.com)
Elka Worner is a community volunteer, City Commissioner, journalist, and Hermosa Beach local. She contributes occasional columns to The Hermosa Review, and publishes her own regular newsletter titled 'Elka's Update’ which you can subscribe to for free.
[Sign Up For Elka's Updates ](https://www.elkaforhermosa.com/?ref=hermosareview.com)
### CRIME TIME: December 14-20
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-december-14-20/
Last updated: 2026-01-07T02:25:27.000Z
🚨
****TOTAL WEEKLY POLICE LOG REPORTS: 43**
****DUI Arrests: 9**
****Narcotics Arrests: 2**
****Public Intoxication Arrests: 2**
### DUI Checkpoint Nets Eight Arrests
A DUI checkpoint conducted at Bard Street and Pier Avenue during the late evening hours of December 19 and early morning of December 20 resulted in seven arrests for driving under the influence. An eighth DUI arrest was made at Pier Avenue and Monterey Boulevard during the same checkpoint operation. The arrests occurred between 9:21 p.m. on December 19 and 2:16 a.m. on December 20, demonstrating the effectiveness of the enforcement effort during peak holiday party season.
An additional DUI arrest was made on December 13 at Herondo Street and Valley Drive, where the subject was also cited for driving without a license.
### E-Bike Enforcement
Officers cited two separate e-bike violations during the week, continuing the department's focus on e-bike safety and responsible riding.
On December 13, a subject was cited in the 500 block of Ardmore Avenue for riding an e-bike recklessly and performing a "wheelie." The citation came just one day before the reporting period but reflects ongoing enforcement efforts.
On December 11, two subjects were observed riding together on a single e-bike in the 800 block of 21st Street. One subject was not wearing a helmet, resulting in a citation for riding as a passenger without proper safety equipment.
These citations demonstrate continued police attention to e-bike violations following recent community discussions about e-bike safety and enforcement priorities.
### Narcotics Enforcement
Officers made multiple narcotics-related arrests during the week. On December 13, subjects were contacted in a vehicle in the 00 block of 14th Street where an open beer was found in the center console and a nitrous oxide tank was actively being used. The passenger admitted to possession and was arrested for possession of alcohol in public and nitrous oxide.
On December 16, a traffic stop in the 00 block of 13th Court resulted in an arrest for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Another incident on December 17 involved a subject contacted in the 900 block of Hermosa who had outstanding warrants and was found in possession of paraphernalia.
### Property Crime and Theft
A disturbing theft occurred on December 18 when brass or copper plaques were removed from memorials in the 1400 block of The Strand. Other thefts included a purse stolen from a shopping cart on Pacific Coast Highway, a bottle of wine stolen from a store on Manhattan Avenue, and license plates stolen from vehicles in the 700 block of Pier Avenue and 600 block of 5th Street.
A vehicle burglary was reported in the 2600 block of Valley Drive when the passenger side window was smashed and a backpack was stolen from inside.
### Municipal Code Violations
Officers cited multiple individuals for camping in prohibited places and loitering, including incidents on Pier Avenue, 22nd Street and Hermosa Avenue, and Valley Drive in the early morning hours of December 15.
A noise complaint in the 100 block of 30th Street required three calls for service before a citation was issued to an uncooperative subject for unreasonable music.
### Public Intoxication and Quality of Life
Two arrests were made for public intoxication during the week. A notable incident on December 14 at Longfellow Avenue and Hermosa Avenue resulted in arrests for public intoxication, resisting arrest, and child endangerment. Another arrest was made on December 16 on Pacific Coast Highway.
A public urination citation was issued in the early morning hours of December 14 on Pier Avenue.
### Identity Theft
On December 18, a subject attempted to purchase a vehicle using false identity at a dealership in the 800 block of Pacific Coast Highway. The subject was arrested after admitting to the crime.
### Vandalism and Vehicle Damage
A vehicle at Longfellow Avenue and Hermosa Avenue had its window smashed and tire slashed between December 10-15.
### Other Notable Incidents
A subject reported believing they were drugged while at a Pier Avenue location on December 14-15.
Threatening messages via social media were reported by a victim in the 800 block of Bard Street beginning December 17.
A verbal argument between gym clients in the 1600 block of Pacific Coast Highway resulted in one subject threatening to strike the other.
---
[Hermosa Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
[Manhattan Beach PD Calls For Service Dashboard](https://citymb.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/e33c912ba90b41c6be679bb61da6f000?ref=hermosareview.com)
### A toy story: How the Beach Cities Toy Drive became a local Christmas miracle
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/a-toy-story-how-the-beach-cities-toy-drive-became-a-local-christmas-miracle/
Last updated: 2026-01-01T06:41:14.000Z
ORIGINAL EASY READER STORY By Mark McDermott
_This post is for subscribers only._
### CRIME TIME: December 7-13
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-december-7-13-2025/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T18:03:10.000Z
### Violent Crime
An assault occurred on December 10 at 2600 block of Hermosa Avenue when a driver blocking traffic became verbally and physically aggressive after being confronted. The suspect threatened and struck the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Another assault was reported in the 1200 block of Owosso Avenue late on December 7, when a victim stated subjects entered his room and assaulted him.
### E-Bike Theft Surge Hits Downtown Building
A single apartment complex in the 400 block of Monterey Boulevard was targeted three times between December 7-8, with thieves stealing four locked e-bikes from a secured parking garage. The incidents occurred over a 12-hour span, suggesting either multiple perpetrators or a coordinated effort. An additional e-bike was stolen from an exterior staircase railing at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of Pacific Coast Highway during the early morning hours of December 10.
### Property Crime Patterns
License plate thefts continued to plague the city, with five separate incidents reported across various neighborhoods. Vehicles in the 100 block of 28th Street, 3300 block of Morningside Drive, 300 block of 34th Street, 400 block of 28th Street, and 1300 block of Manhattan Avenue all had their plates stolen during the reporting period.
Vandalism incidents included two vehicle keying cases (one in the 500 block of 11th Street and another involving a towed vehicle on Hermosa Avenue), a slashed tire on a city vehicle on Pier Avenue, and a broken business window in the Pier Avenue area.
### Impaired Driving and Traffic Violations
Officers made two DUI arrests during the week—one on Hermosa Avenue in Area 2 on December 7, and another in Redondo Beach jurisdiction on December 7\. An additional DUI arrest in Redondo Beach on December 13 involved a driver with prior DUI convictions driving on a DUI-restricted license.
Multiple traffic stops resulted in citations for driving on suspended or revoked licenses, with several cases also involving expired or falsified registration tags. One notable stop on December 7 at Monterey Boulevard and Pier Avenue revealed a vehicle with registration expired since 2022 but displaying a 2024 tag, resulting in citations for falsified registration, expired registration, and failure to notify DMV of address change.
### Public Intoxication and Quality of Life
Officers arrested four individuals for public intoxication during the week across various locations on Hermosa Avenue and Manhattan Avenue. Two separate public urination citations were issued in the early morning hours near 11th Street.
### Burglary and Theft
Beyond the e-bike thefts, a restaurant in the 100 block of Pier Avenue had its cash register stolen on December 11 when doors were left unlocked between the cleaning crew's departure and employees' arrival. A security camera was stolen from above a garage in the 800 block of Monterey Boulevard, and an earphone was taken from a hostel hotel room on Pier Avenue.
### Violent Crime
An assault occurred on December 10 at 2600 block of Hermosa Avenue when a driver blocking traffic became verbally and physically aggressive after being confronted. The suspect threatened and struck the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Another assault was reported in the 1200 block of Owosso Avenue late on December 7, when a victim stated subjects entered his room and assaulted him.
### Narcotics Incident
On December 12, officers detained two subjects in Valley Drive Park after observing them inhaling nitrous oxide. When officers attempted contact, the subjects fled on foot but were apprehended. One subject had a no-bail felony warrant, and the second was arrested for possession of nitrous oxide.
### Other Notable Incidents
A social host ordinance violation was cited on December 12 in the 2600 block of Valley Drive when an adult allowed a group of underage subjects to celebrate a birthday where alcohol was present.
A stolen vehicle reported from Lot A on December 6 was recovered by officers.
---
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### Planning Commission Approves Controversial 901 Hermosa Avenue Redevelopment
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/planning-commission-narrowly-approves-controversial-901-hermosa-avenue-redevelopment/
Last updated: 2026-02-25T15:58:00.000Z
## Contention over square footage, enforcement and parking concerns dominates debate on historic building's future
The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission approved a contentious renovation plan for 901 Hermosa Avenue Monday night, but only after extensive debate about a novel design feature that one commissioner called fundamentally unenforceable.
The project, proposed by applicant Kyle Ransford via 901 Hermosa Avenue Partners, would renovate the nearly century-old commercial building at the corner of Hermosa Avenue and 9th Street, adding a third story while preserving elements of the historic facade. The building, constructed in the 1920's, currently houses 12,012 square feet across two floors and three parcels.
The original development, featured by the Hermosa Beach Review in October 1922
The existing building at 901 Hermosa Ave.
## Return Engagement
The application was making its second appearance before the commission. At an October 21 meeting, commissioners continued the item to allow the applicant and staff time to prepare a detailed breakdown of the existing and proposed building square footage after questions arose about the calculations.
"Obviously, for those who may not be familiar, this is our second attempt to address the issues raised in this," Commissioner Pete Hoffman noted.
Staff reported that since October, they had reviewed permitted floor plans for the building and confirmed the 12,012 square foot figure represents the accurate existing floor area. The revised plans now clearly delineate which spaces count toward that total and which don't, including areas like stairways, elevators, mechanical rooms, and the controversial "decommissioned" section.
## The Parking Puzzle
The project's most controversial element emerged from an attempt to avoid triggering parking requirements. Under city code, adding more than 10% to a building's square footage requires additional parking spaces, a near-impossibility on the constrained downtown site.
The applicant's solution: "decommission" 1,340 square feet on the second floor. This space would physically exist but be structurally sealed off and prohibited from use, allowing the project to claim a net increase of only 793 square feet, safely under the 10% threshold.
The proposed third-floor addition would total 4,058 square feet and include office space, outdoor amenities, and raised gardens. A lot line adjustment would also merge the three underlying parcels into one.
Brandon Strauss, representing the applicant, emphasized that staff had carefully reviewed the calculations: "We really want to thank the staff for working so diligently with us to resolve the issues that came up in the last hearing."
The applicant also provided a letter from their structural engineer justifying the decommissioned area as "structurally critical for seismic force resistance," noting that the building has different floor heights on different sides to maximize usable space.
## "What's the Punishment?"
Despite the clarified square footage calculations, Commissioner Hoffman voiced the strongest opposition, questioning whether the city has adequate tools to prevent future owners from simply cutting a door into the decommissioned space and leasing it out.
"How many garages in our city that are required parking are full of something besides parked cars?" Hoffman asked, before outlining his concerns about enforcement. "1,300 square feet at, what, $50 a square foot a year? This is a space that's worth $60,000\. In a couple of years, we could pay off for it."
Hoffman acknowledged his appreciation for the project design but remained troubled by the precedent: "It doesn't feel right to me that we're just going to pretend like that 1,300 square feet, that cube has been pulled out, and now this problem has been solved."
Community Development Director Alison Becker explained that violations could result in fines starting at $250 and escalating to $1,000, plus potential revocation of the precise development plan and involvement of code enforcement.
But Hoffman remained unconvinced: "I simply can't approve this with pretending like those 1,300 square feet that are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of this new, renewed building are going to remain vacant."
## The Enforcement Discussion
Chair Steve Izant attempted to address the concerns by asking whether the commission could recommend stronger penalties specifically for violations of the decommissioned space condition. After consultation with city staff and legal counsel, the commission ultimately agreed to forward a separate recommendation to City Council calling for a comprehensive review of enforcement mechanisms for precise development plans and conditional use permits.
As the discussion continued, Izant voiced his reluctant support: "I want to support this project. But at the same time, I don't want to, you know, five years from now, find out that this whole thing now has been leased out and they're making tons of money hand over fist."
Commissioner McNally offered a contrasting perspective, questioning the underlying assumption: "To your comment, Commissioner, wouldn't our goal be that every business makes money hand over fist? And that they bring value to the city"
As the discussion continued, it highlighted a fundamental question: whether the commission's role is to prevent potential abuse of the system, or to approve seemingly compliant projects while trusting that enforcement mechanisms, however imperfect, will address violations if they occur.
"So I do believe there needs to be a review of it," said Vice Chair Michael Flaherty, who supported the project despite sharing enforcement concerns. "And once again, I don't believe that's our role, but it needs to be looked at."
City staff clarified that the concept of decommissioned space isn't unprecedented, citing the Vista restaurant expansion as a previous example where interior space was decommissioned to enable outdoor dining areas.
## The Case for Approval
Supporters of the project emphasized that the building, which has housed many small businesses over the decades, needs updating to remain viable.
"I see that building as a white elephant," said Commissioner Greg McNally. "And the businesses that are in it now will not be there very long. And there has to be some change."
Commissioner Kate Hirsh praised the applicant's approach: "I think it's unique that we have an owner-operator that's suggesting to try and preserve the character of the existing building that has been in the city for so long while trying to improve it and create a more usable space for it."
Kyle Ransford, the property owner, thanked staff for conducting site visits to verify the existing conditions: "We've had a nice on-site experience of going in every nook and cranny of the building and kind of looking at various things that I think we all discussed here before are very strange conditions that no one in this room was responsible for."
Mr. Ransford is a prominent commercial real estate investor through his firm Cardinal Investments. He was also the founder and CEO of El Segundo-based meal kit delivery business Chef'd which shut down abruptly in 2018, after failing to secure additional funding. Chef'd had previously raised around $40m in financing from outside investors.
## What's Next ?
The final vote was 4-1, with Commissioners Hirsh, McNally, Flaherty, and Izant voting yes, and Commissioner Hoffman voting no.
The project will now advance to the City Council in January, where it could potentially be appealed by any opponent, or pulled by the council for a new public hearing. The approval includes a condition allowing the applicant to submit building plans "at risk" while awaiting Coastal Commission approval, meaning the applicant would forfeit fees if the coastal permit is denied.
The commission's concerns about enforcement will be transmitted to the City Council as a separate matter for future consideration.
---
### RELATED CONTENT :
[Century-Old Showroom To Get Fresh Start?Hermosa Ave location in focus at tonight’s Planning Commission meetingThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/century-old-showroom-to-get-fresh-start-2/)
### Former Pet Mart Site Approved for Development linked to Skechers Co-Founder (UPDATED)
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/former-pet-mart-site-slated-for-retail-development-linked-to-skechers-co-founder/
Last updated: 2026-02-15T18:22:23.000Z
## New Commercial Building Proposed for Former Pet Store Site on Aviation Boulevard
The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission approved a new multi-tenant commercial project at 1054 Aviation Boulevard at its meeting tonight (16th December).
The project would demolish the existing 4,765-square-foot structure - built in 1945 and most recently home to a pet store - and replace it with a 6,487-square-foot building featuring four retail spaces. The property is owned by Michael Greenberg, President and co-founder of Skechers USA, the Manhattan Beach-based footwear company. It was sold to him directly by the family of former owner Abu Siddiq. Mr Siddiq died in April 2024, and the property was sold for $3,525,000 by his family trust to Mr. Greenberg in October 2024\. The planning application is in the name of Hodgy's Toy Chest LLC, a company registered to Mr. Greenberg.
The Greenberg family's stake in Skechers was valued at roughly $1.1 billion when Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital completed its $9.4 billion acquisition of the company in September - the largest shoe buyout in history. The family controlled about 60 percent of the company's voting rights through two trusts, with Robert, Michael, and five other Greenberg siblings as beneficiaries. Rather than take the $63-per-share all cash buyout, the Greenbergs opted for a mixed consideration that includes around $1 billion in cash plus around $100 million of equity in the new privately-held parent company. The company stays headquartered in Manhattan Beach, where it has operated for more than 30 years. Recent property developments have included major new Skechers office space on PCH in both Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.
## Office or Retail ?
The corner lot at Aviation and Owosso Avenue sits in the city's General Commercial zone and spans roughly 16,700 square feet. The proposed building would include retail spaces ranging from about 650 to 1,565 square feet, plus a mezzanine level for storage. A 25-space parking lot would be located behind the building, with vehicles entering from Aviation Boulevard and exiting onto Owosso Avenue.
Representative Stacy Strauss explained that Michael Greenberg plans to use a portion of the building for his own operations: "This is Michael Greenberg's office that he's developing. It's not Skechers. Michael Greenberg does have his own business management that he needs to do, his own personal business, and he does philanthropic work as well. Those are the types of activities we expect from him."
Strauss explained that the project is designed as "core and shell," meaning the building structure would be completed without knowing all the specific tenant uses: "Right now, this is designed as what we call a core and shell application, where the applicant is designing a building. He doesn't anticipate necessarily always needing that full use of the building and that the city likely has business activities that they would like in there as well that generate revenue such as retail or service."
She confirmed that office use is a permitted use in the C-3 General Commercial zone, just as retail is, and provided context: "The current use, though, for a portion of the building is going to be a business office and maintaining a personal business office."
When pressed on the retail spaces, Strauss acknowledged the uncertainty: "At this time, no. It's not our concern. We're leaving it for potential uses. I mean, the reality is this is a pretty extensive building. This is over 6,000 square feet, and we hope to attract businesses that the city will benefit from."
She added: "So right now we know one \[use\]. There could be up to four."
Strauss concluded her presentation by noting Greenberg's connection to Hermosa Beach: "Mr. Greenberg has a longstanding relationship with Hermosa Beach, with his affiliation with Skechers, and we are so happy he has selected this city to call his professional home for his next chapter."
The current building, which housed a pet store that closed after Abu Siddiq's death last year
Notably, 1054 Aviation was not included in the city's Housing Element Sites Inventory overlay - the list of commercially-zoned properties where the city is counting on residential development to help meet state-mandated housing targets, even though neighboring properties along Aviation Boulevard were included. The overlay, certified by the state in August 2024, allows but does not require residential development on designated commercial sites. With the property now proposed for a new commercial-only building, it will remain outside the city's affordable housing strategy for the foreseeable future.
A city zoning map showing the site's C-3 (General Commercial) status
The future of this piece of the Aviation Blvd. corridor seems uncertain right now. It has not established itself as any sort of retail destination, with current commercial properties being mostly a mixture of restaurant and office together with a number of auto repair businesses. The former Rock 'n' Roll car Wash site at Aviation and PCH remains boarded up following its sudden closure several months ago.
## The Vote
The commission unanimously approved the project 5-0 with the addition of a right-turn-only condition when exiting onto Owosso Ave, given traffic concerns.
Strauss confirmed the applicant's agreement: "We're in agreement with all proposed conditions of approval."
The project will now advance to the building permit stage. Because the site is not located in the coastal zone, it does not require Coastal Commission approval.
### Lighting of Menorah Symbolizes Hope and Freedom
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/lighting-of-menorah-symbolizes-hope-and-freedom/
Last updated: 2026-02-15T18:22:35.000Z
Local Jewish community leader Rabbi Yossi Mintz delivered a solemn but unifying address on Sunday as he oversaw the traditional Chanukah celebration on Pier Plaza.
Sunday's event came just hours after the mass shooting in Bondi Beach, Sydney that saw 15 people killed and many others injured. Rabbi Mintz spoke emotionally as he honored those murdered, including a 'dear colleague' Eli Schlanger. Rabbi Schlanger was 41 years old, a father of five and had welcomed a baby son just three months ago. He was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi.
Rabbi Mintz described the lighting of the Menorah and its historical significance, pausing to explain the connection of Chanukah to the Hebrew word ***chinuch***, meaning education. He spoke of the need for perseverance and the importance of religious freedom, saying "we will not be bowed by darkness".
The celebration included free donuts and latkes, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days; a performance by local children; the 'gelt drop' with chocolate coins on small parachutes tossed from a fire truck ladder, and of course the menorah lighting ceremony.
#### Chanukah and The Menorah (click to read)
****Chanukah (The Festival of Lights)**
- An 8-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem around 165 BCE, after the Maccabees defeated the Seleucid Empire
- Celebrates both a military victory and a miracle: when the Jews reclaimed the Temple, they found only enough purified oil to light the Temple menorah for one day, but it miraculously burned for eight days
- Typically falls in November or December (dates vary based on the Hebrew calendar)
- Celebrated with lighting candles, playing dreidel, eating fried foods like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and giving gifts or gelt (chocolate coins)
****The Menorah/Chanukiah**
- A special 9-branched candelabrum used specifically for Chanukah (distinct from the 7-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple)
- Eight branches represent the eight nights of the miracle; the ninth branch holds the "shamash" (helper candle) used to light the others
- One additional candle is lit each night, starting with one on the first night and ending with all eight on the final night
- Traditionally placed in a window or doorway to publicize the miracle
- Candles are lit after sunset, from right to left, but the newest candle (leftmost) is lit first each night
Rabbi Yossi Mintz addressing the crowd at Sunday's Chanukah celebration
The traditional lighting of the Menorah
Children from the local Academy of The Arts Choir performed
Academy of The Arts Principal Celestine Sermo conducted the choir
Free latkes for the large crowd, symbolizing the 'miracle of the oil' that burned for eight days.
Several hundred people gathered on Pier Plaza for the ceremony on Sunday.
Pennies From Heaven : the 'gelt drop' is always a favorite
Hat of The Day
City Manager Steve Napolitano with Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi
### Santas Take The Strand (PHOTO GALLERY)
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/santas-take-the-strand-photo-gallery/
Last updated: 2025-12-13T22:46:28.000Z
Hundreds of red-suited revelers lined up along Pier Plaza and The Strand on Saturday morning for the 7th Annual Santa Stroll, a festive 5K benefiting Mychal's Learning Place.
The nonprofit serves youth and young adults with developmental disabilities, helping them build skills for independent living. This year's event featured a pet costume contest, live entertainment, and the traditional arrival of Santa himself before participants headed north toward Manhattan Beach and back.
From pint-sized Santas to four-legged elves, the morning brought out the community's holiday spirit—one stride at a time
All photos ©Ian Logan
### PHOTO GALLERY (Click to View)
### Police Department Santamobile at Valley Park (PHOTO STORY)
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/police-department-santamobile-at-valley-park-photo-story/
Last updated: 2025-12-13T15:20:54.000Z
The traditional HbPD Santamobile city tour took place on Friday evening (December 12th) with a first stop at Valley Park. The route through the city finished at the Community Center, where a showing of the holiday movie *Frozen* was held.
All photos ©Ian Logan
### Police Chief Confirms Felony Charges Against Two Juveniles in E-bike Assault; Five More Under Investigation
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/police-chief-confirms-felony-charges-against-two-juveniles-in-e-bike-assault-five-more-under-investigation/
Last updated: 2026-07-22T00:25:29.000Z
## Chief Phillips provides update on November 21st beating as community demands accountability
Police Chief Landon Phillips delivered an update to the City Council Monday night on the November 21st assault near 11th Street and Beach Drive that left a 56-year-old resident unconscious, confirming that the District Attorney has filed felony charges against two of the seven juveniles now identified in the attack.
### WATCH THE VIDEO HERE :
"On Wednesday, November 26th, we arrested two juveniles for the assault incident, and those juveniles were transported to Los Padrinos Juvenile Detention Facility," Phillips told the Council. "And as of today, the district attorney has filed charges on those two juveniles."
The Chief disclosed that the investigation has expanded beyond initial reports.
> "Initially, we reported that there were five juveniles involved, so the one victim, five juveniles. In fact, there's actually seven, and all of those subjects have been identified."
Phillips also addressed rumors circulating in the community about the identities of those involved. "We are also aware of some rumors that some of the juveniles involved were related to council members or police officers or police staff, and those are not correct rumors. There's no information to indicate that anybody involved was related to any city officials elected or city staff."
During public comment, resident Elka Worner provided additional details obtained through her professional contacts.
### WATCH THE VIDEO HERE :
"I used to cover courts for United Press International in downtown L.A. and reached out to my DA contacts, and here is what I learned," Worner said. "The two suspects have been charged with assault likely to cause great bodily injury, which is a felony."
Worner explained the juvenile court process for residents unfamiliar with how such cases proceed: "When they're arrested, they're taken to Juvenile Hall. The probation department has to bring them to court within 48 hours. At their first hearing, the juvenile judge decides whether they should be released or remain in custody, and that depends on whether they're a threat to themselves or to the community."
She noted that juvenile proceedings are closed to the public, limiting what information can be made available. "Because juvenile proceedings are closed and confidential, we don't know the judge's decision or the current status of these suspects. We know that they've been charged, and a next hearing is scheduled for January 12th."
The adjudication—the juvenile equivalent of a trial—will eventually determine the outcome. "The judge, not a jury, will review the evidence and determine whether the allegations are true," Worner explained. "Because it's all closed to the public, we likely won't know the final outcome. But I'll keep monitoring the case and share whatever information I can share."
Resident Xochitl Boehm commented :
> "Our community deserves to feel safe walking to the beach, going downtown, simply living our lives. And I'm asking the city to take this seriously and act now before someone else is harmed. So again, I want to thank everyone who has made huge efforts to investigate what's going on, but I don't want to let up and allow this to just blow over and something happen again and it could be worse."
## Investigation Continues
Phillips emphasized that the case remains active, with detectives still conducting follow-up interviews.
"When all of the interviews are complete, our detectives will be presenting the entire case to the district attorney's office to determine if any further criminal charges should be filed against anyone else involved," Phillips said.
He noted that families of all seven juveniles have cooperated with investigators: "All of the parents of all of the involved juveniles throughout this process have been cooperative. They've all been helpful in this investigation."
The Chief thanked residents and businesses for providing video evidence that proved crucial to the investigation, as well as school officials who helped identify the juveniles.
## Increased Police Presence Promised
Looking forward, Phillips committed to enhanced enforcement in the downtown and strand areas.
"We will be increasing our presence and enforcement in the downtown and strand areas. We've already stepped up enforcement on a lot of related violations in the last week. We've done several operations, and we will continue to do so," he said.
The Chief also issued guidance to residents who may encounter concerning behavior: "We asked the community to call the police department any time there's groups of individuals harassing, intimidating any innocent members of the community. If anyone observes something, before it escalates into any type of assault, please call the police department. Call 911\. We will respond. Even if a crime has not occurred, we will respond."
He advised residents to avoid engaging with groups displaying concerning behavior and instead to contact police.
Phillips also urged the community not to generalize about local youth based on this incident. "We also want to make sure the community knows that we have a lot of great kids in our community, and the fact that this happened involving this group of juveniles, as unfortunate as it is, we really don't want this to result in good kids in our community being blamed or treated differently by the community."
## Council Response
Councilmember Dean Francois thanked Phillips for his transparency, particularly his attendance at a community forum she hosted shortly after the incident.
"Although it appeared at first that maybe there was a lack of transparency, I really do appreciate and glad that you came to the community forum that I had held just a week after that incident and took it upon yourself to engage in one-on-one discussions with people that were there," Francois said. "It's very helpful. It goes beyond these formal proceedings like this, and I think it helped a lot for everyone to understand more the police department's perspective, what they're doing to keep us safe, and the limitations that we have."
Mayor Pro Tem Mike Detoy asked Phillips to clarify when residents should call 911 versus the non-emergency line. Phillips responded that 911 is appropriate whenever there's any question of time-sensitivity with an incident.
"If you're even slightly concerned that this is urgent and we need officers, again, just to put eyes on, please call 911," Phillips said. "It's not going to hurt. It's not a misuse of the 911 system."
---
### RELATED ARTICLES :
[NEW : Police make arrests in ‘e-bike assault’ caseHBPD announce the arrest of two juveniles and the identification of three others. All aged 13-15 yearsThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-news-police-make-arrests-in-e-bike-gang-assault-case/)
[Manhattan Beach Middle School Principal issues Statement over Hermosa ‘e-bike assault’Letter to parents acknowledges the involvement of MBMS students in 21st November incidentThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/manhattan-beach-middle-school-principal-issues-statement-over-e-bike-assault/)
[TV News Crews Show Up for Community Forum Dominated by E-bike ConcernsMonday evening meeting dominated by discussion of e-bike dangers after recent assault incidentThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/tv-news-crews-show-up-for-community-forum-dominated-by-e-bike-concerns/)
### Council Approves Steve Napolitano as Permanent City Manager in 4-1 Contract Vote
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-approves-steve-napolitano-as-permanent-city-manager-in-4-1-vote/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:38:35.000Z
## Councilmember Raymond Jackson casts lone dissenting vote against the contract and appointment of new City Manager Steve Napolitano
The Hermosa Beach City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday night to appoint Steve Napolitano as the city's permanent city manager, formalizing a selection that critics called predetermined and supporters hailed as exactly what the city needs to navigate looming fiscal challenges. Councilmember Raymond Jackson voted against the appointment.
Napolitano, who has served as interim city manager since May 28th following the departure of Suja Lowenthal, will earn $270,000 annually under a three-year contract that includes CalPERS retirement and full benefits. His appointment takes effect today, Wednesday December 10th.
Staff reported that the city received 56 applications for the position following a recruitment process led by executive search firm Peckham and McKinney, which the city paid $30,000 to conduct.
"We received a total of 56 applications by the following deadline and the recruiter screened the applications down,"said City HR Manager Tiffany Nguyen. "And in the end, three candidates were interviewed."
She also reported that the three finalists were interviewed by both the City Council and department heads, with staff noting that "it was a unanimous decision for the department heads" in favor of Napolitano.
Napolitano brings over 30 years of local government experience, including five terms as mayor and council member for Manhattan Beach and nearly 12 years as senior deputy to Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. He is also an attorney skilled in administrative law.
## Keegan: Napolitano Essential for Coming Fiscal Battles
Councilmember Michael Keegan defended the selection by pointing to the serious financial challenges facing the city—and Napolitano's relationships with county officials who will be on the other side of critical negotiations.
"We're facing a deficit coming up, converging on us of a couple million dollars," Keegan said. "We also have a pending lifeguard program where we're going to be asked by the county to pay for all our own lifeguards and beach maintenance. That could be up to a five to six million, maybe even nine million dollar hit to our budget."
Keegan emphasized Napolitano's county connections as a strategic asset: "Steve has the numbers of at least 20 people in the county in his contact list already, people he knows. He already knows the head of the beaches and harbors who's doing the beach maintenance. He already knows the supervisors, aides, and all the people involved in his staff."
"So do you think we would have done better with some stranger from out of the state? Or do you think we would have done better with Steve Napolitano?" Keegan asked.
Councilmember Dean Francois praised Napolitano's performance as interim manager: "He walked into a city that was going through changes and a lot of internal conflicts and some external ones. And I think he's navigated it well."
Mayor Saemann declined to respond to Jackson's critique of the recruitment, stating: "I will not dignify your statements with a rebuttal."
