The HBNA Newsletter for February 25, 2006
Pavilion hopes to solve parking issues - The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission Tuesday night voted to direct the Community Development Department and the owners of the Hermosa Pavilion to brainstorm ideas of how to deter people who access the retail center along Pacific Coast Highway from parking on nearby residential streets, commercial parking lots or on the busy thoroughfare in front of stores as opposed to the parking structure that costs money. Both parties will devise several solutions to what some residents and nearby business owners consider a problem and come back to the commission next month. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20BeachRept1505.htm
Soaring costs prompt some to fight undergrounding - After reviewing a set of higher-than-expected cost estimates to underground utility lines in the proposed Bonnie Brae assessment district, many property owners in the area are rallying their fellow neighbors to vote against the formation of the district which will be determined next month. The votes either in support or opposition of the proposed assessment district will be counted at the City Council's March 14 meeting during a public hearing. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20BeachRept1605.htm
HB Public Works moves street plan forward - The Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission voted to recommend the approval of a preliminary plan devised by residents related to the installation of a traffic signal at 16th Street and Pacific Coast Highway at its meeting Feb. 22. The commission basically voted to forward a plan created by some residents of 16th Street to make the residential street one-way going west to the City Council, which might further explore the proposed plan. The commission's vote serves as a recommendation to the City Council which will vote on the matter at a future meeting. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20BeachRept1505.htm
Google partners on Wi-Fi for San Francisco - With EarthLink, the company will compete to provide free basic access. They had been rivals in bidding. Google Inc. is joining EarthLink Inc. in a bid to build a wireless network in San Francisco that would offer basic Internet access for free and charge about $20 per month to surf the Web at higher speeds. The partnership, revealed late Tuesday, represents the first time that Google has acknowledged it wants help in its quest to provide free wireless, or Wi-Fi, service throughout San Francisco, where the hills could make reliable Internet connections more difficult. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20DailyBre1305.htm
Residents pleased with Mira Costa parking restrictions - Despite most residents agreeing that fewer students were parking on the streets surrounding the school, some neighbors wanted the restricted hours on their streets changed and the size of the parking permit sign that is placed in their cars smaller. Some residents thought that more parking enforcement officers needed to be monitoring the neighborhoods. According to a staff report, in June 2005 the City Council discussed the concept of implementing a program of staggered parking restrictions in the areas surrounding Mira Costa High to discourage students from parking on residential streets near the campus. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20BeachRept1505.htm
What is Your Opinion?
Are these projects a good idea for Hermosa Beach?
1. How Many More Alcohol Outlets Are Needed On Pier Ave, Aviation Bl and PCH?
2. Build a 400 car parking garage at Hermosa Beach City Hall?
3. Extend the Pier Plaza theme to Upper Pier Plaza with outdoor dining, palm trees and cutting 2 traffic lanes?
4. Has Crime and the Quality of Life in Hermosa Beach become Better or Worse by adding alcohol outlets?
5. What Do You Think Needs to be Improved In Hermosa Beach?
Read the comments of Hermosa Beach residents and include your own.
Project will create a vision of stream connecting towns - Artist hopes to enlist children for miniature gates project inspired by Christo. Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach have to agree to the project that will receive funds from the Young at Art program. If Caroline Falk's dream becomes reality, close to 6,000 miniature gates draped with metallic blue fabric will line the greenbelt in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach on a weekend in May 2007. Falk, a Hermosa Beach artist and parent, has proposed Beach City Gates as a student project inspired by Bulgarian artist Christo and his wife Jeanne-Claude's The Gates -- an artistic installation, which consisted of 7,503 gates each 16 feet tall with flowing saffron fabric panels. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20DailyBre1205.htm
HB Planning Commission denies variance for local church - The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission Tuesday night unanimously voted to deny a height variance to a local church for a remodel to its existing structure that would have allowed for plans exceeding the city's height limit of 25 feet. The commission's vote only serves as a recommendation to the City Council, which may hear the matter on appeal. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20BeachRept1605.htm
Riding the Web in El Porto - There's a picture of Mike Durand that comes up at the start of his www.swellmagnet.com Web site, only you can't see him that well. Durand is covered by a nicely shaped, tubing wave at 42nd Street in El Porto. All you can see of him is the front of his board and his feet. The proprietor of swellmagnet.com is locked into surfing. His life revolves around it. Durand started elporto.com in celebration of his home break, the shifting sand bars around 42nd Street. El Porto is a section of Manhattan Beach running from 39th Street to the El Segundo border at 45th Street. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20DailyBre1305.htm
Mystery clouds arrest in Manhattan Beach slaying - Sheriff's deputies and prosecutors quietly arrested and charged a Los Angeles man last month with the brutal slaying of a housekeeper whose remains were found in a burning apartment in Manhattan Beach. Investigators provided no information about the arrest or suspect, Herbert Orlando Gonzalez, 26, and indicated their intention was to keep the arrest from the media. But public court records show Gonzalez was charged in January with murder, residential burglary and robbery in connection with the April 11, killing of Libia Cabrera, a 39-year-old wife and mother from Lawndale. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20DailyBre1305.htm
The HBNA Newsletter for February 16, 2006
Arrest brings lawsuit -
A civil rights lawsuit has been filed by three
local residents who were arrested by Hermosa police on misdemeanor charges
in 2004 and later exonerated in a Superior Court trial. The federal lawsuit
claims that Hermosa officers roughed up Robert Nolan of Hermosa and Joel
Silva of Lawndale and made false statements in police reports after Nolan,
Silva and Michelle Myers of Hermosa were arrested for allegedly blocking a
police cruiser as it made its way across the Pier Plaza pedestrian
promenade. The FBI also opened an inquiry into allegations that police
violated the civil rights of the three.
