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Photos of pedestrians using the 16th Street and PCH crosswalk

 Hermosa Beach & Manhattan Beach Crime Stats for 1998 to 2004 Comparison


Compare the CJSC Crime Statistics since the 1997 HB Pier Plaza Renovation for:

Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and El Segundo


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A New Online Resource for Hermosa

--- A Virtual Town Hall

--- The Citizens-Sponsored Survey

--- An Online Forum to post comments

---View the HBNA Candidate Debate at:

www.ThisIsHermosa.com/


 

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The Top Hermosa Beach News Stories:

 

The Daily Breeze June 17, 2008

Blue 32 faces early last call in Hermosa Beach

By Andrea Woodhouse, Staff Writer

The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission is chasing last month's decision to close a rowdy downtown bar early with another round tonight.

This time, the target is Blue 32, a popular tavern that could also see its operating permit modified in response to alleged violations of occupancy and state alcohol laws.

During its annual behavior check of the city's bars and taverns, the commission in February agreed to further study Blue 32, as well as the Shore and Dragon, which saw its hours slashed by the panel in May.

For the Hermosa Avenue establishment, Blue 32, the city staff has proposed several revisions to the bar's operating permit, including a provision that would allow the city to temporarily revoke alcohol sales and live entertainment if Blue 32 exceeds its occupancy limit of 126 people.

Most notably, as it did with Dragon, Hermosa has also proposed an earlier close time for Blue 32 - midnight instead of 2 a.m. on weekends.

Shaving two hours off the bar's weekend hours would significantly threaten its survival - specifically costing the 3-year-old business up to $10,000 in weekly revenue, owner Dave Lowe said.  "At stake is the entire survival of the businesses," he said. "We can't operate under those restrictions."

In a 466-page packet that Blue 32 owners submitted to the city, dozens of letters from patrons advocate a 2a.m. closing time.  "It is not uncommon that night life, beginning with dinner, doesn't even begin until 9 p.m.," wrote Simon Giles, a Redondo Beach resident.

"To imagine that my night would end before it even begins would definitely lead me outside Hermosa Beach to take my revenue to a destination where I can linger and enjoy all it has to offer."

Wrote patron Kimberly Glasing: "My husband and I have two young children and have a hard time getting a night out before 9 p.m. We enjoy being able to go to a nice establishment for dinner and would be sadden(ed) if the Planning Commission closed such establishments."

Hermosa Beach police statistics show the department received 118 calls for service in 2007 and the first few months of 2008.

City planners believe an earlier last-call for Blue 32 would help curb nighttime noise and disruptions.  "It is concluded that an earlier closing time would substantially reduce the calls for police service and better protect public safety," the staff report stated.

But Blue 32 owners strongly dispute the police figures.  After spending about 100 hours going through police reports and logs, Lowe determined that at least 40 percent of the police calls linked to Blue 32 were incorrectly attributed, he said.

To ensure the establishment follows Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control requirements that it sell no more booze than food, city staff also have proposed Blue 32 owners have a certified public accountant to monthly sign off on food and alcohol sales receipts.  Following that regulation could cost Blue 32 up to $5,000 a week, Lowe said.

The Planning Commission in recent months has taken a hard stance on Hermosa's raucous downtown night life.  February's bar review was the first in four years to spark any further examination of a tavern's adherence to its operating permit.

And last month's decision to modify Dragon's operating permit came as a pleasant surprise to Hermosa's bar critics.  Dragon owners have appealed the decision to the City Council, which will take up the matter next week.

The Planning Commission tonight also is set to discuss the operating permit of downtown hotspot the Shore, but that hearing will likely be continued until next month.

While he doesn't believe Blue 32 has been unfairly targeted, Lowe said Hermosa Beach should treat all downtown bars and restaurants equally.  "It just doesn't seem like a fair system," said Lowe, who has spent $20,000 in legal fees for tonight's hearing. "If the city wants to move down the line of closing everyone at midnight, then do that across the board."

