Hermosa Beach News

Attempted rape victim fights off her attacker

By Jennifer Evans

An unidentified 28-year-old woman was almost raped in her apartment Easter morning while sitting on her couch watching television after a night out on the Hermosa Beach pier plaza.

The suspect, described as a clean-cut 25-to 30-year-old black man about 6-feet-1-inch tall and about 160 pounds, entered the victim's first-floor apartment soon after the bars closed early Easter Sunday morning.

The victim, who lives in the 700 block of Monterey, told police the door was unlocked but said she has no idea who the man was. According to police, she was watching television and eating when she noticed a reflection of a person in her television at approximately 2:30 a.m. When she turned around, she saw a man standing in her living room.

The suspect allegedly hit her in the face, pulled her to the floor and tried to take off her pants. However, the woman was able to fight the man off with repeated screams and punches.

Unable to take her pants off, the attacker escaped. According to police, the woman was extremely upset and suffered physical injuries but was not hospitalized. According to Hermosa Beach Sgt. Paul Wolcott, it is a possibility the suspect followed the woman home. However, the woman told police she did not notice anyone following her.

The morning of the attempted rape, the man was wearing jeans and a white button-up shirt. A composite sketch of the suspect is in the process of being completed, but was unavailable at press time.

Wolcott said the Hermosa Beach Police are conducting a thorough investigation.

“We want to remind people to try to be aware of their surroundings and if they think they are being followed, call the police and we will send someone to you,” Wolcott said.

Anyone with information about this crime should call the Hermosa Beach Police Department at (310) 318-0360.

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY. Police were called to the 400 bock of Herondo Street by a woman, who came home and discovered a maintenance man in her apartment without permission. Apparently, there was an ongoing problem with the plumbing in the unit, but the woman was not informed that maintenance workers would be in her home the afternoon of March 31. After returning home at 2:27 p.m., she began changing clothes and came upon the maintenance man while undressed. When a male police officer arrived, the woman would not let him in her apartment and was described in the police report as in hysterics over the incident. A friend later drove the woman to the police department where she explained the situation to a female police officer. The authorities informed her that it was a civil incident and if she was unhappy about the service in her apartment that she should take it up with the building's management. No crime was reported related to the incident.

CAR JACKING. A man with a knife attacked two men and stole their van from the 2900 block of Ingleside Drive at 10 a.m. March 26. The victims parked the van and left the keys in the ignition. Moments later an unknown man got in the vehicle and when the owner of the car asked what he was doing, he was told that the vehicle needed to be moved because a larger truck was arriving. One of the men then got back in the van and the 51-year-old stranger moved out of the driver's seat over to the passenger side. Just after the man began moving the vehicle, the intruder began screaming at him and brandished a knife. He yelled expletives and told the man to keep driving or he would kill him. At this point, the driver's associate ran to the car that had only moved about 10 feet to see what was the matter. The driver told him in Spanish that the assailant was going to kill him. At this point the man outside the vehicle began struggling with the armed man through the passenger-side window until the attacker sliced his arm. Then the car jacker stabbed at the driver and lacerated his hand. The man in the driver's seat then jumped out of the car and fled as his assailant sped off. At 10:22 a.m., Manhattan Beach police spotted the vehicle but the car thief also saw the authorities and sped off. A resident then flagged down the police and directed him to the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue and Market Place where the fleeing suspect had flipped over the vehicle. Police brought the original victims to the scene where they positively identified the suspect that attacked them and absconded with the vehicle.

Hermosa Beach News

Report: reinstate fired HBPD officer

By Chris Yang

A former officer with the Hermosa Beach Police Department who appealed a decision to terminate him in 2005 recently received a bit of good news from a county agency reviewing his case.

Officer Richard C. Wulliger of the Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission recently issued a report indicating that Todd Lewitt should be reinstated because he was inappropriately disciplined by the Police Department in conjunction with an incident that took place at an airport on Aug. 14, 2005.

Lewitt received a letter informing him of the department's intent to terminate after he was stopped by security at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. Lewitt was stopped after screeners detected a firearm on his person. In a subsequent interview with The Beach Reporter, Lewitt stated that he informed one airport official that he was “a cop” and that he was carrying his gun. Lewitt also indicated that the primary reason stated for his termination was providing a false statement to the department after the incident at the airport. Lewitt subsequently appealed the department's decision to the Civil Service Commission, which released its report this week.

According to the Daily Breeze, Wulliger heard from both the Transportation Security Administration and the Police Department before deciding that Lewitt “did not engage in any misconduct” and “should not have been disciplined.”

Lewitt has all along maintained that his termination was an act of retaliation for not conforming to the department's ethos. He was openly critical of the department's handling of an incident involving City Manager Steve Burrell in which Burrell was pulled over by Lewitt and Officer Steve Saylor for driving erratically. The department later acknowledged that Burrell received preferential treatment during the stop. He also reportedly participated in an interview with federal officials in conjunction with a civil rights investigation into the Police Department following the arrest of three South Bay residents in 2004.

In 2005, Lewitt's residence was the subject of graffiti vandalism that may have been affiliated with his participation in the FBI's investigation or his criticism of the handling of the city manager's incident.

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

BURGLARY/STOLEN VEHICLE. Someone reportedly burglarized a residence between 5 p.m. Dec. 27 and 8 p.m. Jan. 2. While the owners were away on vacation, someone entered a residence through an unlocked back door in the 700 block of Eighth Street and removed various items as well as a sport utility vehicle. In addition to taking an X-box and ransacking the property, the burglar drove off in a green 2002 Ford Explorer belonging to the resident's girlfriend. An empty “Slurpee” cup was found in the bedroom along with a half-eaten corn dog.

CREDIT FRAUD. A resident who lives in the 1800 block of Valley Park Avenue was contacted by a local department store after an account was opened under her name. Approximately $1,200 was fraudulently charged on the account between noon Dec. 22 and noon Dec. 23. The victim later discovered another charge to another one of her accounts at a different department store worth approximately $943.66.

VANDALISM. A resident allegedly discovered someone had punctured his tires with a sharp object. The incident, which occurred sometime Jan. 1, also happened before on Dec. 17. Both times, the car was parked in the resident's driveway.

Hermosa Beach News

FBI acknowledges review of police conduct

By Chris Yang

The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently confirmed that it is reviewing the conduct of the Hermosa Beach Police Department in conjunction with the arrest of a mortgage broker earlier this year. News of the review is yet another indication that federal agents continue to monitor the department's conduct following an initial investigation that was first reported in June 2005.

The agency's interest in the case of Enrique Coello (see “Police Action Draws Fire” Sept. 28, 2006) was first reported by the Daily Breeze on Dec. 15. Friday's report in the Breeze was the first development in the case to appear in the news since the department issued a press release in September indicating no criminal charges would be filed. The report is an unwelcome bit of news for local officials, who may have thought the incident was going to go away after department leaders declined to prosecute Coello following his arrest.

Still, city leaders may take heart from a correction that appeared in the Breeze the day after the story appeared. The initial report, which included the headline “FBI investigating Hermosa Beach resident's arrest,” was clarified to state that the bureau is not investigating the case, but “reviewing the allegation.” In particular, the correction clarified that the FBI “routinely reviews complaints, but does not always open an investigation.”

When asked about the correction, a press officer with the FBI's Los Angeles office declined to comment except to say that she stood by the comments made in the Breeze.

Whether an “investigation” or “review” is taking place, news of the federal government's interest in the city of Hermosa Beach continues to leave a cloud over the Police Department. Residents first became aware something was wrong after the Los Angeles Times broke the story of a formal investigation by federal agents on June 20, 2005. Though agents have interviewed several residents with respect to the investigation, no indictments have been issued and no charges have been filed. A local business owner interviewed twice by federal agents confirmed that the officers were primarily “interested in (Officer Raul) Saldana” as well as “the city as a whole.”

With no official word from the federal government except that an investigation is still open and that the matter is “pending,” local leaders are left in somewhat of a precarious state. Shortly after his arrival, Police Chief Greg Savelli indicated that he had not yet met or spoken with federal officials. Mayor Sam Edgerton downplayed the initial report in 2005 by describing the matter as a “routine inquiry” and “a big yawn.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson with the Justice Department's press office declined to comment on the matter despite repeated attempts by The Beach Reporter to obtain information from the Civil Rights Division.

As for Coello's case, an internal investigation that was initiated by the department is still under way. Though he declined to comment, Coello did indicate that he is meeting with the police to discuss a complaint that had been filed with the department.  

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

GRAND THEFT. A resident who moved from Redondo Beach recently discovered that a jewelry box she owned was reportedly missing. The resident believes the box may have been taken when she moved on July 15. Jewelry worth approximately $3,000 was in the box.