Valley
Gym appeal -
Opponents are seeking to appeal a judge’s decision allowing
construction of a gymnasium building at Hermosa Valley School, a project for
which ground was formally broken late last month. A lawsuit by the
opponents, including some school neighbors, contended that the school board
did not properly address concerns about noise, traffic and parking near the
campus on Valley Drive north of Pier Avenue. The lawsuit also contended that
the 2002 ballot measure for the school bonds did not include the gym in a
list of projects to be funded. Gym opponents also said they would continue
to challenge $1.5 in special state funds the school board secured for the
project last year.
Star search - Anyone interested in producing a public access TV show can call the Adelphia Communications cable company at 406-1960, ext. 1986 to enroll in free classes to learn the technical aspects of getting a program onto the air. Classes are upcoming and the sizes are limited. ER
What is Your Opinion?
Are these projects a good idea for Hermosa Beach?
1. Build a 400 car parking garage at Hermosa Beach City Hall?
2. Extend the Pier Plaza theme to Upper Pier Plaza with outdoor dining, palm trees and cutting 2 traffic lanes?
3. Has Crime and the Quality of Life in Hermosa Beach become Better or Worse by adding alcohol outlets?
4. Should the HB City Council increase the building heights from 1991 voter approved 30 foot limit to 40 foot height?
5. What Do You Think Needs to be Improved In Hermosa Beach?
Read the comments of Hermosa Beach residents and include your own.
http://www.hbneighborhood.org/forum/forum.php?which=HBsurvey
Live at the Beach, Part I & II - As a kid Mike Lacey’s favorite television program was the Ed Sullivan variety show, which aired on CBS from 1948 until 1971. Now the Comedy and Magic Club owner thinks the time is right to bring variety back. That’s the thrill Lacey hopes guests will experience at his new 100-seat nightclub Live at the Lounge, where the stage, with its flowers and candles on the mantle over the fireplace, and leopard skin lounge. The club in downtown Hermosa Beach, next door to Lacey’s Comedy and Magic Club, opened two weekends ago with musicians most of his guests had never head of before, and are unlikely to ever forget. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20Hermosa1105.htm
Court win could mean millions for taxpayers - Hermosa businessman Roger Bacon has prevailed in a class-action lawsuit that could force Los Angeles County to repay $125 million to thousands of property owners who were shortchanged on tax refunds. Bacon’s victory came Feb. 8 when Superior Court Judge Peter D. Lichtman ruled that the county illegally failed to pay a full 9 percent interest, as state law required, with numerous property tax refunds paid out after April 6, 1995. The judge also agreed with Bacon and co-plaintiff Reynolds Metals Company that the county failed to compute refund interest beginning with the earliest installment of a property owner’s tax payments in a given year, also required by law. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20EasyRead1105.htm
Hotel, houses will replace BMW dealership in HB - A four-star boutique hotel with adjoining high-end homes is planned for a prime Hermosa Beach location left vacant by South Bay BMW more than a year ago. Mar Ventures Inc., a Torrance-based property development company, has been conducting neighborhood workshops and meetings over the past month to gauge the community's response to the new three-story hotel, which will have approximately 72 rooms, a rooftop pool and a full-service restaurant among other premium services. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20DailyBre1205.htm
Sewage clean up crews clear the air - Cleanup crews began the chlorination of sewage-contaminated sand in Manhattan Beach this Monday, using a different application technique and more dilute bleach solutions. Crews were forced to stop about a week ago after nearby residents complained about strong odor. In order to lessen the offensive fumes, the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts modified their bleach trucks and decreased their chlorine concentration from 400 milligrams to 150 milligrams per liter. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20EasyRead1205.htm
Hermosans might balk at beautification costs - With a potential milestone vote looming for property owners, one Hermosa official was quietly predicting that rising costs might doom further efforts to beautify the city by tearing down overhead utility lines and burying them underground. About 15 property owners gathered Monday to make it clear they will vote “no” on March 14 when they are asked whether they want to pay for an “undergrounding” project in their large utility district, roughly bounded by Pacific Coast Highway to the west, Aviation Boulevard to the south, Prospect Avenue to the east and 16th Street to the north. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20EasyRead1105.htm