.


The Daily Breeze June 16, 2008

Monday's Letters to the Editor

Don't fence off beaches

I again enjoyed watching Hermosa Beach's Association of Volleyball Professionals tournament recently.

Many were surprised to see paid admission and fenced-off portions of the beach. Others probably stayed away from the event. Attendance appeared to be down from previous years.

I testified at a 2007 Coastal Commission hearing that paid admissions need to be controlled on public beaches and thought that commission staff recommended 25 percent paid stadium seating (such as in Manhattan Beach) was a reasonable compromise and in the spirit of the Coastal Act. The commission instead voted 6-5 to allow the maximum paid to 90 percent and fenced-off beaches for paid courts. That maximum remains until a new commission takes a new vote. The reason we saw this for the first time in the South Bay was that Hermosa's outdated AVP contract allowed for it.

This year, Hermosa will negotiate a new contract. I hope that the City Council will negotiate a reasonable contract that allows the AVP to bring in revenue to pay more players, provides a reasonable amount of free seating in the stadium and absolutely has no fenced-off areas on the sand. I encourage people to follow the issue and get involved before we see continued privatizing of our precious sand.

- DEAN FRANCOIS

Redondo Beach


The Daily Breeze June 12, 2008

Hermosa Beach hit-and-run sentencing postponed for the 7th time

By Denise Nix

Deputy District Attorney Paul Guthrie thinks the 8th time will be the charm for Ruben Vargas, who is expected to be sentenced to 16 months in prison for leaving the scene of an accident. His truck went into a Hermosa Beach house, injuring a sleeping 5-year-old inside.

Proceedings actually got underway today, as both sides began haggling about restitution. In the end, Judge Eric Taylor agreed that the family should get the full $66,192.16 they're asking for - but there's a hold-up because it's not clear how much Vargas' insurance company has paid them, and for what.

Vargas' attorney tried arguing that his client shouldn't pay the full restitution, maintaining Vargas wasn't driving when the truck crashed, only that he drove away. None of that is very clear, but Taylor agreed with Guthrie that it's a moot point since Vargas, has, in fact, pleaded no contest.



 




 

 

The Daily Breeze June 12, 2008

Hermosa Beach pair object to fee hikes

By Andrea Woodhouse, Staff Writer


It was the new guard vs. the old guard Tuesday as two first-term Hermosa Beach City Council members refused to approve a budget containing nearly $600,000 in fee increases to help balance the books.

City Councilmen Kit Bobko and Michael DiVirgilio, with the support of longtime Councilman Michael Keegan, managed to delay approval of the 2008-09 budget, requesting more time to study it and explore possible reductions instead of fee hikes.

"I have some problems with these fees," said Bobko, who was elected to his first term in a special June 2006 election. "I do not support just raising the fees out of hand without having corresponding cuts somewhere."

The $27.8 million operating budget proposed about $596,000 in fee increases to meet a shortfall without slashing services.

Attributing the deficit to lower property tax revenues, as well as flattening sales and utility-users' tax revenues, the city staff proposed charging for street sweeping; hiking recreation activities, business license applications and business license renewal fees; as well as parking fines.

In a 3-2 vote, the council decided to hash out the budget again in another workshop, this time reviewing proposed reductions equal to the revenue raised by the proposed fee hikes - except for parking fine increases, which council members didn't contest Tuesday.

"I'm sorry if I'm new," said DiVirgilio, who won his seat in November. "I expect someone is going to find me very cute this evening. But if I was sitting on my couch watching this, I'd be saying, `Why are they raising before cutting?"'

Bobko and DiVirgilio's dissatisfaction with the budget proposal, which the council already vetted in a May 29 workshop, visibly rankled Mayor J.R. Reviczky.

"You know, I keep throwing them and you keep missing them," he said. "This budget is based on no cuts. OK? This budget is based on doing the exact same thing we did last year, and to do the exact same thing as we did last year, the city manager came up with ways to pay for it."

