"We Are Hermosa" - Mayor's State of the City Celebrates Community Past, Present, and Future

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."

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.

"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."

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.

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

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."