Oil fuels political fires
E & B Natural Resources’ proposed oil project dominated Hermosa Beach news in 2014. In February,the project’s 1,000-plus page Environmental Impact Report [EIR] and its Cost Benefit Assessment and Health Impact Analysis were made available for public review, fueling arguments from both oil proponents and opponents. In July, the city council and E & B agreed on a March 3, 2015 date for a vote on whether or not to repeal the city’s ban on oil drilling. Just days before Christmas, a Superior Court judge gave oil opponents an early holiday gift by throwing out a suit by oil proponents that would have soften the opponents’ ballot argument.
Pier Plaza transitions
Hermosa’s downtown saw rush of closings and openings in 2014. The iconic Poop Deck closed in April, after 57 years on The Strand. Taking over the spot is The Deck, a wine bar led by the folks from Uncorked on upper Pier Avenue. Cantina Real, another restaurant dating back decades, was replaced by Killer Shrimp over the summer. Greenbelt replaced Zeppy’s Pizza on the south side of the pier. Then, this fall, Hermosa’s Boston bar, Fat Face Fenner’s Fishshack, closed its doors. No news yet on what will replace it.
Healthy living, harsh penalties
Hermosa advanced its healthy living agenda by banning smoking on The Strand, the pier, Pier Plaza, outdoor dining areas, the beach, city parking lots including the downtown parking garage and city parks, including the greenbelt that runs north-and-south through the town. In November, the council upped the penalty for bad behavior in the downtown. Police now have the option of filing misdemeanor charges or issuing citations to people for drinking in public or violating noise laws on holidays, or for violating smoking and leash laws. Previously, offenders received citations.
Welcome mat out for new hotels
In July, a modern, coastal design for the proposed Strand & Pier hotel in downtown Hermosa Beach was unveiled for Hermosa Beach residents and civic leaders. The hotel on the current Mermaid restaurant site could be completed as early as 2018, its developers said. The 111-room hotel, with a 15,000 sq. ft. restaurant and a rooftop pool would be 45 feet tall. Hermosa’s current height limit is 30 feet. Increasing the height limit to 45 feet will require voter approval. In September, a 100-room hotel proposal for 11th Street in downtown Hermosa Beach was presented to the Hermosa Beach city council. The proposed, block-long site is currently occupied by a two story apartment house, with Burritos Brothers Mexican restaurant on the ground floor, an adjoining parking lot and several neighboring, single story office buildings.
Raju Chhabia’s Clash hotel completed its permitting process and is scheduled to break ground shortly after the start of 2015.
The three story, 30 room hotel is at the corner of Hermosa Avenue and 14th Street.
School bond fails
In the November election, Measure Q, a $54 million Hermosa school bond measure intended to provide more classroom space, fell roughly 100 votes short of approval. The measure received 2,405 votes, for a 52.9 percent majority. It required 55 percent approval for passage. Just 36 percent of Hermosa’s 12,372 voters participated in the election. Measure Q’s proceeds were to be used to reopen North School for 500 students and to modernize the district’s two other schools, Valley and View.
The school board is contemplating asking voters to reconsider next November.
Jimmy Buffett plays real well for free
In August, Parrotheads flooded Hermosa Beach when news came that Jimmy Buffett was performing a surprise, free concert. An estimated 12,000 people came to hear the concert. The 67-year old musician seemed no less animated than in his younger days. He jumped, danced and cracked jokes throughout a 12 song set that included “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Fins” and, of course, “Margaritaville.” The Buffett concert was part of a weekend-long FinFest on Pier Plaza put on by The Discovery Channel to promote its Shark Week programing.
New police chief from LAPD
In October, Sharon Papa became the new police chief of Hermosa Beach. Papa left her position as assistant chief at the Los Angeles Police Department to take the job.
Farmers market plans downtown return
This summer, Hermosa’s Chamber of Commerce announced plans to move the farmers market from Valley Drive to Pier Plaza to drum up business downtown. In response to residents who opposed the move, the Rotary Club offered to sponsor an additional market at the current location. The matter has not yet been fully settled.
Surveillance cameras get green light
In early December, after months of discussion, the Hermosa Beach City Council voted unanimously to approve the placement of surveillance cameras on Pier Plaza by the Sierra Group. Mayor Pete Tucker called for a vote and the cameras were approved 5 to 0. The project will cost about $120,000 and will place 54 cameras in approximately 13 different locations on Pier Plaza, in the parking structure and at 13th Street and Hermosa Avenue.
Skechers tunnels into Hermosa
In November, Skechers, the nation’s number two shoe brand, announced plans to build a 98,871 square foot design center and a 34,468 executive office on the west side of Pacific Coast Highway in Hermosa Beach. The two buildings, on either side of 30th Street, will be connected by a bridge and a tunnel, according to a planning application recently submitted to the Hermosa Community Development Department. The project is expected to take approximately two years to complete.