Bobko and DiVirgilio also disapproved of the budget on a philosophical basis, arguing that it focused too much on individual elements of the city's coffers, instead of an overall policy and direction for the city's finances and planning.

"I think the days of doing everything are probably behind us, at least for the next few years, and that we need to make some hard choices," Bobko said. "And I, for one, don't really believe we have faced those choices yet."

Also Tuesday, a handful of residents appealed to the council to budget some cash assistance for the city's struggling school district.

Hermosa voters last week shot down a parcel tax aimed at maintaining existing school programs, including class-size reduction, music and technology.

While it didn't offer any cash, the council promised to discuss ways the city could assist the school district in upcoming regular meetings between officials from both agencies.

But with a council majority looking to slash next year's budget by more than $500,000, Reviczky warned that extra cash for the school district would be unlikely.

"You cut $600,000 out of this budget," he said, "and you can kiss a gift to the schools goodbye."


The Daily Breeze June 8, 2008

Heirs put Hermosa Beach's Mermaid on sale again

Plan to build a seaside hotel on Pier Plaza site derails.

By Andrea Woodhouse, Staff Writer

The Strand-front property housing a landmark Hermosa Beach tavern, as well as an adjacent chunk of Pier Plaza property, will go back up for sale this week - and at a discount, insiders said.

After recently falling out of escrow with a local developer envisioning a hotel for the site of the Mermaid and several other businesses, the properties will hit the market again by Friday with about $1.5 million knocked off their combined asking prices, said the land's broker, Jack Gillespie of South Bay Brokers.

The two properties - a 7,000-square-foot seaside parcel housing the iconic bar, as well as Good Stuff and the Poop Deck; and a 6,900-square-foot chunk facing Pier Plaza that's home to four businesses - first went up for sale for a combined $33.5 million in October, about three months after longtime owner Quentin "Boots" Thelan died.

The land had been in escrow with El Segundo-based Urban Pointe Development and Bancroft Capital of Manhattan Beach since early this year, but plans to build an oceanfront hotel recently stalled, Gillespie said.

"The buyers were very nice and doing very complete due diligence," he said. "They just weren't able to pull things together right now."

The decision to end the escrow was mutual, Gillespie said; Urban Pointe founder Brad Scott did not return a telephone message for comment Friday.

This time around, heirs hope to float the properties as a single listing, rather than two separate offerings, Gillespie said.

"We prefer to have them packaged because we feel it's better ultimately for the city and what can be done, especially with the amount of money tied up with them," he said.

"Because of city regulations and requirements and coastal requirements, it's harder to deal with small pieces of property," Gillespie added.

This time around, owners will shave $2 million off the original $27million asking price for the Strand-front property, but increase the plaza property price from $6.5million to $7 million, Gillespie said.

A hefty estate tax bill was the driving force behind the decision by Thelan's heirs to sell the land - including the wood-paneled, Naugahyde-upholstered Mermaid, which the former Hermosa mayor bought in 1954.

And apparently the tax man is knocking again: a May 31 letter from the Thelan Family Trust to tenants explained that the properties' values were reassessed and taxes were increased by "approximately 1,000" percent, it stated.

"While we do not intend to increase rents to the current market value, we find that we're not able to bear the whole burden of the below-market rents you have enjoyed with Boots," the letter stated.

In some cases, rent will increase by almost 38 percent, effective next month.

The properties have been watched with great interest by real estate buffs, residents, city officials and business owners - and surrounded by rumors - in the eight months since they first hit the market.

Any changes to the property, currently zoned for light-commercial uses, will undoubtedly have a significant effect on Hermosa's landscape.

But any significant alterations to the city's shoreline still appear distant: The letter sent to tenants also reassured the properties' occupants that any buyer would need up to three years to obtain necessary permits even if a sale happened immediately.