Councilmember Raymond Jackson speaking on Tuesday night via Zoom
## Commenters Urge Unity
Public speakers largely supported the appointment while pushing back on earlier criticism from resident Ira Ellman, who had questioned the process and suggested the council majority wanted to "replace a woman of color with an older white male."
Former Mayor and Councilmember Carolyn Petty urged the dissenting council members to unite behind the new city manager.
"We are lucky as a community to get a local back who understands our community," Petty said. "I'm asking you Councilmember Jackson to get on board. Support Steve Napolitano because he's great for our community."
Business advocate Laura Pena noted that Napolitano had already demonstrated a different approach from his predecessor: "For the last few years... I've wanted a lot of our business owners to meet with city staff, city manager, our director. And literally it couldn't get done because I was told there was a lack of resources. Within three weeks of hiring the interim city manager, Steve had met with us."
## Napolitano Addresses Predecessor's Departure
In brief remarks after the vote, Napolitano addressed his relationship with his predecessor directly.
"I want to make a comment to my predecessor, Suja Lowenthal. I know her. She is a friend. We remain friends. She's an incredibly capable person," Napolitano said. "And I wish her nothing but success going forward. What happened was a Council decision that I had no part in."
He pledged to focus on the city's needs: "As far as putting this city first, I've put this city first each and every day for the last six months. That's exactly what I'll do going forward. I appreciate the opportunity, the honor of serving what I consider my second hometown."
### Behind The Window Display
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/behind-the-window-display/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:38:26.000Z
In several of my recent columns, I have shone a little light on the people who quietly make Hermosa…well, Hermosa. The pioneer who dreamed up the city logo and launched the first Fiesta. The two Vietnam veterans who show up, rain or shine, to plan our Veterans Day ceremony and care for the memorial.
This week the spotlight shifts to a different kind of local hero, the kind who keeps our downtown vibrant by simply showing up, day after day, with grit and heart.
Meet Gina Rothwell, the force behind Sol Baby.
For 18 years, Sol Baby has been part of the fabric of Pier Avenue. Her storefront with tiny Hermosa trucker hats, “Poop Deck” onesies, and beach-inspired kids’ clothes make people stop and smile. But behind that creative window display is the far more complicated reality of running a small boutique in a beach town.
A display of unique Sol Baby merchandise PHOTO ©Ian Logan
From my spot behind the counter, where I work two days a week, I’ve seen how much work it takes to keep the store going. Rothwell has weathered a recession, the pandemic, Amazon, and supply-chain chaos, yet the current climate, she says, may be the hardest she’s faced.
“I’m not gonna lie, I’m worried,” Rothwell said. “I have to go back a long time to compare my numbers to where they are now. I’m probably at COVID-year numbers.”
Before Sol Baby, she spent 23 years in corporate retail as a merchandise planner and buyer for LA Gear, BCBG, Guess, and Skechers. After her daughter Kaiya was born, she couldn’t find baby clothes that matched her lifestyle, edgy, cool, rock-and-roll inspired pieces. That gap in the market sparked her idea.
In 2007, while working in a wholesale shoe business on 9th Street, she spotted a 70-square-foot storage unit renting for $450 a month. “I didn’t have a car payment,” she said. “I thought, I can swing that.” She turned what was essentially a closet into the first Sol Baby, building a following through preschool events, local ads, and a lucky LA Magazine write-up.
The Early Days : Gina's original location on Hermosa Avenue
Two years later, she moved into her current Pier Avenue location, in the former Either Or Bookstore building. “Overnight, I had to buy triple the inventory,” she said. She put the expansion on low-interest credit cards. Then the economy crashed, her rate spiked, and she found herself $30,000 in debt.
“Little by little, I chipped away at it,” she said. “But that was a big hurdle.”
Today, she still handles almost every aspect of the business, buying, bookkeeping, online sales, inventory, and displays. Her husband Dave, a former Toyota designer, now works with her full-time, creating the Hermosa-themed graphics that have become Sol Baby signatures.
Gina and her husband Dave PHOTO ©Ian Logan
They sell to retailers like upscale LA boutique Kitson, and through Etsy and Amazon. And they’ve added an upcycled section to meet the growing demand for quality secondhand clothes.
But the bigger challenge, Rothwell says, isn’t her business model, it’s the environment around her.
“Downtown is a ghost town during the day,” she said. “Manhattan and Redondo have more retail, which draws people. Retail feeds retail.”
She also pointed to what she views as unnecessary barriers. Her sign cost $1,000 and took months to approve. Other small business owners, she said, share similar stories about slow-moving permits and approvals. And every December, Hermosa’s small retailers find themselves pleading with the city to cover parking meters during the holidays, something neighboring cities do automatically to help support local shops during their most critical season.
“As a business owner in town who would like to see more spaces filled, I would hope they’re fast-tracking any business that wants to open and not making them jump through hoops,” she said.
In the 1960s, Sol Baby was a woman’s clothing store called Tu’ U, owned by Helen Zinn, the grandmother of longtime Hermosa Beach resident Cindy Whitehead. PHOTO : Whitehead Family Archives
She believes Hermosa could bolster its retail environment with simple, targeted changes. She would love to see more daytime events to pull shoppers downtown, better use of the Pier Avenue promenade for things like a farmers’ market, more flexible festival rules so families can enjoy food, beer, and music together. The city could also recruit interesting retailers to fill empty storefronts.
“People love Sol Baby,” Rothwell said. “But if they want us, and other small stores to be here, they have to support us. Because once a small business disappears, it doesn’t come back.”
Despite it all, Rothwell refuses to give up. She works late nights doing bookkeeping, early mornings rearranging displays, and fills the hours in between with steady, focused effort.
“You can’t just check out after the day is done,” she said. “You’re constantly thinking about things.”
In a town that prides itself on character, Sol Baby remains one of the spots that still feels uniquely Hermosa, creative, personal, sun-soaked, and built on someone’s actual dream. And if we want shops like Sol Baby, curious... and Details to stay part of our daily landscape, we have to show up for them the way they’ve shown up for us.
---
READ MORE FROM ELKA WORNER :
[The 29th Street BandHermosa’s best kept musical secret is getting out.The Hermosa ReviewElka Worner](https://www.hermosareview.com/the-29th-street-band/)
[Bats and the SunsetCarol Tanner helped build our city. One bench, one logo, one idea at a time.The Hermosa ReviewElka Worner](https://www.hermosareview.com/ba/)
[The Keepers of the MemorialA story of service, dedication and supportThe Hermosa ReviewElka Worner](https://www.hermosareview.com/the-keepers-of-the-memorial/)
### CRIME TIME : Nov 30-Dec 6
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-nov-30-dec-6/
Last updated: 2026-01-07T02:58:44.000Z
The Hermosa Beach Police Department's weekly crime report reveals a concentrated enforcement effort targeting reckless e-bike riders, along with several fraud cases and narcotics arrests.
## Major E-Bike Enforcement Operation
The most notable activity this week was a coordinated e-bike enforcement operation on December 5th around Pier Avenue and The Strand. Between 5:06 PM and 8:00 PM, officers cited at least seven riders and impounded their bikes for various violations including:
- Riding wheelies in pedestrian-heavy areas
- Riding in walk-only zones on The Strand
- Running multiple stop signs
- Passing vehicles and weaving through traffic
- Not wearing helmets
- Carrying passengers
- Riding three people on one bike
The enforcement appeared focused on protecting pedestrians in areas "heavily travelled by pedestrians/children," according to the report. One rider was cited twice in the same day.
## Check Fraud Continues
Three separate incidents of check fraud were reported, continuing a troubling pattern:
- A check mailed from the 500 block of Pier Avenue post office was intercepted, altered and cashed (Nov 29-Dec 3)
- An IRS check mailed in late October was intercepted and altered (reported this week but occurred in October)
- Another IRS check case from Manhattan Beach dating back to August
The incidents suggest ongoing vulnerabilities in mail security at local post offices.
## Narcotics Arrests
Two traffic stops resulted in narcotics arrests:
- On December 4th at 1:43 AM on Monterey Boulevard, a traffic stop found a driver in possession of controlled substances without a prescription and paraphernalia
- Later that same day at 10:29 PM on Hermosa Avenue, another traffic stop revealed a driver with a felony warrant who was on parole. Officers found cocaine in the vehicle, leading to an arrest.
## Property Crime
Bike thefts from parking garages continued to be an issue.
- A locked e-bike was stolen from a secured underground garage on Herondo Street (Nov 20-27)
- An unlocked bicycle was taken from an underground garage, also on Herondo Street (Nov 29-30)
- Another e-bike locked to itself was stolen from a Pacific Coast Highway parking structure (Dec 2-4)
A burglary on Pacific Coast Highway saw thieves shatter a front window and steal an electric skateboard, leaving a brick inside the business.
## Notable Cases
An employee embezzlement case spanning from May 2024 to November 2025 was reported from the Pier Avenue area, involving money taken over an extended period.
An ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) operation served a business with a notice of suspension on December 1st. It's understood that this is Roberts Liquor on Pier Plaza.
## Quality of Life Enforcement
Officers made several arrests for public intoxication and cited individuals for public urination downtown. A vandalism incident on Power Street involved someone tearing a security camera from a wall and throwing it at construction workers.
---
### CLICK TO VIEW COMMUNITY CRIME MAP:
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
### CRIME TIME: November 23-29
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-november-23-29/
Last updated: 2025-12-07T22:48:42.000Z
The week spanning Thanksgiving saw 37 reported incidents in Hermosa Beach, with downtown's late-night scene generating the usual mix of public intoxication arrests and quality-of-life citations while officers made several significant arrests involving drugs, weapons, and burglary.
## Violent Crime
The most concerning incident occurred early Wednesday morning around 1:30 AM outside a bar in the Pier Avenue area. A woman leaving the establishment was approached by an unknown person who punched her without provocation, causing her to fall to the ground. The attacker fled and remains unidentified. Anyone with information about this unprovoked assault should contact HBPD.
## Life-Saving Response
Officers successfully saved a life Tuesday evening when they responded to a medical emergency on the 1800 block of Ardmore Avenue. A subject was found non-responsive and not breathing. Officers deployed CPR and an AED, restoring a strong pulse and increased respiratory rate before the person was transported for medical care.
## E-Bike Enforcement
E-bike enforcement remained active throughout the week, in the aftermath of the assault incident on 21st November that has stirred so much discussion within the community. On Monday afternoon, officers cited two riders at Pier Avenue and Valley Drive for unsafe operation after they failed to stop at a stop sign and popped wheelies. Both bikes were impounded. Earlier that day, another e-biker fled when officers attempted a stop near the 1000 block of Monterey Boulevard, dropping their helmet in the process. The helmet was recovered as found property.
## Property Crimes & Arrests
A burglary arrest Friday evening demonstrated effective proactive policing. Officers spotted a subject inside a secured parking garage on the 1700 block of Pacific Coast Highway looking into vehicles. When contacted, the person was found in possession of property stolen from local businesses and was arrested.
Saturday afternoon saw a retail theft arrest at a convenience store on the 1100 block of Pacific Coast Highway. The subject was found in possession of controlled substances, paraphernalia, burglary tools, and items bearing other people's names.
Vandalism and property crimes included a passenger side mirror damaged overnight on 4th Street and a locked e-bike stolen from outside a business on the 1600 block of Pacific Coast Highway Monday afternoon. One victim lost keys and a cell phone while chasing after a runaway dog near Pier Avenue late Monday night.
## Weapons & DUI Arrests
Tuesday morning brought a weapons arrest at Monterey Boulevard and Pier Avenue when a traffic stop revealed the driver was a convicted felon with cans of pepper spray in the vehicle. On Wednesday night, a DUI arrest at 8th Street and Cypress Avenue resulted in charges for driving under the influence and possession of a collapsible baton.
## Traffic Enforcement
Traffic enforcement resulted in two citations for driving with suspended licenses related to prior DUI convictions, and a Redondo Beach incident involving nitrous oxide possession and multiple vehicle violations.
## Quality of Life
Public urination citations dominated quality-of-life enforcement, with at least eight people cited throughout the week. The 13th Court area saw particularly heavy enforcement in the early morning hours of Wednesday. Four separate public intoxication arrests were made at various downtown locations.
## Identity Theft & Threats
Identity theft hit the north end when someone attempted to purchase a vehicle using a victim's identity on the 200 block of 28th Street. A separate traffic stop resulted in a false ID citation when officers noticed a second fake identification card in a subject's wallet while they were retrieving their actual ID.
Saturday afternoon brought a series of threatening phone calls to businesses on the 1100 block of Pacific Coast Highway, with an unknown caller stating they would attack people. Multiple stores received similar threats.
## Other Incidents
The usual assortment of found property included a bicycle recovered on The Strand and sunglasses that went missing from the public beach showers near 2nd Street. As the holiday season continues, HBPD reminds residents to remain vigilant, secure their vehicles and property, and report suspicious activity promptly.
If you have any information relating to any of these incidents, you can contact HbPD on 310 318-0360
[Community Crime Map](https://www.communitycrimemap.com/?address=HermosaBeach,CA&crimeTypes=true&ref=hermosareview.com)
*Crime Time is a weekly feature of The Hermosa Review summarizing the Hermosa Beach Police Department's public crime log.*
### Prominent Hermosa Couple To Donate $500,000 for Monument Signage
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/former-mayor-chuck-sheldon-and-wife-donate-500-000-for-monument-signage/
Last updated: 2025-12-14T20:23:34.000Z
#
Former Hermosa Beach Mayor Chuck Sheldon and his wife Missy have committed to donate $500,000 to fund the design and installation of a new digital monument sign at the Community Center and potentially additional gateway signage throughout the city.
The City Council will consider accepting the donation at their December 9 meeting.
Speaking to The Hermosa Review this week, Chuck Sheldon said :
> "Hermosa should be known around the world as a welcoming community. Signage can display that welcome on all the entrances to Hermosa, especially the main entrance at Pier and PCH. Missy and I believe that a high-class quality sign can represent the welcoming spirit of Hermosa."
## History of Community Investment
The Sheldons are long-time supporters of philanthropic initiatives throughout the city. Chuck founded the Murals Project in late 2009 after he and a group of friends toured the murals of Santa Paula and 29 Palms in California.
Sheldon gathered close friends and neighbors, formed The Hermosa Beach Murals Project and began planning Hermosa's first mural.
Chuck and Missy Sheldon (Credit : Chuck Sheldon)
## A Storied Business and Civic Life
Early in his career, Chuck worked for IBM in sales and marketing management across various locations, while Missy taught elementary school as they moved from city to city. They chose to settle in Hermosa Beach in 1978, where they raised their two sons.
Sheldon quickly established himself as a civic leader. He won a seat on City Council in 1987 and served as mayor in 1990 and 1991\. He coached youth sports, started the Youth Basketball Program, and served on the Planning Commission. Missy became active in educational and community activities and operated a real estate brokerage.
In recognition of their community service, Chuck and Missy were named Hermosa Beach Man and Woman of the Year in 1996—the first couple to be honored in this way.
Sheldon founded Strand Computer Resale (later renamed Network Hardware Resale, and subsequently Curvature) in 1986\. After leaving mayoral office, he shifted his full attention to the company, then a semi-dormant reseller of used computer hardware. He refocused it on network equipment, and over the following three decades (together with his two sons) it grew into a leading player in the IT equipment and services sector.
Chuck and Missy have also provided support to UC Santa Barbara for years, with Chuck specifically devoting attention to the New Venture Program in the Department of Technology Management. Both are passionate about the power of innovation and entrepreneurship, aiming to inspire students to gain business experience through access to practical education.
The Sheldons have also been deeply involved in the Santa Barbara community and have been active in supporting professional theater, seeking solutions to homelessness, and supporting the Food Bank, among other organizations.
## Digital Sign at Community Center
The primary focus of the funds will be a new digital monument sign located in front of the Community Center near Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway. The sign will be installed either where the previous sign stood or as close to that location as possible, subject to approvals from Caltrans, the Planning Commission, and City Council.
The old monument sign (Credit : City of Hermosa Beach)
A commemorative plaque recognizing the Sheldons' contribution will be installed at the base of the digital sign.
Any remaining funds after the digital sign project may be directed toward updating or replacing existing gateway monument signs at various city entry points, or installing new signage at additional locations.
## Long-Awaited Project Now Funded
According to the staff report from Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker, this project has been on the city's Capital Improvement Program list for several years and has been a priority for both City Council and the community. Until now, it remained largely unfunded aside from a $50,000 contribution from the Chamber of Commerce that dates back as far as 2014.
With the Sheldons' gift filling the major funding gap, staff will explore with the Chamber the possibility of reallocating its contribution to another community project.
## City to Manage Design and Installation
The city will oversee all procurement, design, permitting, and installation of the signage, with opportunities for donor input on design. Final approval will come from City Council and other regulatory bodies, including Caltrans and the Planning Commission.
No additional General Fund appropriation is required, and ongoing maintenance costs are expected to be absorbed within existing Public Works operational budgets.
### The 29th Street Band
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/the-29th-street-band/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:38:42.000Z
I’ve heard about the 29th Street Band for years. So this weekend, I rode my Strand cruiser to North Hermosa to find out what all the fuss was about.
By the time I got there, the band was still tuning their instruments on the front patio of a three-story home. But the second that first Johnny Cash twang cut through the air, neighbors appeared with beach chairs, kids started weaving through the crowd, and a couple of dogs settled in at their owners’ feet, ready for the show. Just like that, the whole block slipped into its evening groove, casual, friendly, laid-back Hermosa.
“We’re a garage band without the garage,” guitarist Jeff Grant told me. He’s a retired aerospace engineer who once worked for the CIA, but these days, Thursday nights are for music, neighbors, and a front-row seat to the most feel-good gathering on the block.
The whole thing started during the pandemic, when Grant invited his Northrop Grumman coworker David Zabalaoui over to strum guitars in the patio, just two guys trying to break the monotony of lockdown.
Then Gary Ferguson wandered over with his drums. Ferguson just happened to be a studio drummer whose résumé reads like a who’s who of music legends: Etta James, Cher, Eddie Money, Ray Charles, k.d. lang, Little Richard, the Dixie Chicks.
“Once Gary showed up, that was it,” Zabalaoui said. “We were just two guys messing around. Suddenly we had a real band.”
And it didn’t stop there.
Keyboardist David Goldstein, who’s played with Paul McCartney, the Coasters, the Platters, and Drifters, drives down from Encino. His fingers glide across the keys like he’s still on tour. Neighbor Larry Poindexter added congas. Darren Halford, a retired U-2 and special operations pilot, dusted off his guitar for the first time in 25 years.
Before long, the 29th Street Band was shifting effortlessly through decades of music, The Doors’ “Light My Fire,” Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” the Stray Cats “Rock This Town.” Their soulful renditions got the crowd moving.
They made sure to play “Shake, Shake,” Zabalaoui’s love letter to Hermosa.
> *Once you rocked on 29th Street*
> *You’ll know just where to go!*
> *Grab lunch at La Playita*
> *Head back for one more show.*
But the crowd is what truly makes this a Hermosa story.
Most Thursdays, you’ll find neighbor Mark Zurales in the street with his two-year-old son who proudly sports a tiny 29th Street Band jacket.
The band's greatest fan, two-year-old Jack Zurales (PHOTO : ©Ian Logan)
“This is the best-kept secret in the neighborhood,” Zurales told me. “But everyone is welcome.”
It’s also how newcomers get folded into the mix. Emily Weir had just moved from Connecticut when she heard the music drifting down 29th Street. She followed the sound, unsure what she was walking into, and was instantly swept into the warmth of the crowd.
“They couldn’t have been kinder,” she said. “They were so inclusive, so warm.”
Maybe that struck me even more this week, after watching the horrific video of a group of kids beating an older man near the Pier, a moment that made local and national news and left me sad and shaken. That’s not the Hermosa I grew up in. And it’s not the Hermosa I know now.
This, musicians sharing their talent, kids dancing in the street, strangers becoming friends, is the real Hermosa. A tight knit beach town where people still look out for one another.
“It’s community,” said Terri Taylor, who also grew up here. “We have a lot to be grateful for. This is just another way to smile.”
Lead singer David Zabalaoui belts out “Shake, Shake,” his homage to Hermosa. (PHOTO : ©Ian Logan)
The 29th Street Band performing their anthem for Hermosa - 'Shake Shake'
---
[](https://www.elkaforhermosa.com/?ref=hermosareview.com)
Elka Worner is a community volunteer, City Commissioner, journalist, and Hermosa Beach local. She contributes occasional columns to The Hermosa Review, and publishes her own regular newsletter titled 'Elka's Update’ which you can subscribe to for free.
[Sign Up For Elka's Updates ](https://www.elkaforhermosa.com/?ref=hermosareview.com)
### NEW : City Council Selects Steve Napolitano as Hermosa Beach's Next City Manager
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-news-city-council-selects-steve-napolitano-as-hermosa-beachs-next-city-manager/
Last updated: 2025-12-14T20:24:02.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council announced today that it has selected Steve Napolitano, who has served as the city's Interim City Manager since May, to take on the role permanently. The Council will vote on Napolitano's contract at its December 9 meeting, with the appointment taking effect the following day if approved.
Napolitano, a lifelong South Bay resident and licensed attorney, brings more than 30 years of municipal government experience to the position. He will oversee 150 full-time city employees and manage a $55.5 million annual budget.
His selection concludes a nationwide search conducted by executive recruitment firm Peckham and McKenney that considered 56 candidates for the position. The search began after former City Manager Suja Lowenthal's departure earlier this year.
"During his time as Interim City Manager – from 7:00 am on day one – Steve has worked tirelessly to lead and support our City staff," Mayor Rob Saemann said in a statement. "He brings to our community years of experience in city government and a lifelong understanding of our beach culture."
## Deep South Bay Roots
Napolitano's resume includes five terms on the Manhattan Beach City Council, where he served as both councilmember and mayor. During that tenure, he was both the youngest and longest-serving elected official in Manhattan Beach history. He also spent 12 years as Senior Deputy to former Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, overseeing several county departments and representing the supervisor throughout the beach cities.
More recently, from 2017 to 2022, Napolitano served as chief of staff and senior advisor to Long Beach Councilwoman Stacy Mungo.
"Growing up in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa has always been a second home to me, and I'm well acquainted with its people and its culture," Napolitano said. "Serving as Interim City Manager over the past six months has given me an even appreciation of what makes Hermosa Beach special."
Napolitano currently lives in Manhattan Beach and holds degrees from Loyola Law School and Loyola Marymount University.
If the Council approves his contract as expected on December 9, Napolitano's annual salary will be $270,000\. Lowenthal's base salary (excluding bonuses) was $281,376 at the time of her departure. Napolitano has run his staff without the use of a Deputy City Manager, a position that was previously filled by Angela Crespi, who earned $174,000 in base salary in 2024, with a full package that cost taxpayers almost $300,000 annually. The position was eliminated as a cost saving in this year's budget discussions, with Councilmembers Michael Detoy and Raymond Jackson being the only votes to keep the expense.
Assuming that his contract is approved next week, Napolitano's in-tray is already looking full. The City faces questions over the future of its housing element, given pressure from Sacramento to develop more affordable housing and recent challenges in neighboring Redondo. There are budget pressures, with much-needed City Yard development top of a long list of capital projects. Hermosa is also in the glare of regional and national news coverage, following the shocking assault on a man recently by a group of juveniles near the pier.
[City Manager Appointment nears with Contract DiscussionClosed session takes place Monday as appointment of permanent City Manager likely soonThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-manager-appointment-nears-with-contract-discussion/)
### CITY HALL SKETCH : The Comma Is Mightier Than The Camera
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-sketch-the-comma-is-mightier-than-the-camera/
Last updated: 2026-03-29T06:18:50.000Z
### Diagnosis : Colonic Irritation
Hermosa Beach's Civil Service Board sounds like a sleepy formality, but yesterday’s meeting delivered a masterclass in bureaucratic theater. What began as a routine review of job descriptions quickly morphed into an hour-long meditation on grammar, semantics, and the metaphysics of municipal HR.
First came the welcome for HR Manager Tiffany Nguyen - 18 years of experience, multiple agencies, actual expertise. The Board responded by immediately discussing bathroom habits. More specifically, freeway restroom options. Board member Bob Wolfe enthusiastically recommended the private comfort of **luxury car dealerships** because *“you get better things to eat.”* Apparently he had even contemplated the creation of an app to rate his restroom recommendations. Tiffany took this in her stride - a promising sign, since she’s now responsible for shepherding job specs past this panel. While The Wolfe Of Stall Street explained his idea, HR Tiffany pushed on, unphased by an old man's toilet habits.
Then the Board got to its true passion: **editing**.
One member triumphantly pounced on an errant punctuation mark:
*“I have a small typo just to show that I read it.”*
Momentarily distracted from restroom donuts, Bathroom Bob then warned that “judgment” had been spelled with a dubious “E,” a mistake so serious it represented an existential threat to Hermosa's future. Tiffany maintained a polite, perfectly HR-calibrated smile - though the slight clench suggested she was mentally rewriting her life choices in real time.
Public comment consisted of the Chair calling out, *“Mr. Publick?”* and then answering himself with, *“I guess not.”* It was perhaps the most efficient exchange of the day.
But the real intellectual battle came over the word **citizens**. The proposed swap to “community members” sparked a full-on jurisprudential brawl. One member argued, *“It’s more inclusive.”* Another insisted, *“Some lawyer might consider major what you consider minor.”* A third countered, *“I actually disagree. I don’t think it’s substantive.”*
For a moment, it looked like they might convene a constitutional convention.
Wolfe still appeared to be dreaming of the app-driven fame and fortune that his AirPee&B idea might unlock. DoorSplash ? Google Craps ? Colon (and semi-colon) issues all round, it would seem.
This was followed by a separate doctrinal debate over whether a job description should include the words **“This position requires”** \- a conversation so intricate it began looping in on itself. Members sparred over requirements, typical ways, atypical ways, whether requirements could be not-requirements, and what the italicized paragraph really meant “in spirit.”
Hearing Chairman Douglas Collins proudly declare that he’d been *“in government since 1968,”* Tiffany momentarily envisioned her own future - hovering above a council chamber in 2082, still answering questions about punctuation from autonomous cybernetic drones.
Chairman Douglas Collins imposing his judgement. Or J-U-D-G-M-E-N-T.
At one point, someone tried to return to commas, which is how you know things were getting dire.
And then, with exquisite comedic timing, **Councilmember Dean Francois** appeared in the room, attempting to set up the room for his 6 p.m. community forum. TV news crews gathered behind him, cameras poised, cables everywhere. Democracy was literally waiting in the lobby.
But the Board had unfinished business with colons.
Chair Collins snapped toward the commotion:
**“Close the door, you’re making too goddamn much noise!”**
The room fell silent. The cameras blinked. The grammarians prevailed.
With the door shut and the media exiled, the Board returned to its sacred duty: deciding whether “requires” should be struck. Ultimately, they voted yes - ensuring the city can hire either a seasoned municipal risk expert or, theoretically, someone who merely *feels* qualified, depending on how the italics are interpreted.
Finally, as the clock ticked toward 6 p.m. and FOX 11 news rattled their equipment impatiently outside, the Board adjourned.
**The camera may capture the moment, but in Hermosa Beach, the comma still wins the war.**
---
*City Hall Sketch* is an occasional satirical look at the machinations of our local government.Tune in next time when the Civil Service Board confronts a truly existential crisis: whether “and/or” should be banned from the English language.
### TV News Crews Show Up for Community Forum Dominated by E-bike Concerns
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/tv-news-crews-show-up-for-community-forum-dominated-by-e-bike-concerns/
Last updated: 2025-12-14T20:23:52.000Z
A Community Forum with Councilmember Dean Francois took on additional significance on Monday evening (1st December) as residents competed for space in City Hall chambers with TV news cameras from both Fox 11 and KTLA.
The meeting had been scheduled before the assault on a 56 year old man by a gang of juveniles on 11th Court on the evening of 21st November. In anticipation of a barrage of questions from the community regarding the incident, Francois was flanked by both City Manager Steve Napolitano and Police Chief Landon Phillips. Phillips did most of the talking as questions ranged from the progress of the investigation to future enforcement measures to curb antisocial behavior in the City.
No significant new details regarding the incident were released during the meeting. Police confirmed that all parties have been identified, and have previously announced that two juveniles have been arrested for assault, booked into custody at HbPD jail and transported to juvenile hall. Chief Phillips did not confirm whether charges would be brought against other juveniles, saying that 'investigations are continuing'.
Chief Landon Phillips addressing community questions on Monday evening
Residents spoke and listened for almost 90 minutes, including discussion of other incidents they had personally witnessed. Phillips reiterated his previous advice to the community to always report incidents of public nuisance and antisocial behavior, and not to be worried about calling 911 if in any doubt.
A number of residents questioned the possibility of instigating some sort of license plate requirement for e-bikes in order to make them easier to identify. Both Napolitano and Phillips stated that a law change of this type would likely require state approval.
Following up from the recent Public Safety Forum held last month, questions were raised regarding the potential use of additional contract enforcement officers. Responding, Francois stated 'this was just a suggestion at the last meeting. I'm not sure that the public is ready for the cost of these additional officers'
The impact of speeding e-bikes on The Strand was raised by several attendees. Michelle Hampton spoke emotionally as she described no longer feeling safe walking on The Strand, and of neighbors who no longer walk their dogs there because of the potential dangers of speeding e-bikes. Strand resident Robert Aronoff accused riders of turning The Strand from 'a walking path into a freeway'.
### Press Release 'fell short'
Local social media forums continue to be dominated by chatter and concerns over the assault incident. Phillips and Napolitano both referenced the difficulties caused by the potential spread of misinformation, and the constraints caused by an ongoing investigation that involves juvenile suspects.
Napolitano did however acknowledge that a press statement made by the Police Department last Tuesday 'fell short' of expected standards. That press release was perceived by some to apportion blame on the victim for initiating contact with the suspects, while failing to acknowledge the severity of the subsequent assault. The statement made reference to the victim being attacked with 'a cardboard pizza box' without also mentioning the kicks and punches that were seen in a widely circulated video of the incident.
[Manhattan Beach Middle School Principal issues Statement over Hermosa ‘e-bike assault’Letter to parents acknowledges the involvement of MBMS students in 21st November incidentThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/manhattan-beach-middle-school-principal-issues-statement-over-e-bike-assault/)
[NEW : Police make arrests in ‘e-bike assault’ caseHBPD announce the arrest of two juveniles and the identification of three others. All aged 13-15 yearsThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-news-police-make-arrests-in-e-bike-gang-assault-case/)
### Manhattan Beach Middle School Principal issues Statement over Hermosa 'e-bike assault'
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/manhattan-beach-middle-school-principal-issues-statement-over-e-bike-assault/
Last updated: 2025-12-02T01:31:24.000Z
A letter from Manhattan Beach Middle School Principal Dr. Matthew Horvath to parents yesterday addresses the involvement of an unspecified number of MBMS students in the events of 21st November during which a local man in his 50s was seriously assaulted on 11th Court in Hermosa Beach.