THEFT. Two bicycles were allegedly taken from a locked and secured parking garage storage unit in the 400 block of Second Street. The incident reportedly occurred between 6 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12.

PETTY THEFT. Someone allegedly used a drill to break in to a coin-operated air/water machine in the 1100 block of Pacific Coast Highway. The person reportedly removed $293 from the machine between 9 a.m. Nov. 5 and 9:36 a.m. Dec. 12.

BURGLARY. Someone reportedly burglarized a residence in the 400 block of Gould Avenue. Residents of the property on Gould left for a trip Dec. 7. After returning at approximately 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11, they discovered the premises had been ransacked and several items taken. The items missing were miscellaneous coins, a digital camera, furniture and a watch.

BURGLARY. Someone reportedly removed jewelry and an XBox 360 from a residence in the 300 block of 26th Street. The incident allegedly occurred between 7:45 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 15. After returning from work, a resident reportedly discovered jewelry missing from the bedroom. The resident reporting the incident stated that the doors and windows are “never locked.”

ROBBERY. A resident was allegedly robbed while walking back to his residence in the 800 block of Bayview Drive. The incident allegedly occurred at 2:33 a.m. Dec. 15. The victim allegedly noticed two individuals following him as he was walking back to his residence. The victim then stated that he was grabbed from behind by one of the individuals, and felt an object pressed against his head. Fearing for his safety, the resident handed over his wallet. The second individual allegedly stood to the side, held a skateboard and said “You don't want me to crack you with this.” After taking approximately $100 in cash from the victim's wallet, he was then told to keep walking and not look back.

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

BURGLARY. Someone reportedly removed a 50-inch plasma television from a residence in the 1200 block of Owosso Avenue. The incident allegedly occurred between 8 p.m. Nov. 29 and 5:17 a.m. Nov. 30. The victim allegedly exited his house to work in a rear workshop, locking the back door as he left. Upon returning, he noticed the door was unlocked and the television was gone. Several cables had reportedly been cut.

BURGLARY. Someone reportedly ransacked an apartment in the 2900 block of Manhattan Avenue and took a laptop computer. The incident allegedly occurred between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28. Upon returning to her apartment, the victim allegedly observed damage to the front door, which was opened by the intruder.

BURGLARY. A resident allegedly observed someone attempting to remove items from her purse at 3:19 p.m. Dec. 2. The incident allegedly occurred in the 2500 block of Ardmore Avenue. While preparing to drive to another city, a resident allegedly left her purse near the open front door to her home. Before departing, she began watering plants in her back yard. After hearing the doorbell, she allegedly walked to the side gate and told the person to leave. After realizing the front door was open, she returned to observe someone reaching into her purse. After shouting “Get out of my purse you little b**ch,” the suspect fled.

VANDALISM. A resident in the 200 block of 28th Street allegedly observed an individual smash the windshield of a Volkswagen Jetta at 2:46 p.m. Dec. 2. After the individual began smashing the sunroof of another car, the witness called the police.

BURGLARY. Someone reportedly entered a residence in the 1000 block of Hermosa Avenue and removed a Dell 17-inch flat-screen monitor. The incident allegedly occurred between 10 a.m. Nov. 18 and 10 a.m. Nov. 25.

Hermosa Beach News

Police issue rare jaywalking ticket

By Chris Yang

A rare occurrence took place within the city of Hermosa Beach recently when a resident was cited by a police officer for jaywalking on Monday night.

A 26-year-old resident of Hermosa Beach who requested anonymity described a citation that was issued for jaywalking “across a quiet intersection on a quiet Monday night here in Hermosa Beach.” The resident admitted that though he was in the crosswalk, he did try to cross the street while the light was red. “It was quiet and there was no traffic,” said the resident. “I didn't think nothing of it and the cop pulled me over and made an issue of it.”

News of the citation came as a welcome surprise to at least one local business owner. Harold Cohen owns and operates the Mexican restaurant on 14th Street known as La Playita. Cohen has witnessed numerous instances of people jaywalking and hopes that local police officers will consider enforcing the law in a more aggressive fashion.

“That's good news,” said Cohen. “There needs to be an emphasis on it before somebody gets killed. It's flagrant. The people are just flagrant about it.” He added, “It may seem harmless, but I think a lawless attitude pervades in Hermosa Beach.”

Cohen urged local officials to consider issuing an edict that law enforcement officers consider placing a higher priority on enforcing jaywalking violations. “There needs to be a directive from the police chief or the city manager,” said Cohen.

One reason why so few citations are issued by Hermosa Beach police officers may have something to do with the way the actual jaywalking law is written. According to Sgt. Paul Wolcott, within Hermosa Beach there are “very few places where the roadway conditions exist to constitute an actual violation of the law.” Section 21955 of the California Vehicle Code states that “between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control signal devices or by police officers, pedestrians shall not cross the roadway at any place except in a crosswalk.”

Wolcott cited the block between Pier Avenue and 11th Street as an example of where a true violation of the law might occur. While a traffic signal is located at both Pier Avenue and 11th Street, there is no intersection along Hermosa Avenue between those two signals. Anyone attempting to cross that section of Hermosa Avenue would technically be considered in violation of the law.

As for the circumstances under which a person might receive a citation for jaywalking, Wolcott echoed the statements of other neighboring police departments, which indicated that a decision to issue a citation occurs at the individual officer's discretion. According to a story published in the Daily Breeze in 1995, officers with the Torrance Police Department consider “the violator's attitude, whether it's day or night, the amount of traffic and the frequency of violations in the area.” In the same story, then-Manhattan Beach Police Chief Ted Mertens stated that his department targets the downtown (Manhattan Beach) area for jaywalking, “especially at night when people are bar-hopping.”

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

VEHICLE BURGLARY. Someone allegedly removed a digital camera from a resident's vehicle at an unknown time and location. The camera, a Canon SD 700, is worth approximately $400. The victim allegedly kept the camera in the glove compartment of a 2005 BMW and recently noticed it was missing.

GRAFFITI. Someone allegedly sprayed the letters “HB” on the north side of the wall located in the 600 block of Cypress Avenue. The incident occurred between Nov. 13 and Nov. 14. The initials were sprayed in orange-colored paint.

CORPORAL INJURY. A resident allegedly called 911 after being hit by her live-in boyfriend. The incident allegedly occurred in the 3300 block of Palm Drive at 3:25 p.m. Nov. 16. The victim allegedly got into an argument with her boyfriend after going drinking. After she was reportedly struck in the face and thrown to the ground, she called 911.

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

GRAND THEFT. Someone reportedly broke into a coin-operated change machine and took approximately $12,000. The incident occurred between Oct. 25 and Nov. 13 in the 600 block of Pacific Coast Highway.

THEFT. Someone reportedly attempted to open a charity solicitation box on the counter of McDonalds. He took the box after he was unable to open it. The incident occurred at 10:08 p.m. Nov. 8 in the 1100 block of Pacific Coast Highway.

PETTY THEFT. Someone allegedly took the starter from a motor home between Sept. 1 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8. The incident occurred in the 1000 block of Aviation Boulevard.

GRAND THEFT. Someone allegedly removed camera equipment, jewelry and clothing from a residence in the 1200 block of Owosso Avenue. The incident allegedly occurred between 10 p.m. Nov. 13 and 10 a.m. Nov. 14.

BURGLARY. Someone allegedly attempted to pry open a sliding glass door of a house under construction and took two mounted security cameras. The incident occurred between 5 p.m. Nov. 13 and 6:50 a.m. Nov. 14. 

Hermosa Beach News

Police catch man, youth in graffiti spree

By Chris Yang

It's almost too much of a coincidence. Two days after a new ordinance providing guidelines on how to handle graffiti went into effect in Hermosa Beach, two residents were caught red-handed defacing various buildings and walls throughout the city with green spray paint.

Hermosa Beach police arrested 24-year-old Matthew Wicen and detained a 12-year-old cohort for defacing Clark Field, the Strand and several city vehicles with green swastikas and messages including “H.B. Locals,” among others. Officers came across the two after receiving a call reporting a vandalism in progress at 3:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 12.

Wicen, who lives on Eighth Street, was quickly charged with felony vandalism and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The 12-year-old was released into the custody of his parents. Police interviewed Wicen Monday and drove him around the city to point out locations that had been tagged.

The incident even drew the attention of Police Chief Greg Savelli, who commented on the matter at the Neighborhood Watch's Meet the Chief's event.

“It could be related to a hate crime,” said Savelli. “There's a reference to Sharon Tate. We don't know just yet.” He added that the mother of the 12-year-old incorrectly believed that he was spending the night at a friend's house.

Sgt. Paul Wolcott took the opportunity to stress the need for parents to be aware of whom their children socialize with. “The parents need to be aware of who their children's friends are,” said Wolcott.