 





  Read all the Hermosa Beach News from the HBNA Newsletters 

 The HBNA Newsletters for 2007

 The HBNA Newsletters for 2006

You can get The HBNA Newsletter.  Please e-mail: thehbna@verizon.net

 

 Compare the Crime Statistics since the 1997  HB Pier Plaza Renovation for:

 Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and El Segundo

 


Hermosa Beach News Stories:

KNBC-TV Burbank – April 10, 2007

Hermosa Police Release Sketch Of The Man Who Tried To Rape Woman In Home

Hermosa Beach Police released a composite drawing Monday of a man who tried to rape a woman in her Hermosa Beach home.  The attempted rape occurred early Sunday morning in the 700 block of Monterey Boulevard, said Hermosa Beach police Sgt. Paul Wolcott.  The man apparently entered the 28-year-old woman's residence through an unlocked door, possibly after following her home, Wolcott said. The man struggled with the woman, but she fought him off and he fled.  


"Composite of Attempted Rape Suspect"

An unidentified suspect attempted to sexually assault

a 28 year old female victim inside the victim's home.

 

Suspect Description:

Sex:          Male

Race:       Appeared Black, However the victim described him as possibly mixed race

Age:          Early 20's

Hair:         Short/Black

Eyes:        Dark

Height:     5'-10" to 6"0"

Weight:     160-180 lbs.

Additional Information: The suspect has soft rounded features and smooth skin. No facial hair. He acted in a focused, methodical manner.
       
Details: On 04-08-07 (Sunday) at about 2:30AM in the morning a 28 year old female was attacked inside her home in 700BLK of Monterey.  The victim was sitting watching television when she noticed the male suspect standing behind her.  The suspect violently punched the victim and attempted to disrobe her.  The victim was able fight off the suspect and then escape to a neighbor's house where she telephoned police.  Responding officers checked the area and made broadcasts to surrounding law enforcement agencies.  It is unknown how the suspect entered the victim's residence, but there was no evidence of forced entry.  At this time, it appears to be an isolated incident, but the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact

the Hermosa Beach Police Department @ (310) 318-0360.


 

KCBS-TV -- April 10, 2007 - Attempted Rapist Terrifies Beach Community -

Hermosa Beach residents are urged to lock their windows and doors after a woman was attacked and nearly raped in her apartment.  Suzie Suh reports.  Aired on KCBS on 4/10/07.

 

View this KCBS-TV News Story at the following weblink:

http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=37332@kcbs.dayport.com


 

Hermosa signature drive gets cutthroat -

 

Accusations include stalking in fight over parking rule affecting the expansion of Baja Sharkeez. 

 

The popular tavern burned down in May.  Decoys and diversions. Punching and spitting. Surveillance and spying.  It could be an action movie, a screwball comedy or a political farce.  Such were the shenanigans apparently under way in Hermosa Beach this week as one resident rallied voters to oppose a city ordinance that eases parking requirements downtown, and supporters of one Pier Plaza business hustled to keep him from succeeding.  Thursday was activist Jim Lissner's deadline to collect signatures from people opposing a new law that exempts Pier Plaza businesses from providing a certain amount of on-site parking if they pay fees to the city -- an ordinance crucial to an expansion plan for popular tavern Baja Sharkeez that burned down in May.  Lissner had 30 days to gather signatures from 10 percent of the city's voters in hopes of triggering a ballot referendum to repeal the law, but the last leg of the drive has been marked by accusations of high jinks, intimidation and violence from both sides. 

 


Carjack suspect pulled out a metal knife or razor and held it to the victim's throat.

Carjack Attempt -

Hermosa Police made an arrest after a man allegedly cut two people with a knife or razor during a failed carjacking on Monday.  The man told the painter “I have a big truck coming through and you need to move your van.”  The man slid over, and the painter hopped in behind the wheel and drove about 10 feet.  Then the man pulled out a metal knife or razor and held it to the painter’s throat saying, “Keep driving or I will kill you,” a police report stated.