The HBNA Newsletter for February 9, 2006
3 file suit against HB police over 2004 incident - Complaint alleges that two officers attacked at Pier Plaza, filed false statements and lied under oath. Three people who were acquitted last year on public intoxication and resisting arrest charges have filed a lawsuit against the Hermosa Beach Police Department, claiming officers roughed up two of them, filed false reports and lied in court about the arrests. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20DailyBre1205.htm
Developer proposes HB hotel for vacant BMW lot - A vacant piece of land where South Bay BMW once stood could soon be the site of a new hotel built by a commercial development firm based in Torrance that is expected to begin the process of filing its application for a discretionary building permit and conditional use permit with the city, according to City Manager Steve Burrell. The land, nearly two acres worth of space, is located along Pacific Coast Highway on either sides of 30th Street and was bought by Mar Ventures Inc. that has plans to build what is being called an “upscale full-service boutique hotel” with about 70 rooms and 55 residential units that will be up for sale and range in square footage from 1,100 to 1,500 square feet. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20BeachRept1505.htm
HB interim police chief to take reins Monday - David Barr, a former chief of the La Palma Police Department, has been named interim police chief for Hermosa Beach, City Manager Steve Burrell announced Wednesday. Michael Lavin, who has headed the city's Police Department for the past five years, officially retires March 1. However, today is his last day at work. Barr starts work Monday as interim chief. Burrell said he has already started the process to recruit a new chief.
Robberies, assaults dropped last year in Hermosa Beach - Robberies declined by almost 50 percent last year and assaults dipped as well, according to statistics compiled by city police. The rate of burglary -- the crime of entering a building or car to commit theft or any other felony, also rose somewhat, while total thefts of all kinds fell somewhat. Robbery, which is theft by force or fear, fell from 19 incidents in 2004 to 10 last year. The number of reported sex crimes remained even at six.
Mistrial is declared in the sexual assault retrial of Manhattan Beach teacher - This time, jury leaned more toward not-guilty verdicts. Defense expects the charges will be dropped. A second jury deadlocked Wednesday in the sexual assault trial against Aran Delaney, announcing it was hung 11-1 in favor of not guilty on the rape charge and 10-2 for not guilty on sodomy. The 29-year-old Catholic schoolteacher from Manhattan Beach cried and put his head down, while his friends and family in the courtroom hugged and whispered cheers.
HB School Board leaning toward appointment - With the recent announcement that Hermosa Beach School Board member Linda Wolin is resigning from office, school officials including her colleagues are looking forward on the matter and discussing how the School District should go about filling the open seat. The School Board now has to vote on how it wishes to fill the soon-to-be-open seat. According to Hermosa Beach Superintendent Sharon McClain, the School Board will have three options. It can appoint someone (most likely after taking applicants and an interview process in a public forum), hold a special election or if the School Board doesn’t take any action, the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools will decide on an appointment.
After complaints by residents, plan to bleach beach revised - Worries about chlorine smell in Manhattan Beach prompt changes in cleanup of area affected by sewage spill. Environmental group Heal the Bay opposes approach. Sanitation officials have put a temporary hold on their plans to drench a contaminated portion of Manhattan Beach with a bleach solution after worried neighbors complained about the strong chlorine smell.
The HBNA Newsletter for February 3, 2006
HB Council soon hopes to discuss use of new land - After inking a deal with the owners of a piece of land near Hermosa Beach City Hall, city officials will soon begin the task of discussing what they hope to eventually build on the property once the lease of its current tenants expires.
“The main reason we bought it is for future expansion but the biggest single reason is because hopefully we can get 300 to 400 parking spaces in there, underground, and hopefully put a public safety building on top,” said Mayor Peter Tucker. “It’s a key piece of property that only comes around once in a while and it could provide a whole lot more parking for upper Pier Avenue.”
What's Your Opinion? - Should Hermosa Beach build a 400 car parking garage at City Hall for the patrons of Upper Pier Ave. and Pier Plaza?