It should be noted that it is not publicly known at this stage whether all of the juveniles identified are MBMS students, or if all are Manhattan Beach residents.
Dr. Horvath was appointed to his role in July 2025.
### Dr. Matthew Horvath's letter in full :
*Dear MBMS Community*,**
*I want to address the recent incident widely reported in the news involving teenagers on e-bikes in Hermosa Beach, during which a man in his 50s was seriously injured. This event has understandably caused concern, anger, and sadness across our community, and I share those feelings. While I must protect student privacy and respect the ongoing police investigation, I can confirm that MBMS students were involved in this off-campus incident. I also recognize that students may feel unsettled or confused by what they are seeing in the news or hearing from peers, and our counselors are available to support any student who may need it. Families are encouraged to reach out if additional resources or guidance would be helpful.*
***What I Can Share at This Time***
*The incident occurred in the City of Hermosa Beach, and therefore the Hermosa Beach Police Department is the agency responsible for the investigation. Because the students are minors and there is an active police investigation, I cannot provide any specific details about the students, the status of the investigation, or potential consequences. The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) strictly prohibits schools from disclosing personally identifiable student information in situations like this.*
*What I can say is the following:*
· *Your students are safe at school. This behavior is unacceptable and will never be tolerated at MBMS.*
· *We take this incident extremely seriously, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement.*
· *As information is made available, we will share updates with the community to the extent that we can under the law.*
***A Call for Community Responsibility***
*The recent news coverage reflects what many of us have been witnessing in the community: groups of kids on e-bikes engaging in unsafe or aggressive behavior and putting themselves and others at serious risk. While this incident occurred off campus and outside school hours, it does not lessen the obligation we have as educators, parents, and caregivers to have crucial conversations with our kids about what is right and what is wrong.*
*I am asking all families to have direct, honest conversations with their children about:*
· *Safe, responsible, and lawful e-bike operation.*
· *Understanding that actions outside of school have real-world consequences.*
· *Speaking up when things feel off or see others making decisions that can hurt themselves or others.*
*These conversations are essential for all kids, not only those directly involved.*
***Our Commitment Moving Forward***
*When I first arrived at MBMS, I shared my commitment to fostering a school environment where every student feels safe, supported, and heard. This recent incident is deeply concerning, and we want you to know that we are approaching it with the utmost seriousness, care, and confidentiality. We remain focused on student safety, character development, and shared responsibility, and in the weeks ahead we will reinforce expectations through advisory lessons, AIRE sessions, and continued collaboration with our local partners. I ask for our community’s partnership in allowing law enforcement to complete their investigation and in helping us support all students during this difficult moment.*
*Thank you for your continued commitment to the well-being of our school community.*
*Sincerely,*
*Dr. Horvath*
*We have crafted these Talking Points for Staff to support our students should they have questions or concerns about the incident. These are great talking points for you to use at home with your children.*
***1\. Guidance for Students Who May Hear About the Incident at School on Monday***
- *Avoid spreading rumors or trying to identify or discuss specific students involved.*
- *If something you hear makes you uncomfortable, confused, or upset, talk to a trusted adult (counselor, teacher, administrator).*
- *Be kind and respectful to peers. This is a sensitive situation and not everyone knows the same information.*
- *If peers begin discussing the incident in a way that feels inappropriate, unkind, or unsafe, walk away and notify an adult.*
- *Focus on maintaining a safe, calm, and supportive school environment for all students.*
***2\. Talking Points for Parents and Staff on How to Guide Conversations***
- *Emphasize safety, responsibility, and the importance of making good choices both in and out of school.*
- *Reinforce that violence, aggression, or unsafe behavior on e-bikes or otherwise is never acceptable.*
- *Remind students that law enforcement, not peers or parents, is responsible for determining what happened.*
- *Encourage students to share their feelings and ask questions if they feel unsettled by what they’ve heard or seen.*
- *Discourage speculation, gossip, or blaming, instead focus instead on values, empathy, and learning from difficult events.*
- *Stress that privacy laws prevent schools from discussing specifics, and that families should avoid trying to identify students.*
***3\. Sensitivity Toward Students Whose Families May Not Discuss the Incident***
- *Recognize that not all students will know about the incident, avoid assuming what others do or don’t know.*
- *Avoid pressuring peers to talk about it or questioning them if they don’t respond.*
- *Understand that some students may feel caught off guard hearing about it at school; treat them with patience and care.*
- *Maintain a culture of empathy, everyone processes news differently, and some families may choose not to talk about it.*
- *Keep conversations respectful and be mindful that this topic may be emotionally heavy or confusing for some students.*
---
[NEW : Police make arrests in ‘e-bike assault’ caseHBPD announce the arrest of two juveniles and the identification of three others. All aged 13-15 yearsThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-news-police-make-arrests-in-e-bike-gang-assault-case/)
### City Manager Appointment nears with Contract Discussion
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-manager-appointment-nears-with-contract-discussion/
Last updated: 2025-12-01T00:59:42.000Z
Hermosa Beach City Council will meet behind closed doors tomorrow (Monday 1st December) to discuss the employment contract of the City Manager.
The meeting comes after a previous closed session on 20th November, widely assumed to have been the final interview process for the appointment of a permanent City Manager. Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Steve Napolitano was appointed to the post on an interim basis in May, following the resignation of Suja Lowenthal from the post after a performance review.
It is not known at this stage whether a final appointment has been made, but the fact that tomorrow's closed session is titled 'Negotiation of City Manager Employment Contract' would appear to indicate that a decision on the successful candidate has been reached.
If there is agreement on both the appointment and the terms of the contract, it is possible that an announcement to ratify both items could be made at the next scheduled full city council meeting on 9th December.
Lowenthal's annual base salary was $281,376 when she resigned. She was awarded a 7% bonus for 2024\. Transparent California reported her total cost to taxpayers as $404,749.42 for 2024\. This figure includes pension debt, as well as any other salary supplements.
---
[Council to Interview City Manager Candidates ThursdayClosed session scheduled to select permanent City bossThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-council-to-interview-city-manager-candidates-thursday/)
[City Payroll in Focus After 2024 Data ReleasedNewly released data shines a light on individual staff and police officer compensationThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-payroll-in-focus-after-2024-data-released/)
### Councilmember Francois to Host Community Forum Monday Evening
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/councilmember-francois-to-host-community-forum-monday-evening/
Last updated: 2025-11-30T23:40:59.000Z
Councilmember Dean Francois will host a Community Forum on Monday, December 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hermosa Beach City Council Chambers (1315 Valley Drive).
The forum will be the first since the November 21 incident in which a group of teenagers on e-bikes are alleged to have seriously assaulted a man in his 50s near the pier, sparking widespread community outrage. Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the attack, and police have so far identified five suspects total, all between ages 13-15.
Mayor Rob Saemann recently held a Public Safety Town Hall on November 13 focused on e-bike enforcement, where Police Chief Landon Phillips discussed the possible use of contract officers to assist in e-bike enforcement issues.
Francois' forum provides residents an opportunity to meet with the councilmember, ask questions, and discuss issues facing the city. Given recent events, public safety and e-bike enforcement are likely to be top concerns for attendees.
Residents are welcome to attend, and RSVPs are encouraged but not required. The meeting will not be available via remote participation. Those wishing to RSVP can email [dfrancois@hermosabeach.gov](mailto:dfrancois@hermosabeach.gov).
[NEW : Police make arrests in ‘e-bike assault’ caseHBPD announce the arrest of two juveniles and the identification of three others. All aged 13-15 yearsThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-news-police-make-arrests-in-e-bike-gang-assault-case/)
[City Explores Contract Officers for E-Bike Enforcement at Public Safety ForumAdditional Contract Officers among possible solutions being explored to combat e-bike problemsThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-explores-contract-officers-for-e-bike-enforcement-at-public-safety-forum/)
### CRIME TIME : 16-22 November
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-16-22-november/
Last updated: 2025-11-28T19:28:04.000Z
## Assault Sends Victim to Hospital
The most serious incident of the week occurred on Thursday night, November 21, when a victim was assaulted by a group of subjects at 11th Court and Beach Drive. The victim required transport for medical care.
The police report log provides limited details about the attack, including no information about the number of assailants, what precipitated the assault, or whether any arrests were made. The incident remains under investigation. This is believed to be the incident that has been widely reported on social media, in The Hermosa Review, and is the subject of three official Police updates. Two juveniles have subsequently been arrested in connection.
## Property Crime
The week saw several theft incidents across the city. One occurred overnight between November 19-20 when a computer was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 1000 block of Ardmore Avenue. Police continue to remind residents to lock their vehicles and remove valuables.
An e-bike was stolen from a locked storage area at a residence in the 00 block of 21st Court sometime between November 14-16.
On November 21, police arrested a shoplifting suspect at a store in the 100 block of Pacific Coast Highway after the subject took various items and left without paying. The suspect was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia.
In another retail theft incident on November 21, two subjects entered a business in the 3100 block of Manhattan Avenue where one concealed alcohol while the other paid for food items at the counter. When confronted, one suspect claimed the alcohol had been replaced, but video evidence showed it was stolen.
Police also are investigating a long-running identity theft case, with an unknown subject using a victim's identity to open multiple credit accounts over several years. The victim, who lives in the 500 block of Monterey Boulevard, reported the fraud on November 21.
## DUI and Traffic Violations
Police made two DUI arrests during the week. One occurred early Friday morning on November 22 at 2nd Street and Manhattan Avenue around 3:07 AM. The other was in Area 3 on November 15 on Pacific Coast Highway.
Multiple drivers were cited for driving without a valid license or with suspended/revoked licenses throughout the week. One traffic stop on November 15 at 1200 Hermosa Avenue escalated when the passenger became erratic and argumentative, resisting arrest. A search of the vehicle found items in other people's names, and both occupants were arrested.
In a more unusual incident, an officer on November 22 observed a subject riding a Surron E-moto Motorcycle while using a cell phone in the 1600 block of Hermosa Avenue. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the suspect fled and evaded police.
## Public Intoxication and Quality of Life
Police made two arrests for public intoxication during the week—one on November 16 in the 500 block of Pier Avenue and another early on November 21 in the 00 block of 11th Street.
Two citations were issued for public urination in the early morning hours of November 22, one in the 00 block of 11th Street and another in the 1100 block of Hermosa Avenue.
## Other Incidents
Police responded to a missing person report on November 16 in the 2500 block of Valley Drive. While the person was not located, a vehicle registered to the individual was found. The person remains missing.
On a positive note, police recovered and logged several items of found property including bicycles, a wallet, a backpack, and a driver's license, all found between November 17-20.
---
***Crime Time is compiled from Hermosa Beach Police Department public reports and reflects reported incidents only.***
---
[NEW : Police make arrests in ‘e-bike assault’ caseHBPD announce the arrest of two juveniles and the identification of three others. All aged 13-15 yearsThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-news-police-make-arrests-in-e-bike-gang-assault-case/)
### NEW : Police make arrests in 'e-bike assault' case
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-news-police-make-arrests-in-e-bike-gang-assault-case/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:40:53.000Z
Hermosa Beach Police announced the arrests of two juveniles in connection with an assault that occurred near Pier Plaza at 11th Court last Friday (21st November).
The incident, of which a series of shocking video footage had been widely circulated, made both local and national news channels in the last few days. A community update that was issued by police yesterday caused a flurry of speculation with regard to the investigation.
Today HBPD issued a further statement in which they confirmed that five juveniles between the ages of 13-15 years have been identified. Two have been arrested and booked into custody at the HBPD Jail from where they will be transported to Juvenile Hall. The police statement says that they have been identified as 'primary aggressors'
Redacted entry from police logs showing the incident from 21st November
The full statement reads as follows :
**Case update regarding assault that occurred on Friday Nov 21, 2025**.
This past Friday at approximately 8pm, a 56-year-old male resident was assaulted by several juveniles near 11th Court and Beach Drive.
Your Hermosa Beach Police Department takes this violent crime and all crime very seriously. We understand the concerns of the community and have been working nonstop to identify those involved and bring them to justice. Your HBPD has been fielding phone calls, e-mails and processing videos obtained from various sources.
As of today, Nov. 26, 2025, we have identified five juveniles involved, all between the ages of 13-15 and have arrested two of the juveniles identified as primary aggressors in this case. They were booked at the HBPD Jail and will be transported to Juvenile Hall.
We are in communication with the parents of the remaining juveniles and are preparing a thorough case we will present to the prosecutors office. We know the videos circulating are disturbing. As with all cases, we take this seriously and appreciate the community’s patience while we continue to work on this case. We sincerely thank those who have trusted the process and allowed our team to remain focused on the facts and evidence.
We are asking for anyone with additional information regarding this assault to contact the Police Department at (310) 318-0360.
### VIDEO : Can I Defend Myself Against Minors ?
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/video-can-i-defend-myself-against-minors/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T18:05:21.000Z
Watch carefully as **Hermosa Beach Police Chief Landon Phillips** explains your rights as an adult to defend yourself against minors. Click the video below, to watch as he describes your right to self-defense at the recent Public Safety Forum
## VIDEO HERE :
---
[Police claim e-bike attack ‘not a targeted assault’ (UPDATED)Police issue update. “Not a targeted assault” they say.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/police-seeking-witnesses-to-e-bike-attack/)
**General Self-Defense Principles:**
- California law allows you to use reasonable force to defend yourself against imminent harm, regardless of the attacker's age. The right to self-defense doesn't disappear simply because your attacker is under 18.
- The force used must be proportional to the threat faced. You can only use the amount of force that a reasonable person would believe is necessary to prevent imminent harm.
- California has no general "duty to retreat" in most situations. You can stand your ground if you're in a place you have a legal right to be and are not the initial aggressor.
**Special Considerations with Minor Attackers:**
- The "reasonableness" standard still applies, meaning courts will consider whether your response was appropriate given the totality of circumstances, including the minor's age, size, and apparent capability to cause harm.
- You're expected to use the minimum force necessary. If you can safely stop a threat from a smaller or younger child without significant force, using excessive force could lead to criminal charges.
- Your knowledge that the attacker is a minor may factor into what's considered "reasonable" - for example, using deadly force against a young child would almost never be justified unless facing an extremely unusual threat.
**Legal Consequences:**
- Even if criminal charges aren't filed, you could still face civil liability if your use of force is deemed excessive.
### Police claim e-bike attack 'not a targeted assault' (UPDATED)
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/police-seeking-witnesses-to-e-bike-attack/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T18:07:03.000Z
### Incident took place on Friday November 21st at around 8pm
Hermosa Beach police are appealing for witnesses and surveillance footage that may assist in their investigation into an assault that took place one block from the pier on Friday evening in the 11th Court alley.
Video of the incident has been widely circulated on local social media, but police have asked for footage to be removed as it may impede their investigation. In that footage, a group of several teenagers are seen assaulting an older man, continuing to beat him while he lays motionless on the street. He was reportedly taken to hospital, having suffered a 'severe concussion'. According to witnesses, police were on the scene within two minutes, but the suspects had already fled.
**UPDATE : HBPD issued the following statement on Tuesday November 25th :**
The Hermosa Beach Police Department (HBPD) issues the following Community Update on its ongoing investigation into the videotaped assault on a Hermosa Beach resident involving juvenile e-bike riders:
“The HBPD’s ongoing investigation has determined that the November 21 incident was not a targeted assault and that the resident walked past his intended destination to initiate contact with the juveniles. The HBPD has reviewed videotapes and audio of the incident and is continuing to investigate the events leading up the altercation. There is currently no evidence indicating that this was a premeditated attack by the juveniles, and detectives have determined that the item the victim was struck with in the video was a cardboard pizza box. The victim has been released from the hospital and spoke with HBPD officers on Monday. HBPD officers also spoke with one of the juvenile’s parents, who contacted HBPD after seeing their child on videos of the assault that are circulating on social media. HBPD is continuing its investigation and urges parents of the other juveniles involved, as well as any community members with relevant information, to contact Detective DiGenova at ****ndigenova@hermosabeach.gov.**
The HBPD continues to actively enforce existing e-bike laws, including an urgency ordinance enacted in June 2024 by the Hermosa Beach City Council that requires helmets for e-bike riders and passengers under 18, bans e-bikes from the Greenbelt, prohibits passengers without a separate seat and bars alcohol/drug use while riding. Under the ordinance, violators face fines from $250 to $1,000, and juveniles under 18 can have their e-bikes impounded. Companies that rent out e-bikes must also use geofencing to prevent motors from running in prohibited areas like the Strand and Pier Plaza.
On November 13, Hermosa Beach Mayor Rob Saemann and HBPD Chief Landon Phillips held a Public Safety Town Hall focused on e-bike enforcement, at which Chief Phillips reported that HBPD has issued 40 e-bike citations this year and impounded 19 e-bikes since the urgency ordinance was adopted. In addition, HBPD has partnered with the Hermosa Beach City School District in its “Be Safe, Be SMART” safety campaign that educates students on how to safely operate an e-bike. In October, the California School Boards Association honored the e-bike safety partnership with its statewide Golden Bell Award.”
HBPD remains committed to keeping the community safe and asks members of the public to stay alert. If something looks suspicious, please call 9-1-1 or the department’s non-emergency line at (310) 524-2750.
HBPD issued this initial statement following the incident :
> "The Hermosa Beach Police Department is aware of videos circulating online depicting an assault that occurred on November 21, 2025\. Hermosa Beach Police Department patrol officers arrived on scene within minutes, and detectives also responded to initiate an immediate investigation. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
>
> As this remains an active and ongoing investigation, no additional details are available at this time. The Hermosa Beach Police Department urges anyone who possesses video or photographic evidence, or who has information regarding the suspects, to contact the us directly. Publicly posting videos or images of the suspects may impede investigative efforts and hinder the apprehension of those involved.
>
> Updates will be provided as soon as it is appropriate to do so.Please forward any relevant information to the investigating detective at: ndigenova@hermosabeach.gov
The incident comes just a couple of weeks after a local Public Safety Forum, at which a number of residents expressed concern over what they described as 'teenage gangs' harrassing residents around Pier Plaza and The Strand.
This story will be updated as details become available.
[VIDEO : Can I Defend Myself Against Minors ?Watch carefully as Hermosa Beach Police Chief Landon Phillips explains your rights as an adult to defend yourself against minors. Click the video below, to watch as he describes your right to self-defense at the recent Public Safety Forum Police seeking witnesses to ’e-bike attack’Incident took place on FridayThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/video-can-i-defend-myself-against-minors/)
[City Explores Contract Officers for E-Bike Enforcement at Public Safety ForumAdditional Contract Officers among possible solutions being explored to combat e-bike problemsThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/city-explores-contract-officers-for-e-bike-enforcement-at-public-safety-forum/)
### Tree Lighting Caps Hermosa for the Holidays Weekend on Sunday
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/tree-lighting-caps-hermosa-for-the-holidays-weekend-tonight/
Last updated: 2025-11-24T01:00:37.000Z
The Hermosa Beach Chamber Foundation's annual Hermosa for the Holidays event concludes today (Sunday 23rd) with the community tree lighting ceremony, capping a three-day festival that drew crowds to downtown over the weekend.
The tree lighting ceremony begins at 5:45 p.m. on Pier Plaza, with Santa's arrival and the lighting scheduled for 6 p.m. Musical entertainment runs throughout the afternoon, and there's also live music outside Java Man on Pier Avenue.
The concert stage will feature a range of local artists, right next to the Ferris wheel at the pier
Today's schedule includes a Community Concert from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the Rock for Tots benefit concert from 5-8 p.m., both on Pier Plaza. A Nonprofit Giving Village runs from 1-6 p.m., featuring local organizations including the Hermosa Beach Sister City Association, The Peter Zippi Foundation, and South Bay Boardriders and the Hermosa Beach Women's Club.
The weekend kicked off Friday evening with a Ferris wheel on Pier Plaza, which continues operating today from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday featured a collection of local vendors at pop-up markets along Pier Avenue and a "Kids Creationz Market" on the upper Pier Avenue sidewalk, where young entrepreneurs from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade sold their own handcrafted items.
Saturday's Kids Creationz Market featured a selection of stalls run by local young entrepreneurs
Today's activities also include photos with Santa from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a storytime tent near Uncorked, and the final hours of an Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt at 22 participating local businesses, which ends at 5 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. Chamber President Michelle Crispin said the event has become a "family favorite in the community" and a way to promote "shop local."
[Forty Years of Fresh Trees and Community Spirit: The Kiwanis Christmas Tree LotIt’s about more than just the tree. Much more.The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/forty-years-of-fresh-trees-and-community-spirit-the-kiwanis-christmas-tree-lot/)
### Crime Time: November 9-15, 2025
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-november-2-8-2025-2/
Last updated: 2025-11-21T16:11:05.000Z
Stay safe, Hermosa Beach...
_This post is for subscribers only._
### Forty Years of Fresh Trees and Community Spirit: The Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lot
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/forty-years-of-fresh-trees-and-community-spirit-the-kiwanis-christmas-tree-lot/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:38:51.000Z
## As the Kiwanis tree lot marks its 40th year, we explore why buying your tree here matters
---
Rick Koenig remembers the snowball fight. It was 1973 or '74, and snow - actual snow - had dusted the sidewalk along Pacific Coast Highway near the Community Center. Walking with his mother, a younger Rick watched as kids scraped together enough powder off the sidewalk to throw snowballs between the cars at the upholstery shop across the street.
It would be another decade before the Kiwanis Club would set up its tree lot on that same spot, but five decades later, Koenig is now the organization's regional Lt. Governor, and that lot has become something far bigger than anyone could have imagined when Cary Bichlmeier first took a camper truck and slept among the 200 trees he bought in 1985.
"That first year, he sold every one of them," Koenig says, sitting in Kiwanis Hall after the regular Wednesday club luncheon. "Now we're hoping to sell a couple of thousand."
## Sleeping On The Job
Bichlmeier runs a local insurance firm, and began attending the club in 1979\. He recalls that when he became president in 1984, fundraising had hit a problem. Back in those days, the main moneymaker was a bingo game which was suddenly impacted by an increase in Native American casinos. He says "we realized that we couldn't survive just on the proceeds from a pancake breakfast". Bichlmeier had a high school buddy who was running a tree lot, and proposed that Kiwanis could do the same. The trees were purchased and fellow member Charlie Imai offered his RV to the project. They set up shop in the space now occupied by the Veterans Memorial, and the Kiwanis Tree Lot was born.
Bichlmeier, who is the club's longest continuous servant, recalls the challenges. "We knew that we couldn't just leave all these trees there unattended overnight. That's where Charlie's RV came in. We agreed to take it in turns to sleep overnight with the trees. Somehow I ended up doing quite a lot of shifts." He laughs as he reminisces: "It would get a little cold, so we would all have a few drinks to keep warm".
As usual this year's lot will open at 9 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving, following the club's annual "Blessing of the Trees" ceremony on Thanksgiving Eve. But for anyone considering a quick run to Home Depot instead, Koenig has a simple pitch, delivered with a convincing folksiness: "Ours are typically three days out of the ground when we receive them. Their trees could be a month old." And today (Thursday 20th November), the first truck load arrived through the drizzle, with a small group of muscular Kiwanis volunteers waiting to unload them.
Volunteers stood by early this morning ready to receive the first load of fresh trees from Oregon
That freshness comes from three longtime growers in Oregon who've supplied the lot for decades. And according to Koenig, there's one more secret to keeping your tree vibrant through Christmas:
> "Cheap vodka. Straight vodka in the bowl. The cheaper the better. Don't drink it, stand your tree in it."
It's practical advice delivered with an easy humor but behind the jokes lies something more serious. The tree lot isn't just a seasonal tradition - it's the Kiwanis Club's major fundraiser.
"Absolutely critical," Koenig says when asked about the lot's importance. "It's a make or break."
Taking care of business - the fresh trees are being unpacked this week ready for opening day on 28th November
## Every Penny Stays Locally
Each year, proceeds from the tree lot support over 55 different entities (most of them charities themselves) and fund 40 to 45 scholarships locally.
"We pay for our own paperclips," Koenig explains. "Every other penny gets reinvested in our community or in organizations that serve our community."
Recipients include Harbor Interfaith, which works extensively with unhoused residents and food insecurity in the South Bay; The Arc, who serve people with developmental disabilities; our own Historical Society Museum and scholarship programs ranging from middle schoolers transitioning to high school all the way up to college-bound seniors. Last year, the recipients included two local students who were accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
The club's community work extends to projects that often go unnoticed. Some years back, Koenig visited a non-profit's facilities at the Community Center and was dismayed by their condition. "The paint's peeling off the walls, the sinks don't work, the light fixtures are damaged - it was sad," he recalls.
He and other members pooled funds, secured a small grant from Kiwanis International, and spent several weekends renovating the space. "It didn't need to be in the newspapers," Koenig says. "We knew. We would drive by the community center and just...well, you feel good knowing what you had been a part of."
## The Mayor of the North Pole
What sets the Kiwanis lot apart isn't just the fresh trees or the cause - it's the community experience. There's Santa, of course. For the past five years, Hermosa Beach Mayor Rob Saemann (now also the club president) has donned a custom-made suit and transformed completely. "It's like he's put on a superhero costume," Koenig says. "The love and the kindness that comes out - that's his alter ego. He's not Mayor Saemann or a gruff contractor once that suit goes on."
Mayor of the North Pole : Santa Rob Saemann behind the beard, with Mrs. Claus, his wife Katy
Koenig recalls one particular tree lot moment with real fondness. One Friday evening a few years back, he says a mother and daughter walked through the lot. The girl, maybe six or seven years old, seemed hesitant when she was invited up to talk to Santa. But she climbed up, and they began talking. The mother started to cry quietly.
"My daughter struggles with autism," she explained, "and this is the first time she's spoken to anybody other than me in three years."
These moments accumulate over 40 years. Koenig served one man who shared that his grandfather had brought him to this very lot when he was the same age as his young son, now standing beside him. "So this is a generational thing," Koenig reflects.
It's part of what he calls the "hidden hand" of Kiwanis : work that creates value without visibility, community members contributing in ways that might never make headlines but that sustain the fabric of a small town. (To be clear, we had to convince Koenig to sit down for this interview. These Kiwanians don't seek publicity !)
The lot has evolved considerably from those early days. What started as a flat lot where "nobody cared" now requires permits, inspections, and safety infrastructure. There's the main tree sales area, and then there's the fabled "Christmas Voodoo Lounge" - a back trailer that Koenig diplomatically describes as being 'rather quiet' these days today, serving cocoa instead of something stronger. Koenig recalls a local comedian describing Hermosa Beach as having 'the only Christmas tree lot in America with a two drink minimum' back in the day.
## A Challenging Market
Like so many local businesses, Koenig says that last year proved difficult. They bought their usual quantity, but ended up with some unsold by Christmas Eve. "With our tight margins, that's real money for us," he admits.
He attributes the slowdown partly to post-COVID travel patterns resuming and partly to competition from artificial trees, in addition to pressure from the big chain stores.
Corporate sales have also nearly disappeared. Banks and investment firms that once ordered 10 or 12-foot trees for their foyers have largely stopped.
Still, Koenig remains optimistic. The lot draws about 80% of its customers from Hermosa, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach, with many driving from as far as Palos Verdes to maintain their family tradition. "They know they can get a better deal for a crappier tree," he says, "but they also know that this is kind of their way of feeling like they're paying tithe and keeping things local"
#### The 2025 Kiwanis Tree Ornament
Only available to those who purchase a tree at the Kiwanis tree lot - a specially commissioned and engraved wooden tree ornament
## A Century of Service
The tree lot's 40th anniversary comes just ahead of an even bigger milestone: in February 2026, the Kiwanis Club of Hermosa Beach will celebrate its centenary. The club received its charter on February 26, 1926 - just 11 years after Kiwanis International was founded in 1915.
The current hall, where the club still meets for those Wednesday lunches, was built in 1957 by member Austin Blankenship, a contractor, with support from Judge Eric Rafter. The members constructed it and donated it to the city with the understanding that the club could use it in perpetuity for one dollar per year. That lease currently runs through 2030.
For Koenig, who joined in February 2000 after being invited by member Jean Lombardo, the club represents something essential in his life.
Growing up in Hermosa, Koenig had walked past the Kiwanis Hall every day on his way to school, assuming it was just "a bunch of guys that, you know, like the reason guys buy a boat to just get away from their wives a little bit and drink some beer."
He says today that he couldn't have been more wrong.
"I think it's the most rewarding thing to not only know that you are in a room with people that you can trust, that can be hopefully lifelong friends, but that you can give back to a community that has given so much to you," he says. "One person can make a difference. Ten people can make a bigger difference."
At every Wednesday club luncheon, everyone around the table (including guests) are invited to tell the room how they feel this week and why. They are asked to contribute 'a Happy Dollar or a Sad Dollar' as they talk. After hearing the stories, it seems like the Kiwanis tree lot really is a place to spend Hermosa Happy Dollars this holiday season.
As Koenig reminds me, "You are buying more than just a tree".
🎄
****Rick's Tips for Tree Success**
****Buy early if you want the best selection.** While some families have left their tree purchase late, that's become rare. Most serious tree buyers come in the first few days.
****Ask for a fresh cut on the bottom.** The staff will remove the stand, make a fresh cut to maximize water absorption, and reinstall it.
****Rotate your tree** if it's in direct sunlight, and keep curtains closed when you're not home.
****Consider delivery.** The cost is proportional to distance, and it saves the hassle of roof racks and tree sap.
And yes, ****try the vodka trick**. Koenig swears by it, though he confesses he doesn't know why it works. "A bottle of, $5 bottle of vodka," he says.
---
*The Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lot opens November 28th at 9 a.m. at the Hermosa Beach Community Center. Delivery available. Wreaths, unique photo frames from the local Young At Art group, and that special wooden tree ornament also for sale. All proceeds support local charities and scholarships. Cash and cards accepted.*
*The Blessing of the Trees ceremony takes place November 26th (the day before Thanksgiving) at noon with Brett Armstrong of Guidestone Church officiating.*
*For more information about Kiwanis Club of Hermosa Beach or to inquire about membership, contact Rick Koenig at (310) 990-0673*
### THE EPICUREVIEW - Tiki Kai: Bring Your Friends Before You Invite Your Date
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/tiki-kai-bring-your-friends-before-you-invite-your-date/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:12:15.000Z
### Not just a novelty, Hermosa's new Tiki destination delivers a memorable night out. We go behind 'that door'.
***The Epicureview by The Secret Eater***
When veteran South Bay restaurateurs Brian Eldridge and Patrick Mescall set their sights on reviving classic neighborhood spots - from The Torrance Tavern to Eat At Joe's - they've built a reputation for preserving what makes the Beach Cities special. Their latest venture, ***Tiki Kai***, represents their most ambitious project yet: a full-scale tiki restaurant and bar on Pier Plaza that aims to deliver both serious cocktails and chef-centric cuisine.