According to a report in the Daily Breeze, local officials estimate the damage to run approximately $3,000, but conceded that it might be higher if the city decides to completely repaint some of the vehicles that had been tagged.

After the incident first came to light over the weekend, Public Works employees wasted no time removing the pair's handiwork and were seen on Monday washing away most of the graffiti located at Clark Stadium.

Wicen identified himself to investigators as a writer at local newspaper the Easy Reader. The Breeze was able to confirm with the owner of the publication that Wicen did at one time submit music reviews to the paper as a freelance writer.

The incident is also some measure of vindication for the newest member of the City Council, Kit Bobko. Bobko urged the city to adopt a new ordinance in August pertaining specifically to graffiti. The council eventually agreed and adopted a resolution in October that states, “No person shall permit any graffiti that may be viewed from the public right-of-way or other public property to remain on any building, structure, tree, shrub, sidewalk or curb owned or possessed by such person.” It also grants local officials greater discretion to abate graffiti from public and private property, as well as sets guidelines for the removal of graffiti from private property without the owner's consent. The ordinance was adopted by a unanimous vote of the council Oct. 10 and went into effect 30 days thereafter.

At the council's meeting Tuesday, Bobko urged the city prosecutor to prosecute both the minor and the adult “to the fullest extent of the law.” He added, “I want to let everybody know that we're serious about these types of things. I think that the real crime with that whole business is that someone is not only costing the city money that's completely wasted but it's also taking guys away from other jobs they could be doing.”

As of Tuesday, Wicen's case had not yet been filed in Municipal Court. A spokesperson with the county district attorney's office acknowledged that no information was available regarding an upcoming court date and that any inquiries should be referred to the Hermosa Beach Police Department. A follow-up phone call Tuesday to the Police Department or to Wicen's residence was not returned.

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

ATTEMPTED BURGLARY. Someone allegedly attempted to gain entry to a detached garage at a residence in the 900 block of First Street. The incident allegedly occurred between 9 a.m. Nov. 10 and noon Nov. 12.

BURGLARY. Someone allegedly burglarized a residence in the 2300 block of the Strand between 5 p.m. Nov. 13 and 6:50 a.m. Nov. 14. Construction workers arrived Nov. 14 to allegedly discover an open garage and a damaged sliding door at the residence. The property is currently under construction. Two surveillance cameras worth approximately $1,000 were reportedly taken from the home.

GRAND THEFT. Someone allegedly removed a Trek mountain bike from a bike stand on 22nd Street. The incident allegedly occurred between 6:50 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12. After locking his mountain bike to a stand with a standard cable lock, the owner allegedly returned to find the bike was gone.

AUTO BURGLARY. A vehicle parked in the Hermosa Beach parking structure was burglarized at 3 p.m. Nov. 7. A computer bag, laptop, digital camera and passport were allegedly taken from a locked vehicle on the top floor of the parking structure on Hermosa Avenue. The sunroof was reportedly opened about 8 inches.

BURGLARY. A purse containing a cell phone was allegedly stolen from a pier plaza establishment at midnight Oct. 28.

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

BATTERY. An individual was allegedly punched in the face by a former co-worker in front of a pier plaza establishment. The incident allegedly occurred between 12:30 and 12:45 a.m. Nov. 1. A woman reportedly confronted the victim and began yelling at him. She allegedly then subsequently slapped him in the face and walked away. She reappeared 15 minutes later and struck the victim in the forehead with a closed fist.

ASSAULT AND BATTERY. A motorcyclist was allegedly assaulted after getting into an argument with the driver of another vehicle. The incident allegedly occurred between 4:20 and 4:26 p.m. Nov. 5. While driving southbound along Hermosa Avenue, the motorcyclist nearly collided with a vehicle traveling northbound that turned left. Angered by the near collision, the motorcyclist allegedly followed the vehicle into the parking lot of a local restaurant and words were exchanged. The driver of the vehicle then reportedly punched the motorcyclist in the face.

FICTITIOUS CHECK. An employee of a Strand hotel recently discovered a duplicate check in the amount of $880. The incident took place in the 1300 block of the Strand and occurred sometime after Oct. 10. After contacting the bank, the employee allegedly learned the check was fraudulent.

GRAND THEFT. Someone reportedly removed approximately $2,605 from a residence in the 300 block of 29th Street. The incident occurred between 2 p.m. Sept. 20 and 9:12 p.m. Nov. 4. A resident allegedly discovered that money was missing from a safe and from her children's piggy banks.

THEFT. After being transported to the hospital for food poisoning, an individual discovered that $200 was missing from his wallet. The incident allegedly occurred in the 1000 block of Hermosa Avenue. After falling ill, the victim was taken to a local hospital by the Hermosa Beach Fire Department. While attempting to pay for the hospital's services the next morning, the victim discovered that roughly $200 was missing from his wallet. The incident occurred between 10:30 p.m. Nov. 3 and 6 a.m. Nov. 4. The victim does not know how the money was taken.

STUN GUN ROBBERIES. Two robberies involving stun guns were reported just minutes apart Nov. 3. First, at 10:42 p.m. In the 2200 block of Bataan Road, a victim's money was stolen after being threatened with a stun gun. Then at 10:42 p.m. in the 2500 block of Voorhees Avenue, a person brandishing a stun gun robbed another victim of their money and cell phone.

Hermosa Beach News

Burglar strikes popular restaurant for $10,000

By Chris Yang

Officials with the Hermosa Beach Police Department are currently investigating the theft of more than $11,000 from a popular Strand restaurant earlier this month.

According to an incident report filed with the Hermosa Beach Police Department, someone removed approximately $11,574 from Scotty's on the Strand restaurant sometime after closing on the night of Saturday, Oct. 21. The burglary was not reported until the next morning, when an employee returning to work noticed broken glass strewn on a table. After discovering pry marks on the door leading to the restaurant's office, she notified the police.

According to the report, the owner's nephew secured the building sometime between 10:30 and 11 p.m. Oct. 21. A server discovered the break-in shortly after returning to work at 7 a.m. Oct. 22.

Sgt. Paul Wolcott of the Hermosa Beach Police Department conceded that a detective had been assigned to the case. “It's a crime of opportunity,” said Wolcott.

After gaining entry to the business, the individual(s) allegedly pried open a door to the office, along with a safe located inside the office using “some sort of electric tools.” A piece of the door's deadbolt lock was found lying on the desk. Approximately $10,000 was removed from the safe, while a smaller amount was taken from inside the desk.

Police suspect a handwritten letter left behind during the incident may have been authored by the burglar(s), but the detective assigned to the case would not comment on its contents.

“We're at the very preliminary stages of the investigation,” said Detective Wayne Lewis. “I'm going to have a talk with them this afternoon (Tuesday), so there might be some developments.”

Scotty's owner, Tom Zevgaras, seemed to take the incident in stride in a conversation several days after the break-in. “We'll see what happens,” said Zevgaras.

According to a report that appeared in the Daily Breeze in March, burglaries were the primary cause behind a 7.6-percent increase in crime from 2004 to 2005. In June, a story in the Breeze blamed an increase in the number of residential burglaries “from 137 in 2004 to 187 in 2005” on residents leaving their doors and windows open.

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

THEFT. Two patrons of a bar allegedly had their purses stolen at 11:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Two patrons of an establishment in the 700 block of Pier Avenue allegedly left their purses unattended. When they returned, their purses were gone.

ASSAULT. An individual was allegedly observed striking another person repeatedly on 15th Street at 2:36 p.m. Oct. 27. The person being struck was reportedly lying on the ground as the other individual struck him repeatedly with a black leather belt. When questioned by police, neither individual acknowledged the incident.

ROBBERY. Someone was allegedly pushed to the ground and robbed between 2 and 2:30 a.m. Oct. 28.  While standing in a parking lot in the 700 block of Pier Avenue, a woman holding her purse was allegedly pushed from behind. She fell to the ground, losing control of her purse in the process. She allegedly remained on the ground for several minutes before getting up again, during which time someone took her purse.

BURGLARY. Someone reportedly removed a metal badge from a locker at 2 Pier Plaza. The incident allegedly occurred between 8 a.m. Oct. 21 and Oct. 26. The victim reported there was no forced entry and that no one else had the combination to his locker.

THEFT. Someone reportedly stole property while attending a resident's Halloween party in the 1700 block of Hermosa Avenue. The incident allegedly occurred between 1 and 1:17 a.m. Oct. 29. While hosting a party, a resident was allegedly informed of the presence of a suspicious male in a bedroom. The resident later followed the individual to the 1700 block of Palm Drive, where he allegedly brandished a knife while speaking with the resident. The resident allegedly noticed that the individual was carrying something in his belt and grabbed the item, which later turned out to be her roommate's cell phone.

Hermosa Beach News

Parking becomes top issue for new project

By Chris Yang

The issue of parking reared its ugly head again Tuesday night when the Planning Commission considered a proposal to develop property currently located at the corner of 15th Street and Hermosa Avenue into a new office complex.