School officials break ground on Valley project - School officials and administrators with the Hermosa Beach School District officially broke ground on its new construction project at Hermosa Valley School this week. The ceremonial ground breaking took place Monday and drew about 20 people including the School Board, residents, principals, teachers and administrators.
Hotel planned for BMW site - Mar Ventures Inc. of Torrance is expected to file permit applications this week for plans to build an upscale hotel on property vacated by a BMW dealership on Pacific Coast Highway in north Hermosa, City Manager Steve Burrell said. Plans call for a 72-unit project on the BMW site on PCH at 30th Street, according to a resident who was briefed along with other neighbors by the Mar Ventures president at a Saturday meeting inside the BMW showroom. Burrell said Mar Ventures owns the property, adding that he did not yet know details of the proposed project.
Former Costa substitute sentenced to four years - The former Mira Costa substitute teacher and assistant coach convicted of sexually abusing two female students was sentenced to four years in state prison. After listening to statements by one of the girls’ parents, Torrance Superior Court Judge Thomas Sokolov doled out the maximum penalty and sentenced former Palos Verdes resident Thomas Wallace, 30, to four years in state prison Jan. 24. “I’m very happy with the sentence,” said Deputy District Attorney Jodi M. Link. “Long after he is released, the impact on the victims will still be there.”
BCHD applicants sought - The Beach Cities Health District board is seeking candidates to fill the vacancy left by Jonathan Wolin, who resigned from the board to pursue a career opportunity in Northern California. Rather than call a special election, the board decided last week to appoint an interim board member who will serve until Jan. 5, 2007. Those interested in the interim board position must apply by Feb. 9 and be available to make a three-minute presentation to the board Feb. 22. Candidates must be registered voters of the District which is comprised of the cities of Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach.
Suspect in armed carjacking still at large - A man pretending to be a security officer and his accomplice stole a car after approaching the victim in an electronic store parking lot and then brandishing a handgun. On Wednesday, Jan. 25, at about 7 p.m., the victim drove into the parking lot of Fry’s Electronics, located at Rosecrans Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard, said Sgt. Steve Tobias of the Manhattan Beach Police Department. The victim parked his car and was walking away from his car while it was still running when he was approached by the two suspects.
The HBNA Newsletter for January 27, 2006
Hermosa Beach's chief to move up retirement - Hermosa Beach Police Chief Michael Lavin, who has struggled through a turbulent year at the department's helm, said Wednesday that he will retire in March -- two months earlier than he intended -- because of personal reasons. The past year has been difficult for Lavin, who as chief has faced challenges ranging from civil lawsuits alleging excessive force to internal strife between line officers and senior management.
Hermosa Beach has plans for Pier Avenue - Stretch of street will continue Plaza theme and be refurbished with new paving, curbs, sidewalks and palm trees. Now that Pier Plaza is snazzy and vibrant, Hermosa Beach officials are looking to spruce up the rest of Pier Avenue. But some merchants and residents who spoke at the commission meeting Jan. 18 said they are worried about too much traffic congestion and restaurants using the wider sidewalks for outdoor dining.
Proposal to make upper Pier Avenue single lanes advances - Following public testimony, the Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission voted to approve a trial program that would transform a portion of upper Pier Avenue into one lane in each direction as a way to test if such a scenario would work permanently. The vote was 4-1; Commissioner Victor Winnek was the lone dissenter at the meeting held Jan. 18. Those among the public who spoke on the matter raised concerns from an increase in traffic in a one-lane environment to the construction process and length to possible encroachment areas from wider sidewalks to potential outdoor dining and the noise that might come with it.
What's Your Opinion on the Upper Pier Ave. renovation? -
Retrial opens in alleged Hermosa Beach sex assault - A new jury Monday began hearing about an alleged sexual assault by a former Catholic school teacher outside a Hermosa Beach bar, including details nearly identical to those a different jury heard more than a year ago. Delaney, 29, is accused of raping and sodomizing an allegedly drugged South Bay schoolteacher on a walk street near North End Bar and Grill in the early morning hours of June 28, 2003.
Hermosa Beach – “Armed man” report closes The Strand - Hermosa Beach Police closed The Strand in Hermosa Beach on Thursday when someone reported seeing a man with a rifle in a motel room. Officers shut down the area as a precaution at 5:30 p.m. and contacted the man in his room at the Sea Sprite Motel, 1016 The Strand. The Washington state resident told police he was showing the rifle to a friend.
Verizon’s TV service expected by later this year - Although no launch date has been announced, the corporate giant Verizon hopes to offer its services related to its Fiber to the Premises network to the city of Hermosa Beach some time this year, according to its press relations department. “We are still working on Hermosa Beach’s launch plans. The first networks we are going to launch are in Beaumont and Murrieta, out in the Inland Empire, and we are working on the plans for the launch there in the next month or so,” said Jon Davies, a media relations spokesperson with Verizon.