Regarding Pier Plaza - Ten Years Later . . .What Are The Results?

The result, though, has been an abundance of bars and restaurants that leaves a heavier emphasis on nightlife in town, said Councilman J.R. Reviczky, who voted to create a specific plan years ago.

 

HB Council seeks more control of Pier Plaza - Majority apparently would like to have greater latitude in determining future businesses in the bustling area.  Hermosa Beach city officials hoped for success when they approved plans more than a decade ago to turn lower Pier Avenue into an open-air piazza decked out with palm trees, metal benches and nautical-style lighting.  And they got what they wanted: Pier Plaza today is a hefty sales tax generator for the city and a bustling hot spot filled with families looking for food and sunshine during the day, and young party animals searching for a drink and a good time at night.  But officials now want more control of the thriving downtown's future.


The date of the AVP tour in Hermosa Beach was moved to the third weekend of May, a full two months earlier than in previous years.

HB AVP Open fees won't change this year - But volleyball event's dates are moving -- to May -- and permit to add more paid seating was just for July.  South Bay beach volleyball fans can count on another year of mostly free admission to the Hermosa Beach Open after all.  The tournament's owners will continue charging admission to a quarter of spectators at this year's tournament, rather than the 90 percent of fans approved last month by the California Coastal Commission, said Dave Williams, market director for the Association of Volleyball Professionals.  The AVP has agreed to charge 25 percent of spectators admission in exchange for moving Hermosa Beach's tournament up a couple of months, said Teresa Henry, South Coast District manager for the Coastal Commission.  Traditionally a July event, this year's tournament is now scheduled for May 17-20 to accommodate a recently added tournament stop in Long Beach. 


 

 

HB Mother w/Kids, Robbed at Gunpoint in Home

 

Police identify suspects in Hermosa home invasion - Two men suspected of barging into a Hermosa Beach home and robbing a woman at gunpoint in front of her children are identified.  Asi Sekona was arrested on suspicion of parole violations, armed robbery, kidnapping, possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm. 


 

 

Sharkeez 2nd Floor Expansion is Approved, w/Outdoor Dining

 

Sharkeez's plans to expand move forward After a dramatic public hearing that touched upon some of the core issues facing Hermosa Beach, the commission signed off on plans to expand the business by a 4-1 vote.  The decision was a clear victory for the owners, Ron and Greg Newman.


 

 

AVP "Hermosa Open" Allowed to Charge for Beach Volleyball Seating

 

AVP scores with decision on beach volleyball ticket sales - Coastal panel's ruling on charges in Hermosa Beach could affect Manhattan decisionAssociation of Volleyball Professionals proposed to charge all spectators admission fees at the tournament scheduled for July 20-22.  South Bay free beach advocates were not pleased with the commission's decision. 


 

 

AVP may charge admission for spectators on the last three days of the Hermosa Open volleyball tournament this summer. 

 

Full paid seating for Hermosa Open? - The California Coastal Commission next week will discuss whether the AVP may charge admission for all spectators on the concluding three days of the Hermosa Open pro beach volleyball tournament this summer.  The AVP’s application to the Coastal Commission seeks to charge admission for about 10,400 spectators seated at the event.  A three-year contract with the City of Hermosa Beach states that the city will allow the AVP to charge admission at any level granted by the Coastal Commission. 


 

 

Two men suspected of breaking into a Hermosa Beach house and robbing a mother at gunpoint in front of her children.

 

Police capture suspects in Hermosa home invasion - One man suffers a broken leg while running from police officers. Another man is found hidden nearby.  Two men suspected of breaking into a Hermosa Beach house and robbing a mother at gunpoint in front of her children, were captured Tuesday following a chase into Redondo Beach, police said. 


 

 

A Police Department report listed 507 responses by officers in the downtown in 2006, including 354 reported as disturbances.