A plan introduced by Cardinal Real Estate Investments to construct a 19,000-square-foot commercial building was met with cautious optimism by the commission, which voted unanimously to recommend the City Council should approve the project at the council's next meeting.

According to the city's 40-page staff report, the project would see the property currently occupied by Classic Burger and Hermosa Donuts replaced with 31 or 33 “office-condominiums,” a restaurant and snack shop.

One of Cardinal's partners, Mike Flaherty, addressed the commission to discuss a plethora of issues related to a new three-story office complex.

“It's a project that takes us away from the club culture,” said Flaherty. “The current site is underutilized, downtrodden. We believe there is a strong demand for office use.”

To emphasize the viability of the proposal, Flaherty stressed that demands for the building's 34 parking spots would primarily occur during the day.

“Our key parking demand is during the day,” he said. Part of his presentation included pictures taken at various times and locations throughout the city. Most emphasized his point that the area's parking demand increases significantly during the evenings and on weekends, when according to Flaherty, most users of the new building would not be present. According to the staff report, the new building's parking spaces would all be situated in a subterranean parking lot and would be shared both by restaurant patrons and by office workers.

“Every conversation begins with the same thing,” said Commissioner Pete Hoffman. “Parking, parking, parking.”

He added, “It just keeps coming back to parking for me.”

The public hearing drew many residents from the surrounding vicinity who voiced their concerns about the proposal, including several business owners, the owner of the Hermosa Pavilion and a representative from the First Church of Christ, Scientist.

Local resident Chris Alexander raised one of the few voices of dissent during the hearing. “We have a stretch of a block,” said Alexander. “There's not going to be any parking in those areas.”

Though several additional conditions were placed on the project before its approval, the commission ultimately agreed to proceed. Commissioner Sam Perrotti used his time to suggest placing a condition on any new parking structure that is built within Hermosa Beach. “We should dedicate one level (of a new parking structure) to residential use,” said Perrotti. He added that such a proposal might mirror the current agreement between the city and the Beach House Hotel, which allows patrons of the hotel to use the entire first floor of the parking structure on Hermosa Avenue. While he acknowledged that such a decision would ultimately be left up to a future commission, Perrotti implored any individuals to consider his request.

When the discussion turned to the city's in-lieu parking program, Community Development Director Sol Blumenfeld responded by explaining some of its details.

“There are 28 in-lieu spaces (that have been purchased) to date,” said Blumenfeld. Once the city reaches 100 in-lieu spaces, it is obligated to construct a new parking structure, said Blumenfeld. Cardinal Investments, which submitted its application to the city prior to the increase of in-lieu parking fees from $12,500 to $28,500, was the only organization to oppose the increase. Flaherty testified publicly at the council's meeting when it considered the matter, but the council disagreed and eventually went ahead with the price hike.

Hermosa Beach News

We Get Letters

Editor's note: Last week, we asked our readers about the Hermosa Beach City Council voting to raise its pay.

Ask the voters

The Hermosa Beach City Council wasted no time in giving themselves an increase in compensation of nearly the maximum allowed pursuant to a new Attorney General's opinion (No. 06-504, August 2006). Sam Edgerton and Peter Tucker voted no at a recent council meeting at nearly 12:30 a.m. in the morning when most of the audience was gone. They had to calculate back nearly 20 years to comply with the requirements of the California Government Code. It does not seem right that a current council can go back and do what prior councils decided to not do and passed up salary increases for so many years. It would have been much more appropriate if they simply gave themselves a 5-percent or even 10-percent raise for the last couple of years while a majority of them were on the current council. This monthly compensation is in addition to a generous car allowance of $350 per month, an even more generous free medical insurance benefit and PERS retirement for some. What received no mention that morning was that this same state law allows for the compensation to exceed the maximum or be decreased at any municipal election by the voters. It would be more appropriate to place the salary increase on the next ballot in November 2007 instead of adopting the ordinance at the next regular council meeting Oct. 24.

Kathleen L. Midstokke, Hermosa Beach

Should have refused raise

Until proven otherwise, first-term Hermosa councilman Pete Tucker and fourth-termer Sam Edgerton will run for re-election next August. Thus, given political expediency, their statements and council votes this election-year period would best be viewed with a jaundiced eye.

This political expediency was displayed by them in the late hours of the Oct. 10 council meeting wherein Tucker and Edgerton voted against a 77-percent increase to their council salary while knowing full well the raise would be passed by the other three on council. Their stated reasons for voting against the raise were just so much hooey given they did not back up their words by personally refusing to accept such enacted raise.

Tucker and Edgerton needed only to state that they individually would refuse to take the increase and insist that such be incorporated into the salary ordinance. There is precedence for this. Former mayor Etta Simpson had the city specify that she was to receive only $1 while on council.

So if Tucker and Edgerton are really against the salary increase, and were not simply pontificating in an election year, then they should cause the ordinance to be reconsidered and then modified to specify a lesser amount that they personally are to be paid should they be re-elected to the next council. Otherwise, Tucker and Edgerton must forever wear this unnecessary 77-percent pay raise on their sleeve exactly as if they had voted yes for it with councilmen J.R. Reviczky, Michael Keegan and rookie member Kit Bobko.

Howard Longacre, Hermosa Beach


Didn't use common sense

As a group, the Committee Responsible for School Expansion has questioned the need for a gym from its conception. The need for more classrooms was paramount to a gym. Exercise is healthier out of doors, especially in Hermosa Beach.

When gyms are necessary, they are planned in advance with concern for student grade levels, separating elementary from junior high. The decisions of the past have led to overcrowding.

The School Board's dogma for a gym or else within the existing limited space has prevailed over common sense.

Gordon B. Evans, Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach News

Four vie for two HB Public Works seats

By Chris Yang

Two seats on the city's Public Works Commission are set to expire later this month on Oct. 31. Responding to a public notice soliciting applications, the city received replies from four residents - Julian Katz, Brian Koch, Sean Krajewski and current commissioner Victor Winnek. The applicants are competing for seats held by Winnek and another commissioner, Robert Beste. Winnek is reapplying to retain his seat on the commission.

The commission was first established in 1999 by a vote of the City Council. According to the city's Web site, its duties are: to review and make recommendations to the council on all capital improvement projects; to assist in the development and updating of design guidelines for public improvements; and to make recommendations on any other items referred to it by the council.

Though the commission serves only in an advisory role, it has at times been the site of heated policy debates and the subject of intense criticism. At its August meeting, one resident referred to the commission's process as a “kangaroo court,” while another labeled commission chair Winnek as a “dictator.”

Despite the criticism and the seemingly mundane issues associated with anything to do with “public works,” the body does have a sizable impact on local events. It was the Public Works Commission that initially decided to reduce Pier Avenue from a four- to two-lane road earlier this year. In September, it served as the public forum for the city to present its vision of upper Pier Avenue and for residents to air their views on the controversial striping project. It also allowed residents to evaluate a new stoplight placed at the intersection of 16th Street and Pacific Coast Highway following the death of a teenager earlier this year.

Beste, who currently works for the city of Torrance as its Public Works director, provided some details about the position by phone Tuesday morning.

“There is quite a bit to get up to speed on,” he said. “New commissioners do have to spend some time to kind of come up to speed and really understand the history on different kinds of things.” He added, “It does take a little effort in the beginning.”

When deciding who should be appointed to the commission, Beste suggested that the council should select residents that represent a “good cross section of the community.”

Of the four applicants, two are engineers, one is an attorney and one is a restaurateur. Winnek is the lone applicant to be currently serving in local government. Koch previously served on the commission from 2000 to 2003. Interviews will be conducted by the City Council prior to its next meeting on Oct. 24, when the appointments are to be made. The appointments are for four-year terms. Once appointed, commissioners are required to file statements of economic interest for the purpose of disclosing conflicts of interest. Members serve at the pleasure of the City Council. There is no limit on the number of times a member may reapply to serve. Because the seats are staggered, the terms of the three remaining commissioners will expire in 2008.

Hermosa Beach News

City of HB looks at sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola

By Chris Yang

The city of Hermosa Beach is currently considering entering into an agreement with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company to place vending machines at various locations within the city. The matter will be heard at the council's next meeting Oct. 10.

The potential agreement first drew attention after a staff report detailing the proposal appeared on the agenda for the Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Advisory Commission's Sept. 5 meeting. At that meeting, the commission unanimously approved a recommendation that the City Council should approve a proposal calling for the installation of nine vending machines at various locations within the city. The report includes several details of the proposal, including a $25,000 “donation” to the city's “Centennial Account.” In particular, the vending machines are to be placed at the Community Center, City Hall, South Park, Valley Park and the basketball courts adjacent to Clark Field.