HB Council approves annual events for 2006 - The Hermosa Beach City Council Tuesday night unanimously voted to approve a series of community events ranging from the EVP Tour to the Art Walk slated for later this year. Following the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the council agreed to waive fees for events organized by nonprofit groups. The city will once again see the EVP pro beach volleyball tournament June 17 and the Hermosa Beach Triathlon Oct. 15, both commercial events. The estimated fees for both events are about $4,700 and $12,300, respectively.
Police ram car in Hermosa, end high-speed chase - Inside the car, officers found a loaded shotgun, a loaded handgun and burglary tools. A man and woman led police on a high-speed chase through Hermosa Beach on Friday afternoon and were arrested after officers rammed their car in Redondo Beach. The unidentified pair were taken into custody and booked on suspicion of possessing firearms and burglary tools, said Hermosa Beach police Sgt. Paul Wolcott .
The HBNA Newsletter for January 20, 2006
Public to be heard on new traffic signal proposal - It looks as though the public will have a chance to voice its opinion on whether owners of the Hermosa Pavilion should install a traffic signal on Pacific Coast Highway at 16th Street as the council agreed last week to send the matter to the Public Works Commission. The commission’s vote serves as a recommendation to the council which reserves final judgment on any matter acted on by the city’s commissions. The council could see this issue again as soon as next month.
HB Planning Commission votes to continue CUP enforcement - After reviewing a report, the Hermosa Beach Planning Commission Tuesday night voted to direct the city’s Police Department to continue with its issuance of citations of Conditional Use Permit violations for businesses located in the downtown area. Community Development Director Sol Blumenfeld in conjunction with Fire Chief Russ Tingley and Police Chief Mike Lavin drafted their annual review and report of such violations, specifically in the areas of overcrowding and noise, and presented it the commission.
HB School wrap: school services, and soil testing OK’d - The Hermosa Beach School Board Jan. 11 approved a contract with Koury Engineering for geotechnical monitoring and material testing for the upcoming construction project at Hermosa Valley School. The cost of the contract will not exceed $150,000. The district’s construction management company, PCM3, with the help of district staff sent out requests for proposals for the services.
HB School Board member Linda Wolin resigns - Hermosa Beach School Board member Linda Wolin announced last week that she is resigning from her four-year post that began in 2003 and moving with her family to Northern California where her husband accepted a new job, according to the Hermosa Beach district office. Wolin made her announcement at the board’s Jan. 11 meeting and is tentatively expected to serve on the board until March. Wolin was elected to the School Board in November of 2003.
The HBNA Newsletter for January 15, 2006
H.B. calls for June special election - The Hermosa Beach City Council Tuesday night voted unanimously to hold a special election in June for the open seat currently vacant on the elected body. The vote was passed after City Councilman Sam Edgerton proposed a substitute motion to appoint Jeff Duclos, a candidate in the November election who ranked fourth in a race with three open seats, which deadlocked 2-2 with Councilmen J.R. Reviczky and Michael Keegan dissenting.
Hermosa About Town - The Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18 to discuss possible revitalization efforts for upper Pier Avenue such as a change to two-lane traffic with parallel parking, enhanced medians and wider sidewalks for outdoor dining.
HB City Council summary - Claims denied - The City Council also voted to deny two different claims by two individuals who are alleging violations by the Hermosa Beach Police Department. Kurt Eisinger filed his claim Dec. 12, 2005, for an incident that occurred June 14, 2005, and is claiming that he was illegally arrested and detained. Melissa Scheuerman filed her claim Dec. 22, 2005, for an incident that occurred on the Fourth of July in 2005; and is alleging that her civil rights were violated, and that she was falsely arrested and assaulted. In his claim, Eisinger states that he was, “…physically removed from his home forcibly under authority of the law without just or probable cause, transported to and detained in psychiatric facilities for six days.”
The Beach Reporter – January 12, 2006
Hermosa Beach - Crime Watch (1/12)
ASSAULT. Two men were arrested for reportedly assaulting a man outside a bar on the pier plaza Dec. 31 at 1:25 a.m. The officer reporting was flagged down by the bar’s doorman regarding the incident. The officer spoke with the victim, who suffered a chipped tooth, a laceration on the forehead and swelling to the left cheek. The victim told police he was sitting on a bench speaking with a friend when two men approached him and told him they didn’t like the way he was speaking to his friend. The victim told the men to leave and words were exchanged between the two parties.
