Parks & Rec Roundup

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.

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.