The space announces its intentions with real drama. A massive hand-carved tiki door guards the entrance, and inside, skull-dominated decor and elaborate wood carvings create an immersive environment so committed to theme that the space would require complete demolition to become anything else now. A myriad of lanterns cast dim, atmospheric light across lava rock walls adorned with carved tikis, tropical curios, and thatched-hut booths. The windowless design deliberately blocks out the Plaza beyond, transporting diners to an island fantasy. And those skulls...lots and lots of skulls.
'Bone-a-Fide' culinary credentials at Tiki Kai
Your experience at Tiki Kai depends entirely on what you're seeking. Arrive with a group of friends for a fun, buzzy evening, and the formula works beautifully. The energy builds as the room fills - which it does quickly, even on a rainy weeknight. But this isn't the venue for intimate conversation or quiet romance. Tiki Kai is designed as a gathering place, and it excels in that role.
_This post is for subscribers only._
### Housing Development Under Scrutiny at Special Session
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/housing-development-under-scrutiny-at-special-session/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:40:02.000Z
# Review Shows Housing Progress, But What Will Sacramento Say ?
Hermosa Beach's Planning Commission received its first comprehensive status report on Housing Element implementation Tuesday, revealing a city that's checking boxes on process but falling short on the state's core mandate: producing affordable housing.
The two-hour special meeting painted a split-screen picture. Overall housing production is reportedly on track. Administrative reforms are progressing. But after nearly five years into the 2021-2029 housing cycle, the city has produced just two below-moderate-income units—and its efforts to generate affordable housing has yielded zero applications.
By meeting's end, commissioners voted unanimously to recommend gutting one flagship policy—the Land Value Recapture program—acknowledging what critics have said from the start: the fees are acting as a barrier to small-lot development. That’s a problem that flies in the face of Housing Element progress.
#### What is 'The Housing Element'? (click to see detail)
- ****The State Mandate:** Every California city must update its Housing Element every eight years, demonstrating how it will accommodate its share of regional housing growth. Hermosa Beach's current element covers 2021-2029 and was certified by the state in July 2024.
- ****The Numbers:** Hermosa Beach must plan for 558 new housing units this cycle, broken down by income level: 232 very-low income, 127 low-income, 106 moderate-income, and 93 above-moderate (market rate) units.
- ****The Strategy:** The city rezoned properties through a "Housing Element overlay" that allows residential development on formerly commercial-only sites. The element includes 14 programs addressing everything from ADU development to affordable housing preservation.
- ****The Progress:** Halfway through the cycle, 384 units are somewhere in the development pipeline—from applications to completed construction. The city claims that it is on track to exceed its market-rate housing target.
- ****The Problem:** All 384 units in the pipeline are market-rate housing. Zero affordable units have been proposed or built, meaning the city is falling behind on its affordable housing obligations across all income categories—a failure that could trigger state penalties and "builder's remedy" provisions that override local zoning controls.
- ****The Regional Context:** Neighboring Redondo Beach's Housing Element is currently being challenged in court, illustrating the legal risks cities face when their housing plans don't satisfy state requirements. A failed Housing Element can result in loss of local control over development decisions, and there are strong similarities between our plan and the Redondo plan.
## The Report Card
Community Development Director Alison Becker, seven months into the job, gave the city an "A minus, B plus" on implementing 13 housing programs spanning five policy areas: conserving existing housing, supporting new production, providing adequate sites, removing governmental constraints, and promoting equal housing opportunity.
The numbers look respectable at first glance. The city's Regional Housing Needs Allocation requires 558 units by 2029\. At mid-cycle, Hermosa has 184 units in the pipeline with 116 completed—right on pace for the total.
One of the City's slides from the meeting showing zero progress on low income housing commitments
"From a total production perspective, we're right on target," Becker said.
But the state doesn't just count total units. It allocates them by income category: very low, low, moderate, and above-moderate. And that's where Hermosa's numbers reveal a problem.
"The challenge is that we're underperforming in the very low, low and moderate income categories," Becker said, understating what the numbers show: of those 184 units in progress, essentially all are market-rate.
Commissioner Pete Hoffman put it more bluntly: "We've done all the drills. We're making progress. But we're outscored 370 to two in the low-income housing game."
## What's Behind Schedule
Three areas drew particular concern:
**City-owned sites for affordable housing.** The Housing Element committed to identifying a site, issuing an RFP, and beginning a project by 2025\. With departmental turnover, "this initiative hasn't yet been started," Becker said. "We can definitely pick that up in the coming year."
**Mixed-use zone expansion.** Originally scheduled for 2025, now pushed to 2026.
**Local Coastal land use Plan** Committed for 2024, delayed due to department transitions. "We're in the process of resuscitating that effort," Becker said.
The delays matter because the state Housing and Community Development Department emphasized in its certification letter that it expects "timely and effective implementation of all programs."
## The Redondo Beach Problem
The meeting occurred in the shadow of October's New Commune v. Redondo Beach appellate decision, which decertified Redondo's housing element. The court found that overlay zones permitting—but not requiring—residential development failed to meet state density requirements.
Assistant City Attorney Sarah Locklin walked commissioners through the implications. The key finding: sites with base zoning that allows 100% non-residential use don't satisfy the state's 20-units-per-acre residential density requirement, even with a residential overlay.
"This is the part of the case that is really new to us," Laughlin said. Many jurisdictions relied on HCD guidance when creating these overlays. Now a court has said that's not enough.
[Redondo loses appeal in Housing Element lawsuitRedondo Housing Ruling Casts Shadow Over Hermosa’s Development BattlesThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-news-redondo-loses-appeal-in-housing-element-lawsuit-3/)
Hermosa's housing element remains certified—for now. But staff is reviewing the overlay program to determine if sites need rezoning to mandate residential components.
"We are taking a look at our current site inventory list to determine if we need to make any improvements," Laughlin said, noting Redondo Beach plans to appeal and HCD hasn't issued guidance yet.
Resident Anthony Higgins raised another concern: St. Cross Episcopal Church, which the city allocated 46 low and very-low-income RHNA units despite knowing the church planned to keep operating its school and sanctuary.
"We all know it was a scam," Higgins said. "Does that put us at risk of decertification? And where exactly are those extra units we're going to need going to come from?"
## The ADU Opportunity—And Accounting Problem
One bright spot: accessory dwelling units. Hermosa has embraced ADUs, and they're producing actual housing.
But there's a catch. The city hasn't been accounting for them properly. Southern California's regional methodology allows jurisdictions to allocate ADU production across the affordability spectrum—very low, low, moderate, and above-moderate income—based on statistical analysis.
"We haven't yet done that sort of distribution for our housing units," Becker said. The department is building new data systems to track ADUs properly and retroactively allocate completed units across income categories.
That accounting change could significantly improve Hermosa's numbers in the lower-income categories. How much? Becker wouldn't estimate. "I'm hopeful that at our next annual progress report... we'll have a better sense."
Jon David, a commercial property owner, urged accuracy: "I was really surprised at the last APR before Alison came. We had seven ADUs and none were allocated. They were all market rate."
## The Failed Program
Which brings us to Program Six: **Land Value Recapture (LVR).**
#### What is 'Land Value Recapture' ? (click to see detail)
- ****The Basic Concept:** When a city rezones property to allow more valuable uses (like adding residential development rights to commercial-only land), the property value increases. Land Value Recapture policies require property owners to share a portion of that windfall with the public.
- ****How It Works in Hermosa Beach:** Properties that gained residential development rights through the Housing Element overlay can either include affordable housing units on-site OR pay a per-square-foot fee when they develop.
- ****The Fee Structure:** Smaller properties (4 or fewer units) pay $76 per square foot; larger properties (5+ units) pay $104 per square foot. These fees go into funds for affordable housing development elsewhere in the city.
- ****The Exemption:** Developers can avoid the fee entirely by making 15% of their units affordable to very-low or low-income residents, or 25% affordable to moderate-income residents.
- ****The Goal:** Generate funding for affordable housing or incentivize developers to build affordable units directly—ideally making the fee high enough that developers choose to build affordable housing rather than pay.
- ****The Reality:** Since taking effect in August 2024, not a single development application has been submitted on affected properties—no projects with affordable units, no projects paying the fee. The policy designed to create affordable housing may instead be preventing any housing from being built at all.
Approved by City Council in January 2024 and effective since August when the Housing Element was certified, LVR charges developers $76 per square foot for small projects (four or fewer units) or $104 per square foot for larger ones—unless they include affordable housing on site.
The policy applies only to properties rezoned from commercial to mixed-use through the housing element overlay. The theory: if the city creates value by allowing residential development, it should capture some of that value for public benefit—specifically, affordable housing.
After 15 months: zero applications. Zero revenue. Zero affordable units incentivized.
Small lots—those accommodating just one to four units—represent 137 of the city's 558-unit RHNA allocation. That's 25% of the obligation, sitting idle.
Becker noted that no applications have been submitted on overlay sites that would either include affordable units or require LVR fee payment. "This could be market conditions. It could be feasibility. It could be timing."
Jon David warned that the program makes four false assumptions: high demand from commercial owners, windfall profits that can be captured, public entitlement to rezoning benefits, and workability as a paper exercise.
"The LVR program collapsed" demand that existed in 2022-2023, David said. "You cannot ignore the economic reality, especially in the postage stamp size lots, in the coastal zones with existing uses.
"You cannot overcome the lack of demand or inertia unless you give people a reason to do it," David said. "You need carrots, not sticks."
## Recommended Changes
After an hour of debate, commissioners crafted a unanimous recommendation combining three of staff's five options:
**Option B:** Completely exempt properties that can build only one or two units from any LVR fee.
**Option D:** Direct staff to explore zoning regulations that could actually encourage residential development on small lots—perhaps forming a working group with property owners, architects, and city officials.
**Option E (modified):** Temporarily reduce fees to $40 per square foot for 24 months on three- and four-unit properties.
The recommendation leaves unchanged the fees for larger developments (five-plus units).
Vice Chair Izant argued against full exemption: "The overlay has created an economic benefit... I cannot support just giving away 100 percent." But he supported significantly lower fees for small lots combined with exploring what actually prevents development.
Commissioner Hoffman framed the LVR program more harshly:
> "This program failed. This is program seven in our programs to accomplish the RHNA numbers. Let's get rid of that, at least for the small lot properties."
Chair Hirsh noted the market timing problem: "Property values have actually gone down for most of us in Hermosa Beach. The cost of construction has gone way up. Interest rates for loans have gone up."
Commissioner McNally, who joined the commission after the LVR program was approved, said: "As a homeowner and someone who has owned businesses... I just can't even fathom another hurdle, restriction, cost to come my way."
## What Happens Next
Both items now move to City Council.
The Housing Element progress report will likely return annually, ideally coupled with the April submission to the state. Becker said she'd welcome suggestions on review frequency.
The LVR recommendation faces a more uncertain path. Our current council looks different to the one that implemented this much-criticized initiative. It seems likely that they will walk it back, perhaps even more forcefully than the Planning Commission recommendation.
The state requires biennial review of the LVR program. That review just came early, prompted by Council's March request and a year of zero results.
Becker emphasized that Hermosa's Housing Element remains certified and the city is implementing programs effectively. But she acknowledged the reality: "The RHNA numbers are targets, and our obligation is to plan."
Commissioner Hoffman opined that low-income housing will likely get built through density bonuses, tax incentives, and government partnerships on large sites—not through land value recapture on 3,000-square-foot lots in the coastal zone.
### Council to Interview City Manager Candidates Thursday
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-council-to-interview-city-manager-candidates-thursday/
Last updated: 2025-11-19T04:04:53.000Z
Mayor Rob Saemann has called a special meeting of the Hermosa Beach City Council for Thursday morning to conduct interviews for the permanent City Manager position. Under state law, interviews for the position will be conducted behind closed doors
Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano is believed to be among the candidates being interviewed. Napolitano, a former Manhattan Beach mayor and attorney, has served in the interim role since May while the search progressed. The identity of other candidates and the total number on the final shortlist has not been disclosed.
The interviews represent the culmination of a months-long recruitment process that began when former City Manager Suja Lowenthal resigned in May, after losing the support of a majority of the council. A $30,000 contract with executive search firm Peckham & McKenney was approved in July to conduct a formal search, with applications closing October 2.
The position oversees the city's seven departments, a $60 million budget, and its 167 employees.
The Council previously held a closed session on November 17, likely to refine the process before Thursday's interviews.
While the interviews will be conducted in private, any final appointment must be ratified in a public session of City Council. However, no Council meeting is currently scheduled until January, meaning residents may wait several weeks to learn the outcome officially.
The City Manager serves as chief executive of municipal operations, implementing Council policy, managing city properties, appointing department heads, and coordinating intergovernmental relations. In addition, the City Manger appoints and manages the Chief of Police. The position reports directly to the five-member City Council.
### Hermosa Beach City School Board Seeks Input on Hermosa Valley upgrades
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-city-school-board-seeks-input-on-hermosa-valley-upgrades/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:42:56.000Z
Superintendent Dr. Susan Wildes and project architects presented draft plans Monday and invited public input on the modernization of Hermosa Valley School, a project funded by the $28.7 million Measure HV bond.
“Our purpose tonight is to engage the community,” Wildes told parents, administrators, and residents who braved heavy rains to attend the evening meeting.
The superintendent said she and the design team have walked the 8.7-acre campus several times to evaluate its condition and construction history. That review helped clarify the campus’s most pressing needs.
During Monday’s presentation, PMK architect David Kim outlined ten areas of concern. He said new science labs are a priority because the science classrooms are spread out across the campus. “They should be in one space,” Kim said.
Other priorities include improving the visibility of the administration building, which is tucked behind “a wall of fences,” upgrading outdated classroom technology, installing cameras for student safety, and relieving congestion in the parking and drop-off area.
“We want to reduce wait times and get cars off of Valley Drive,” Wildes said.
Energy efficiency is also central to the plan, with solar panels under consideration to reduce utility costs.
“Our electricity bill in September was $13,000,” Wildes said.
Unlike the Vista and View school projects, the Valley School modernization will upgrade existing facilities rather than build new ones. Funding comes from Measure HV, approved by voters in November 2024\. The $28.7 million in general obligation bonds will be issued in phases: $8 million secured in August 2025, followed by $10 million in 2027 and $10.7 million in 2029.
#### What is 'Measure HV' ?
(Click to expand)
- ****Passed in November 2024**: Measure HV, a $28.7 million school bond for Hermosa Beach City School District, was approved by voters on November 5, 2024, with approximately 60% support—clearing the required 55% voter threshold.
- ****Focuses on Hermosa Valley School**: The bond primarily targets improvements at Valley School, with $6.8 million allocated for classroom modernization including two new science labs next to the gym, $6.2 million for athletic facilities including a new field and track, $4.7 million for HVAC and solar panels, and $6 million for campus safety upgrades.
- ****No tax rate increase**: The measure adds $13.15 per $100,000 in assessed property value, but the overall tax rate remains at the current $34.95 per $100,000 by phasing in Measure HV as two previous bonds (Measures J and S) are phased out.
- ****Long repayment timeline**: The bond will be repaid over approximately 30 years, with the final payment projected for 2053 (or around 2050 by some estimates)—just four years beyond when the previous 2016 bond is scheduled to be paid off.
- ****Built-in accountability**: State law requires strict oversight including an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee with community representatives, annual performance audits of bond spending, and all funds staying under local control exclusively for Hermosa schools.
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, with the team prioritizing improvements that directly affect students and instruction.
The draft plan is organized into three major phases.
Phase one focuses on student-centered improvements such as new classrooms and technology upgrades.
Phase two targets accessibility and visibility, including reimagining the administrative building and entry plaza. Architect Saina Shayanjoo described the potential for a “really green and lush entry to this beautiful campus.” This phase also includes improving traffic flow and adding an EV charging station.
The final phase would update playground equipment and the sports field, install solar panels, and create an outdoor seating area.
The team said priorities and plans could be modified and welcomed community input.
Audience members were invited to complete a QR-code survey during the two-hour meeting, answering questions such as whether the project is well-phased and how well it aligns with community priorities.
Wildes said they’ll next seek input from teachers and staff. The district will also provide quarterly updates which will be mailed to residents.
### CITY HALL SKETCH : Sand Value Recapture
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-sketch-sand-for-sale/
Last updated: 2025-11-19T02:02:23.000Z
Have we gotta deal for you. Some pure, uncut, Hermosa Beach...sand.
While other beaches watch their shorelines disappear with every storm, Hermosa's sand just keeps piling up like that stash of reusable grocery bags you buy each time because you kept forgetting them at home. It's accumulating against the Strand wall. It's creating lumps in the volleyball courts. It's basically the municipal equivalent of having too much money in your checking account—except we can't just transfer it to savings.
So naturally, Mayor Rob Saemann and City Manager Steve Napolitano floated an idea at Monday's council meeting: What if we sold it?
Imagine the pitch meeting. "Gentlemen, I've identified a valuable natural resource we've been sitting on. It's locally sourced, sustainably harvested, and we have more than we know what to do with. I'm talking, of course, about *sand*."
The beauty of the scheme is that LA County's Department of Beaches and Harbors has identified five beaches that need sand replenishment. And here's the kicker: our sand meets Coastal Commission grain requirements. That's right—even sand needs a resume in California. Wrong grain size? Sorry, your sand doesn't qualify. It probably needs two years of experience and a bachelor's degree too.
Now, you might think this would be straightforward. Beach A has excess sand. Beaches B through F need sand. Beach A's sand grains check all the boxes. Let's make a deal.
But this is government we're talking about.
Napolitano told the council that the city is "in talks" with the county, which in gov-speak means they're "trying to get a calendar day so we can meet and talk about it again." He's currently in "follow-up mode" with the county—presumably leaving voicemails that sound increasingly desperate: "Hey, it's Steve again. Still got that sand. Give me a call back. We should really discuss this sand situation. The sand isn't going anywhere. Well, actually, it is—it keeps accumulating. That's kind of the problem. But it's the good stuff. Call me."
Mayor Rob Saemann wanted to know what would happen if the city just sold the sand directly and pocketed the cash. Napolitano gently steered him back to reality: any deal would likely involve trading sand for county beach maintenance services rather than straight cash. Which makes sense—you can't just start a side hustle selling municipal sand on Craigslist. "Artisanal Beach Sand, Never Used, $500 Per Cubic Yard, Serious Inquiries Only."
The county currently maintains our beach under a contract tied to profit-sharing from Parking Lot C, but they've refused to do additional contouring beyond a few designated days because of—you guessed it—cost. So we're in this weird standoff where we have sand they won't move, which we could give to beaches that need it, if only we could schedule a meeting to discuss the sand we have too much of.
Meanwhile, the sand just keeps doing its thing.
"To my knowledge, it just keeps building up," Napolitano said, with the slightly weary tone of a man who has spent too much time thinking about sand logistics.
Councilman Dean Francois asked the obvious question: What have we done with extra sand in the past?
"To my knowledge, we haven't done anything," Napolitano replied.
So there you have it. For years, possibly decades, Hermosa Beach has been accumulating sand like a hoarder who can't throw anything away, and we've never once thought to monetize our beach surplus. We're sitting on a literal pile of money—if only we could find someone's calendar that works.
The volleyball players are complaining about lumps. The Strand wall is under pressure.
The county will get back to us.
Any day now.
---
*City Hall Sketch appears weekly, until the sand runs out.*
### City Brings Back Fourth Parking Permit With Affidavit System
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-brings-back-fourth-parking-permit-with-affidavit-system/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T18:06:52.000Z
### Council votes to reverse 2023 restrictions; self-certification process allows households with more drivers than parking spaces to obtain fourth permit
After three contentious meetings debating parking permit limits, the Hermosa Beach City Council voted Monday to reinstate fourth parking permits—reversing restrictions implemented in 2023 that capped most households at three.
The council unanimously approved (4-0, with Councilman Dean Francois abstaining) Mayor Rob Saemann's proposal establishing an 'affidavit' system for fourth permits based on household need rather than bureaucratic review.
#### What is the Residential Parking Permit Program ?
(Click to expand)
- ****Coverage area**: The "sand section" — residential streets in the coastal zone where parking meters and time restrictions apply year-round
- ****Purpose**: Allows residents to park on metered streets in front of their homes without paying; balances resident needs with coastal access for beach visitors
- ****Cost**: $60 per permit annually
- ****Types of permits**: Vehicle stickers (fixed to specific cars) and hang tags (transferable between vehicles)
- ****History**: Established in 1984 under a California Coastal Commission permit; most recently updated in 2023
- ****2023 restrictions**: Capped most households at 3 permits maximum, down from nearly 9,000 permits issued before changes
- ****Monday's change**: Brings back 4th permits for households where number of drivers exceeds on-site parking spaces
- ****Current volume**: City now issues about 6,000 permits total; about 822 households (27%) have 3 permits
- ****The trade-off**: City provides free remote parking lots (like Valley Park) for visitors in exchange for allowing residential permits in the coastal zone
Under the new system, residents must sign an affidavit stating the number of licensed drivers at the residence and the number of on-site parking spaces. If drivers exceed spaces, they qualify for a fourth permit. The affidavit is proposed to be subject to penalty of perjury and a two-year ban if found fraudulent.
"Nobody's looking into your family life, for God's sakes," Saemann said. "We're asking you to fill out an affidavit and say, I got six drivers (and only five spaces) in this household and I swear to it."
The mayor argued the self-certification approach is simpler and less intrusive than having staff conduct on-site inspections or review property diagrams. "You said that and you signed it and you agreed that under penalty of perjury and a two-year ban for all parking passes for your property, including your kids, I think that's enough motivation for you to tell the truth."
The decision marks a significant shift from the 2023 restrictions, which were implemented by the previous council.
In a separate 3-2 vote, the council also gave the City Manager limited discretion to approve additional permits beyond four in special circumstances, though Mayor Pro Tem Mike Detoy and Councilman Jackson opposed the move, saying it lacked clear guidelines.
Staff indicated only 822 households (27%) currently have three permits, suggesting perhaps only some fraction of that number might seek a fourth under the new affidavit system.
Detoy later proposed charging $3,000 annually for any fifth or sixth permits—matching the city's downtown parking lot rate of $250 per month. But Councilman Michael Keegan objected, noting state law prohibits charging fees that exceed the cost of running a program. "We can only charge what it costs to do the item," Keegan said. "This is easily unreasonable just on face value." Detoy eventually withdrew the motion.
## Angry Residents: "You're Discriminating Against Families"
The parking debate drew passionate public comment from sand section residents impacted by the 2023 changes.
Robb Stroyke, who has five drivers in his household, said his kids will have to park six blocks away at Valley Park during summer months and walk home late at night.
"You're penalizing and discriminating against families," Stroyke said. "Do you not want families here? Because you're discriminating against them."
He said the previous system—two vehicle stickers and one guest pass for his five-person household—worked fine for 40 years, and questioned why the city was "bending over to the Coastal Commission" to change it. Stroyke is a 50 year resident, and a prominent local realtor.
"You're breaking it now by doing this," he said, adding that sand section residents would "come out in force" against council members who voted for the changes. "I guarantee you, they're gonna go after the people who voted to destroy our parking permit life." At next year's city council election, three seats will be up for grabs, currently occupied by Jackson, Francois and Saemann.
Resident Victoria Igloi said she lost her guest pass and a vehicle sticker for her garage-parked car under the new rules. She described feeding parking meters in front of her house in pouring rain during a plumbing emergency.
"It feels really unfair when I'm living across the street from these huge apartment buildings" where residents get stickers and hang passes "no questions asked," Igloi said. "I'm a homeowner. I pay some of the highest property taxes in the country. I never would have bought this house if I knew what a hassle it was to park my car."
Sand section homeowner Nancy Schwappach delivered perhaps the sharpest rebuke, challenging the rationale for the 2023 changes and directly confronting Jackson.
"When this program was implemented, how many addresses were there? There aren't more," Schwappach said. "So we are not taking up more parking spaces with our permits. So I don't understand why we would say this is no longer rational when the situation has become less intense."
She traced the restrictions back to the city's decision to convert public parking spaces to city-vehicle-only lots. "This all came up because the city took over public parking lots. They took spaces which were intended for public parking and designated them as city vehicles only. So the city needed to find more parking."
Then she turned her attention to Jackson, noting he lives on a street in the impacted parking zone with planters blocking his garage.
> "Council Member Jackson, I cannot even believe you are saying the words you are saying and your family better not have gotten one residential parking pass. You have a two car garage blocked with planters. You have two car driveway parking and you may be eligible for a parking pass to block your driveway. If your family has one parking pass, you are hypocritical beyond belief." **Nancy Schwappach**
## Non-Resident Owners Under Attack
The council directed staff to research how to close a loophole allowing non-resident property owners to obtain parking permits using utility bills.
Jackson raised the issue, noting that while the council previously eliminated "owner guest permits," landlords who pay utilities at rental properties can still apply for permits by showing utility bills—even though they don't live there.
"We specifically voted against owner non-resident permits," Jackson said, referring to earlier changes. "This is why we want you to go back and figure this out and come back with some information about how we can fix it." Jackson has been a vocal opponent of historic parking concessions for second home owners who may spend less than six months in their Hermosa Beach property. Second home owners have pointed out that they pay full property tax, and do not take up street parking spaces when they are not occupying their homes.
Staff said requiring an affidavit of residency "might be as far as we can go" but will research options. The motion to return with options eventually passed 3-2, with Francois and Keegan voting against.
### SAND BLAST : YOUR LETTERS
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/sand-blast-your-letters/
Last updated: 2025-11-17T01:30:41.000Z
### Submit your letters to [letters@hermosareview.com](mailto:letters@hermosareview.com)
### Get involved !
---
## *Green folly ?*
Thank you for covering the Clean Power Alliance story in-depth. () People should be aware that in the State of California, there is a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that dictates the % of renewables in the energy portfolio. Forming CCA's does not change anything when all of these power companies essentially follow the RPS anyway. That is the fallacy and folly of all of this. This is why I opposed joining this when I was on City Council.
SCE has always offered a 100% green portfolio (it isn't really 100% due to the purchase of RECs as noted in the article). But most people probably didn't choose that option. So instead, the city council with Justin/Stacey/Mary/Hany forced residents into the CCA and proudly dumped everyone in the 100% green option, jacking up everyone's electric bill (knowing that 99% of the residents don't spend their time analyzing the energy industry and energy bills.)
Because all utilities in the state have to follow the RPS, there is nothing to be gained by setting up another bureaucracy with more highly paid employees. These CCAS merely purchase power that would have been purchased by SCE anyway. This is a pointless exercise - the ultimate goal by politicians is to put utilities like SCE out of business so the politicians such as Justin Massey or Ray Jackson can force decisions about the energy portfolio. Who wants politicians that have no experience or knowledge about the energy industry making decisions? I certainly don't.
Ultimately, if they can get away with it, they would eventually remove all options except the 100% green portfolio. Then the CCA would jack up the PCAI (exit fees) and it wouldn't financially pencil out to leave. I urge everyone reading this to leave now, while you still can.
**Carolyn Petty, Hermosa Beach**
## *Thanks, Review*
Dear Editor,
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the launch of The Hermosa Review. In an era when local journalism is increasingly scarce, it's cool to have something new focused entirely on Hermosa.
I was particularly moved by your Veterans Day article. Honoring those who served isn't just about remembering a date on the calendar; it's about recognizing the real people in our community who made sacrifices for our freedoms. I found your site because someone sent me the Veterans Day link, and now I'm fully signed up !
Thank you for investing in Hermosa Beach. I wish you success.
***David W, Hermosa Beach***
## *AI, ER, etc.*
I just finished reading Kevin Cody's piece in the Easy Reader about AI in journalism, followed by your response. As a subscriber now to both publications, I wanted to reach out.
I don't want to create waves between your two publications, but I have to say your approach makes a lot of sense to me.
What I really appreciate is how you're tackling issues that often slip through the cracks. Having a dedicated source for Hermosa-specific reporting is good news, not bad news.
And doing it without charging readers or depending on advertisers? That's a model I can definitely get behind. I have deep respect for what Kevin has done all these years, and I'm glad the Easy Reader exists. But I also think what you're building serves a real purpose, and this reader is grateful you're doing it.
**A.S., Hermosa Beach**
### Crime Time: November 2-8, 2025
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-november-2-8-2025/
Last updated: 2025-11-16T19:09:37.000Z
A round-up of last week's bad guys
_This post is for subscribers only._
### Technology, Community, and the Future of Local News
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/technology-transparency-and-the-future-of-local-news/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:40:31.000Z
### What's This All About ?
*By John Burry*
When we publicly launched The Hermosa Review two weeks ago, we had no idea how it would be received. We didn't really know if anyone would read it. The response has genuinely overwhelmed us. Hundreds of subscribers signed up within days. We've received emails from residents thanking us for coverage they didn't know they were missing, and a whole load of suggestions for potential stories.
So we want to take some time to address questions about what we're doing here and what we hope to achieve.
This week's *Easy Reader* will publish a thoughtful piece about the role of artificial intelligence in local journalism, framed as a "Gutenberg moment", a reference to the impact that the invention of the Gutenberg printing press in the 1400's had on the transmission of information to the masses. Editor and Owner Kevin Cody, who has served our community for 55 years, raises important questions about technology's role in journalism. He's right to be skeptical, but not necessarily fearful.
His article gives us an opportunity to explain our approach, our methods, and our vision for what local journalism can be in 2025\. And a chance to explain our relationship with him and the Easy Reader.
Kevin emailed me the other day with some feedback on an article we had published. I'm still not quite sure what to make of this :
> "No reporter, even without a deadline could come close to matching the quality of this story, not just for thoroughness, but for readability. The layout is amazing, and would be effective in print as well"
I'm flattered, and yet slightly unnerved at the same time. I'll attempt to explain why in this column.
#### This long read, squeezed.
(Click to unfold a brief summary of this article)
This article in brief :
****The Hermosa Review was launched as a community experiment** to provide comprehensive, timely coverage of Hermosa Beach civic issues that were being under-reported or poorly explained with existing platforms.
****AI is used as an organizational tool, not a replacement for journalism** \- humans attend meetings, conduct interviews, gather facts, and make all editorial decisions, while Claude helps structure stories and transcribe content from verified source material.
****The publication addresses the crisis in local journalism** where traditional economic models have collapsed, by using modern technology to make comprehensive coverage financially sustainable without advertising or subscription fees.
****Digital publishing removes print constraints** and enables new storytelling approaches like embedded video, expandable sections, data visualizations, and same-day coverage (like publishing a full Veterans Day ceremony story within 2 hours).
****The founders maintain a collaborative relationship with Easy Reader** \- sharing content and resources rather than competing, with The Hermosa Review focusing specifically on deeper Hermosa coverage while Easy Reader serves all beach cities with its established print presence.