The two men then began to strike the victim with closed fists to his upper body and head while the victim’s friend sat there. In an attempt to defend himself, the victim stood up and was then pushed to the ground where the men continued to hit him with a closed fist. The victim, who was on vacation from medical school in Boston and back in the area visiting his parents, knew the two men from high school. Two other officers located and chased the two suspects through a parking garage. The victim identified one of the men as hitting him numerous times but was not sure if the other man was involved. However, another witness did identify both men as the suspects.
The Beach Reporter – January 6, 2006
Hermosa Beach - Crime Watch
ATTACKED. A woman was reportedly attacked by a man from behind in the 800 block of Loma Drive Jan. 2. The woman told police she parked her car on Cypress Avenue around 10:30 p.m. and was walking north on Loma Drive looking for a residence when she noticed the suspect. The man was walking south on the same street. She heard someone walking, and the man approached her from behind and placed a white rag laced with an unknown type of alcohol substance over her nose and mouth using both hands. He then placed a towel over her nose and mouth, and pulled the victim toward him using the towel. The victim began to yell for help and the suspect fled the scene on foot.
CAR BURGLARY. A car parked in the 200 block of Prospect Avenue was reportedly burglarized Jan. 3 between 1 a.m. and 3 p.m. The victim parked the car, locked it and went inside the residence. Upon return, the victim found the rear passenger side window smashed out and a detachable stereo missing.
CAR BURGLARY. A stereo was stolen from a car parked near Sixth Street and Prospect Avenue between Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 3 at 2:03 a.m. The suspect parked the car on the street, and returned to find the front passenger side window smashed and the stereo missing.
The HBNA Newsletter for January 6, 2006
Hermosa Beach 2005: The Year in Review
http://www.hbneighborhood.org/index.html
The State of the City - By Mayor Peter Tucker.
http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20Hermosa805.htm
2005 in Hermosa: the year of the punch line, Part I, II and III
http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20Hermosa905.htm
Five apply for consideration for City Council appointment
http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20Hermosa805.htm
Police report a calm New Year’s Eve on the plaza
http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20BeachRept1005.htm
Centennial group selects artwork for the coming year
http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20Hermosa805.htm
Suspected Hermosa meth lab is raided on PCH - About 250 empty 10 ounce cans of butane were found in the home’s outdoor trash cans. Hazmat-suited authorities on Tuesday swooped down on a purple, 1920’s-era house in the 1800 block of Pacific Coast Highway and carried away chemicals allegedly used to cook methamphetamine. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20EasyRead1005.htm
The HBNA Newsletter for December 23, 2005
Several candidates get in line for possible election - City officials host emergency town hall forum
City settles police harassment suit with club owners – Valley School wrap: HB board approves bids
KCBS-TV Channel 2 News Story - 'Sopranos' Murder Suspect Had L.A. Drug Arrest – Aired 12/13/05 –
(CBS) HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. Lillo Brancato, the one-time "Sopranos" actor accused in the shooting death of a New York police officer, was arrested earlier this year in Hermosa Beach while apparently under the influence of drugs, according to a published report.
Election looms for council seat - Cable competition on the way
City settles for $1.1 million - Official: delays might doom school gym
State’s not ready for a tsunami, report warns
A message from Hermosa Beach MOMS on Emergency Preparedness
HB City Council Summary – St. Patrick’s Day, ABC License, Decision on Vacancy
The incontrovertibly best “Best Of” 2005 - From the Easy Reader: Best Restaurants, Best Bar & Entertainment, Best Retail, Best Sports.
"Sopranos" actor had drug arrest in HB Pier Plaza on March 11
"Sopranos" actor Lillo Brancato Jr., who is accused of killing a New York police officer Dec. 10 2005. He tested positive for narcotics following an incident at Pier Plaza in Hermosa Beach.
Sunday morning brick breaks church’s stained glass window - Police were investigating after someone threw a brick through a stained glass window on the front of the 80-year old Church of Christ Scientist building on the corner of Manhattan Avenue and 16th Street early Sunday mourning. This link includes a picture of the church vandalism.
The HBNA Newsletter for December 23, 2005
Hermosa police ask help in search for intruder - Masked person broke into a Hermosa Beach home last month but fled when a female resident fought him off. Investigators do not know if the man intended to burglarize the residence or sexually assault the woman, who was home with her children, Hermosa Beach police Detective Bob Higgins said. The woman confronted the man in a hallway. "She made such a fuss -- hitting, screaming, scratching," Higgins said. The man broke in at 3:25 a.m. Oct. 29 through a possibly unlocked door at the woman's house in the 3500 block of Manhattan Avenue, the police report said. The intruder grabbed her throat, applied pressure and told her to stay still. The victim fought back, scratching him, a police report said. The woman was home alone with her children.