 

HB Nightspots move to police themselves - Owners of popular downtown nightspots are getting together to “police” themselves and cut down on excessive noise and rowdiness.  A Police Department report listed 507 responses by officers in the downtown in 2006, including 354 reported as disturbances, 42 as loud music, 41 as medical aids, 28 as batteries, 21 as theft, one as rape, one as kidnapping and one as assault. 


 

 

Are there plans to construct a new 400 car parking structure on land directly adjacent to City Hall?

 

HB Zoning change hints at new facilities - Officially speaking, there's nothing in the works for a new high-priced facility like the one that houses both of Manhattan Beach's Police and Fire Departments. Nor are there any plans to construct a new parking structure on land directly adjacent to City Hall.  A proposal aired at last week's meeting of the Planning Commission appears to be laying the groundwork for the city to move in precisely that direction.


 

 

HB Planning Commission restricts Club 705 permit

 

Hit and Run Driver Strikes 4 people exiting a “party bus” near Pier Plaza

 

Upper Pier Avenue committee hashes out options

 

Letters - HB Office Condo project lacks adequate parking

 

Trial is ordered in Hermosa Beach house crash - DUI driver injures 5yr old boys

 

 Wrongful death claim filed in traffic death of teenager


  Current Topics on The HBNA Discussion Forums:

  Read the opinions of Hermosa Beach residents and include you own.

 

NEW ALCOHOL OUTLETS IN HERMOSA BEACH. A GOOD IDEA? What is your opinion on adding more alcohol outlets to Upper Pier Ave, PCH and the Downtown?

 

BUILD A 400 CAR PARKING GARAGE FOR UPPER PIER AVE? Good Idea? Does Hermosa Beach need a new 400 car multi-level parking garage at City Hall, as part of a new Public Safety complex?

 

THE UPPER PIER AVE. PROJECT - Should the Pier Plaza theme be extended to Upper Pier Ave, with wider sidewalks for outdoor dining, palm trees, and removing 2 traffic lanes?

 

HAS CRIME & THE QUALITY OF LIFE BEEN MADE BETTER OR WORSE, from growth in the sales and service of alcohol in Hermosa Beach, since 1998?

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION?  Read almost 500 postings from Hermosa Beach residents.

TAKE THE HERMOSA BEACH COMMUNITY SURVEY ONLINE



 

The Hermosa Beach City Council Meeting

for December 12, 2006 at 7:10 pm

 Important PUBLIC HEARING for Hermosa Beach residents

living near 16th Street and Pacific Coast Highway 

 

The Conditional Use Permit for an On-Sale alcohol license

at the Still Water American Bistro at 1601 PCH

The Still Water Contemporary American Bistro - Conditional Use Permit


 

What are the Impacts for Hermosa Residents and

Hermosa Valley School Children Living Near a New Alcohol Outlet

at 16th Street and Pacific Coast Highway?

 

Possible Questions for the Hermosa Beach City Council

 

A.  Does the City of Hermosa Beach incur additional legal liability by granting new alcohol licenses in the city?  How many lawsuits have been filed against the city that are a result of “alcohol related” arrests and crime?

B.  Will there be an increase of “alcohol related crime and nuisance” in Hermosa Beach, by granting new alcohol licenses?  Has there been an increase in assault related violence in Hermosa Beach since the Pier Plaza renovation?

C.  Will the safety of Hermosa Beach school children be put at increased risk because the alcohol outlet location is within 600 feet of the Hermosa Valley School?  Why does CA Law and the ABC Act specifically prohibit alcohol outlets within 600 feet of schools?

D.  Is the 16th Street “Still Water Bistro” parking garage entrance and exit located on a “Safe Route to School”?  In the future, will drivers over the "DUI limit", drive out the “blind exit” from the parking garage exit, onto the 16th Street sidewalk?

E.  Does the proposed “wine shop” at the 1601 PCH location, violate an ABC moratorium on new Off-Sale Alcohol Licenses in Hermosa Beach?  Why has the ABC imposed a moratorium on granting new Off-Sale licenses in Hermosa Beach?