### How This Started
Two years ago, I started watching every Hermosa Beach city council meeting. Then commission hearings. Every single one, start to finish. Former Mayor Jim Rosenberger (who has since become a firm friend) describes people like me as 'civic nerds'. He admits to being one too, so I will assume it's more of a compliment than an insult :)
What I discovered was nerdily fascinating: our local government makes consequential decisions every month that affect property values, public safety, quality of life, and the character of our community. Important stories were being under-reported or not reported at all. When they were covered, information sometimes broke too late to participate in public comment or understand decisions before they were final. Complex issues were often explained in ways that left readers confused rather than informed. One councilmember said that 'well...people don't really care'. I choose to be more optimistic and believe that *they don't care, because they don't know.*
I wasn't alone in noticing this 'knowledge gap'. A small group of us had been discussing for some time the deficit in local news coverage—not just what wasn't being covered, but how slowly information moved and how poorly complex issues were being explained to residents who deserved to understand what was happening in their community. And the decidedly analog nature of a weekly print cycle.
Yes, community Facebook groups exist. They have their place, and they serve a purpose. Facebook can be instant, which is valuable. But it's also a double-edged sword. Trying to find useful information in a Facebook feed can be like drinking from a fire hydrant—overwhelming and unpredictable. Whether you find what you need in that moment is a lottery. And Facebook is limited in its ability to present subjects simply and clearly, without forcing readers to wade through reams of comments to extract the relevant information.
So that's why we launched The Hermosa Review—to provide comprehensive, timely, and curated coverage of what's happening in our community. Not just government meetings, but restaurant openings, community events, local business developments, and the civic issues that shape daily life in Hermosa Beach. Some of these, such as housing development, or the impact of changing consumer habits and the economy on our downtown are deeply complex. They warrant more coverage than the print page allows. Both sides of the arguments deserve to be heard.
### Who We Are and Why This Matters
We're not (all) career journalists. We're a tiny group who care deeply about civic issues. We know what gets discussed in City Hall because we're there, physically or virtually, every time.
I'm also an operator, investor, and advisor in some truly disruptive businesses that have emerged over the last decade. I've watched technology fundamentally change entire industries—including consumer brands and retailing, which I know best. I've seen how young founders have used new technology to create transformative companies with access to funding, media and markets that would have been impossible 20 years ago.
That experience taught me something crucial: technology doesn't just make existing businesses more efficient. It makes entirely new models possible. Models that can accomplish things that weren't economically feasible under the old system.
That's what we see happening in local news and journalism.
### News In Crisis
Kevin writes eloquently about the history of local journalism in Hermosa Beach—the original Hermosa Beach Review, founded in 1907, which ceased publication in the 1970s. What he doesn't mention is that this pattern has repeated across America. Between 2005 and 2024, the United States lost more than 2,500 local newspapers. Newsroom employment dropped by half.
The economic model that sustained print journalism for generations has collapsed. Classified ads moved to Craigslist and then to Facebook. Display advertising shifted to Google and Meta, more recently to TikTok. Subscription revenue couldn't cover the costs of printing and distribution.
We now have some "local" news that reads like a strange mash-up of syndicated regional and national stories with a smattering of local press releases. Regional rollups have acquired community newspapers across the country, creating publications that look local but primarily serve advertisers rather than communities.
That's the real threat to local journalism—not technology, but the corporatization of community news.
The Easy Reader has survived as genuine local journalism by relying on advertising. But that model is fragile, as Kevin knows better than anyone.
We didn't start The Hermosa Review to compete with the Easy Reader. We started it as a community experiment—to inform and illuminate local news and happenings, and to enable local citizens to join in creating that content. We don't charge for subscriptions. We don't accept advertising.
### What Technology Actually Enables
Kevin's article focuses on our use of Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant. He's concerned about "hallucinations"—instances where AI might generate inaccurate information.
He's absolutely right to be skeptical. That's why we don't use AI in a way that permits that.
Here's an example of our actual workflow: we attend official meetings, conduct interviews and search for supporting documents. We use video analysis tools and audio transcription, to create searchable text. We come up with themes and ideas. Then (and only then) do we use Claude (and other 'AI' technology) to help structure stories and reports based on that verified source material. We fact check in much the same way as traditional journalists always have, but train our 'AI intern' to conduct additional layers of verification.
Claude doesn't invent facts or quotes for us. It helps us organize them. It doesn't replace journalism. It enables us to produce comprehensive coverage that would otherwise require a full-time newsroom.
Let me give you real examples from the past week:
Yesterday, I attended Hermosa Beach's Veterans Day ceremony at the veterans memorial. I spoke with attendees, recorded Dr. Leo Rodriguez's keynote address, took photos and video. Within two hours of the ceremony ending, The Hermosa Review published a complete story with photos, video, and the full text of Dr. Rodriguez's remarkable speech.
That's simply not possible without assistive technology. But it meant that veterans or residents who couldn't attend (and families across the country) could experience what happened at our memorial. They could read Dr. Rodriguez's words in full, not a three-paragraph summary days later.
[Veterans Day Ceremony Pays Tribute to all Who ServedPoignant ceremony speaks of service, sacrifice and supportThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/veterans-day-ceremony-pays-tribute-to-all-who-served/)
Or consider our restaurant reviews. Claude doesn't eat the food. A real person—a food expert—visits the restaurant, orders dishes, evaluates the experience. They use AI as a virtual assistant to record their thoughts and observations while they're eating. The technology helps someone who knows food inside and out, but isn't a professional writer, turn those expert observations into reviews that readers find entertaining and informative.
[SORA SUSHI : The best lunch deal in Hermosa?Strip mall sushi joint that’s fresh, friendly and fantastic valueThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/sora-sushi-the-best-lunch-deal-in-hermosa/)
The expertise, the judgment, the experience—that's all human. The technology just helps express it clearly.
Technology doesn't replace the journalism—someone still has to be there at the Veterans Day ceremony, someone still has to taste the food, we still conduct interviews and make editorial decisions about what matters. But it multiplies what we can accomplish and deliver to readers in real time.
We have just completed a deep analysis of seven years of Hermosa crime statistics. It's raised some questions, as you might expect. So next week, we'll meet with the Chief of Police and his crime analyst to discuss what we found. Maybe that will result in an article, maybe not. But the machine won't decide.
### The Digital Infrastructure Revolution
The Hermosa Review runs on Ghost, a modern content management system designed for independent publishers. When we were researching publishing platforms, we were introduced to dozens of new local and hyperlocal newspapers across the United States and Europe. Some founded by professional journalists, some by community enthusiasts. All discovering the same thing: modern CMS platforms make professional-quality publishing accessible to anyone committed to serving their community.
We don't need advertising revenue or subscription fees because our costs are manageable, and we give our time for free. Hopefully this will let us focus entirely on the story rather than serving advertisers or managing paywalls.
But the economics are only part of the story. Some 75% of news is now consumed on a phone. Around 75% of video content on phones is watched with sound off, using captions. People expect digital products to meet them where and when they want it—working seamlessly, allowing easy interaction. Those expectations are changing fast. We have tried to create a site that functions perfectly on both phone and desktop, while looking great at the same time.
All that said, we are just volunteers, hoping that more volunteers will join this experiment.
### Digital Storytelling: Beyond the Print Page
A print newspaper is constrained by physical space. Every story competes for inches on the page. Editors must choose: run full city council coverage or trim it to make room for other stories? Include the budget details or summarize them in a paragraph?
Digital journalism removes those constraints and opens new possibilities.
We're experimenting with different approaches—summary boxes, expandable sections, embedded data visualizations and video, linked source documents. Not everything works. But we're not limited by the confines of the print page, and that fundamentally changes how we can structure a story.
### My Relationship with Easy Reader
Kevin mentions that I "am helping Easy Reader incorporate AI into its ad sales and production." That's true, but I think that understates our relationship.
I hugely admire what Kevin has contributed to our community since 1971\. When he's been attacked by Hermosa Beach councilmembers—which happens more often than it should—I've defended him, both publicly and privately. A free press that holds local government accountable is essential to democracy, even when officials don't like the coverage.
Kevin and I are actively sharing content, ideas, and resources. When he asked for help understanding AI tools, I spent time demonstrating how they could streamline his production process. We've had fascinating late-night debates about what this all means—not just for local news, but for human society as a whole.
These aren't just abstract questions. We're both grappling with how technology changes what journalism is, what it can be, and what it should be. Kevin approaches these questions with decades of experience and understandable skepticism. I approach them as someone building something new while trying to understand the tradeoffs in news between speed, style and format.
Easy Reader does things we don't: comprehensive coverage of all the beach cities and beyond. They have decades of institutional knowledge, and a weekly print presence that many residents still treasure. The Review focuses specifically on Hermosa, presented in a deeper digital format that might appeal to a new audience.
### The experiment should be judged by results
Kevin writes that "technology is inevitable." He's right. But technology isn't autonomous. It's shaped by the people who use it and the values they bring to it.
The Hermosa Review exists as a community experiment—to see whether modern technology can support comprehensive, accurate local journalism without advertising or subscription fees. To see whether citizens can contribute meaningfully to covering their community. It will survive if enough people care and contribute. I'd be more than happy to fund the platform and hand it over to the community if there are people in Hermosa who care enough to take it forward.
So, in conclusion, ***judge us by our work, not our workflow.***
And once again, thank you so much for your response so far. It means a lot to us humans. The machine doesn't care.
---
***The ideas expressed in this article are all my own. Claude Sonnet helped me to organize my thoughts.***
***You can read our full Technology Policy here:***
### Council to Revisit Parking Permits, Discusses Museum Expansion Monday
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/untitled-2/
Last updated: 2025-11-16T21:43:25.000Z
The City Council returns Monday (a change to its regular slot on Tuesday evenings) with a couple of noteworthy items: more deliberation on the residential parking permit program, and whether to commit vacant Community Center space to the Hermosa Beach Museum for the next decade.
## Parking Permits Back...Again
After directing staff in October to dig deeper into the residential parking program, the Council will consider whether to ease restrictions on fourth permits—and whether to deny permits altogether to residents with unpaid debts to the city.
Currently, only one address in Hermosa Beach holds four residential parking permits. The restriction? Each vehicle must be registered to a different driver. That's created frustration for families where multiple cars are registered to one parent's name, as is often the case.
Staff is proposing several options, from requiring a simple written affidavit of need to conducting on-site property inspections. The most significant change under consideration: a premium pricing model that would charge $150 for a fourth permit while keeping the first three at $60 each (or raising all permits to $75).
The program served 2,992 addresses this year. About 70% have one or two permits, 27% have three, and just one has four.
Council will also weigh whether to block permit sales to anyone owing the city money—unpaid parking tickets, delinquent business licenses, or outstanding fines. Staff warns this could create administrative headaches and invite disputes, but notes it would provide leverage for debt collection.
## Museum Seeks Long-Term Expansion
The Hermosa Beach Museum is asking for adjacent vacant space on the Community Center's lower level to house an oral history studio, volunteer research area, and lifeguard display.
The proposal would extend the museum's current lease for 10 years beginning February 1, 2026\. The museum would fundraise for all renovations—everything from HVAC upgrades to compliant flooring.
The city would retain an escape clause: if the museum hasn't secured full funding and permits by January 2029, the city could reconsider the commitment on a year-by-year basis.
There's no financial risk to the city, but the agreement would tie up the space long-term based on the museum's fundraising success. The museum has previously funded major renovations through private donations, including a comprehensive overhaul in 2007.
## Also Monday
Council will also consider:
- $59,000 contract increase for Turbo Data parking citation system, driven by 29% jump in citations and new collection services
- Changes to on-call architectural services contracts
- $180,000 playground equipment purchase for Valley, Seaview, and South Parks
- Three new special events for 2026, including multiple beach tennis tournament dates north of the Pier
***City Council meets on Monday 17th November beginning at 6pm in City Hall. Public participation is available, either in-person or via Zoom.***
[Council Overhauls Residential Parking Permit Program After Heated DebateChanges to proof of residency and day passes seen as helpful to property ownersThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/council-overhauls-residential-parking-permit-program-after-heated-debate/)
### E-Bike Survey : Have Your Say
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/e-bike-survey-have-your-say/
Last updated: 2025-11-15T19:57:31.000Z
_No content available._
### Housing Development Back In the Spotlight Next Week
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/housing-development-back-in-the-spotlight-next-week/
Last updated: 2025-11-19T07:08:14.000Z
### Controversial Land Value Recapture scheme to be re-examined by Commission
The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission will tackle two critical housing issues at its November 18 special meeting: whether the city's Land Value Recapture fees are deterring development on small lots, and a mid-cycle check-in on the city's housing goals.
#### What is 'Land Value Recapture' ? (click to see detail)
- ****The Basic Concept:** When a city rezones property to allow more valuable uses (like adding residential development rights to commercial-only land), the property value increases. Land Value Recapture policies require property owners to share a portion of that windfall with the public.
- ****How It Works in Hermosa Beach:** Properties that gained residential development rights through the Housing Element overlay can either include affordable housing units on-site OR pay a per-square-foot fee when they develop.
- ****The Fee Structure:** Smaller properties (4 or fewer units) pay $76 per square foot; larger properties (5+ units) pay $104 per square foot. These fees go into funds for affordable housing development elsewhere in the city.
- ****The Exemption:** Developers can avoid the fee entirely by making 15% of their units affordable to very-low or low-income residents, or 25% affordable to moderate-income residents.
- ****The Goal:** Generate funding for affordable housing or incentivize developers to build affordable units directly—ideally making the fee high enough that developers choose to build affordable housing rather than pay.
- ****The Reality:** Since taking effect in August 2024, not a single development application has been submitted on affected properties—no projects with affordable units, no projects paying the fee. The policy designed to create affordable housing may instead be preventing any housing from being built at all.
The main event will be a City Council-directed review of the Land Value Recapture (LVR) ordinance, specifically examining whether the current $76 per square foot fee for smaller properties is workable. The fee applies to properties rezoned to allow residential development unless they include affordable housing units.
More than a year after the ordinance took effect in August 2024, not a single development application has been submitted that either includes affordable units or pays the LVR fee—a concerning sign that the policy intended to generate affordable housing may instead be freezing development altogether.
The stakes are significant: small lots represent nearly 25% of the city's state-mandated housing allocation, accounting for 137 of the 558 units Hermosa Beach must plan for by 2029.
Staff has prepared five options for the Commission to consider, ranging from maintaining the status quo to exempting the smallest properties entirely from fees. A temporary fee reduction to jumpstart development is also on the table.
### Housing Element Progress to be reviewed
The Commission will also receive a reality check on the city's housing progress. While 384 units are somewhere in the development pipeline—from initial applications to completed construction—none are designated as affordable housing. The city appears on track to meet its market-rate housing targets but is falling short on affordable units across all income categories.
#### What is 'The Housing Element'? (click to see detail)
- ****The State Mandate:** Every California city must update its Housing Element every eight years, demonstrating how it will accommodate its share of regional housing growth. Hermosa Beach's current element covers 2021-2029 and was certified by the state in July 2024.
- ****The Numbers:** Hermosa Beach must plan for 558 new housing units this cycle, broken down by income level: 232 very-low income, 127 low-income, 106 moderate-income, and 93 above-moderate (market rate) units.
- ****The Strategy:** The city rezoned properties through a "Housing Element overlay" that allows residential development on formerly commercial-only sites. The element includes 14 programs addressing everything from ADU development to affordable housing preservation.
- ****The Progress:** Halfway through the cycle, 384 units are somewhere in the development pipeline—from applications to completed construction. The city claims that it is on track to exceed its market-rate housing target.
- ****The Problem:** All 384 units in the pipeline are market-rate housing. Zero affordable units have been proposed or built, meaning the city is falling behind on its affordable housing obligations across all income categories—a failure that could trigger state penalties and "builder's remedy" provisions that override local zoning controls.
- ****The Regional Context:** Neighboring Redondo Beach's Housing Element is currently being challenged in court, illustrating the legal risks cities face when their housing plans don't satisfy state requirements. A failed Housing Element can result in loss of local control over development decisions, and there are strong similarities between our plan and the Redondo plan.
[Redondo loses appeal in Housing Element lawsuitRedondo Housing Ruling Casts Shadow Over Hermosa’s Development BattlesThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-news-redondo-loses-appeal-in-housing-element-lawsuit-3/)
[IN-DEPTH : Housing DevelopmentHow did one apartment building become a lightning rod for the argument over housing density ?The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-hermosa-housing/)
### Thanksgiving Shopping - This Week in 1965
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/thanksgiving-shopping-this-week-in-1965/
Last updated: 2025-11-15T04:37:12.000Z
A few examples from the archive - from The Hermosa Beach Review in this week, exactly 60 years ago. This week's edition was stuffed full of Thanksgiving shopping ads.
Some seem like bargains, maybe some not so much. Do you remember any of these stores ?
I wonder if Seymour's Jewelers still has some of those $1.00 pendants in stock ?
Lucky's market was located at PCH and Artesia back in 1965
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Seymour's Jewelers is the only one of these retailers to have survived the full 60 years
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### City Explores Contract Officers for E-Bike Enforcement at Public Safety Forum
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-explores-contract-officers-for-e-bike-enforcement-at-public-safety-forum/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T18:04:59.000Z
### Hermosa Beach could deploy dedicated code enforcement officers on foot to cite e-bike violations under proposal discussed at forum
City officials are exploring hiring contract code enforcement officers specifically to address e-bike violations, Police Chief Landon Phillips revealed at a well-attended Public Safety Forum on November 13.
The contract officers would patrol on foot at targeted locations including the Strand, Pier Plaza, and problem intersections, providing more consistent enforcement at lower cost and with greater flexibility than the city's own full-time officers.
"It's a possibility we're exploring right now," Chief Phillips told residents gathered at City Hall. "These people are licensed to write citations. The cost would be considerably less than police officers."
The two-hour forum — which Mayor Rob Saemann called possibly the first of its kind in recent times — brought together the mayor, Chief Phillips, and Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano to address public safety concerns that dominated Saemann's recent Town Hall meeting.
#### A long read, squeezed. (Click for a quick summary)
• Contract Officers Proposed: City exploring hiring contract code enforcement officers for e-bike patrol on Strand, Plaza, and street corners
• Crime Down Three Years: Overall crime down 4% in 2025; crimes against persons down 33%
• E-Bike Enforcement Up: 33 reckless riding citations since June 2024 ordinance; recent operations issued 33-40 citations in single days
• Frustration from residents over lack of enforcement
• Anti-Camping Ordinance Active: 16 citations, 4 arrests since implementation; city partners with HERO outreach and HB Safe group
## Resources and Enforcement
Chief Phillips outlined the department's resources. Of 67 full-time employees, 38 are sworn officers. That includes five command staff and detectives, leaving 27 patrol officers — including just two dedicated traffic officers. With officers in training or the academy, the number available for day-to-day patrol can drop to as few as 16 citywide.
Despite limited staffing, enforcement has increased since the City Council passed an urgency ordinance in June 2024 prohibiting riding e-bikes in an "unsafe manner" and allowing officers to impound bikes. Since then, police have issued 33 citations specifically for reckless riding and impounded 19 e-bikes. Recent targeted operations issued 33 citations in a single day two weeks before the forum, and 40 citations the previous Tuesday.
Officer Keaton Dadigan explained that traffic officers handle far more than enforcement, including hit-and-run investigations, collision reports, and community complaints. The department also manages an $80,000 OTS DUI enforcement grant — the second consecutive year receiving such funding.
A heat map of recent collision and citation data shared at the forum
## Crime Trends: Overall Decline with New Threats
Phillips presented encouraging overall crime statistics for 2025 year-to-date: overall crime down 4% for the third consecutive year, crimes against persons down 33%, crimes against society down 11.7%, and property crimes essentially flat at up 0.5%.
The department handled 25,550 calls for service in 2024, averaging 750 calls per officer annually. This year has seen 139 traffic collisions, with 10 involving e-bikes and six involving regular bicycles. Notably, only one e-bike collision on the Strand has been reported as a hit-and-run, with no other injury collisions involving e-bikes on the Strand. However, illegal firearms remain prevalent, with 20 guns seized so far this year compared to 24 last year.
A relatively new crime trend called "bank jugging" has emerged regionally. Crime Impact Team Officer Reyes explained that criminals watch bank customers withdraw cash, then follow them and break into their vehicles to steal it. Hermosa Beach has partnered with five neighboring cities on operations to combat bank jugging, though no arrests have resulted yet. 'Check washing' has also been on the rise, with incidents of checks being stolen from the mail, washed and then cashed fraudulently to another account.
E-bike theft has also surged, with over 100 stolen this year. "In the summer, we're getting a lot of e-bike batteries stolen," Phillips noted. "People will lock their e-bikes at any bike stand on Pier Plaza and someone will come and pry off the battery."
The department handled 139 traffic collisions this year, with 10 involving e-bikes and six involving regular bicycles. Notably, only one e-bike collision on the Strand has been reported as a hit-and-run.
## School District Partnership on E-Bike Safety
Dr. Susan Wildes, Superintendent of Hermosa Beach City School District, described her frustration with e-bike proliferation and the district's award-winning response.
Dr. Susan Wildes addressed the role of local schools and their partnership with law enforcement
"E-bikes are the bane of my existence," Wildes said. "Anytime you're at Hermosa Valley, you can see anywhere between 100 and 150 parked right outside in our bike cage."
The problem intensified after state legislation pushed middle and high school start times later. "Parents have to go to work. And so we saw a huge increase in parents purchasing these bikes as a manner for their kids to get to school," Wildes explained.
At Hermosa Valley School (e-bikes are not permitted at View or Vista elementary schools), students must complete an in-person certification course including a written exam and practical demonstration of helmet fitting, braking, and following traffic signs. Students who pass receive a sticker for their bike, which staff check each morning. Bikes without stickers are impounded and parents must retrieve them.
The program earned a Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association. However, Wildes noted, "Our control ends at the city streets, so that's when we turn them over to you."
## A Gang Problem ?
Detective Dalton Blumenfeld sought to clarify what he claimed were misconceptions about so-called e-bike gangs like "The Goons" and "Redondo Beach Killers."
"From my understanding and my investigations, these are groups of kids between the ages of about 13 and 16 years old," Blumenfeld said. "They come together, they ride their bikes together and they're basically go to put fear in people."
These groups are not established criminal gangs recognized by the Department of Justice. "I've seen activity highest in the previous years," he noted. "This year I have not heard a lot about them... but 2023 and 2024 was when they were at their highest."
The department's goal is accountability and intervention rather than incarceration. "My goal and our goal is not to put them in the criminal justice system," Blumenfeld explained. "It's to make them members of society when they become adults and get them on the right track."
That includes involving parents, pursuing restitution for victims, and directing juveniles to resources including the Los Angeles County CHAMP juvenile diversion program, which can require counseling and community service.
## Frustrations and Solutions
Several residents expressed frustration about enforcement effectiveness. Phillips acknowledged the challenge of pursuing fleeing e-bike riders, citing safety concerns and liability. "Some neighboring agencies have pursued those e-bikes and it's resulted in some bad injuries. It's resulted in some lawsuits," he said.
One resident recounted being surrounded by approximately 15 juveniles and asked about self-defense rights. Phillips advised walking away when possible but confirmed adults have the right to defend themselves if unable to escape and facing assault.
The forum generated numerous resident suggestions including electronic messaging signs on Pier Plaza, GoHermosa app enhancements for reporting violations, body cameras for contract officers, and speed feedback signs on key streets.
Several residents questioned whether $500 fines deter wealthy families. Phillips noted fines escalate to $750 and $1,000 for repeat violations, and Beach Cities Health District is developing an e-bike diversion program allowing juveniles to attend safety training instead of paying fines. One resident urged the city to force parents to complete some form of community service with their children as a more effective punishment and deterrent.
## Homelessness: New Tools, Persistent Challenges
The recently passed anti-camping ordinance has given police broader authority, claimed Chief Phillips, with 16 citations issued and four arrests since implementation. However, Phillips noted judges rarely allow holding violators in custody.
The grant-funded HB CARES outreach program has recently ended. The city continues partnerships with LA County Department of Mental Health, Homeless Initiative Court with Redondo Beach, South Bay COG's new HERO outreach team, and HB SAFE (Safe Alternatives For Everyone), a community group led by Commissioner Elka Worner and Cara Knight. HB SAFE (a registered non-profit) provides outreach during HERO's off-hours and can be reached at [HBSafe365@gmail.com](mailto:HBSafe365@gmail.com).
##
## What's Next
The city will continue evaluating the contract code enforcement option, requiring Council approval and budget allocation. Phillips committed to ongoing targeted enforcement operations based on collision data and community input.
The Beach Cities Health District's e-bike diversion program is under development, and the city is relaunching its Neighborhood Watch program as a "community-led" initiative. The HERO homeless outreach team is just getting started.
The meeting highlighted the complexity of each of the issues raised. These are obviously not Hermosa's problems alone, and many of the solutions will rely on co-operation with our neighbor cities.
Mayor Saemann closed by encouraging civic engagement:
> "Everything that happens in this city, good or bad, needs to be with the people involved. You need to come up and say something to us."
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**What do you think about crime and public safety in our city ? Does it feel as safe to you as it did a few years ago ? Do you agree with the police assessment ? What would you do to help to solve the issues raised at the forum ? Email us at** [**newsdesk@hermosareview.com**](mailto:newsdesk@hermosareview.com) **or comment below.**
### Six Weeks in the Shoes of a Police Officer
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/six-weeks-in-the-shoes-of-a-police-officer/
Last updated: 2025-11-13T23:23:45.000Z
Six residents graduated Wednesday night from the Hermosa Beach Community Police Academy, a popular six-week program that offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the city’s police department operates from patrol to investigations and everything in between.
“I learned so much about what it’s like to be a police officer,” said graduate Ana Gallo. “The whole experience was really fun and informative.”
Launched over a decade ago, the program offers residents a rare behind-the-scenes experience with the Hermosa Beach Police Department. Through a mix of classroom sessions and hands-on demonstrations, participants learn what it’s really like to serve and protect in a small beach community.
L to R : Hermosa Beach Community Police Academy graduate Richard Linnell, Omid Mohseni, Capt. Joe Poelstra, Chief Landon Phillips, Ana Gallo, Kathy Welch, Lt. Matt Franco, Jeff Raedy and Darrell Greenwald. Missing: Maggie Bove-Lamonica.
“It’s a great background to understand the way we operate,” said Lt. Matt Franco, who coordinates the academy. “We don’t necessarily want fans of the department. We want people who have questions. This is their chance to see how and why we do what we do.”
Each week, participants heard from a different member of the department. The first session began with a tour of the station, including the booking area and jail. Then the class met patrol officers who explained their daily routines, uniforms, and the gear they carry.
Later sessions featured the department’s crime analyst and a detective, who explained how cases move from initial report to prosecution. A community services officer discussed parking issues and animal control, while a traffic officer explained what happens during traffic and DUI stops, Franco said.
For the final week, the participants headed to the department’s training range for a “force options” lesson, using a high-tech video simulator that put them in the middle of fast-moving police calls, everything from a suspicious person to a domestic dispute.
“You realize very quickly that you have to be ready for things to turn bad, or recognize when someone’s just talking,” Francosaid.
The program, which had been on a two-year hiatus, highlights the human side of police work and the unpredictability of the job. Its informal setting encourages dialogue and questions.
Lt. Franco said he plans to offer the academy next year, giving more residents the opportunity to experience a day, or six weeks, in an officer’s shoes.
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[Application FormDownload a copy to apply for the next Community Police Academy ProgramMain Application.pdf739 KBdownload-circle](https://www.hermosareview.com/content/files/2025/11/Main-Application.pdf "Download")
### The Keepers of the Memorial
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/the-keepers-of-the-memorial/
Last updated: 2025-11-13T16:13:11.000Z
Every first Saturday of the month, shortly after sunrise, two Vietnam veterans arrive at the corner of PCH and Pier Avenue with buckets, rags, and quiet purpose.
For more than three decades, **Steve Crecy** and **Mike Flaherty** have tended to the Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial, washing its black granite surface, pulling weeds from the surrounding garden, and hosing down the walkway around the structure.
The work isn’t glamorous. But for Crecy and Flaherty, it’s sacred. They helped build the memorial in 1992 and have cared for it ever since.
Each November, they organize the city’s Veterans Day ceremony with the same sense of duty, choosing the keynote speaker, coordinating the color guard, and ensuring every detail reflects the respect they feel for those who served. “We just want to make sure nobody forgets,” said Crecy, whose older brothers served in the Air Force and Marine Corps.
When Crecy and Flaherty returned from Vietnam in 1968, there were no parades or public thanks, but plenty of anti-war sentiment. “You didn’t want to say, ‘Hey, I just got back from Vietnam,’” Crecy recalled. “You just wanted to move on.”
Then, in 1992, a fellow veteran named Ken Marks stood up at a city meeting and asked why Hermosa Beach didn’t have a veteran’s memorial. Crecy, who served on the Parks and Recreation Commission, and Flaherty, who worked for Public Works, looked at each other and something clicked. “The light bulb went off,” Crecy said. “‘Yeah, let’s do it.’”
## From Memories to Memorial
Flaherty came from a family steeped in service. His father had been a Navy officer, his mother a surgical nurse in the Navy, and his uncle earned both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. But when he came home from Vietnam, he kept his distance from organized veterans’ groups.
“My experience was, and I’m embarrassed to say this, but they didn’t do anything but sit around and grumble about how terrible things were, and drink,” he said. “The moment a memorial conversation started was when it hit me, that I could actually participate in something positive.”
They formed a small committee and began raising funds, selling T-shirts outside the post office, and setting up a booth at the Fiesta. “We were hawking T-shirts anywhere we could,” Flaherty said with a laugh. “We never took a penny from the city.”
They ended up collecting $25,000, enough to design and build a lasting tribute. With city approval and the help of local contractors, they tore up an old concrete pad on the lawn of the Community Center and created something meaningful in its place.
On May 21, 1994, the Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial was dedicated, a 12-foot-high granite sundial engraved with the words “veterans are timeless.”
The Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial, a working sundial, was dedicated in 1994\. Every day, the shadow of the U.S. flag passes over an etching of each branch of the military.
Every day, the shadow of the U.S. flag passes over an etching of each branch of service, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
“It’s our way of giving back,” Crecy said. “We owe it to those who didn’t make it.”
## Vietnam Service
Crecy, who volunteered for the draft, trained at Fort Ord and later at radio school in Georgia before being deployed near Saigon and the Mekong Delta. He maintained radios and base phone systems, even operating a ham radio link that allowed soldiers to call home through the Red Cross. “You’d get a guy on the line with his mom back home. It meant everything,” he said.
His engineering unit built bridges, cleared jungle, and endured occasional mortar and rocket attacks. “You’d grab your rifle and hit the bunker,” he said.