Attempted Robbery, w/Firearm: 9:45 p.m. December 7, 3300 block of The Strand. The victim said he was grabbed from behind by two males who had just walked past him and trapped him between them and a wall. One pointed a gun at his abdomen and demanded money. When the victim said he had none, one of the males took his watch but then examined it and returned it. Both males then ran north. The male with the gun was described as no more that 18 years old, white or Latino, 5-foot-9, 150 pounds with a young sounding voice and wearing a black hooded sweat shirt pulled over his head and lighter colored jeans. The other man was described as being either white or Latino and similarly dressed. Police searched the area but did not find the robbers.
Attempted Robbery, Battery: 8:15 to 8:30 p.m. December 6, 1500 block of Pacific Coast Highway. A male walked up behind a woman who was waiting outside her workplace for a ride. The suspect demanded money and searched her waistband for a cell phone. The woman opened her purse to show the man she had nothing in hopes he would go away. The man responded by saying, “You’re lying,” and punched her in the back off the head. The victim said she did not get a good look at the suspect because he was standing behind her and described him as either white or Latino, 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds with a heavy muscular build and wearing a black mask, gloves ad jacket, white tennis shoes and jeans.
Assault and Battery: 1:45 a.m. November 27, Hermosa Avenue and 14th Street. The victim said he had just been kicked out of the Underground and was walking around to cool off when a man yelled at him. The victim said he yelled back and that the man, who the victim identified as an ex-boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend, punched him. The victim said he was also kicked in the ribs several times, but did not know if it was only the ex-boyfriend or if any of his friends did as well.
CHURCH WINDOWS. Two church widows were reportedly smashed between Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 9 a.m. One of the windows was stained glass while the other was made out of glass that was amber in color for a total value of $800. A cinder block and a red brick that were used to break the windows were found inside the church.
BATTERY. A man was reportedly assaulted by a group of men near Hermosa Avenue and 14th Street Nov. 27 at 1:45 a.m. The victim was kicked out of a nearby bar and was very upset about it. He walked around to “cool down” when he heard someone yelling at him. He was still mad so he yelled back. He then saw the main suspect running rapidly toward him who then started punching him in the face with his fists. The victim dropped to the ground and covered his head. The suspect was with five other men, and the victim wasn’t sure exactly who was hitting and kicking him.
ROBBERY / STABBING. A man was reportedly stabbed and robbed of his wallet in the 1000 block of Bayview Drive Oct. 15 between 3:30 and 3:43 a.m. The man was walking to his car parked in the 500 block of Eighth Street after going to the bars on the pier plaza. The car was parked near an apartment complex he visited earlier that day. Two men wearing dark clothing approached the man and demanded his wallet. The men then grabbed the man and tried to wrestle his wallet away but the victim fought back by grabbing it by both hands. One of the suspects hit the man who felt a pain in his lower abdomen and realized he had been stabbed. The man let go of the wallet, and the two men removed an unknown amount of cash and possibly some credit cards and dropped the wallet. The man told police that he did not see the men get into a car. He was apparently in shock when he talked to police and was transported to a nearby hospital by paramedics.
Hermosa police ask help in search for intruder - Masked person broke into a Hermosa Beach home last month but fled when a female resident fought him off. Police Tuesday turned to the public for help in their efforts to find a masked intruder who broke into a Hermosa Beach home last month but fled when a female resident fought him off. Investigators do not know if the man intended to burglarize the residence or sexually assault the woman, who was home with her children, Hermosa Beach police Detective Bob Higgins said.
Book tells Hermosa’s tale in pictures - Admirers of Hermosa love to hear old-timers talk about what “used to be here” before it was torn down and replaced by what is here now. Thanks to two authors, admirers of the city can see those landmarks for themselves in a 127-page book of rare photos that trace Hermosa’s history. Images of America: Hermosa Beach by Chris Miller and Jerry Roberts chronicles the town from the days before it was a town, when the electric Red Car train brought people in over the sand dunes from greater L.A.
Hermosa Police issue warning after recent assaults downtown - Citing several incidents that appear similar in nature, the Hermosa Beach Police are warning both female residents and visitors to avoid walking alone late at night in the city's downtown area. The first incident took place in March of 2004 when a man attacked and injured a 30-year-old Hermosa Beach woman in an alley on Bayview Drive near 10th Street in the early morning of March 8. http://www.hbneighborhood.org/1%20HBNA%20DailyBre405.htm
The HBNA Newsletter for December 16, 2005
Deadline looms to replace council member - If City Council members cannot decide how to replace Howard Fishman, who resigned from the council citing a family illness, state law calls for a special election so Hermosa voters can choose his replacement. Last week Fishman announced that he would not take the council seat he won in the Nov. 8 election, leaving his four-year term up for grabs. The four remaining council members will meet Dec. 13 and discuss whether to hold an election or appoint someone to replace Fishman.