The staff report also states that the city expects to receive approximately 41 cents per unit sold, resulting in an estimated annual revenue of $20,500. Drinks will cost $1.50 per 20-ounce bottle and the machines will dispense “a variety of nine Coca-Cola products” including Coke, Dasani (water), Minute Maid orange juice, Power Ade, Rock Star energy drink and green tea beverages.

While not a direct party to the negotiations, School District Superintendent Sharon McClain acknowledged last Friday afternoon that she was aware of the potential agreement and did offer some thoughts about the deal given her constituency's heavy use of the city's park system. “The district can put machines on campus as long as they meet the nutrition guidelines for students,” said McClain. “We wouldn't put machines on campus that sold Coke, Pepsi, anything like that. If it was water, orange juice, things like that, those could be sold from vending machines on the campus.”

In addition to local school district officials, two officials with the city of Manhattan Beach provided details about their vending machine agreement with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Currently, five vending machines are located at three Manhattan Beach parks - Live Oak, the Joslyn Center and Manhattan Heights.

“It's been a win-win for us,” said Manhattan Beach Recreation Supervisor Jim Grudzien. “It's been a good working relationship.”

According to Grudzien, the city would only need to place a phone call to Coca-Cola should a decision be made to have the machines removed.

Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Manager Idris J. Al-Oboudi was more reflective about the agreement.

“When it comes to vending machines, you need to balance the needs of the community and the needs of the participants,” said Al-Oboudi. “You have to have a balanced approach.”

Al-Oboudi added that the agreement is reviewed annually and is provided as a service to the community as opposed to a mechanism for raising money.

The sales representative handling the negotiations with the city, Coke Drink Manager Geoff Slajer, declined to comment last Friday and instead referred all questions to Coke's public affairs office in Los Angeles.

After the proposal was made public, at least one resident, Howard Longacre, objected via a harshly worded memo submitted to the city shortly before the council's Sept. 26 meeting. The three-page document consisted of 27 bullet points, most of which excoriated the entire proposal. Longacre described the deal as “one of those sweet pieces of candy with a bitter and very tainted core.” He added, “The council's hand-picked Parks and Recreation commissioners should be protecting the city's parks from this kind of trash, not selling out the parks for fast money.” He went on to describe the proposal as a “back-room deal” that allowed others to use the city of Hermosa Beach as a “doormat to wipe their feet.”

All of the proposal's recent attention is much ado about nothing, according to Hermosa Beach Recreation Supervisor Lisa Lynn. “There is no contract yet,” said Lynn. “We're looking to the council for specifics.” She described the potential yearlong agreement as a “test” and objected to its description in one newspaper as a “Coke deal.”

Responding to a request last Friday by The Beach Reporter for a copy of the written contract, Lynn reiterated her claim via e-mail that nothing has been finalized yet. “There is no contract or sponsorship agreement,” said Lynn. Included in her e-mail was a link to the staff report approved at the Parks and Recreation Commission's Sept. 5 meeting. It was titled “Coca-Cola Bottling Company Sponsorship Agreement.”

Letters to the Editor

Against vending machines in parks

Hermosa Beach is accepting donations for the city's centennial in 2007. Most are given without strings attached. Others require a contract to be approved by the City Council for a one-time sponsorship deal such as Kraft Foods' largest beach blanket event.

A particularly disturbing “donation” will be considered by the council Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7:10 p.m., the Coca-Cola sponsorship contract. The donation requires a contract permitting commercial vending machines to be placed in the city's parks that will dispense $1.50 and $2 canned drinks.

Once these vending machines are installed in the parks, the city's addiction to the token revenue will make them very difficult to be eliminated as were the advertising bus benches 18 years ago and their numbers will likely grow year by year.

This donation is not a revenue-raising method in the people's best interest. The cash revenue will come from the city's own children and their parents visiting the city parks or cash from children walking to and from school, which may be meant for their lunch or other, cash spent for overpriced sodas of dubious value.

Vending machines in the parks will add a policing burden. They're a target for graffiti, break-ins, other problems and an attractive nuisance to be avoided like the plague.

Note the meeting date and notify your elected council members that this is an idea even more far-fetched than the Pier Avenue lanes reduction, which coincidentally will also be discussed during the Oct. 10 council meeting.

Howard Longacre, Hermosa Beach

People feel money was wasted

Hermosa Beach School Board member Greg Breen's favorite book must be “The Emperor's New Clothes.” Let's all look at Hermosa Valley School and see where $13.8 million went. Oh, look at that huge behemoth taking up 90 percent of the blacktop. Isn't it wonderful? But wait, where's the playground? Where's the money to finish the gym and classrooms? You mean after spending all that money, our children won't have a playground? What are those second-graders doing crammed in next to the eighth-graders? What's that rattling empty noise in the School District's bank account? What's that new bond measure doing on the 2007 ballot?

Breen just wants you to think everything is fine so he can slip another school bond measure under your nose. Hey, the public's got lots of money. This time, maybe the School Board will build a pool at Valley School. If MBMS has a pool, our children need one, too.

Maybe more people would be willing to give money to our schools if they felt the money they already gave hadn't been wasted. Contrary to the Hermosa School Board's belief, most people aren't made out of money. The School Board chose to spend $1.8 million in super-inflated construction costs for a low-priority gym because it was afraid the taxpayers wouldn't fund it otherwise. Now construction prices are plummeting, we've got an overpriced unfinished gym and we're going to have to pay again for what our schools still need.

Gordon B. Evans, Hermosa Beach

Against PCH restaurant

Our City Council will conduct a public hearing to evaluate the feasibility of a land-use application at 1601 Pacific Coast Highway. The applicant proposes an 8,000-square-foot mega restaurant-bar-liquor store operation in close proximity to residential neighborhoods and school.

This land use will have an occupant capacity estimated to range between 500 and 600 persons. Nuisance conditions will become a chronic problem due to a parking plan that inadequately services the building. In application, when parking strategies and speculative projections fail, irreversible traffic and parking impacts develop. The high-impact restaurant-bar can only sustain itself from attracting a daily influx from outside our community. This generates high traffic volumes and heavy parking demands.

The only alternative is to deny this land-use designation rejecting the high-impact usage in favor of low-impact. Revise and simplify the parking plan to accommodate 100 percent self-parking.

Residents safeguard neighborhood from radiating impact. The public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, in City Council chambers on Valley Drive.

Patty Egerer, Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach News

HB City Council wrap: Donations, Brown Act

by Chris Yang

Historical Society donations

The Hermosa Beach Historical Society was the recipient of two donations Tuesday night. The Kiwanis Club presented a check for $17,500 to the president of the Historical Society, Rick Koenig. The owner of Pink, Barbara Robinson, presented another check for $50,000 to the Historical Society's museum project. “We're going to be able to offer the city a world-class museum in 180 days,” said Koenig.

The Brown Act

Local resident Jim Lissner alerted the council to the existence of several provisions within the Brown Act relating to teleconferencing. Tuesday night's meeting was teleconferenced to accommodate Mayor Sam Edgerton, who was on a business trip in Chicago. In particular, the provisions state that the agenda is to be posted “at least 72 hours” before the meeting, each teleconference location shall be accessible to the public and that the agendas should be posted at all teleconference locations.

City Attorney Mike Jenkins addressed Lissner's concerns, stating “I agree with Mr. Lissner that adherence to the Brown Act is important. My judgment is that we are in substantial compliance with the act. I can't conceive of any prejudice to the community.”

New librarian

The regional administrator of the Los Angeles County library system, Steve Klein, introduced Hermosa Beach's newest librarian, Anita Brown, to the council.

Pier plaza clock

The council held off awarding a contract worth approximately $48,000 to Dave Shaw Concrete and Block Inc. for the installation of a clock on the pier plaza. The Kiwanis Club originally donated the clock to the city. After receiving several bids that were too expensive, the city altered some of the design requirements and solicited other contractors.

Local resident Dallas Yost opposed the installation of the clock, primarily because it required the creation of a wall to mount it. “I don't think we need a wall in Hermosa,” said Yost. The council subsequently voted to create a mockup of the proposal so people can see how large the wall would be if constructed.

Emergency operations plan

Fire Chief Russell Tingley explained the city's emergency operations plan on Tuesday night. The council voted unanimously to adopt the Emergency Operations Plan. Tingley added that the council must undertake SEMS (Standardized Emergency Management System) and NIMS training (National Incident Management System).

Ethics training

The council is required to attend ethics training on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. The training is mandated by the state of California.

In memoriam

Tuesday night's meeting was adjourned in honor of longtime resident and property owner Peter Mangurian. Mangurian owned and operated Scotty's on the Strand for many years, and ran for public office in Hermosa Beach in 1991 and 1993. See story on Page 12.