Even though Flaherty’s parents served in the Navy, he chose the Marines. After Marine boot camp at Parris Island, he was deployed to the Da Nang area near the DMZ. There he supervised operations in a new computer division, the first of its kind in the service. “No one had ever seen a computer before.”
His team tracked inventory, logged incidents, and managed supplies as the corps doubled its troops on the ground. Technology was advancing so rapidly that “every admiral, general, and celebrity would stop by, even WWII General Omar Bradley,” he recalled.
Flaherty also made courier trips between Da Nang and Okinawa, carrying sensitive information. His first and last days in Vietnam were marked by incoming fire. “You could hear the mortars coming in,” Flaherty said. “You just dig with whatever you can find.”
Vietnam Veteran Mike Flaherty refreshes letters on the Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial. He is co-chairman of the Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial Committee
## A Form of Healing
For them, building the memorial so many years later became a form of healing. “I didn’t know it at the time, but it calmed me down,” Flaherty said.
“It was therapy, and we didn’t even know it. We just enjoyed doing it,” Crecy said.
Over the years, their committee has grown to include veterans from the Korean War, World War II, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan. “We’re recruiting as we go,” Flaherty said.
After covering the war in Afghanistan, I wanted to do my part to show respect for those who have served our country. For almost a year now, I have joined Crecy, Flaherty and other veterans and volunteers who clean the memorial, weed the garden, and share their stories.
Seeing Crecy, Flaherty and their fellow veterans at work, their comradery and devotion, I realized service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off, it just takes new forms.
Every town should be so lucky to have men like Crecy and Flaherty, humble veterans who remind us that real gratitude doesn’t come in a speech or a parade, but in quiet acts that honor sacrifice and keep the spirit of service alive.
### GALLERY
From Top: (1) Vietnam veteran Steve Crecy with his squad leader Jeff Ferguson at Camp Bearcat in South Vietnam in 1968\. (2) Crecy with a fellow soldier at Camp Bearcat is South Vietnam in 1968\. (3) Crecy with fellow Vietnam Veterans of America, South Bay Chapter 53, at the Green Hills Memorial Day Observance on May 26, 2025\. On screen, a photo of Crecy at the Army Radio School in Georgia in 1967\. (4) Vietnam veteran Mike Flaherty while serving as a Marine in Da Nanag, 1967.(5) Mike Flaherty with former Community Resources Director Mary Rooney one day before the dedication of the Veterans Memorial in May 1994\. (6) Hosing down the walkway near the Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial, as part of the monthly maintenance.
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Elka Worner is a community volunteer, City Commissioner, journalist, and Hermosa Beach local. She contributes occasional columns to The Hermosa Review, and publishes her own regular newsletter titled 'Elka's Update’ which you can subscribe to for free.
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### Veterans Day Ceremony Pays Tribute to all Who Served
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/veterans-day-ceremony-pays-tribute-to-all-who-served/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:39:10.000Z
## Former Navy physician shares stories of service and sacrifice at annual ceremony
In a poignant and moving Veterans Day Ceremony, Hermosa Beach paid tribute to all who served their country, while issuing a call for the community to support veterans beyond a simple thank you. In front of the Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial, a large crowd gathered Tuesday morning to meet and reflect on the sacrifice made by local veterans.
The memorial sundial, featuring the inscription "Veterans Are Timeless," was conceived by a small local committee in 1992 and dedicated two years later. Central to that effort were ***Steve Crecy*** and ***Mike Flaherty***, Vietnam veterans who wanted to ensure there would be a lasting reminder to everyone of the part played by local servicemen and women. Both men remain active in maintaining the memorial, hosting volunteer cleanup sessions on the first Saturday of each month.
This year's Veterans Day Ceremony featured as its keynote speaker former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander ***Dr. Leo Rodriguez***, who led a trauma unit in combat zones including Kandahar, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf. Over a 25-year Navy career that included 14 years on active duty, Dr. Rodriguez and his team treated more than 1,400 injured personnel, often under intense combat conditions.
### IN VIDEO : VETERANS DAY KEYNOTE
## "That Blank Check"
In a deeply personal and at times emotional address, Dr. Rodriguez spoke directly to what military service means, describing it as writing a blank check to the nation.
> "Veterans all wrote that blank check," he told the assembled crowd. "That blank check that means no matter when, no matter where you're called, you're going to step up and fulfill that duty, that responsibility."
Dr. Rodriguez's own journey began just 10 days out of high school when he enlisted as a Navy hospital corpsman. Those early years, he explained, taught him that heroism often looks ordinary — the quiet, steady courage of people doing difficult jobs under pressure.
"It taught me that leadership sometimes looks like kneeling next to someone in pain or staying calm when things are chaotic," he said.
His path from corpsman to Navy physician took him eventually to one of the most challenging assignments of his career: a 10-month deployment in 2012 to Kandahar's NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit, essentially a Level 1 trauma center operating on an active battlefield.
## "How's My Buddy?"
Dr. Rodriguez described receiving casualties throughout the day and night by helicopter medevac from across the southern region of Afghanistan — American soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors, coalition partners from various nations, and Afghan military troops and civilians caught in the crossfire.
What struck him most profoundly was the courage he witnessed in those chaotic moments. Young men and women, catastrophically injured, would ask one question first: "How's my buddy? How are my men?"
"That courage sticks with you," Dr. Rodriguez said, his voice catching. "Sure, eventually their next question after they found out their buddies were okay was about themselves, whether they were going to be okay. But that unbelievable courage — it stays with you."
He also described the courage of his medical team — doctors, nurses, medics, and corpsmen who pushed through exhaustion because one more life might be saved if they just kept going.
Dr. Leo Rodriguez spoke powerfully and personally in his keynote speech
## A Name Spoken Out Loud
Perhaps the most powerful moment of Dr. Rodriguez's address came when he spoke about First Sergeant Russell Bell, who was killed in Kandahar in August 2012\. Rodriguez wears a memory bracelet for Bell, who stood out because the medical team got to know him over several weeks after his dismounted patrol encountered an improvised explosive device.
When it came time to assess Bell's wounds and determine whether he should return to combat or go home, the medical team tried to send him home. But Bell, a senior enlisted leader who wasn't supposed to be leading from the front, made a different choice.
"He was a leader of extraordinary strength and heart who made everyone around him better," Dr. Rodriguez said. "On this Veterans Day, I want to say his name out loud so it echoes beyond this gathering. We honor him and all those like him whose courage continues to guide us well after they're gone."
## The Families Who Wait
Dr. Rodriguez then shifted to address the sacrifice of military families, drawing poignantly from his own experience. During his 2012 Afghanistan deployment, his son Mateo was just four years old.
When they connected via Skype — pixelated and unreliable as it was — his young son would wait for the connection to sync up, make eye-to-eye contact to confirm his father was okay, and then immediately turn his back to the screen.
"That was the only way he knew how to show me that he was mad at me," Dr. Rodriguez explained. "He was upset. He was hurt. Just when he thought I might have hung up, he would look over his shoulder to make sure I was still there."
Dr. Rodriguez paused, emotion evident in his voice. "I remember hanging up more than a few times and just thinking about it, quietly, about how young he was to be carrying such weight for someone his age."
Now 17, Mateo was publicly thanked by his father from the podium: "You carried more than a child should have to carry, and you did it with courage. You're part of my service story. You served, too."
Dr. Leo Rodriguez with his family. He spoke emotionally of Skype conversations from the battlefield in 2012 with his son Mateo, then four years old, now 17.
Dr. Rodriguez also thanked his wife of four years, who "didn't just marry a man, she married a veteran — a veteran who carries the memories of war and the weight of duty." And he spoke of his two-year-old daughter, to whom he sings the National Anthem as a lullaby he calls "daddy's song."
"Sometimes I get misty," he said, "and I hope she understands one day that the reason I get misty is because every word of that beautiful song carries the faces, names, and memories of those we served with in battle."
## "Don't Just Thank Them"
Toward the end of his address, Dr. Rodriguez delivered what may have been his most important message to the community. He cited a sobering statistic: approximately 20 veterans die every day, too many by their own hand.
> "When you see a veteran, don't just thank them for their service — though that is appreciated," he said. "Ask how they're doing. Listen to them. Reach out. Reach out not just today, but all the 364 days in between to those veterans who may need an ear to listen to them, a shoulder to lean on."
He encouraged residents to support organizations that help veterans reintegrate into civilian life, emphasizing that the best way to honor their service is to ensure they never have to walk alone.
Dr. Rodriguez also spoke directly to young people in attendance, including members of the Redondo Union High School Marine Corps JROTC who presented colors during the ceremony. Service, he told them, doesn't only happen in uniform — it can happen in schools, neighborhoods, and communities.
"The same courage that drives a soldier in battle can drive a citizen to make a difference right here at home," he said.
The event, which drew a large crowd despite overcast conditions, featured a welcome address from Mayor Rob Saemann, as well as comments from Councilmember Ray Jackson. Diane Plaster sang the National Anthem, while Pastor Brett Armstrong from Guidestone Church gave the invocation . The ceremony also included an Armed Forces Salute, during which all local veterans and their family members who attended were recognized.
A pre-event concert was performed by the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band, and attendees gathered for a reception afterwards at the Hermosa Beach Museum.
The Veterans Memorial Committee continues its "Veterans Are Timeless" campaign, encouraging local veterans to submit their names for recognition. The memorial is maintained through volunteer efforts on the first Saturday of each month, with Crecy, Flaherty and others welcoming community members to join in preserving this important landmark.
Todays oldest veteran in attendance, 95 year old Vaughan.
Police Chief Landon Phillips with Veterans Memorial Committee co-founder Steve Crecy
## "Honor the Fallen by Lifting Up the Living"
Dr. Rodriguez concluded his address with a challenge to the community.
"After 25 years in uniform, I can say this: service changes you," he said. "It reminds you that freedom is not a given. It's a gift paid for by men and women like First Sergeant Russell Bell and protected every day by those serving in uniform."
His final words served as both benediction and marching orders:
> "May we honor the fallen by lifting up the living. May we cherish our freedoms by serving one another right here. And may God bless our veterans, their families, and the United States of America."
#### Dr. Leo Rodriguez's Veterans Day address in full (click arrow to read)
Good morning everyone. Thank you for coming out today. I wouldn't be here if not for Steve Crecy, that gentleman we were talking about earlier. I live just a few blocks away. And I don't really like public speaking. Much as it does not quite look like that today.
But we had a city council meeting a little over a year ago. And there was something I was passionate about. Kind of like this. And they were talking about building some big buildings near our home. And I felt compelled to get up in the public forum part and speak. And in that speech, I felt, let me give a little gratitude or a little weight to what I'm saying. And just add that I'm a veteran.
Sure enough, Steve picked up that little tidbit. And about a week later, my wife and I got a handwritten snail mail letter, stamp and all, in Steve's handwriting. He talked about coming out and maybe spending some time the first Saturday of each month, cleaning and maintaining the memorial. Which actually, I was really grateful that he did that. And I enjoy these first Saturday of every month. I certainly would invite everyone to come out and support and help us preserve and maintain this the way Steve and Mike have done over 32 years already.
I'd like to say thank you to all veterans. Combat and non-combat. Because service and sacrifice doesn't just come on the battlefield. It comes stateside. It comes overseas, abroad. Veterans all write that blank check. That blank check that means no matter when, no matter where, you're called, that you're going to step up and you're going to fulfill that request, that duty, that responsibility. So I just want to say thank you to all veterans here and serving overseas.
It's a true honor to stand here today on this Veterans Day, a day our nation pauses to honor those that have served and sacrificed in defense of our freedom. It's a day of remembrance, gratitude, and pride. But also it's a day of hope. Because every generation of veterans reminds us that courage and commitment are American values. Today, not just for reflection but for connection between all those who've worn the uniform and all those who benefit from that uniform and the service provided. The benefit from the freedoms that the uniform serves to protect.
For me, Veterans Day is deeply personal. I served 25 years in the Navy, 14 years on active duty. My journey did not begin as a doctor. It began as a young hospital corpsman just 10 days out of high school. Those early years taught me what service really truly means. It means showing up when it's hard, standing shoulder to shoulder with others, and putting duty before self. Being a corpsman was my first lesson in leadership and compassion. It taught me that heroism looks ordinary oftentimes. It looks like quiet, steady courage to do your job and do it under pressure. I learned that leadership sometimes looks like kneeling next to someone in pain or staying calm when things are chaotic. Later, when I became a Navy physician, there's a lot of steps along the way. I'll leave that out because we don't need to go to the 18th inning, third game, all night long. We'll just cut to the chase. That lesson guided me again. The tools, however, changed. The Unit 1 medic bag that I carried became a stethoscope, chest tube, central line, medications, advanced equipment.
But the mission was the same. Take care of those who take care of America. In 2012, I deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan as an emergency physician embedded with Army. It was an individual augmented deployment where I was in charge of the emergency department there for 10 months. It was a frenetic time during our war. And during those 10 intense months, our hospital is called the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit. It's essentially like a Level 1 trauma center that isn't down the street in Harbor City like Harbor-UCLA is or County-USC. Rather, it's actually in country. It's in Kandahar.It's on an active battlefield.
We prepared that trauma-receiving emergency department area and that facility to receive casualties. During those 10 months, casualties came throughout the day and night by helicopter, by medevac. We received casualties from all across that southern region of Afghanistan for those 10 months. They were American soldiers. They were Marines.They were airmen. They were Navy sailors and Marines. Our coalition partners from various nations that were in that war with supporting us. There were local Afghans, Afghan military troops and civilians caught in the crossfire. We treated everyone that came through our doors. But we all had one goal, and that was to save lives. That was the main goal, save lives.
Those months changed me forever. I saw courage that still humbles me. Young men and women catastrophically injured, and their first question when they came through those doors wasn't about whether they were whole, whether they lost a limb, whether they were going to be okay. It was, how's my buddy? How are my men? That courage, it sticks with you. Sure, eventually their next question after they found out their buddies were okay was about themselves, whether they were going to be okay, but that unbelievable courage just, it stays with you.
There was also courage among our team members, the teamwork, the humanity.I saw doctors, nurses, medics, corpsmen, all of our medical professionals push through exhaustion at times because one more life might possibly, I'm sorry, one more life might be saved if they just pushed further, pushed harder, and just kept going. And I saw sacrifice up close. One of those sacrifices was First Sergeant Russell Bell who was killed in Kandahar in 2012 in August. I wear a memory bracelet for him. He stood out to me because we cared for him when he first came in when his dismounted patrol encountered an IED and their unit was blown up. A couple of guys came in in bad shape. He came in also not in such bad shape, but we got to know him over a couple of weeks. And when it came time to assess his wounds, assess his mental and physical health, and make a decision of whether getting back to fight or going home was the right call, we tried to push him home, but not First Sergeant Bell.
If you know anything about the military, First Sergeant is like the next from sergeant major.It's the next highest rank among enlisted. And those guys, those guys and gals, they shouldn't be leading from the front, but not First Sergeant Bell. He was a leader of extraordinary strength and heart who made everyone around him better. On this Veterans Day, I want to say his name out loud so it echoes beyond this gathering. We honor him and all those like him whose courage continues, continues to guide us well after they're gone.
But service doesn't end with those who wear the uniform. There are no medals or rank for families. The families who sacrifice and wait at home, who live every deployment through worry, hope, and faith (**voice breaking with emotion*). Is it misty out here?
In 2012, when I was in Afghanistan, my son was just four years old. For ten long months, he gave up his dad. Every phone call was precious. Even back then, 2012, there was Skype. It was basic. It was pixelated. There was all kinds of connection problems, but we could Skype each other from time to time. And when we did, we would actually wait for that connection to finally sync up, and he would wait. He would wait for me to come on that screen. I can't look at you. Because as soon as he confirmed that I was okay by making eye-to-eye contact with me through that screen, he would immediately turn his back, turn his back away like any four-year-old child, because that was the only way he knew how to show me that he was mad at me. He was upset. He was hurt.
Just when he thought I might have hung up, he would still look over his shoulder and look back and make sure I was still there. And even though I really wanted to reassure him that everything was gonna be okay, buddy, the truth was that none of us really knew. I remember hanging up more than a few times and just thinking about it, quietly, about how young he was, to be carrying such, such weight for someone his age. Now he's 17 years old, and I want to take a moment to thank him. Thank you, Mateo, for being brave when I couldn't be there. Thank you. You carried more than a child should have to carry, and you did it with courage. You're part of my service story.You served, too, and I hope you know how proud I am of you.
And so today, my life has come full circle. I have a wonderful wife of four years and a beautiful two-year-old little girl. My wife didn't just marry a man, she married a veteran. A veteran who carries the memories, the memories of war and the weight of duty. She's shown patience, grace, and strength beyond words. To my wife, thank you. Thank you for the countless sacrifices, for loving me through countless transitions. The quiet ones, the not-so-quiet ones, the times of reflection that come after years of service.
And to my little girl, one day you'll understand why your daddy's eyes misted up. My eyes. When I sing the National Anthem, because I do, I sing the National Anthem not quite as beautifully as it was sung today. I sing it to her as a little lullaby each time I put her down for a nap or for bedtime. And it's come to her to be known as daddy's song, so hearing someone else sing it so beautifully probably confuses her a little bit. But I sing her the National Anthem at least a handful of times a week, and it's our little, our little precious song. But sometimes I get misty, and I hope she understands one day that the reason I get misty is because every word of that, of that beautiful song carries the faces, names, and memories of those that we served with in battle and served beside.
A few years later, in 2017, I deployed again, this time aboard a U.S. Navy ship, USS Somerset, into the Persian Gulf, assigned to a Marine Corps unit. So I served with Army, served, deployed with Marines as well. This deployment was different. It was quieter. Quiet, but you never knew what was gonna happen outside those steel walls. The world could change in a moment. So even though it was quiet and there wasn't a whole lot going on, it was no less meaningful. Life at sea teaches you patience, teamwork, and humility.Every sailor and Marine on that ship depends on one another, from the cook to the commanding officer and everyone in between. We depended on each other. It reminded me that service is not just about combat. It's about readiness, about discipline, and the daily choice to serve with honor wherever, wherever duty calls.
But Veterans Day is not just about war. It's about people. It's about men and women who raised their right hands and promised to defend, to defend the freedom and defend this country. It's about their families, their families who endured, endured long nights in empty chairs at the dinner table. It's a day to honor every man and woman who took an oath to serve this country. Whether they fought in World War II or they served in peacetime, whether they were in combat zones or they were stateside, whether they were draftees or volunteers, each one gave a piece of their life for something bigger than themselves. It's also about responsibility, our responsibility to look out for our veterans, like the mayor said. Many veterans come home carrying invisible wounds, as was mentioned. They need our understanding, our compassion, our continued care. Approximately 20 veterans die every day, some of those by their own hand. It's a staggering statistic. So let that sit in for a moment. When you see a veteran, don't just thank them for their service, though. That is appreciated, trust me.
Many of us talk about how sort of awkward and uncomfortable it feels just, you know, thanking us for something that we're honored to do. And Steve and I have talked recently about how we all have a little bit of survivor's guilt because the sacrifice that we made doesn't doesn't compare to the sacrifice that some others. But when you do see a veteran, don't just thank them for their service. Ask how they're doing. Listen to them. Reach out. Reach out today if there's someone you know, someone that served. Reach out, not just today, but all the 364 days in between to those veterans who may need a, may need, you know, an ear to listen to them, a shoulder to lean on. Support the organizations that help veterans reintegrate into civilian life. Choose the organization that you like. The mayor mentioned some. There are many out there.
But the best way to honor their service is to ensure they never have to walk alone. The younger generation here today, your future is built on service, on the service of those who came before you. The Redondo Color Guard, thank you. Thank you for that beautiful presentation of arms. But service doesn't only happen in uniform. Service can happen in your schools, in your neighborhoods, in your communities. Service is about giving of yourself, standing up for what's right, and taking care of others. The same courage that drives a soldier in battle can drive a citizen to make a difference right here at home.
In closing, after 25 years in uniform, I can say this, service definitely changes you. It reminds you that freedom is not a given. It's a gift paid for by men and women like First Sergeant Russell Bell and protected every day and currently by those serving in uniform, both stateside and overseas. So on this Veterans Day, let us celebrate not only the courage of those that have served, but also the hope that they inspire. Let us care for our veterans, support their families who wait, and the children who grow up knowing that courage comes in many forms.
May we live each day with the same spirit of unity and compassion that defines our military family. May we honor the fallen by lifting up the living. May we cherish, cherish our freedoms by serving one another right here. And may God bless our veterans, their families, and the United States of America. Thank you.
---
## GALLERY
*Veterans and community members interested in volunteering to maintain the Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial can join cleanup sessions on the first Saturday of each month. For more information about local veterans organizations and support services, contact City of Hermosa Beach Community Resources Department*
*To submit a Veteran for recognition, please visit www.hermosabeach.gov/veterans*
To donate to the Veterans Memorial Committee, follow this link: [https://www.hermosabeach.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/15487/637393169614670000](https://www.hermosabeach.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/15487/637393169614670000?ref=hermosareview.com)
[The Keepers of the MemorialA story of service, dedication and supportThe Hermosa ReviewElka Worner](https://www.hermosareview.com/the-keepers-of-the-memorial/)
### Introducing your new Hermosa Beach news site !
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/introducing-your-new-hermosa-beach-news-site/
Last updated: 2025-11-13T01:11:58.000Z
We are excited to announce the launch of The Hermosa Review, a brand new community news source focused 100% on Hermosa Beach.
The original newspaper of our city was The Hermosa Beach Review, first published in 1907\. It’s been gone for almost half a century, and since then the world of local news has changed profoundly.
Our aim with the Review is to create something new and different here in Hermosa. A local news site that is 100% focused on our best little beach city, with significant contribution from the community itself. Citizen journalism that goes beyond the soundbites of social media, enabling a deeper conversation about the issues that impact our city. We intend to be fact-based and objective, and will try to use simple summaries, graphics, photos and video to break these issues down.
> This is an experiment. We aren't charging for subscription, we aren't being paid, and we don't accept advertisements. In the end, you can decide what we feature and whether The Hermosa Review grows into something significant.
If you'd like to get involved as a contributor, we'd love to hear from you. You don't have to be a professional journalist. Maybe you know a local foodie who would like to write a restaurant review, or a student who could write high school sports reports. Perhaps you would like to contribute an opinion piece or a feature on a local subject close to your heart.
We also want to write columns that pay tribute to the people, places and culture that have defined our unique history. If you have an idea for a story, please get in touch.
We'll help you to polish your thoughts and get them out there to the community. Drop us an email, and help us to shape the Review into a true community effort.
You can email us at [newsdesk@hermosareview.com](mailto:newsdesk@hermosareview.com)
## Sign up for The Hermosa Review
100% Hermosa Beach news, views and stories. It's free to subscribe.
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### IN PICTURES : CBVA Volleyball Hall of Fame Ceremony
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/in-pictures-cbva-volleyball-hall-of-fame-ceremony/
Last updated: 2025-11-08T22:39:01.000Z
Volleyball community honors new Hall of Famers
_This post is for subscribers only._
### Community rallies to raise funds for Mickey's Deli manager
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/community-rallies-to-raise-funds-for-mickeys-deli-manager/
Last updated: 2025-11-08T01:50:02.000Z
Appeal launched after Mickey's Deli favorite Gonzalo Diaz suffered a stroke
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### This week in Hermosa 110 years ago
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/this-week-in-hermosa-110-years-ago/
Last updated: 2025-11-07T22:34:09.000Z
Nuggets from Hermosa history, courtesy of the original Review
_This post is for subscribers only._
### HOME OF THE WEEK
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/house-of-the-week/
Last updated: 2025-11-07T17:03:22.000Z
***2965 La Carlita St Hermosa Beach**
****$11,975,000**
****7** bedrooms
****7.5** bathrooms
****7,832** sq. ft.
Welcome to this extraordinary custom estate perched in the Hermosa Hills and set on a large, flat corner lot - an exceptional rarity in Hermosa Beach, where modern design and coastal luxury meet. With 7 bedrooms, 7.5 baths, and over 7,800 square feet of impeccable living space, this home offers the best of coastal living: elevated design, breathtaking views and effortless sophistication.
The architectural craftsmanship is unmistakable—an oversized pivot wood front door, wraparound front deck and an open-concept layout that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. A dramatic glass-encased elevator serves as a sculptural centerpiece, connecting each level with ease. The main living area features a stone fireplace, wood-detailed ceilings and folding glass walls that open to an entertainer’s dream: a covered outdoor pavilion with kitchen pass-through, bar seating, pool and spa, fire pit and built-in lounge seating—all enhanced by custom lighting for an inviting nighttime ambiance.
The gourmet kitchen is both functional and beautiful, showcasing a waterfall island of natural stone, designer backsplash, custom cabinetry and a cozy built-in breakfast nook. A formal dining area and multiple living spaces offer room for gatherings large and small. Upstairs, the primary suite is a serene retreat with a private terrace, marble-clad bath, soaking tub, and adjacent office with its own ocean-view patio.
The lower level is pure leisure—complete with a full bar, movie theater, game room, and home gym. Every detail has been curated for luxury living: custom railings, designer fixtures, home automation, sound and theater systems throughout, security cameras, a full water filtration system and a four-car garage with built-in storage.
Listing Provided by: Britt Austin (310) 938-9167
****Vista Sotheby's International Realty**
[JUST LISTED – 2965 La Carlita Street, Hermosa BeachCari Corbalis & Britt Austin are top Hermosa Beach real estate agents specializing in helping those looking to sell and buy homes.Cari & BrittCari & Britt](https://cariandbritt.com/hermosa-beach-new-listing/just-listed-2965-la-carlita-street-hermosa-beach/?ref=hermosareview.com)
***NOTE : We are not paid to promote real estate listings in any way. But we love great homes, and like to feature our Hermosa favorites !***
### SORA SUSHI : The best lunch deal in Hermosa?
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/sora-sushi-the-best-lunch-deal-in-hermosa/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:11:03.000Z
Strip mall sushi joint that's fresh, friendly and fantastic value
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### Saint Rocke to shutter?
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/saint-rocke-to-shutter/
Last updated: 2025-11-07T22:34:49.000Z
Rumors circulating over music venue's future
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### CITY HALL SKETCH : Toy Story Glory
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-hall-sketch-toy-story/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T01:25:35.000Z
THIS WEEK : Costumes, flying chocolate and dog park diplomacy
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### Crime Time: Oct 26th to Nov 1st, 2025
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-oct-26th-to-nov-1st-2025/
Last updated: 2025-11-16T20:06:31.000Z
Mail fraud tops the list of Hermosa crime in the past week
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### Dog Park Progress On Leash
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/dog-park-progress-unleashed/
Last updated: 2025-11-12T02:55:46.000Z
## Bark For A Park group detail fundraising progress but urge city staff to accelerate
**Jack Levy**, vice-chair of the Bark-for-a-Park team, delivered a comprehensive update to the Parks and Recreation Commission Monday night, detailing significant momentum in the effort to bring a dog park to Hermosa Beach. During his presentation, he explained that the group is ready and waiting for city input.
## Recent Fundraising Success
The grassroots organization has secured pledges of nearly $60,000 without even formally launching its fundraising campaign. These early commitments from private residents demonstrate strong community support for the project.
"We just all see this as a great start," Levy told commissioners, noting that the fundraising team is meeting frequently to develop strategies for both individual donations and business sponsorships.
Jack Levy was diplomatic but clear on expectations with City staff this week
## Growing Community Support
The group's petition has garnered more than 1,300 signatures in support of establishing a dog park in Hermosa Beach. Recent community events have further demonstrated the enthusiasm behind the initiative.
On October 28th, the Bark-for-a-Park team hosted a dog-friendly social event at The Deck that drew over 50 people and their pets. A percentage of proceeds from the event benefited the organization, and the gathering received coverage in the local press.
"It demonstrated the enthusiasm and support we have in the city to make a dog park a reality," Levy said, adding that the group views this as the first of many similar events to come.
The next fundraising event is scheduled for **November 22nd at Uncorked**, which has selected Bark-for-a-Park as the beneficiary of its Paws for Santa Claus event.
## Organizational Milestones
The Hermosa Beach Dog Park initiative has achieved several key organizational milestones in recent months:
- **501(c)(3) Status**: The organization is now a registered nonprofit, making all donations tax-deductible
- **Active Teams**: Board of directors, operations committee, fundraising committee, and finance team are all in place and meeting regularly
- **Best Practices Research**: The group continues studying successful dog parks throughout Southern and Northern California while refining cost estimates
- **Merchandise**: The team has hats, hoodies, buttons, and stickers available for sale to raise funds and build awareness
## Looking Ahead
While expressing appreciation for the city's support, Levy made clear the group's eagerness to move faster. "Our team stands ready to engage," he told commissioners. "And I know (Community Resources Director) Lisa Nichols has a lot of competing priorities but our team is ready and just would love to figure out how to accelerate our progress with y'all."
**"We're taking this very, very seriously and have tremendous engagement from the local community in participating across all those teams. We've also secured pledges of almost $60,000 now without even formally launching our fundraising team."*
**"This is from private residents who wanna get behind it and we just all see this as a great start. We've begun to outline the strategies for donations from a long, long list of residents on our target list as well as sponsorship models to engage with businesses."*
****JACK LEVY - Vice-Chair, Bark For A Park**
## Commission Commitment
During the meeting, newly appointed Commissioner **Elka Worner** specifically inquired about ensuring the dog park remains visible on future agendas. When asked why the dog park wasn't listed among future agenda items, city staff clarified that while not on that evening's written list, the project is actively progressing.
**Brian Sousa**, representing the Community Resources Department, confirmed that staff has been in regular communication with the Bark-for-a-Park group and that he is working directly with them. "We will hopefully be making progress to get that subcommittee formed to start identifying the feasibility of putting a dog park in Hermosa Beach," Sousa told the commission.
For those interested in supporting the initiative, the Bark-for-a-Park team encourages community members to attend their upcoming events and follow their progress as they work toward making a dog park a reality for Hermosa Beach.
---
[](https://hermosabeachdogpark.com/?ref=hermosareview.com#home)
Click below to learn more about Bark For A Park and their campaign to fund a Hermosa Beach dog park
[Learn more ](https://hermosabeachdogpark.com/?ref=hermosareview.com#home)
### Carrie, Mrs. Strange, and the Horrors of Junior High
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/carrie-mrs-strange-and-the-horrors-of-junior-high/
Last updated: 2025-11-09T02:46:19.000Z
Junior high school felt like a horror movie sometimes. “Onward, forward, ladies!”
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### City meeting highlights busy event schedule for the holiday season
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-meeting-highlights-busy-event-schedule-for-the-holiday-season/
Last updated: 2025-11-15T19:59:42.000Z
Santa Stroll to return for a seventh year on 13th December. Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on 11/11
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### Weekend Crime Report
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/weekend-crime-report/
Last updated: 2025-11-03T21:55:04.000Z
A quick summary of Hermosa Beach crime and policing 24-26 October.