2 file civil rights suits after Pier Plaza arrests - Hermosa Beach City Attorney reports dismissal of criminal charges against the men who filed the lawsuits is being appealed. Two men who were arrested but later had charges dismissed stemming from a rough arrest at Hermosa Beach's Pier Plaza have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit. The lawsuit by Justin Thomas and Christopher Briley contends that Hermosa Beach officers attacked them July 4, 2003, without justification and that a video recording backs their allegations. Despite the recording, the suit contends police officials took action to shield the officers and department from responsibility.
The HBNA Newsletter for December 13, 2005
HB City Council Meeting will deal with open seat tonight
Tonight, Dec. 13, 2005 at HB City Hall, 7 pm
Hermosa Beach Emergency Preparedness Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005 at HB City Hall, 7 pm
Hermosa Beach School Board Meeting, Dec. 14, 2005 at Hermosa Valley School
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005, Multi Purpose Room, 7:30 pm
State’s not ready for a tsunami, report warns
Valley School project may have to shed more planned buildings
--- Mira Costa mourns the loss of one of its own students
--- MB Undergrounding boundaries may change
Deadline looms to replace council member - If City Council members cannot decide how to replace Howard Fishman, who resigned from the council citing a family illness, state law calls for a special election so Hermosa voters can choose his replacement. Last week Fishman announced that he would not take the council seat he won in the Nov. 8 election, leaving his four-year term up for grabs. The four remaining council members will meet Dec. 13 and discuss whether to hold an election or appoint someone to replace Fishman.
City to address emergency plan - As a way to address any public concerns, comments or suggestions on how Hermosa Beach would respond in the event of an emergency affecting the entire town, school, health and city officials are hosting a public meeting Dec. 14 that will take a closer look at emergency preparedness on a local level. City Manager Steve Burrell is the moderator of the meeting that is expected to feature several speakers including representatives from the county, the local police and fire departments, the Beach Cities Health District and the School District. The speakers will talk about their roles and their preparedness, and hope to answer questions from the audience.
Oil company's lawsuit against Hermosa gets go-ahead - State high court's refusal to review decision allows Macpherson to pursue $500 million in damages. A state Supreme Court decision Wednesday has cleared the way for trial on the breach of contract lawsuit by Macpherson Oil Co. seeking $500 million in damages from Hermosa Beach. In a 6-1 ruling, the California Supreme Court threw out the city's petition to review an appellate court's decision to send the case to trial.
2 file civil rights suits after Pier Plaza arrests - Hermosa Beach City Attorney reports dismissal of criminal charges against the men who filed the lawsuits is being appealed. Two men who were arrested but later had charges dismissed stemming from a rough arrest at Hermosa Beach's Pier Plaza have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit. The lawsuit by Justin Thomas and Christopher Briley contends that Hermosa Beach officers attacked them July 4, 2003, without justification and that a video recording backs their allegations. Despite the recording, the suit contends police officials took action to shield the officers and department from responsibility.
Commission OKs eatery’s alcohol permit - The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission Tuesday night voted to approve an amendment to a conditional use permit for a restaurant in the city’s downtown wishing to offer its patrons hard alcohol in conjunction with an already existing permit to sell beer and wine. The amendment passed in a 3-2 vote, but under the condition that Italy’s Little Kitchen reduce its hours of operation from 2 a.m. to midnight. Any commission vote acts only as a recommendation, and the City Council reserves final judgment on any matter that comes before one of the appointed bodies. The owners may appeal the commission decision, which would then leave the ruling in the council’s hands.
Union Cattle Company - The council voted to approve a request for the placement of a seasonal tent on the third level patio of the Union Cattle Company restaurant located near the corner of Manhattan and Pier avenues. The tent will hang over the patio for a duration of three months during the winter season so that the owners will be able to secure holiday events that they say are a large part of their business. The owners were recently required to take down the tent since it violated the city’s height ordinance.
H.B. Police Department fires veteran officer - Following a letter regarding its “intent to terminate,” the Hermosa Beach Police Department last week fired Todd Lewitt, a police officer who has worked in town for the past eight years. The department confirmed that it did fire Lewitt but did not comment specifically as to the circumstances on the action taken. Lewitt’s attorney Corey Glave also would not comment on the termination, but according to Lewitt, will file an appeal, which will be heard by the Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission. “All I can say is that there will be a hearing that could take up to six months, but it could be earlier and I am 100 percent confident that this will be overturned,” said Lewitt.