Hermosa Beach News

Peter Mangurian: owned Scotty's on the Strand

By Chris Yang

An eccentric member of Hermosa Beach's political and business community died last week of complications from a stroke. Peter Mangurian, 79, was a retired doctor, restaurateur and property owner.

Mangurian inherited several parcels of land situated directly to the south of the Hermosa Beach Pier. Some of the businesses currently operating on his property include two restaurants (Scotty's on the Strand, Bambooz), an architect's office and the St. Francis Arms apartment complex. Mangurian's property represents some of the last undeveloped land along the entire South Bay coastline. In 2004, Mangurian was quoted in a local publication stating that he had no intention of developing his properties because “I'm dying.”

In addition to real estate and medicine, Mangurian was active in local politics, running for a seat on the City Council in 1991 and again in 1993. According to a report published in the Daily Breeze, Mangurian's 1993 campaign focused on “Police Department indifference to complaints about noise and drug problems downtown.” His first priority if elected was “to clean up the business district.” Both bids for office were unsuccessful.

For many years, Mangurian owned and operated “Scotty's on the Strand,” a restaurant named after his stepson. Mangurian hoped his stepson might one day assume the responsibility of running the business. After it became apparent that would not happen, Mangurian turned over ownership to another restaurateur, Tom Zevgaras. “I owned Tomboy's on Manhattan (Beach Boulevard). One day I saw him at (the) restaurant and he was not feeling well,” said Zevgaras. “‘Why don't you let me run the place?' So he gave it to me 3-1/2 years ago,” said Zevgaras.

Prior to that time, Mangurian participated in several rounds of the city's permit process to modify Scotty's on the Strand. His goal was to update the restaurant to better compete with some of the newer pier plaza establishments. Between 1985 and 1988, Mangurian received permission from the council to sell beer and wine, expand the restaurant's floor space and include outside dining. In 1993, Mangurian requested another amendment to Scotty's CUP, hoping to expand his alcohol license to allow the sale of liquor in addition to beer and wine.

According to a 2002 story in The Beach Reporter, Mangurian “never signed the paperwork in time” and the CUP reverted back to its 1988 status. Then, in 1999, Mangurian repeated his attempt to expand his license and submitted “the same CUP amendment as in 1993.” After the council postponed its decision, Mangurian subsequently dropped his request with the city.

According to a recent published report, Mangurian suffered his first stroke approximately three years ago. Following the incident, he moved to Torrance to live with a longtime friend, Gloria Langley. He suffered another debilitating stroke last month.

Friend and former tenant Patricia Benz rented a space from Mangurian on 11th Street, opening a photography studio in 1985. “He was a fair man. He was a fair landlord, and that says a lot about somebody,” said Benz. “The thing about Pete is that he was a man of his word. I never felt that he would do anything that was underhanded.” She added, “He was a smart man. He was very eccentric.”

This week's council meeting was adjourned in honor of the retired doctor. Mangurian is survived by his son (an assistant coach with the New England Patriots); a daughter-in-law; three grandchildren; and a sister, Julia Havalind. A memorial service will be held at Scotty's on the Strand some time in October.

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

BURGLARY. Someone reportedly burglarized a restaurant between 10:30 p.m. Sept. 13 and 10:30 a.m. Sept. 14. The incident allegedly occurred in the 200 block of Hermosa Avenue. The owner of the restaurant returned to his business on Thursday to find several items missing, including a 32-inch flat-screen TV, a stereo, a sword, a set of knives and $500 in cash. The doors were allegedly still locked upon his return.

DEFRAUD INNKEEPER. Someone reportedly ordered a meal in the 300 block of Pier Avenue but left without paying for it. The incident allegedly occurred Sept. 16 between 12:45 and 1:30 p.m. After finishing the meal, the individual allegedly said a woman was going to pick him up and that he could not pay. He was confronted by an employee, but was not detained.

PETTY THEFT. Someone reportedly stole a knife from a store located in the 900 block of Hermosa Avenue. After purchasing a T-shirt with cash, a shopper allegedly asked to see a knife that was in a display. While the employee was ringing up the T-shirt, the individual allegedly took the knife without the employee's knowledge and left the premises. The suspect rode away on a bicycle.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY. A residence in the 600 block of 30th Street was allegedly burglarized Sept. 13 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. After returning from work, the victims realized several of their possessions were missing. A purse, watch and crystal bowl were allegedly taken.

Hermosa Beach News

Resident opens Envelope of Life program

By Chris Yang

After one of her friends experienced an accident that left her unable to communicate important medical information to the people responding to the emergency, local resident Betty Ryan knew something had to be done.

Ryan decided to initiate a program within Hermosa Beach that is very similar to one that currently exists in Manhattan Beach, the “Envelope of Life.”

Envelope of Life is a unique notification system that seeks to provide firefighters, police officers and other emergency responders with accurate medical information about local residents who are unable to communicate this information themselves.

“About a year ago, my friend had an accident and she wasn't able to get the information to anybody, so that delayed treatment,” said Ryan. “It occurred to me that a lot of people in Hermosa Beach live alone Š who might find themselves in the same situation.”

After consulting with Jan Dennis, the originator of Manhattan Beach's program, she sought out the Hermosa Beach City Council for permission to implement the program. After about a year's worth of work, Ryan presented the finished product to the City Council earlier this month.

Each envelope contains a two-sided paper, on which the user is to fill out their emergency medical information; a moisture-proof plastic envelope with an adhesive backing; and an adhesive decal to be placed on a user's front window, or on the glass portion of a front door

Once the participant has completed the form indicating their medical history, they are instructed to place the information in an envelope that is placed in the refrigerator. In the case of an emergency, local police officers and firefighters will know to search the residence's refrigerator because of the Envelope of Life decal, which should be located on the resident's front door or window.

Because time is such an important factor in many emergencies, it is Ryan's hope that the notification system will help Hermosa Beach residents avoid situations like the one her friend experienced. According to documentation included in a packet, the program's goal is to “supply IMPORTANT individual health information to assist paramedics, police or others in performing emergency first aid in the home or at the scene of a car accident.”

Because the program is free, the only request made of people participating in the program is that the form is filled out properly and the participant's medical information is kept up to date.

“There's no charge to the people for these,” said Ryan. “It's been underwritten by the service clubs and the city.”

To help prepare the more than 20,000 envelopes for distribution to local residents, Ryan held an “envelope-stuffing party” earlier this week. The completed envelopes are currently available at various locations within the city, including the Community Resources Department, the Fire Department and the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Hermosa Beach News

Former Councilman Belasco, 1917-2006

By Chris Yang

A former Hermosa Beach City Councilman died last week at his home in Manhattan Beach of complications arising from multiple strokes. Jack Belasco, 88, was known for his accomplishments both as a public and private citizen. During his tenure, Belasco ushered in many changes to Hermosa Beach that remain part of the city's governance structure to this very day.

Belasco was born in San Francisco on Nov. 17, 1917. After making his way to Hermosa Beach, Belasco ran for a position on the City Council in 1958. Though he lost by only a few votes, he was not discouraged. His political fortunes quickly changed after a committee was formed to recall certain councilmen. On March 10, 1959, Belasco was elected to the council along with two other candidates on a “good government” slate.

During his tenure, Belasco was instrumental in implementing Hermosa Beach's sister city program with the city of Loreto, located in the Baja California region of Mexico. In addition to the sister city program, he oversaw several other achievements including the construction of a new pier and making enhancements to the city's library.

On the Hermosa Beach Sister City Association's Web site, Belasco is listed as a sponsor of the paramedic training program for “over five years now.” The site also quotes the former councilman, stating, “It is our great pleasure for all of us to hear each time a citizen of Loreto has been saved thanks to the efforts of the Loreto paramedic team.”

After his time on the City Council, Belasco worked as a high school government teacher at Morningside High School in Inglewood, as well as a professor of education at Cal State Dominguez Hills from 1970 to 1981.

Belasco married his first wife, Evelyn, in 1941. The two met while attending UCLA. Following her death in 1980, Belasco was remarried to a local artist named Patricia Woolley. The couple later settled in Manhattan Beach.

Local resident Carol Reznichek praised Belasco as a pillar of the community in a recent phone conversation. “I knew him as a founding member of 1736,” said Reznichek (1736 Family Crisis Center is a shelter for street youth). “I think he's one of the last guys to do community work. He was ‘Mr. South Bay.'” She added, “Jack was the kind of public servant that does it for the community, not for the glory.”

Another member of the Hermosa Beach political scene, George Schmeltzer, learned a great deal from the former councilman. Schmeltzer served on the City Council for eight years, after Belasco's tenure.

“Jack was the voice of reason, the kind of guy who remained calm when others were frantic,” said Schmeltzer. “I learned a lot from him. He was a teacher. The city of Hermosa Beach is a better place because of him and his family.” Schmeltzer added, “He was one of the good guys. He will be missed.”