_This post is for subscribers only._
### NEW : Coni'Seafood
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/conis-seafood/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:11:27.000Z
### South Hermosa welcomes an Inglewood institution
###
***The Epicureview by Peter The Eater*** \- Coni'Seafood has opened in the old Encanto restaurant space on Hermosa Ave, bringing Nayarit-style Mexican seafood to the neighborhood. It's a welcome addition to the rapidly shifting Hermosa food scene, offering something different with its focus on regional specialties from Mexico's Pacific coast. We paid a visit last weekend (just a couple of days after it opened) to see whether it can live up to its Inglewood reputation.
Coni's is at 934 Hermosa Ave, in the old Encanto's spot
### The Story Behind Coni's Seafood
What began in 1987 in the backyard of a modest Inglewood home has grown into a small local chain. Founder Vicente "Chente" Cossio brought the flavors of Acaponeta, Nayarit to Los Angeles, starting what was originally called Mariscos Chente, eventually passing it to his daughter Connie Cossio (apparently now married to "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan. Does that make Connie the Shrimp Whisperer ?) This Hermosa location joins existing spots in Inglewood and Del Rey. The original Inglewood location earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award a couple of years back.
### The Nayarit Tradition
Nayarit cuisine is a coastal Mexican tradition focused on fresh seafood, emphasizing techniques like zarandeado—butterflying and grilling whole fish over mesquite—and raw preparations like aguachile, which is spicier and more aggressive than typical ceviche. Coni'Seafood imports shrimp, whole fish, and other products directly from Sinaloa and Nayarit.
Would you like to write an Epicureview ? We'd love to hear from you ! Hermosa restaurants only. Email us at newsdesk@hermosareview.com
### Atmosphere
The space retains the old Encanto look—it appears they simply moved in without renovating too much. The bar area was closed and unlit, giving a rather unwelcoming first impression, though apparently they have a full liquor license and plan to re-open it soon. For those who never visited the old place, the dining area is unpretentious. Definitely a casual vibe. But a gloomy Sunday evening at 6pm (don't you hate those clocks going back ?), the place was nearly full. Hopefully, the drawbacks of the south of the pier location don't weigh too heavily on Coni's as they try to establish themselves.
### Service
Slow from the start. Our server warned us the kitchen was busy, but our ceviche still took 25 minutes—frustrating for what we wanted as a quick bite before the star of the show. The pescado zarandeado, advertised at 30 minutes, took nearly 50\. Our server was friendly (Coni's definitely has that family feel) and tried to manage expectations, but do bring patience with you. A special shout out to the small party of elderly diners who waited for 20 minutes and then realized that they weren't actually at Radici like they thought they were. Presumably the lack of pasta options eventually gave the game away.
### The Food
The **ceviche marinero**—raw shrimp with cucumber, tomato, onion, mango, and a fiery black sauce—brought aggressive heat that felt rather one-dimensional. Fresh shrimp, but the execution maybe leaned too heavily on spice rather than balanced flavor. Time will tell whether the regular local crowd find the authenticity just a little too hot to handle.
Ceviche Marinero
The **langostinos** were our server's recommendation, described as "baby lobsters." Three of them swam shell-on in a really tasty chef's sauce with garlic, red pepper, and some citrus zing, the heat nicely tempered by cucumber on the side. The meat was slightly chewy, but that sauce was delicious—the meal's highlight.
Langostinos, described as 'baby lobsters'
The **pescado zarandeado**—their signature butterflied snook—is the traditional preparation of this coastal game fish prized in Mexico for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor. The smallest size (1-1.5 kg) is meant for sharing and came with roasted onions that added something special. The fish itself was oily in parts, dry in others. Inconsistent enough to notice. After nearly 50 minutes, it was good but didn't quite live up to the wait. That signature mesquite flavor is definitely unique. I enjoyed it, but my guest found that it overpowered the snook's natural sweetness.
Pescado Zarandeado - butterflied snook, with that signature Coni's mesquite flavor
My dinner guest observed that the tortillas served with our fish were 'definitely not as good as the ones at Palmilla.'
We were just a party of two, but to be fair there was enough food for three average appetites.
### Drinks
Two "fresh squeezed" lemonades from a limited menu—okay but unremarkable. The bar can't open soon enough.
### Other Recommendations ?
Based on reviews from the other locations, the **smoked marlin tacos** are reportedly outstanding—cheesy, rich, and cited as one of the best tacos in LA. We did see these on the next table, and they got a smiling thumbs-up from a guy eating alone. The various **shrimp aguachiles** get consistent praise for their bright, aggressive flavors. The **mojarra frita** (whole fried tilapia) is mentioned as a family favorite and more budget-friendly option than the zarandeado.
### Value
Prices climb, especially for whole fish. Whether the quality justifies the cost and wait is questionable.
### The Verdict
Coni'Seafood brings authentic Nayarit-style seafood to Hermosa, genuinely different from the usual options. Our experience was rather inconsistent, but the concept has promise. Their other locations have strong reputations, and an almost cult-like fan base, but this one needs time to find its footing.
---
[Coni’Seafood RestaurantConi'Seafood RestaurantHome](https://coniseafood.com/?ref=hermosareview.com)
### "We Believe In Hermosa"
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/a-few-memories-from-the-first-edition-of-the-original-review/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:42:46.000Z
The Hermosa Beach Review was our city's first ever newspaper. The first edition hit the street on March 1st, 1907\. Annual subscription ran $1.50, equivalent to $51.70 today. The paper went on to publish every Friday for seven decades. Here's a little glimpse from that first ever copy :
---
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## A Word From the Editor
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## "For Hermosa first, last and all the time..."
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## Neighbors Talk : The OG social media
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### Council Overhauls Residential Parking Permit Program After Heated Debate
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-overhauls-residential-parking-permit-program-after-heated-debate/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T18:06:41.000Z
## Previous council's changes under scrutiny as residents urge return to old system
The Hermosa Beach City Council held its regular meeting Tuesday evening, October 28, addressing parking policy questions, finalizing holiday parking dates, and announcing upcoming community events. The meeting, which lasted until nearly midnight, was occasionally bad-tempered as council members clashed over parking reforms and procedural issues.
### Council Overhauls Residential Parking Permit Program - reverses previous council's changes
In a discussion continued from 14th October, multiple residents urged the council to restore the parking permit system that had been in place for 40 years before changes made in 2023, arguing the reforms penalized honest families while creating no additional parking availability.
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### Mayor Rob Saemann to host Public Safety Forum with Police Chief
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/police-department-to-hold-public-safety-forum/
Last updated: 2025-11-04T03:47:50.000Z
E-bikes and homelessness expected to spark discussion on November 13th
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### IN DEPTH : Hermosa Beach's Green Energy Switch: Cost and Confusion Spark Resident Concerns
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beachs-green-energy-switch-bill-increases-spark-resident-frustrations-2/
Last updated: 2025-11-08T23:18:13.000Z
When Hermosa Beach automatically enrolled all residents and businesses into 100% renewable energy through the Clean Power Alliance in March 2024, city leaders touted it as a major step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But nearly two years later, the transition has revealed a more complicated picture—one where environmental ambitions collide with billing confusion, cost concerns, and questions about what "100% renewable" actually means.
## The Decision
In October 2022, the Hermosa Beach City Council voted to join the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California, selecting 100% Green Power as the default option for all customers—among the most ambitious renewable energy commitments in the region.
"It gives our electricity customers more clean power, for less money for those who stay with 100% green power," Former Mayor Justin Massey said before the March 2024 launch. "They're getting 100% renewable energy, which is going to significantly move the city forward towards reaching the carbon reduction goals."
The carbon reduction goals driving the council's decision are self-imposed. While California has statewide emission reduction targets—including carbon neutrality by 2045 under AB 1279—individual cities are not required to join Community Choice Aggregation programs. Hermosa Beach established its own Municipal Carbon Neutral Plan in 2015, aiming for carbon neutrality in city operations by 2020\.
The opt-out enrollment meant residents had to take action if they wanted to return to Southern California Edison or choose a lower renewable percentage. Those who did nothing automatically received—and paid for—100% renewable energy.
## How It Works
Clean Power Alliance is a Joint Powers Authority serving 36 cities across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. It purchases electricity from solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro sources, while SCE continues delivering power through existing infrastructure and billing customers.
Hermosa's representative on the CPA Board is now Councilmember Raymond Jackson. He assumed that role following Massey's exit in November 2024.
Councilmember Raymond Jackson (bottom left) pictured at a recent Clean Power Alliance 'Board Retreat'
## Residents Share Concerns
In terms of customer billing, on paper, it's supposed to be straightforward: one bill from SCE, with a line item for CPA generation charges. In practice, many customers have found the system confusing and frustrating.
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### Hermosa Beach Library to close for renovation
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beach-library-to-close-for-renovation/
Last updated: 2025-10-28T21:57:22.000Z
Library to close from November 2nd for repairs
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### Hermosa's Famous Cold Case
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosas-famous-cold-case-2/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T18:04:46.000Z
A groundbreaking use of familial DNA solved one of Southern California's most haunting cold cases
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### Bats and the Sunset
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/ba/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:11:44.000Z
### By Elka Worner
I’ve known my neighbor, **Carol Tanner**, all my life. She worked at the local library and still lives in a cozy beach cottage with ocean-facing windows, the kind you don’t see much anymore. Until recently, I had no idea how much she has done for the city.
Now 90, Carol is one of those behind-the-scenes locals who quietly shaped the way this city looks and feels. She helped design Hermosa’s original city logo, the one she affectionately calls “bats and the sunset.” You can still spot it on wayfinding signs, the Little League emblem and street signs.
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### City Removes Incorrect ParkMobile Stickers from Parking Meters
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-removes-incorrect-parkmobile-stickers-from-parking-meters/
Last updated: 2025-10-29T23:33:51.000Z
City staff confirmed today (28th October), that all stickers would be replaced over the next week
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### Local advocate challenges council over resident parking 'fiction'
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/local-advocate-challenges-council-over-resident-parking-fiction-2/
Last updated: 2025-11-02T04:08:07.000Z
Don't punish honest families by removing their rights, says local advocate
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### Crime Time: October 19-25, 2025
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/crime-time-october-19-25-2025/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T02:02:56.000Z
A round-up of last week's bad guys
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### Council Preview : Tuesday 28th October
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-preview-tuesday-28th-october/
Last updated: 2025-10-28T02:38:52.000Z
Resident parking permits back under discussion. Also update on homelessness.
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### Police Warn of Phone Scam Targeting Hermosa Beach Residents
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/police-warn-of-phone-scam-targeting-hermosa-beach-residents/
Last updated: 2025-10-28T21:40:34.000Z
Hermosa Beach police are alerting the community to an ongoing phone scam in which criminals impersonate officers.
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### HOLDING COURT: Dennis Collins reflects on his four decades teaching beach volleyball for the City of Hermosa Beach
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/holding-court-dennis-collins-reflects-on-his-four-decades-teaching-beach-volleyball-for-the-city-of-hermosa-beach/
Last updated: 2025-10-28T21:12:57.000Z
**ORIGINAL EASY READER STORY BY GARTH MEYER**
“If you guys don’t come back from this drill looking like sugared donuts, we’re going to make you look like sugared donuts ourselves.”
“That’s a Pier to Pier swim for you Evan, for that mishit.”
“Football, football, football, ballet.”
Dennis Collins has been a Hermosa Beach Parks and Recreation volleyball teacher since 1986.
He also coaches the Peninsula High School boys beach team. Late this summer, he did both from a seated position after a motorcycle accident put him in a wheelchair for 10 weeks.
When he started teaching, Collins worked 40 hours per week at Hughes Aircraft in environmental health and safety compliance. On top of that, he did another kind of training – 30-40 hours per week as a volleyball player, seeking the AVP.
One day, a guy asked him to cover a class for Manhattan Beach Parks and Rec.
“I never imagined the joy of giving feedback, and improving people’s games. It moved me,” Collins said. “It’ll be 40 years in January.”
He never played volleyball until after high school. The Aviation High School Hall of Famer played defensive back on the football team, and ran track. He tied the school record in the 220 meters. So “football-football-football-ballet” is his way to instruct volleyball players to stay low, explode toward a ball and make a soft hit.
“I’m teaching the Peninsula team now to hit that off-switch at the last moment,” he said.
Ballet was also first-hand knowledge for Collins, he was a dance minor at El Camino College, where, in his first year with the football team, a fractured vertebrae at practice led him to stop playing.
So he took up volleyball.
“Immediately, I fell in love with the sport,” he said.
## ***“Dancin’ D”***
Collins tells of certain things in his classes; a moonball serve to counter the advantage of particularly tall opponents; of Jim Menges, the 6-foot-2 UCLA All-American setter and beach legend who would say, “You’re only as good as your deep ball.”
Collins learned to coach mostly on his own.
“Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, there wasn’t a lot of (materials),” he said. “So you were forced to come up with your own stuff. Coaching kind of married together dance with the science, and ergonomics from work.”
He has a masters degree in Environmental Health & Safety from Cal State-Northridge. Collins became a certified ergonomist while at DIRECTV, from which he retired in 2015.
“I got an early parachute and took it,” he said.
Along the way, the dance brought in money too. In the ‘80s and early ‘90s, known as “Dancin’ D,” Collins entered contests in South Bay bars, as far down as Long Beach, working it 45 seconds at a time to Prince’s “Erotic City,” “Kiss” and “Computer Blue.”
**Dennis Collins instructs a group of intermediate/advanced players, Sunday, Oct. 12\. Photo by Kevin Cody*
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### Century-Old Showroom To Get Fresh Start?
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/century-old-showroom-to-get-fresh-start-2/
Last updated: 2025-11-02T19:48:30.000Z
### Hermosa Ave location in focus at tonight's Planning Commission meeting
###
A century-old building that once sold Model T Fords to Hermosa Beach residents could soon get a modern third story, transforming a familiar downtown corner while preserving its historic character — but not without controversy over parking and building measurements.
The Planning Commission met on Tuesday evening to consider a proposal to renovate and expand **901 Hermosa Avenue**, the two-story commercial building at the corner of Hermosa Avenue and 10th Court. The project would add contemporary office space on top while actually reducing the building's overall square footage, according to city staff.
They ultimately voted unanimously to continue—rather than approve—a proposed third-story addition to the century-old building at 901 Hermosa Avenue, citing concerns about how the building's square footage was calculated and skepticism about proposed "decommissioned space" that would not count toward the building's total.
Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the project's design while questioning the mathematical calculations underlying it. The project will return to the commission at a future meeting, likely in December.
The stucco building with its distinctive arched windows opened in 1922 as George L. Stiles' Lincoln–Ford–Fordson dealership and repair shop. Its Mission Revival styling was quintessential 1920s Southern California, when the beach towns were booming and everyone wanted a car.
Over the decades, 901 Hermosa has housed Haworth Chevrolet, vintage shops, law offices, hair salons, and most recently Trick E-Bikes. Though listed as a potential historic resource in the city's 2017 General Plan, a recent assessment by preservation experts Page & Turnbull found that extensive alterations over the years mean the building no longer qualifies for historic protection under state law.
## What's Changing ?
Developer 901 Hermosa Partners LLC plans to keep the building's footprint and signature arched openings while adding a sleek third floor featuring metal panels, glass curtain walls, and stucco. The new 13,827-square-foot design will be 194 square feet smaller than the existing structure, according to the staff report.
A 1922 illustration of the original auto dealership proposal
The proposed new development (architect rendering)
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### Evidence of alcohol sales to minors challenged in Roberts Liquor hearing
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/evidence-of-alcohol-sales-to-minors-challenged-in-roberts-liquor-hearing-2/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T00:27:35.000Z
Heated debate pits property rights against public nuisance objections
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### Missing Utah Children Found Safe in Hermosa Beach
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/missing-utah-children-found-safe-in-hermosa-beach/
Last updated: 2025-10-30T03:13:19.000Z
Technology helped to locate missing Utah children
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### To retire, or not to retire: Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez addresses the challenges of aging and MEGO
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/to-retire-or-not-to-retire-los-angeles-times-columnist-steve-lopez-addresses-the-challenges-of-aging-and-mego/
Last updated: 2025-10-28T21:14:12.000Z
**ORIGINAL EASY READER STORY BY KEVIN CODY**
Four years ago, when Steve Lopez was approaching his fifth decade as a newspaper reporter and columnist, he confronted a question that continues to confound him. Quit, or keep working? To answer the question, he spent that year, 2021, writing “Independence Day: What I learned about retirement from some who’ve done it, and some who never will.”
“I’m still here,” Lopez said in answer to the question during his talk at the annual Peninsula Verdes Peninsula Village luncheon at the Palos Verdes Country Club on September 30\.
“For now,” he added.
Lopez’s ambivalence about retirement is both professional and personal, he disclosed during the luncheon, where he was joined at the podium by fellow columnist, and Village co-founder Helen Dennis. Her column, “Successful Aging,” appears in the Southern California News Group newspapers, including the Daily Breeze.
After “Independence Day’s” publication in 2022, Lopez moved the Los Angeles Times column he has written since 2001, from the general assignment beat to the aging population beat.
“I’m turning 70 this year, and as of today, my column will focus on aging,” he wrote in his January 12, 2023 column. His “Points West” column was renamed “Golden State.”
The decision was both noble and selfless, notwithstanding Lopez’s age.
“Population aging is the second most important phenomenon humanity will have to … address in the 21st century,” Paul Irving, founding chair of the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging, has written. (Climate change is the most important, Irving argued.)
But like climate change, population aging is what newspaper editors call a MEGO (My Eyes Glaze Over) story.
New York Times “On Language” columnist William Safire wrote of MEGO, “It is the unanswerable criticism…It is an article written about a subject of great importance which resists reader interest…even when given some zing, \[it\] soon lies there without a quiver of life.”
But if anyone can put zing into stories about population aging, it’s Lopez.
Peers have honored him with the H.L. Mencken, Mike Royko and Ernie Pyle awards, all named for great newspaper columnists. The Wall Street Journal named “Independence Day” one of 2022’s “best books on aging and retirement.”
His 2008 book, “The Soloist,” about a violin virtuoso Lopez discovered on Skid Row, won the PEN USA award for literary non-fiction. It was turned into a movie in 2009, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Lopez.
Lopez alluded to the MEGO challenge when he told his Peninsula audience, “I try not to use the term ‘senior citizen,’ though I get tired of writing ‘older adults.’ In his first Golden State column he wrote, “I’ve not used the words ‘senior,’ or ‘elderly,’ …the preferred language \[is\] ‘older,’ or ‘aging.’”
Holding young readers in stories about population aging is even more challenging because of the stigma attached to older adults.
“The stigma is, ‘Shove them aside. They’ve ruined the world we live in. …Get them the hell out of the way,’” Lopez said.
Lopez said he began thinking about retirement 13 years ago when he underwent a knee replacement and went into cardiac arrest.
“I thought, ‘Is that a sign?’”
“We don’t know how long we have. What about all those things I’ve wanted to try.…Am I going to be one of those people who retires on Friday and drops dead on Monday?” he recalled thinking.
He began writing about the aging population two years later, in 2014, when both of his parents entered hospice care.
“My father fell trying to walk to the bathroom at night and couldn’t get up. He refused another trip to the hospital, so my mother got down next to him, pulled up a blanket, and they went to sleep together on the floor until help arrived in the morning.
“I was struck by the cruel irony that at the time in life when you’re least able to fight, you have to be at your strongest,” he wrote in a column about caring for his parents.
The experience brought home to him what experts say are the three biggest challenges facing the aging population.
About 10,000 people turn 65 each day in the United States. By 2035, people 65 and older will outnumber those under 18\. In California, a quarter of the population will be 60 or older by 2030.
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### IN DEPTH : Hermosa Beach Backs Hawthorne Blvd Route for Metro C-Line Extension in 4-1 Vote
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-hermosa-beach-backs-hawthorne-blvd-route-for-metro-c-line-extension-in-4-1-vote/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:39:27.000Z
### Our neighbors remind us about past support over oil drilling
**Council stands with neighboring cities after marathon debate, despite transit advocates' objections**
The Hermosa Beach City Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday evening to support the Hawthorne Boulevard alignment for the Metro C-Line extension to Torrance, siding with neighboring cities Redondo Beach, Lawndale, and Hawthorne in opposition to Metro's preferred right-of-way alternative.
The decision came after more than two hours of passionate public testimony from approximately 20 speakers and dominated a meeting that stretched past 11 p.m. The vote saw Mayor Rob Saemann and council members Dean Francois, Michael Keegan, and Ray Jackson supporting the motion, while Mayor Pro Tem Mike Detoy cast the sole dissenting vote without explaining his position during deliberations.
## Two Routes, Two Visions
The debate centered on two competing visions for extending light rail service into the South Bay. Metro's locally preferred alternative (LPA), also called the hybrid option, would run trains along an existing freight corridor—the same right-of-way that runs through portions of Redondo Beach and Lawndale. The alternative Hawthorne Boulevard route would place trains along the commercial corridor, requiring more new construction but avoiding residential impacts.
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### Parking permit discussion gets parked - for now
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/parking-permit-discussion-gets-parked-for-now/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T18:06:35.000Z
Residential Parking Permit discussion to resume in two weeks time
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### Redondo loses appeal in Housing Element lawsuit
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/breaking-news-redondo-loses-appeal-in-housing-element-lawsuit-3/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T18:06:28.000Z
### Redondo Housing Ruling Casts Shadow Over Hermosa's Development Battles
A state appellate court just handed Redondo Beach a stinging rebuke over its housing plan and the reverberations might be felt here in Hermosa, where fights over a local apartment development and a controversial land tax proposal have already put housing policy in the spotlight.
The Court of Appeal ruled yesterday that Redondo's Housing Element violated state law by banking on "residential overlay zones" that allowed housing on commercial land but didn't actually require it. The court's message: hoping developers might build housing isn't the same as planning for it.
## Leo Pustilnikov - Hero or Villain ?
The case involves controversial developer **Leo Pustilnikov**, who is the lead owner of the AES power plant site in Redondo. He currently has a number of pending legal cases against the city, with this appeal verdict now front and center.
LEO PUSTILNIKOV : Affordable housing savior or exploitative opportunist ?
Pustilnikov is also involved in legal battles with the City of Beverly Hills over projects where he is claiming rights granted under state law and the 'Builders Remedy' provision. This allows developers to override local zoning laws (including height limits) when cities fail to have their plans for housing development certified as compliant by the state.
> *"At the end of the day, I like real estate and residential real estate because everyone needs to be housed*. I*’m a firm believer that housing is as close to the universal right as we have, and that people shouldn’t be left to suffer on the streets." *(Leo Pustilnikov, speaking to the Beverly Hills Courier last month)**
Under state law, cities must identify sites where housing can realistically get built, especially affordable units. That means zoning that mandates residential use at a minimum of 20 units per acre—not zoning that makes it optional.
"The message from the court is clear—planning for housing on paper is not enough," said a Los Angeles land use attorney familiar with the case. "Cities must use zoning that results in real housing opportunities, not theoretical ones."
## What It Means Here
Hermosa Beach is dealing with its own version of this pressure cooker. The recent storm over 3415 Palm Drive (where a proposed apartment complex planned to use the Builders Remedy provision to exceed the city's height limits) showed what can happen when local beach neighborhoods meet Sacramento housing policy.
The original proposal for a 53' high development at 3415 Palm Drive
When the neighbors on Palm Drive complained that a proposed 53' high development would affect views and neighborhood character, the Developers pointed to state law. The city found itself caught in the middle, knowing it couldn't reject projects that checked the legal boxes. The project came about because of Hermosa's failure to submit a compliant Housing Element plan to the state back in 2023\. A compromise was recently reached with the private developers to resubmit plans for a 35' high development, but there are now fears that given this latest Redondo judgement, Hermosa may not be so lucky next time.
Now, with Redondo's overlay plan struck down, Hermosa could face even closer examination if its zoning strategy looks similarly vague. "Hermosa is watching closely—no city wants to be caught in non-compliance," said one resident who lives near the Palm Drive site.
[IN DEPTH : Read more about the Palm Drive controversy here](https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-hermosa-housing/)
## The Land Value Question
Then there's the Land Value Recapture policy pushed by the previous City Council—a plan to claw back some of the windfall developers enjoy when the city upzones their property. Supporters like former councilmember Justin Massey argued it would ensure the public benefits when private land values spike. Opponents worried it would scare off builders and gum up the approval process. Evidence so far suggests that it is acting more as a deterrent to new housing than as an incentive.
Post-Redondo, housing watchers say cities need to tread carefully around policies that could make projects pencil out to failure. "Policies like Land Value Recapture will be carefully examined," said another local land use expert. "If they create barriers to realistic housing development, they could face legal challenges under the same logic used in this case."
## When does a supermarket equal a church ?
One of the sharpest parts of the Redondo decision involved sites that aren't actually available. The court tossed out a property leased to Vons, ruling that a long-term grocery contract effectively blocks redevelopment—meaning the site can't count toward housing goals.
Hermosa has its own version of this problem. The city's Housing Element includes the St. Cross Church site and several other commercially zoned properties to meet state-mandated housing targets. But like the Vons in Redondo, these aren't empty lots waiting for shovels. The church property is occupied and actively used. Many of the commercial sites carry existing leases or operating businesses that show no signs of going anywhere.
If Redondo couldn't count a grocery store locked into a lease, it's unclear how Hermosa can count a functioning church or strip mall tenants with years left on their contracts. The legal standard is the same: sites must be realistically available for housing, not just theoretically convertible on a zoning map.
That puts Hermosa in a bind. The city needs to demonstrate it has enough properly zoned land to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation. But if occupied sites can't count, the inventory shrinks fast in a city where nearly every parcel is already spoken for.
## The State Is Telling Not Asking
Even though the state's Department of Housing and Community Development signed off on Redondo's plan, the court made clear that HCD approval doesn't insulate cities from legal challenge. Compliance is a matter of law, not bureaucratic blessing.
As Hermosa works through its own housing commitments, including rezoning deadlines tied to its share of regional housing targets, the ruling underscores a shift: housing mandates now have teeth.
"This decision signals that housing laws are no longer procedural—they are enforcible," the attorney said.
For Hermosa, the question may no longer be whether to grow, but how much control it has over the terms.
[In FullThe Court of Appeal judgementRB-New-Commune-DTLA.PDF313 KBdownload-circle](https://www.hermosareview.com/content/files/2025/10/RB-New-Commune-DTLA-1.PDF "Download")
---
**RELATED CONTENT :**
[IN-DEPTH : Housing DevelopmentHow did one apartment building become a lightning rod for the argument over housing density ?The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-hermosa-housing/)
[Planning Commission approves alternative solution to 50 foot building headacheHermosa Beach Council chambers reached max occupancy at Tuesday’s, September 16, Planning Commission meeting. The crowd turned out to protest a proposed, 50-foot high, five unit apartment building at 3415 Palm Avenue. (The apartments would face Hermosa Avenue.) But just 24 hours before the hearing, property owners Tony andThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/planning-commission-approves-alternative-solution-to-50-foot-building/)
### SAND BLAST : YOUR LETTERS
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/your-letters-8th-october/
Last updated: 2025-11-04T00:22:53.000Z
### Submit your letters to [letters@hermosareview.com](mailto:letters@hermosareview.com)
### Get involved !
---
## *If it ain't broke...*
The parking permit issue is a head-scratcher to me.
As with many of these issues, it helps to know how/why the process was established in the first place. Way back in the 80s, the city kept installing more and more parking meters-almost exclusively in the sand section. Predictably, affected residents complained arguing they should be able to park in front of their own homes. The city responded by creating the parking permit program which exempted local residents from paying for the meters. This system worked very well and exactly as intended for over four decades.
A couple years ago, the council decided to change the permit system. This led to hardship for many and those complaints were verbalized loud and clear again at the latest council meeting.
It seems to me this is a very easy fix. Simply go back to the original policy which served us so well for nearly half a century.
**Chris Brown, Hermosa Beach**
### City Payroll in Focus After 2024 Data Released
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-payroll-in-focus-after-2024-data-released/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:41:42.000Z
Newly released data shines a light on individual staff and police officer compensation
_This post is for subscribers only._
### City to screen "Carrie" this coming Friday
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-to-screen-carrie-this-coming-friday/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:41:36.000Z
**The Hermosa Beach Prom That Ended in Flames**
Walk past the Hermosa Beach Community Center and you're passing a piece of local lore that most residents already know: it doubled as the doomed high school in Brian De Palma's 1976 horror classic "Carrie."
It's one of those facts that gets passed along to newcomers—right up there with pointing out celebrity houses or recounting surf break history. But the details of exactly what was filmed here, and how our town became part of horror cinema history, are worth revisiting.
_This post is for subscribers only._
### Parks & Rec Roundup
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/parks-rec-roundup-2/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:41:31.000Z
### Volleyball events and tree planting dominate last night's discussions
The Hermosa Beach Parks & Rec Commission approved multiple returning beach volleyball tournaments for 2026 and endorsed a staff plan to replant dozens of trees removed from Valley Park and the Greenbelt at its Tuesday night meeting.
In one of the evening's most significant actions, commissioners voted 4-1 to recommend City Council approval of a long-term agreement with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) that would add their High School Boys Beach Volleyball League matches and Southern Pacific Grand Prix Series to the city's event calendar. The agreement comes on top of AAU's existing July championship tournament, which has been held in Hermosa Beach for 32 years.
Commissioner Todd Tullis cast the lone dissenting vote, expressing concern about the increasing number of weekend days when volleyball courts north of the pier would be unavailable to the public. By his analysis, the combined AAU events would occupy 32 weekend days in 2027—representing 52% of available weekend and holiday periods. "The number of events should be fewer," Tullis said, though he acknowledged AAU runs "excellent tournaments."
Other commissioners disagreed. "These are quality events that leave such little footprint," said Vice Chair Traci Horowitz, adding that many dates fall during slower winter months when additional beach activity benefits local businesses.
AAU's Denny Lennon explained the High School Boys Beach Volleyball League creates opportunities for students new to beach volleyball. "Because they can go through their athletic director and get a coach and have a team, they're really enjoying not only participating in the sport but being part of the beach culture," Lennon said.
The commission also received economic impact data from three major summer volleyball tournaments. Survey results showed the AAU Hermosa Beach Championships, AVP Junior National Championships, and JBA BVCA National Championships brought thousands of out-of-state visitors who spent between $500 and over $1,000 per family during their stays. Over half of participants traveled from out of state, staying three or more nights, with 86% visiting businesses they wouldn't have otherwise patronized. Around 30% of survey respondents reported staying in short-term vacation rental units during their visits, with the remainder primarily using hotels and motels. These short-term units (STVR's) have also been the focus of heated discussion at recent city council meetings, with pending litigation as owners challenge Hermosa's existing ban on STVR's outside the downtown commercial zone.