Background Information Regarding the above, Alcohol Outlet Questions

What are the Beach Cities Crime Statistics for Years 1998 to 2004 ?

From The California Dept. Justice - Criminal Justice Statistics Center:

 

Compare the Crime Statistics since the 1997  HB Pier Plaza Renovation for:

Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and El Segundo


   State of California laws and the ABC Act regarding Alcohol Licenses:

 

 Undue Concentration of alcohol licenses.

 

 The license will cause residents to be affected by increased crime.

 

 The premises will not interfere with the quiet enjoyment of local residences.

 

 The premises is located within the 600 feet of a school. (the Valley School)

 

GIS Map of the Alcohol Outlet Density in Hermosa Beach

Get more information on: "Alcohol Outlet Density and Crime"

This link is a Google Search for: "Alcohol Outlet Density and GIS Data Mapping"



 



The Easy Reader – January 18, 2007

Hermosa Beach

About Town

Laker takes cake?

The city prosecutor has declined to file charges after a man accused Los Angeles Laker Kwame Brown of swiping his birthday cake and flinging it at someone in a late-night incident on Hermosa Avenue.

The man had been celebrating his 30th birthday at the Shore restaurant and lounge on Friday, and walked out onto the avenue carrying his single-layer chocolate cake, according to a police report. The birthday boy saw Laker Ronny Turiaf and asked him to pose for a photo with him, and Turiaf did so.

Moments later, the man told police, Brown took the cake from his hands and gave it a toss, then left in a limousine.

The man reported that he saw Laker Lamar Odom emerge from Pedone’s Pizzeria and confronted him about the cake. The man complained that a person, possibly the bodyguard of a Laker, pushed him, but did not injure him. The man reported that Odom told the alleged pusher, “Calm down, he didn’t do anything.”

The man reported the value of the two-foot-square cake at $190. A spokesman for the Lakers was not immediately available.

Injuries follow dispute

At least one broken bone was suffered when four passengers emerging from a “party bus” were struck by a vehicle following a verbal dispute, police said.

According to a preliminary investigation, the incident began early Saturday morning when riders in a double-decker bus heading to downtown Hermosa got in a dispute with four people in a black Jeep Cherokee.

The bus parked in the area of Beach Drive and 11th Street to unload its passengers about 12:30 a.m.  The Cherokee drove by, and it occupants “flipped off” bus passengers, police said.

The Cherokee was driven away only to return, striking four people who exited the bus, police said.  Paramedics treated the injured people at the scene, and according to preliminary police reports, at least one person suffered a broken leg.  The Cherokee later was discovered parked on Valley Drive and the investigation is continuing.

Sand sponsors, Strand sponsors

The nonprofit Project Touch, a Hermosa Centennial participant, is putting out a call to local businesses for sponsorship of the 55th Annual Sand and Strand Run/Walk. Proceeds from the event benefit the youth and family programs of Project Touch.

The Sand and Strand, described as the second oldest such race in the LA area, is run 45 percent on the Strand and 55 percent on the beach sand. Last year more than 400 people took part, ages 4 to 80-plus. Also included is the popular Munchkin race for ages 10 and under. For information call (310) 379-5206 or see ptouch@earthlink.net. ER

 


In 1912, the Hermosa Beach Pleasure Pier opened to great fanfare during the city’s earliest days.

This weekend the city will celebrate 100 years with a kickoff event Sunday and events throughout the year.

The Beach Reporter – January 11, 2007

Hermosa Beach News

Hermosa Beach through the years

This is the first in a three-part look at the 100 years of Hermosa Beach.

When people think of Los Angeles, they think of sun, sand and surf. Though technically part of Los Angeles County, Hermosa Beach has gained a reputation as a unique and distinct beach town with its own personality. Later this week, an event commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the city's incorporation is slated to take place. In light of this, The Beach Reporter will take a look back at the city's history and the changes that have befallen the city and its residents. This piece is the first in an installment that will chronicle some of the more noteworthy events to take place in its 100-year history.