Belasco is survived by his wife of 24 years, Patricia Woolley Belasco; a son, Steven of San Luis Obispo; and grandchildren Evelyn and Max. His son is currently serving as a commissioner with the Superior Court of California in Santa Barbara County.

A celebration of his life will be held at St. Cross Episcopal Church on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save The Redwoods League at P.O. Box 44614, San Francisco, CA 94144. Note that your donation is on behalf of Belasco.

Manhattan Beach News

City of MB seeks input via blog

By Dawnya Pring

Manhattan Beach has ventured into the blogosphere with a new Web site dedicated to disseminating information and soliciting public input as city officials and an outside consulting firm embark on creating a facilities master plan.

The comprehensive and interactive Web site was created and is being administered by urban planning and architecture firm MDA Johnson Favaro. The firm was hired by the city to create a road map to prioritize and guide the city as it embarks on future projects. The process to create the new master plan is expected to take about a year and involves a 20-person steering committee appointed by the City Council that will act as a liaison between the community and the consultants, and several community meetings.

“Our community outreach effort is comprehensive,” said Jim Favaro, one of the firm's principals. “The blog is only one component. Face-to-face interaction is always the best, but we do understand that people have busy lives and we want as many people as possible to participate.”

The Web site, which can be accessed via Manhattan Beach's home page, www.ci.manhattan-beach.ca.us/  details the goals of the facilities master plan, presents a timeline, has a questionnaire asking residents what they deem the most important and a blog, sometimes referred to as an online diary or conversation viewable by anyone who checks out the site. The blog chronicles people's thoughts and allows others to respond to what they read.

“I want to have every avenue open for people to participate and the blog is just one way of doing that,” said City Councilman Richard Montgomery, who said that he is very impressed with MDA Johnson Favaro and what they have done in other communities. “When people ask me why we spent so much money on them, I refer them to their Web site and to West Hollywood. They did an amazing job there. The community is proud and everyone bought into the project.”

In West Hollywood, MDA Johnson Favaro created the Hollywood Park master plan that included a large new community center and library.

The city agreed to pay MDA Johnson Favaro $385,000, plus an additional “not-to-exceed” $85,000 for reimbursable expenses.

Parks, a new swimming pool, a theater and a senior center are just some of the ideas that have been bandied about by citizens and council members. The strategic plan is meant to prioritize projects and create a cohesive plan for every community facility throughout town.

“We want the people to think about how they want their city to be in 20 years,” said Favaro.

How the consultants plan to create a roadmap for the city and what buildings and parks are being considered is spelled out clearly on the Web page.

The first phase will “be based on comprehensive community outreach and a needs assessment that will identify the community's highest priorities,” states the Web site's introduction. “It will include an outline building program and detailed cost estimate for each community and recreation facility deemed to be of highest priority. These may include facilities to be renovated and/or expanded and/or completely new facilities.

The Phase I plan will also include recommendations for alternative funding strategies. Existing facilities to be evaluated in the project include, among others, Joslyn Hall, Live Oak Park Hall and the Manhattan Heights Community Center. Sites to be considered in the project include Live Oak Park, Polliwog Park and Manhattan Heights Park.”

The first community meeting is scheduled for Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Joslyn Community Center.

Manhattan Beach News

City of MB seeks public input on downtown parking

By Dawnya Pring

Manhattan Beach city officials are looking for the best way to manage the approximately 700 parking spaces in the downtown shopping area and the City Council will be seeking public input at its Sept. 19 meeting.

City Council members decided that one of the priorities in its ?-07 Work Plan” would be to oversee a “comprehensive analysis of parking conditions in the downtown area,” states a staff report submitted to the Parking and Public Improvement Commission.

A “global” analysis of parking in the downtown area has not been conducted for about 10 years and has definitely not been looked at in detail since the completion of the parking structures at the Civic Center and the Metlox shopping center, said Rob Osborne, a management analyst in the city's Community Development Department.

“We want to see how best to manage downtown parking,” Osborne said. “We have to look at things like where merchants have employees park, or the best places for long-term parking.”

According to Osborne, the parking study will take some time and city staff plans to study parking trends throughout the year to learn how demands for public parking change during different seasons.

The first public parking meeting was held at the Aug. 24 Parking and Public Improvements Commission and some concerns were raised by people who live adjacent to the downtown area, complaining that people working in the business district often park in their neighborhoods taking valuable spots, according to Osborne.

In a letter addressing downtown merchant and employee parking submitted by Carol Rowe, executive director of the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association, the business community is requesting that city staff look into creating more affordable parking for employees, who cannot afford the merchant parking permit and more longer term parking.

Some of the issues that Osborne hopes will be addressed in the completed study are: who is using the different parking areas; is overflow commercial parking occurring in the residential areas surrounding the downtown area; should city land use and parking codes be changed to better suit the overall parking strategy; how will future development affect parking demand; should the merchant parking permit and valet parking programs be modified; and is existing parking supply located near the parking demand.

According to the City Council's Sept. 19 agenda, council members will look at all these issues at their next meeting, along with soliciting input from the community before finalizing and approving a roadmap for the study. The meeting will be held in council chambers at City Hall, Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m.

Redondo Beach News

Moxie permit to be considered after weekend fracas

By Drew Holland

About 30 police officers responded to the pier over the weekend to help quell a fight that erupted in Moxie Nightclub between patrons and security guards, and this less than two weeks before the City Council decides whether or not to renew the club's entertainment permit.

The club, which is located at 100 Fisherman's Wharf, has been scrutinized for months by the city. Nearby residents complain that exiting patrons cause noise, while police say that putting down the occasional fight requires a significant number of officers because of the unruly crowd that gathers. The council will decide whether or not to renew the club's expiring entertainment permit at its Sept. 5 meeting. Club owner Shadoe Gray has said that she would be unable to run her business without one.

The City Council gave the club an unusually short entertainment permit last May, with the requirements that the club hire more security guards and cut its weekday operating hours. Police reported no serious problem in the months that followed.

The recent fight began at about midnight on Saturday, according to Lt. Joe Hoffman of the Redondo Beach Police Department. About 30 police officers ultimately arrived at the scene from the Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Torrance and Rolling Hills Estates police departments.

Redondo Beach Police Chief Joe Leonardi said that the history of the club shows that there will always be violence.

“The security cannot stop these violent acts from happening,” said Leonardi. “The City Council must determine an acceptable amount of violence that can be mitigated and tolerated if it cannot be abated.”

Hoffman said that there were about 20 patrons involved in the fight, although no official record exists.

The fight started between two women who were attending a birthday party in the VIP section of the club. Gray said they are not regulars and she had never seen them before. When the women began fighting and yelling, club security kicked them out. In response, other members of the birthday group attacked the security.

Hoffman said the fight had spilled outside the club by the time the first officers arrived. He said they saw multiple patrons fighting with multiple security guards.

Police were waiting for backup when a man approached an officer and grabbed his vest. The man used profanity and threatened the officer. Police used pepper spray on the man, 33-year-old Robert Smith of Los Angeles, and then shot him with a Taser gun after he tried to walk away.

In a separate struggle, an officer accidentally fired a round from his “less lethal” shotgun. He had the weapon at his side, and the trigger became entangled by his portable radio.

Nobody was hit by the round.

Hoffman said the gathered crowd did not respect the police.

“The group was not complying with orders and showed a complete disregard for the police presence,” said Hoffman.

Police moved in to quell the violence once sufficient support arrived. Hoffman said police arrested those who were fighting and moved spectators to their cars.

There were no major injuries according to either Hoffman or Gray. But Hoffman said that one security guard was kicked in the head as he lay on the ground - showing that the level of violence went beyond the typical bar scuffle.

Smith was the only person hospitalized. Hoffman said this was a matter of policy since he was shot with a Taser.

Police arrested six people that night including Smith. The others were Derick McGee, 42, of Gardena; Kelly Martin, 36, of Los Angeles; Twana Malbrew, 41, of Hollywood; Freddie Haythorne, 33, of Los Angeles; and Tiondra Robinson, 32, of Anaheim.

They were arrested on charges of fighting in public, battery, battery on police and delaying police in the performance of their duties.

Hoffman said that police personnel began to leave the pier at about 2 a.m. - two hours after the fight broke out.

“This one had an extraordinary police response,” he said. “This kind of thing not only drains Redondo Beach, it also taps resources from local cities.”

Gray, however, said that the police response was excessive. She said her security had resolved the altercation in less than a minute. Gray said it was she who called police because she wished to press charges against the troublemakers.

Gray said that she didn't think the night would have much bearing on whether the city renewed her entertainment permit.

“I didn't think so because we did everything we were supposed to do,” said Gray.

That was before what she called exaggerated police and media reports of the violence.

Leonardi declined to say whether or not he wants the council to renew the club's permit. He said that whatever the outcome, the police will respond when needed.