Survey data from visitors was presented at the October 7th Meeting
However, survey response rates varied dramatically—AAU received just 22 responses compared to 229 from JBA BVCA. Tullis, who helped design the survey, noted detailed comments revealed concerns about parking availability, costs, and bathroom cleanliness, suggesting the city work with organizers to address these issues.
### Park Opening Hours left unchanged after lengthy debate
After reviewing park hours for the second time this year, the commission voted 4-1 to maintain current operating hours of 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Staff presented data showing most park-related calls occur during daytime, with only about 20% of disturbance calls at Clark and South parks occurring between 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Police Chief Landon Phillips told commissioners that closing parks 30 minutes earlier to align with the city's 10 p.m. juvenile curfew likely wouldn't reduce call volume significantly, and the administrative effort wouldn't justify the minimal impact. Chair Barbara Ellman had initially requested the review following vandalism incidents at South Park during previous summers. Despite the data showing limited call volume during evening hours, Ellman voted against staff's recommendation to keep current hours, while other commissioners agreed the evidence didn't support making changes.
### 2 for 1 deal on tree replacement
The commission unanimously approved a tree replanting plan to restore canopy lost when 26 dead or dying trees were removed from Valley Park and the Greenbelt following three safety incidents involving falling branches. Public Works staff proposed planting 52 replacement trees at an estimated cost of $23,000 to $45,000, following the city's 2-to-1 replacement practice.
Recommended species include jacarandas, ginkgos, Chilean mesquite, western redbuds, and southern magnolias—varieties better suited to local conditions than some removed trees. Public Works Director Joe SanClemente explained decline factors included oversaturation from irrigation, unsuitable species, and pest infestations.
Chair Ellman raised concerns about planting in areas being considered for a potential dog park at Valley Park, requesting staff proceed carefully. In a generous gesture, resident Maria Haas announced she and her husband would donate six trees to the replanting effort.
The commission also approved 11 returning Level 2 special events for 2026 and designated June 6-7 as the city's second "Nothing Weekend"—a weekend with no permitted beach events, ensuring residents have open access during peak season.
### Beach vendors and alcohol to be discussed
The commission's next meeting is November 3, when members will discuss potentially significant changes to municipal code regarding vendor sales and alcohol at special events on the beach.
### Clark Field improvements teased at Parks & Rec Commission meeting
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/clark-field-improvements-teased-at-parks-rec-commission-meeting/
Last updated: 2025-10-06T03:05:28.000Z
**Little League and Clark Field Improvements Take Center Stage**
In a three-hour meeting on 2nd September, discussion focused on potential upgrades to Clark Field facilities, championed by Hermosa's Little League. The meeting also heard reviews of several other local community events.
**Little League Reports Banner Year**
Hermosa Beach Little League delivered an impressive post-season presentation highlighting remarkable growth and community impact. The organization registered 511 players for the 2025 season—a significant increase of 61 players from the previous year. With 284 players in the youngest divisions (T-ball through Single A), representing 55% of total participation, the league demonstrated strong grassroots development ensuring future sustainability.
President Dave Shotts emphasized the league's unique community role, noting that Clark Field serves as a gathering place for families whether they have players in the league or not. "We really are the envy of South Bay District 36," Shotts said, referencing neighboring leagues in Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and surrounding communities.
The league fielded 48 teams across eight divisions with over 120 coaching volunteers and 40-plus junior umpires, playing more than 500 regular season games. Sponsorship support reached unprecedented levels, with 82 different local businesses participating—so many that the league maintained a waiting list for team sponsors.
In a poignant moment, Shotts recognized the community's response following the tragic December death of Hector, the beloved Clark Field taco stand operator. The community raised over $50,000 for his family, and his wife, daughters, and son successfully operated the stand throughout the season.
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**Clark Field Improvements Proposed**
The Commission unanimously recommended City Council advance a Memorandum of Understanding with Little League for significant Clark Field renovations. The self-funded project, estimated at approximately $1 million, would include pulling home plate back to create more field space, installing synthetic turf infields, replacing deteriorating asphalt with permeable pavers, upgrading bleachers and dugouts, and improving accessibility features.
Little League representatives Jim Fasola and Mark Mamber detail their Clark Field proposals
Jim Fasola and Mark Mamber presented detailed plans showing how improvements would benefit not only Little League but also AYSO soccer, adult softball leagues, and general park users. The project would add approximately 2,200 square feet of grass, reduce water usage significantly, and create better sightlines for spectators by removing obstructive poles and reconfiguring seating areas.
**International Events Showcase Hermosa Beach**
The International Surf Festival reported another successful year with 511 lifeguards competing, including 53 from Australia. Maria Bird highlighted the peer-to-pier swim which attracted 1,145 swimmers, 76 of them Hermosa Beach residents. The event received extensive media coverage from NBC News, Spectrum News, Daily Breeze, and AP News.
Shakespeare by the Sea completed its 26th season in Hermosa Beach with free performances of "As You Like It" and "Julius Caesar," drawing over 1,100 attendees.
**Looking Ahead to 2026**
The Commission approved returning Impact Level 3 events for 2026, including the SmackFest co-ed volleyball tournament and the You Are Enough 5K mental health awareness event. They also approved one "Do Nothing Weekend" (August 22-23) with plans to confirm a second weekend pending resolution of scheduling questions with another event producer.
Newly appointed Commissioner Elka Worner discussing the potential Community Dog Park
Additionally, commissioners approved a $1,681 fee waiver grant for Hope Chapel's October community picnic and created a new Community Dog Park subcommittee to research best practices and evaluate potential sites for a future dog park facility.
With 52 special events creating 144 total event days annually, Hermosa Beach continues demonstrating its commitment to vibrant community programming while balancing residents' need for event-free weekends during peak season.
### Council Latest
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-council-update/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:41:08.000Z
The Hermosa Beach City Council convened on Tuesday evening, for a meeting that focused heavily on revenue generation through parking meter adjustments, amid mounting concerns about the city's fiscal outlook and infrastructure needs.
**Parking Meter Rate Increases Approved**
In the evening's most contentious decision, the Council voted 4-1 to increase parking rates across the city. On-street meters will rise from $2 to $3 per hour, while beach parking lots A, B, and C will increase from $2.50 to $3.50 per hour. The new rates eliminate the previous time-based pricing structure in favor of flat rates regardless of time of day.
Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker explained that the city faces significant fiscal pressures, particularly the renegotiation of fire and lifeguard contracts with Los Angeles County in fiscal year 2027-28, with potential cost increases up to 25%.
Council Member Michael Keegan dissented, advocating for a more modest 25-cent increase, citing concerns about business impacts during economically uncertain times. Several business owners and residents expressed opposition during public comment, worried about reduced patronage and spillover parking into residential neighborhoods.
****Former Mayor George Barks urging caution last night over proposed parking rate increases**
**Lot E Metering Decision Postponed**
The Council voted 4-1 against installing parking meters in Lot E, a 25-space parking area between 2nd and 3rd Streets off Pacific Coast Highway. This decision followed passionate testimony from nearby business owners and residents who argued the lot serves essential functions for local establishments including Hermosa Saloon and Domino's Pizza. Councilmember Jackson was the only vote in favor last night.
Staff had projected the metered lot could generate $50,000 annually, though public comment questioned these figures, suggesting revenue comparable to the underutilized Lot G across PCH might be more realistic—closer to $12,500 annually. Concerns about enforcement challenges and parking displacement into surrounding neighborhoods ultimately swayed the majority.
**Community Recognitions and Proclamations**
The meeting opened on a celebratory note with recognition of local business owners Kathy Knoll and Jeff Bonafede, co-founders of Uncorked and The Deck, for their community contributions. The Council also issued proclamations recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) and California Clean Air Day (October 1).
****Kathy Knoll and Jeff Bonafede, co-founders of Uncorked and The Deck, receive recognition from Mayor Rob Saemann at last night's City Council meeting.**
**Kelly Courts Renovation Approved**
After postponing the project in February, the Council unanimously approved a $826,000 contract with All American Construction Solutions for Kelly Courts improvements.
> The decision came with a moment of accountability when resident and Public Works Commissioner Scott Hayes reminded the Council that their February delay cost the city approximately $30,000—the exact amount by which the current bid exceeds the previous one. "I told you so," Hayes stated matter-of-factly, though he encouraged Council to approve the current proposal.
****Public Works Commissioner Scott Hayes making a pointed intervention last night**
The project will resurface tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, update lighting and fencing, and restore all four pickleball courts (two are currently closed). Construction is expected to begin in November with completion by February 2026\. Council Member Detoy requested coordination with HB Youth Basketball to provide alternative practice facilities during construction.
**Public Works Commission Oversight Discussion**
An informational item examining the Public Works Commission's role in Capital Improvement Program oversight generated significant discussion. The commission currently meets bi-monthly and reviews all CIP projects.
Council Member Detoy successfully moved to establish a subcommittee—comprising the Mayor and Council Member Jackson working with two Public Works commissioners—to clarify roles and responsibilities and improve coordination between the commission and Council.
**Looking Ahead**
The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming community events, including the special screening of **"Carrie" at the Community Center Theater on October 10 and Pumpkins in the Park on October 11.**
### City Council approves parking rate increases
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/city-council-approves-parking-rate-increases/
Last updated: 2025-10-21T17:49:24.000Z
**City Council approves modest rate hike amid concerns about fiscal pressures and business impact**
The Hermosa Beach City Council voted Tuesday to increase parking meter rates across the city, a move officials say is necessary to address looming budget shortfalls and infrastructure needs but one that sparked concerns from residents and business owners about its potential impact.
### **Parking Rates : The Skinny**
After extensive deliberation, the council approved raising on-street meter rates from $2 to $3 per hour and beach parking lot rates from $2.50 to $3.50 per hour. The increase, which represents a more conservative approach than staff's initial recommendation, is expected to generate additional revenue to help offset anticipated costs.
Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker presented the proposal, explaining that the city faces significant fiscal challenges in the coming years. The most pressing concern is the upcoming renegotiation of fire and lifeguard contracts with Los Angeles County in fiscal year 2027-28, which could see cost increases of up to 25 percent. Additionally, the city has substantial unfunded infrastructure needs, including structural repairs to beach Lot C, pier maintenance, inadequate paving funds, and the long-awaited city yard project.
"We are heavily reliant on property tax," Walker told the council, noting that parking meters generate approximately $5 million annually—representing about 10 percent of the city's $56 million budget. The proposed increases aim to bolster this revenue stream, with each 25-cent increase projected to generate an additional $375,000 per year.
Hermosa Beach currently raises about 10% of its revenue from parking meters
Walker emphasized that more than 90 percent of parking meter transactions come from non-residents, meaning the financial burden would largely fall on visitors rather than Hermosa Beach residents. The city's current rates had last been increased in 2023.
The City claims that 90% of meter transactions are by non-residents
The proposal initially recommended raising on-street rates to $3 per hour and beach lot rates to $5 per hour, which would have generated an estimated $3.8 million in additional annual revenue. However, some council members and community speakers expressed concern about the aggressive nature of these increases, particularly given the challenging economic climate for local businesses.
Former council member George Barks urged caution, referencing his experience navigating similar budget challenges during his tenure.
> "I ask you to take a little more time. If you're going to make some increases initially, make them small to start with, and let's see what the impact is going to be." - **George Barks**
Business owners echoed these concerns. Kathy Knoll, representing local establishments, warned that steep increases could drive customers to neighboring Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach. "We are in a competitive situation with our neighboring cities," she noted, adding that higher rates might deter visitors who typically patronize multiple businesses during their visits.
Some speakers advocated for dynamic pricing that would adjust rates based on demand, charging more during busy summer weekends and less during quieter winter weekdays. However, the city's current meter technology cannot support this feature. Walker indicated that new multi-space meters capable of dynamic pricing would be installed in beach lots by early 2026, with upgrades to street meters following by mid-year.
Council members weighed these competing concerns carefully. Mayor Pro Tem Michael Detoy and Council Member Dean Francois both supported increases but questioned whether the full proposed amounts were appropriate given the lack of dynamic pricing capability and concerns about business impacts.
**Mayor Rob Saemann ultimately proposed the compromise that passed**, noting that while the city needs additional revenue, "for us to make a giant leap right now is not a good idea." He emphasized that once new meter technology is installed next year, the council can revisit rates and implement more sophisticated pricing strategies.
**Council Member Michael Keegan cast the lone dissenting vote against the increase**, arguing that even more modest changes—perhaps just 25 cents—would be more appropriate given current economic conditions and that the city should wait until license plate reader technology is fully implemented before making significant rate adjustments.
Councilmember Michael Keegan voted against the proposed parking meter rate increase
The council also discussed but ultimately rejected a proposal to install meters at Lot E, a currently free 25-space parking area near PCH and 2nd Street. Despite projections of $50,000 in potential annual revenue, concerns about spillover parking into residential neighborhoods and the lot's proximity to local businesses led to the proposal's defeat. Councilmember Ray Jackson was the lone dissenting voice, continuing his campaign to raise fees and fines across the City. Jackson has also advocated for the removal of the traditional free meter parking during the holidays.
The new parking rates are expected to take effect in the coming weeks, with city officials pledging to monitor their impact on both revenue generation and business activity as the holiday season approaches.
---
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[Council approves parking fine increasesParking fines to cost more after council deliberationThe Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review](https://www.hermosareview.com/council-approves-parking-fine-increases/)
### Hermosa Kiwanis Club celebrates new leadership
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-kiwanis-club-celebrates-new-leadership/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:41:01.000Z
Nearly 100 community members gathered at the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Hall on Saturday, September 27, for an evening of celebration as the local service club installed new leadership and honored dedicated volunteers at its annual leadership and honors dinner.
In a ceremony that highlighted the organization's strong connection to city leadership, **Hermosa Beach Mayor Rob Saemann was sworn in as the new president of the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club.**
**Outgoing president Rick Koenig** stepped into an expanded leadership role, being installed as Lieutenant Governor for Division 19, which represents Kiwanis clubs spanning from Malibu to Lomita. Kiwanis Governor Steve Geraci presided over Koenig's installation, recognizing his years of dedicated service to both the organization and the Hermosa Beach community.
Koenig's contributions were further acknowledged when he received the Secretary's Award for "exceptional dedication," presented by Ann Gotthoffer. **Julie Claflin was honored with the Golden Flamingo Award** as she retires after seven years of service as the club's treasurer.
The evening featured live music and fine dining, with cuisine prepared by chef Raphael Soloranzo, owner of Salsaverdes in Palos Verdes.
> "Saturday night was a true reflection of what Kiwanis stands for—service, fellowship, and community," one attendee remarked. "It was inspiring to see leaders we know and respect take on these important roles."
Rob Saemann unveils the banner that will now hang in Hermosa's own Kiwanis Hall with the elevation of Rick Koenig to District Lt. Governor
## About Kiwanis International and Local Service
Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Founded in 1915, Kiwanis has grown to include nearly 600,000 members in more than 80 countries and geographic areas worldwide. The organization's mission focuses on serving the children of the world, with members working on projects ranging from youth mentorship and scholarship programs to fighting childhood diseases and hunger.
The Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club has been a cornerstone of local community service for nearly a century, carrying forward this international mission on our hometown streets. Local Kiwanians support Hermosa Beach through various initiatives including youth programs, scholarships for local students, community events, and partnerships with schools and civic organizations. The club exemplifies the Kiwanis motto: "Serving the Children of the World."
Through fundraising efforts and volunteer hours, the Hermosa Beach chapter works year-round to make a positive impact on young people's lives while fostering fellowship among community-minded residents who share a commitment to service.
With fresh leadership at the helm and an energized membership, the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club looks forward to its centenary year in 2026\. New club president Rob Saemann reminded everyone of the important work that the club does in the community, and also of the sense of pride and friendship that new members experience. He spoke of those new to the community, and those who find themselves with a 'hole in their lives' through retirement or bereavement, and how rewarding Kiwanis membership can be for them.
### Hermosa Beach’s Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno at center of comic ‘Consequence Culture’ War
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/hermosa-beachs-jimmy-kimmel-jay-leno-at-center-of-comic-consequence-culture-war/
Last updated: 2025-10-28T21:13:51.000Z
ORIGINAL EASY READER STORY By Kevin Cody
_This post is for subscribers only._
### Planning Commission approves alternative solution to 50 foot building headache
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/planning-commission-approves-alternative-solution-to-50-foot-building/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:40:20.000Z
Hermosa Beach Council chambers reached max occupancy at Tuesday’s, September 16, Planning Commission meeting. The crowd turned out to protest a proposed, 50-foot high, five unit apartment building at 3415 Palm Avenue. (The apartments would face Hermosa Avenue.)
But just 24 hours before the hearing, property owners Tony and Renarda Ferraro submitted a refined alternate plan for a 35-foot high, four unit apartment building.
The site qualified for the 50-foot height under the State “Builders Remedy” program, which is intended to increase low cost housing statewide.
After more than two hours of public comment and planning commission discussion the 35-foot height limit plan was approved by a unanimous vote.
“I’m in awe, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting that,” Tony Ferraro said after the meeting. “There was a lot of negative stuff said over the months while we were working diligently behind the scenes to come up with a solution to make the community happy.”
“There was one neighbor, in particular, who came to us and said, ‘I see what you’re doing. I think there’s a better way of doing it. You have the community opposed to you.’ He worked really well with us for six months. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think we’d be here today.” Ferraro didn’t identify the neighbor.
The Ferraros commissioned Manhattan Beach architect Louie Tomaro to address community complaints about the height and number of units.
“I’ve seen many Builder’s Remedy projects. This is one of the most responsible ones I’ve seen,” Michael Shonafelt, the Ferraro’s attorney said. “There’s been a real good-faith effort to try and address these issues.”
Many residents thanked the Ferraros for submitting the 35-foot high option as an alternative.
“Mr. Ferraro, I welcome you into our community, and into our neighborhood. I’m looking \[forward\] to getting old with you and enjoying a lot of BBQs on the deck,” said neighbor John Stiegler. “Maybe we’ll go surfing together.”
[](https://easyreadernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2%5F35ft-e1758224859432.jpg?ref=hermosareview.com)
The alternate 35-foot conceptual design by Tomaro Architecture approved by the Planning Commission. Photo courtesy of Tomaro Architecture.
Elka Worner, founder of Save Hermosa, a resident organization made to oppose the 50-foot structure, was pleased with the outcome. “Last night’s decision was exactly what we hoped for,” Worner said in an email following the meeting. “We’re glad the applicants scaled down the project from 50 to 35 feet. They listened to their neighbors.”
However, several residents wanted the project to comply with the City’s 30-foot height limit. “There are building codes. They’re for a reason,” said Michele Wachtfogel, a Redondo Beach resident. “If you don’t want to play by the rules, then you can’t build here.”
Residents also expressed concern about setting a precedent for future “Builder’s Remedy” projects that would exceed the height limit.
“The opportunity for more “Builders Remedy” applications during this Housing Element cycle closed, as of August last year,” Sarah Locklin with the City Attorney’s Office said. “The Builder’s Remedy program is set to sunset in 2030, which is still within the next Housing Element cycle,” she acknowledged. But she said City Staff is already planning to get the 2029 Housing Element completed. When approved by the State, it would block future Builder’s Remedy projects.
“I understood that this builder’s remedy is a one off. It’s not a precedent. There’s a lot of misinformation out there which has confused a lot of people,” resident Ann Gotthoffer said. “I’m so grateful to the applicant for taking the community into consideration. Let’s accept this new plan. For those of you who wish it were 30 feet, that’s not an option they needed to pursue. Let’s be realistic and be happy with this,” she said.
“As a city, we have to make sure we get our Housing Element in on time and certified by the state so this doesn’t happen again,” Worner said in the email.
Commissioner Michael Flaherty, as well as some residents were concerned about the 35-foot project being submitted just 24 hours before the Planning Commission meeting.
“I think we need more time,” resident Nancy Schwappach said. “We would like to take a look at the new plan, look at the wiggle room they’re getting and make sure that it’s tight.”
Resident Laura Pena said the Ferraros were left with little options but to utilize the “Builders Remedy.”
“The lesson to me is very clear, our code is outdated. It’s too rigid. It doesn’t provide for incremental, context sensitive growth. It gives property owners no option,” she said. “Do we want our city’s housing future dictated by Sacramento or are we ready to shape it ourselves with thoughtful, community-driven solutions?”
The Commission’s approval was contingent on limiting the project to 35-feet high.
### Council approves parking fine increases
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/council-approves-parking-fine-increases/
Last updated: 2025-10-23T01:49:45.000Z
**City Council Approves Gradual Increase in Parking Violation Fines**
Residents who fail to move their cars for street sweeping or let parking meters expire will soon face higher penalties, following a unanimous decision by the City Council this week.
During its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9, the council voted to phase in the increases over a three-year period, rather than adopting the immediate hike originally recommended by city staff and the Finance Subcommittee.
Officials had suggested raising street sweeping fines from $38 to $55 and expired meter violations from $53 to $75 right away, citing inflation and the need to bring fees in line with neighboring cities. Instead, the council opted for a slower rollout, with both fines ultimately reaching $75 by the end of the three years.
The first increase — a $10 jump for each citation — could take effect as early as next month. After that, the penalties will continue climbing each year until they reach the $75 mark. Because the current fines differ, the annual increments after the first year will vary, though the final amounts will be the same.
City officials said the phased approach balances the city’s financial needs with fairness for residents.
---
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### Armed robbery suspects arrested
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/armed-robbery-suspects-arrested/
Last updated: 2025-10-18T20:40:12.000Z
Hermosa Beach Police arrested two juveniles Thursday morning following an armed robbery and assault near Pier Plaza and The Strand.
The incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m. on September 18, when an elderly man was assaulted by two suspects who brandished what appeared to be a firearm before fleeing toward the downtown parking lots, according to witness accounts and a police department press release.
Officers responded within one minute of receiving the 911 call. Detectives immediately utilized recently installed downtown surveillance cameras and deployed the department's drone to track the suspects' movements, enabling a swift and coordinated response.
Both suspects were apprehended without incident at 11:07 a.m. inside a restaurant on the 1100 block of Hermosa Avenue—just ten minutes after the initial emergency call. A replica firearm resembling a real weapon was recovered from a waste bin in the restroom at Paisano's Pizza & Pasta.
Police revealed that one suspect had an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction for assault with a deadly weapon..
### IN-DEPTH : Housing Development
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/in-depth-hermosa-housing/
Last updated: 2025-12-30T17:40:11.000Z
## How one apartment building became a lightning rod in the debate on housing development
*The story of Hermosa Beach's lone "builders remedy" project and what it teaches us about development and density locally*
At first glance, 3415 Palm Drive is an unremarkable property. But this old four-unit apartment building has recently become the most talked-about development proposal in Hermosa Beach. Not because the existing structure is particularly notable, but because of what the owner wants to replace it with and how that proposal got its approval pathway.
This is Hermosa Beach's only "builders remedy" project, the one development that slipped through during the brief window when our city was out of compliance with state housing law. While neighboring cities like Santa Monica and Redondo Beach dealt with dozens of these state-override projects, Hermosa got just one. But that was enough to change everything.
## What Actually Happened
The "builders remedy" sounds like bureaucratic jargon, but it's actually a powerful stick the state uses to force cities into compliance with housing laws. When a city doesn't have an approved housing plan, developers can bypass local zoning entirely—as long as they include some affordable units.
In most places, that meant towers and mega-developments. Santa Monica saw 15-story proposals. Redondo Beach got applications for massive mixed-use complexes that dwarfed anything in their downtown.
Hermosa Beach got one five unit apartment building.
The numbers tell the story. During Hermosa's period of non-compliance—roughly 18 months between 2022 and 2024—developers filed just one builders remedy application. Compare that to Santa Monica's 47 applications or Redondo Beach's 23.
Why the difference? Timing, mostly. Hermosa regained compliance in early 2024, before word spread widely about the builders remedy opportunity here.
## The Palm Drive Reality
The Ferraro family's original proposal called for demolishing the existing four-unit building and replacing it with a five-unit apartment building at 50 feet tall—significantly exceeding Hermosa Beach's legal 30-foot height limit. That's exactly the kind of override that makes builders remedy so controversial: a project that couldn't normally be built under local zoning suddenly becomes possible because the city fell out of compliance.
But the project may be changing. At last week's planning commission meeting, the Ferraros proposed an alternative: scaling back to four units at a lower height that would better fit the neighborhood. The revision came after facing organized opposition from neighbors and community groups including Save Hermosa and Our Neighborhood Voices, who have raised concerns about the project's impact on the residential character of Palm Drive.
Renderings of the newly proposed four-unit development by local architect Louie Tomaro
What makes this project significant isn't its specific size, but what it represents. This happened because the city lost control of its zoning during non-compliance. Under builders remedy, developers can propose projects that exceed local height limits and density restrictions—exactly what occurred here.
## The Numbers Behind the Crisis
Hermosa Beach's housing problem isn't abstract—it's math. The state requires the city to plan for 556 new homes by 2029, spread across different income levels. For a city with just 8,900 existing housing units and virtually no vacant land, that's a massive challenge.
Here's what those 556 units break down to:
- 284 very low income units (for households earning less than $66,250)
- 164 low income units (households earning $66,251-$106,000)
- 108 moderate income units (households earning $106,001-$127,200)
The affordable housing requirements are what made Palm Drive possible under the builders remedy. By including affordable units, the developer met the state's minimum threshold to override local zoning.
The project counts toward the city's housing goals. These units contribute to the state mandate, meaning if the city had been able to block this project, it would still need to find replacement units somewhere else.
## How We Got Here
Understanding Palm Drive requires understanding how Hermosa Beach fell out of compliance in the first place. The city's initial housing plan, submitted in 2021, was rejected by the state three times. But the deeper issue was timing—Hermosa Beach delivered its housing element months after the state deadline.
The problem wasn't unwillingness to plan for housing—it was geography. With most of the city already built out and height limits protecting neighborhood character, finding realistic sites for 556 new units proved nearly impossible.
The city tried rezoning commercial areas along Pacific Coast Highway and Aviation Boulevard. They counted on accessory dwelling units in residential neighborhoods. They explored mixed-use development near the Pier. None of it added up to 556 units in a way the state found credible.
But residents and community groups have been critical of city staff for the delayed delivery. Many argue that the housing element should have been completed on schedule, preventing the builders remedy window that allowed projects like Palm Drive to proceed. The late submission created the very situation that groups like Save Hermosa and Our Neighborhood Voices now find themselves fighting against.
Meanwhile, the clock was ticking. Every month out of compliance increased the risk of builders remedy applications. The Ferraro family's proposal for Palm Drive came during this vulnerable period, taking advantage of the city's non-compliant status.
## What Palm Drive Teaches Us
The most important lesson from Palm Drive may be what didn't happen. Unlike the massive projects proposed under builders remedy in other cities, this development remains relatively modest.
That modesty may be changing. The original 50-foot proposal clearly exceeded what would fit naturally on Palm Drive, where most buildings top out at two or three stories. The potential revision to four units at lower height suggests that even under builders remedy, practical constraints and community input can still influence project design.
## Learning From Other Cities
Hermosa Beach officials closely studied how other cities handled builders remedy challenges. The lessons were sobering.
Santa Monica's aggressive opposition to builders remedy projects created a legal quagmire, with developers filing lawsuits and the city spending millions on attorneys. Most projects are still tied up in court years later.
Redondo Beach tried a more collaborative approach, working with developers to modify projects and reduce community opposition. Results were mixed—some projects got smaller, others proceeded unchanged.
The pattern everywhere was that fighting builders remedy rarely worked. The state law gives developers significant advantages once a city falls out of compliance.
That's why Hermosa Beach prioritized regaining compliance over fighting individual projects. The Palm Drive project was approved with minimal city input, but it prevented additional builders remedy applications.
## The Ongoing Housing Pressure
Even with compliance achieved, Hermosa Beach faces continued pressure to accommodate new housing. The city must update its housing plan every eight years, with new targets set by the state each cycle.
Early indications suggest the next round of requirements, covering 2029-2037, will be even higher than current targets. Regional population growth and job creation continue outpacing housing construction throughout Southern California.
Compliance isn't a one-time achievement. The city must continue meeting these targets, or risk returning to builders remedy territory.
The Palm Drive project counts toward current requirements but represents a small fraction of the city's total mandate. Hermosa Beach still needs to facilitate hundreds more units over the next five years.
## The Character Question
Ultimately, the Palm Drive debate reflects deeper questions about what kind of city Hermosa Beach wants to be. Can a community preserve its small-town character while accommodating growth mandated by the state?
The city has always been this informal place where regular people could afford to live near the beach. The question is whether that's still possible with rising housing costs and state-mandated development requirements.
Others argue that character comes from community, not building heights. Whether working families can still be part of this place may matter more than specific architectural details.
## What Comes Next
The Ferraro family's Palm Drive project is still working its way through the approval process. If they proceed with the revised four-unit proposal discussed at last week's planning commission meeting, it would represent a more modest addition to the neighborhood than the original five-unit, 50-foot building. The planning commission will continue reviewing the proposal, with input from neighbors and community groups who have organized opposition to the project.
The real test will be the next few years, as Hermosa Beach works to accommodate hundreds more housing units under its newly compliant plan. Will the community embrace controlled growth, or will each new project face significant resistance from groups like Save Hermosa and Our Neighborhood Voices?
Perhaps Palm Drive showed what happens when the city isn't proactive about housing planning. The choice isn't between growth and no growth—it's between growth the city controls and growth the state forces.
But one thing is certain: the conversation about housing in Hermosa Beach is far from over. Palm Drive was just the beginning.
*What do you think ? Comment below, or write to us at letters@hermosareview.com*
### What is the 'Real Time Crime Center'?
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Last updated: 2025-10-27T20:38:29.000Z
Technology key in modern policing effort
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### Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
URL: https://www.hermosareview.com/transient-occupancy-tax-tot/
Last updated: 2026-05-07T21:03:04.000Z
**Use our interactive model to easily generate different scenarios for revenue generated by tax on hotel beds and short-term vacation rentals. Move each slider to dynamically create a scenario. The defaults are set roughly at today's current levels, but you can model different room rates, tax rates, enforcement rates (for STVR's) as well as a 'displacement factor'. This lets you model the impact on current hotel occupancy rates that may occur with more STVR availability.**
***This model isn't designed to offer an opinion on the right answer for our city. It's designed to let you create your vision for the city, and to see the impact on revenue.***
**Remember - TOT is the most productive property tax that the city has. It is paid 100% by 'visitors', but is used to pay for the infrastructure that is enjoyed by residents. It is also the only tax that is entirely retained by the city. Unlike secured property tax (that you pay on your own home) or sales tax, it all goes into city funds.**
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