Early years

Prior to its incorporation, Hermosa Beach was part of a 10-mile-long tract of land known as Rancho Sausal Redondo, which translates to “the ranch of the round willow-grove.”

The Biltmore Hotel provided a bird’s-eye view of Hermosa Beach. (photo courtesy of the Hermosa Beach Historical Society)

 

In 1900, Amos Burbank and Eugene Baker, acting on behalf of the Hermosa Beach Land and Water Company, purchased 1,500 acres from the owner of Rancho Sausal Redondo for $35 per acre, or roughly $54,000. The company, which also included two silent partners, Gen. Moses Hazeltine Sherman and E. P. Clark, would go on to make several improvements over the next few years, including a sewer system, wharf, pier and water supply.

Then in July 1906, a petition was prepared for the County Board of Supervisors regarding the potential incorporation of Hermosa Beach. A Los Angeles Times story about the proposal stated that the petition called for the incorporation of the area as a city “of the sixth class” and indicated that at least 550 people resided “within the territory proposed to be incorporated.” Interestingly, the headline for the story read “Newspaper Blunder” and stated that a typographical error in the publication of the official notice required that the petition be redone. Apparently, the proposed name of the city appearing in the notice was incorrectly listed as Wilmington and not Hermosa Beach.

Despite the typo, the city's first election was held later that year on Dec. 24. At that meeting, six men were elected as the city's first trustees - John Q. Tufts, Herman Vetters, John Bunz, Otto Meyer, Benn H. Hiss and Arthur Jones. In addition to selecting the city's officers, residents voted to proceed with incorporation, with 24 in favor and 23 against. The city's official charter was issued by the state soon thereafter on Jan. 14, 1907.

According to “The Early History of Hermosa Beach,” by Fern Rhein, the city subsequently acquired ownership of its two-mile stretch of coastline from the Hermosa Beach Land and Water Company, excluding 210 feet on either side of the pier. The deed stated that it was to be held “in perpetuity as a beach playground, free from commerce, and for the benefit of not only the residents of Hermosa, but also for the sea lovers of Southern California.”

In December 1907, the young town suffered a minor setback, losing the use of its pier to the high tide. The “recreation pier,” an all-wood structure measuring 24 feet wide, was built three years earlier at a cost of $8,000.

In 1908, the young municipality fought off an attempt to disincorporate it, as well as several other proposals to merge the city with its neighbor to the south, Redondo Beach.

Seaside resort

In 1912, the city's trustees agreed to issue bonds worth approximately $60,000 to finance the construction of a new pier. The city's second pier was completed in 1913 and officially opened in 1914. It helped Hermosa Beach continue its reputation as a seaside resort.

Despite these improvements, the city did not experience as large a growth spurt as did its neighbor to the south, Redondo Beach. Some believed the reason was that local law forbade the use of property for the sale of “spirituous liquors.” It was not until the repeal of prohibition in 1933 that Hermosa Beach joined the ranks of other “wet” cities, allowing alcohol to be served at public establishments.

The primary attraction for many of the town's visitors, aside from the beach, was the Hermosa Biltmore Hotel, formerly known as the Surf and Sand Club. Built in the late 1920s, the hotel gave vacationers from all across Southern California a place to stay and enjoy the town. In 1932, the hotel served as the setting for a banquet honoring Olympic athletes from India.

The city's growth was aided by the Pacific Electric Red Car, which provided residents from other areas a cheap and efficient means of transportation to get to the South Bay. The trains ran up until 1939 when service was discontinued. The tracks ran along what is now Hermosa Avenue and were eventually pulled out in 1941.

Coming soon

In the next installment, The Beach Reporter will look at Hermosa Beach post-World War II and beyond.

 


The Beach Reporter – December 21, 2006

Hermosa Beach News