But Leonardi did describe the different groups of people that go to the club. Although most of the people who go to the club are good, he said a small percentage is prone to violence. A third group encourages the violence once it begins, but does not participate.

Councilman Chris Cagle, whose District 1 contains the club, said he would not decide the club's future until the public hearing next week.

“Certainly having trouble and violence down there is not something we can tolerate,” he said. “I am anxious to see what the staff report recommends.”

Mimi Rosicky, however, does not need more time to make up her mind. She lives in the Village Condominiums near the club, and wants to see Moxie Nightclub disappear.

“This business doesn't belong in this neighborhood,” she said. “It needs to relocate to an area that isn't surrounded by residents.”

Rosicky said she wasn't comforted by the peace that followed the council's last review of the club in June.

“We knew it was just a matter of time,” said Rosicky. “This snake just can't be shoved back in the box.”  

Redondo Beach News

New tax ruling could prove costly to the city

By Drew Holland

A recent Internal Revenue Service ruling on telecommunications taxes may cost the city of Redondo Beach $2 million annually, according to a city report.

The ruling deems certain phone services nontaxable, including wired long distance, bundled wireless, bundled voice over protocol and prepaid card. The city tax on telecommunications brings in 37 percent of its utility users taxes, or $2.6 million annually. The IRS ruling is not the only thing that threatens this source of revenue. The city report also lists a couple of ongoing cases and bills that might restrict the city's ability to tax telecommunications.

“Losing that money would be a significant blow to the general fund,” said City Manager Bill Workman.

The general fund supports the city's core services such as police, fire and parks. Workman couldn't say what specific services would be affected if the city lost the money. The City Council would have to revisit the budget and shuffle things around.

Redondo Beach is not the only city that would be affected if telecommunications cannot be taxed as a utility, according to City Attorney Michael Webb. For this reason, groups like the League of California Cities have formed teams to follow the issue and discuss options.

Webb said the city of Redondo Beach has been following the issue for a while, but things are developing more rapidly than it had anticipated. The IRS made its ruling before the lawsuits regarding telecommunications taxes were resolved.

The city is keeping an eye on the legislation and litigation relating to the tax, according to the report. It is also making plans to avoid or mitigate any future revenue loss.

Hermosa Beach News

Officials propose $25 million budget

By Dave Eisenstadt

Hermosa Beach city officials propose to spend almost $25 million during the next year on salaries, renovations and a host of projects with well more than one-fourth of the budget slated for the Police Department, an increase of about 11 percent.

Officials released their budget blueprint earlier this month. The compendium represents the monetary wishes and expectations of the city employees and their leaders. By law, the Hermosa Beach City Council is required to adopt an annual budget by June 30.

According to the budget blueprint, officials propose to spend $24.7 million to run and improve the city. Officials are asking taxpayers to foot an increase of $1.2 million from last year, an increase of 5.3 percent.

In terms of percentage increase, officials plan to bestow the largest on salaries and other administrative costs related to the Public Works Department. Officials have asked for $713,145 for that, an increase of some $72,000 or 11.25 percent.

The general fund and officials' planned expenditures show a steady increase since 2004. That year, the general fund amounted to a bit more than $19 million.

Last year, the fund climbed to $23.4 million. If passed by council as is, this year's $24.7 million budget is up by $1.2 million - an increase of 5.3 percent.

Public safety - Police and Fire departments - will continue to eat up most of the city's money. Officials are seeking to spend 49 percent of the budget on public safety.

Capital renovations make up the next largest share. Officials are seeking to spend 18 percent of the budget there. Public works projects and salaries take up 16 percent of the requested funds.

The city's management and support budget is estimated to take up about 7 percent of the budget, community development about 5 percent, recreation less than 4 percent and legislative matters less than 3 percent.

City Council members, though part-time jobs, are asking for increases in overall budget and a host of benefits. The council is seeking to increase its budget from $194,600 this year to $202,562.

The bulk of the increase stems from benefit hikes. For instance, officials are seeking to increase employee benefits to $53,257 from $40,865 last year. A category called “other post employment benefits” is slated to increase from $985 to $1,297. Medicare benefits for members, however, are dropping slightly, from $1,024 last year to a proposed $999.

In terms of revenue, the property tax, as is usual, is expected to be the city's largest source of income. Officials expect to pull in 39 percent of the city's monies from residents in this manner.

Service charges and various fees make up the next largest source of revenue. They account for about 16 percent of the budget. Sales and other taxes make up the next biggest slice at about 15 percent. Federal, state and various government agencies contribute most of the rest.

Fines account for 6.5 percent of the city's expected revenue. The sales tax amounts to a bit more than 9 percent.

Hermosa Beach News

Hermosa Beach Police arrest suspects in identity theft ring

By Chris Yang

A group suspected of identity theft was taken into custody by Hermosa Beach Police recently after one of its members was arrested while attempting to cash a check using a counterfeit California Drivers License. The suspect, Gary Jason Young of Highland, Calif., was incarcerated after officials at a local bank noticed the discrepancy.

Information from Young's arrest subsequently led to the incarceration of five other individuals suspected of partaking in a multi-state fraud ring.

When reached for comment, Sgt. Paul Wolcott of the Hermosa Beach Police Department stated that all of the victims were notified and that most of the incidents occurred out of the area.  “Primarily, the identity theft occurred in Orange County,” said Wolcott. “I don't have a definitive number of victims, though,” he added.

According to the press release, after obtaining the identities of “numerous Southern California residents,” the suspects would then travel to Illinois to establish fictitious businesses and use the new records to open bank accounts. They would then allegedly deposit counterfeit checks and withdraw cash at a later time. All of the suspects were taken into custody at various locations across Southern California without incident and are awaiting extradition to Illinois.

During the course of the investigation, coordination occurred between several law-enforcement agencies, including the Anaheim Police Department, the U.S. Marshal's Service, the San Bernardino and L.A. County Sheriff's Department, and the city of Naperville's Police Department (Illinois).

All of the suspects were charged with multiple felonies, including but not limited to grand theft, forgery, identity theft in Illinois and California, burglary and possession of forged checks.

One suspect, Jennifer Lee Dubois-Fortenberry of Saugus, Calif., was additionally charged with possession of narcotics (113 doses of Ecstasy).

Bank accounts were opened with at least four major banking institutions: Chase, Charter One, MidAmerica Bank and Washington Mutual. If convicted, the suspects could face up to 36 years in state prison.

Hermosa Beach News

Restriping gets mostly thumbs down

By Dave Eisenstadt

The city's road test of an upper Pier Avenue with one less lane in each direction has conked out with scores of motorists yet received a bright green light from many businesses along the strip.

Last weekend's AVP Hermosa Open and an early summer rush of beachgoers attracted enough drivers - many seemingly unsure of how to proceed and find parking near the newly striped and narrower roadway. Congestion was such that Pier Avenue, Hermosa Avenue, the nearby numbered streets and the network of alleys had more than a passing resemblance to a huge grid of cars seemingly parked.

“I had numerous complaints when I was in the Post Office - some real choice comments,” said Mayor Peter Tucker. “We need to do something else, this isn't quite working.”

The mayor deadpanned that the redrawn street has a Devil's Triangle effect on some drivers.  “They inadvertently go into the mobile home park and never come out again,” Tucker said.

The city's Public Works Department has received dozens of complaints and a trickle of praise over the newly configured street, which officials have called a “test” and an “experiment in progress.”

The city about a week ago painted a new set of white stripes on upper Pier Avenue from Bard Street west to Hermosa Avenue. The move to repattern the street is a prelude to a Pier Avenue remodel intended to shift traffic and launch a $2 million renovation to the roadway that is the main entry to downtown for residents and tourists alike.

“We're kinda stuck with the width of the street. We're going to let it run for the whole summer and try to reconfigure it a bit to see if we can make it work,” said Tucker.

While resident drivers have trumpeted their anger, those who depend on foot, automobile and bike traffic downtown applaud the move. It's a downshift heading toward a quainter and quieter small business district, said Jed Sanford, owner of the Union Cattle Company restaurant.

Like other proprietors along the strip, Sanford said the complaints likely have more to do with a change to driving habits and civic growing pains than traffic flowing like wet cement. Businesses along Pier Avenue generally praise the move, speculating that it will draw more and different types of commerce.

Sanford's eatery is popular, usually jammed on weekends and some 50 yards from the section of Pier Avenue in question. Traffic will lighten once motorists again are familiar with the route, he said.

“I think it's to be expected initially,” he said. “I like the feel of a smaller town walkway - in the long term, it might make Hermosa a more attractive community.”

A county sales tax for transportation renovations called Proposition “C” is expected to pay for the new upper Pier. The stretch of Pier Avenue that carries cars is slated for paving, sidewalks, lights and greenery.