Bark Paddleboards claim 2024 Catalina Classic titles at Manhattan Beach pier
Photos by Kirill Umrikhin (@kirillumrikhin) by Kevin Cody Brother and sister Jack and Emily Bark have been at the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race finish at the Manhattan Beach Pier every year since they were born. Their dad, Joe, competed in the race for 38 consecutive years, beginning in 1983. He won the 32-mile race, from […]
Beach volleyball Olympians Benesh, Partain on the gold that pays the bills
by Kevin Cody In mid-July, just two weeks before representing the U.S. in beach volleyball at the Paris Olympics, Andy Benesh and partner Miles Partain announced a sponsorship agreement with Skechers. Manhattan Beach-based Skechers is best known for its shoes. But Skechers also manufactures apparel, ranging from moisture-wicking, SPF40 tank tops to pickleball dresses. Athletes […]
Incumbent Detoy, challengers Keegan, Lange, Sheil, Worner qualify for November council race
Five Hermosa Beach residents have qualified as candidates for two city council seats on the November 4 ballot, City Clerk Myra Maravilla announced Wednesday. The seats are currently held by Councilmembers Mike Detoy and Justin Massey. Detoy was first elected in 2020, and is seeking reelection. Massey was elected in 2015 and again in 2020. […]
Grom-O-Rama offers kids a taste of The Great Outdoors
Photos by Wright Adaza Grom-O-Rama on the beach at 22nd Street in Hermosa Beach last Saturday, August 10, was like Scout-O-Rama, except with swim suits and sun screen instead of khakis and bug repellent. Like the Scouts, its purpose is to introduce kids to the great outdoors with physical challenges like flags and obstacle course […]
Hermosa Beach Police Captain Scheid leaves HBPD with culture changing legacy
by Kevin Cody In law enforcement, it is traditional to recognize an officer’s retirement with a final radio sign off broadcast by the dispatcher to the full department. In the case of Hermosa Beach Police Department Captain Dorothy Scheid, her final sign off from the dispatcher was broadcast for the entire city to hear at […]
Hermosa Beach sales tax measure divides current, former councilmembers
by Kevin Cody Current and past political leaders are taking opposing positions on a November 5 ballot measure that would increase Hermosa’s sales tax revenue by $3 million annually. In February, the City Council voted, four to one, to ask voter approval of a 3/4% Transaction and Use Tax (TUT or sales tax). Council Dean […]
Los Angeles County Lifeguards honored for Venice Pier, Catalina Island rescues
by Adam Sandler Four local Los Angeles County Fire Department Ocean Lifeguards and the Avalon City Fire Dept. were among those honored at the 2024 International Surf Festival “Lifeguard Medal of Valor” dinner. The ceremony was held Wednesday, July 31 at the King Harbor Yacht Club. The Medal of Valor Award was presented to Ocean […]
Manhattan Beach Six Man/Woman Volleyball tournament highlights Surf Festival
Photos by Chris Miller The best beach volleyball players this side of Paris are competing Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3, in the Charlie Saikley Manhattan Beach 6 Man/Woman Beach Volleyball Tournament. The tournament is a highlight of the International Surf Festival, which continues through Sunday, August 4. International Surf Festival Schedule Friday, August […]
Hermosa Beach’s Barbara Guild honored by American Shore, Beach Preservation Assoc.
by Kevin Cody Hermosa Beach resident Barbara Guild was honored by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) on Thursday, August 1, in Hermosa Beach for her work locally and in Hawaii to protecting ocean coastlines. Guild was instrumental in the 1957 defeat of Shell Oil’s election campaign to allow offshore drilling in Hermosa’s […]
UFC Power Slap Champion visits Hermosa Beach to support Derm Dude buddy
by Kevin Cody Derm Dude, Hermosa Beach’s newest retail shop, sells men’s grooming products not commonly found in beauty salons, or pharmacies, such as sunscreen, oils and brightening balms for tattoos. To address customer concerns that there is anything unmanly about body care products, Derm Dude owner Drew Blotkin introduced Derm Dude spokesperson Layne Ka’ililauokekoa […]
Tokyo beach volleyball gold medal medalists Klineman, Ross prepare Paris Olympians Hughes, Cheng
The 16th Street, Hermosa Beach volleyball courts were the site of an exhibition match last Thursday, July 18, between beach volleyball 2020 Olympic gold medalists Alix Klineman and April Ross, and beach volleyball 2024 Olympic gold medalist hopefuls Sarah Hughes and Kelly Cheng. “The matches were a way for Sarah and Kelly to get in […]
Beach Cities Olympians Paris competition schedule
Four Hermosa Beach residents, two Redondo Beach residents, a Manhattan Beach resident and a Palos Verdes resident will represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris next week. Hermosa residents Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng will compete together in women’s beach volleyball. Hermosa residents Chase Budinger and Miles Evans will compete in […]
Easy Reader 54th Anniversary Writing, Photography, Video, and Cartoon Contest
2024 Easy Reader Writing, Photography, Video, and Cartoon Contest Best story: $500 Best photographs/videos: 1st prize: Camera [Canon/Nikon]. 2nd Prize: Camera [Canon/Nikon]. 3rd prize: Camera [Canon/Nikon] Deadline: Monday, August 5, 2024 Story guidelines: Submissions must be on disk or emailed. Stories may be real, imaginary or confabulated. Preference will be given to stories relating to […]
Hermosa Beach 24th Place Independence Day Parade follows the old white truck
Over three decades ago, 24th Place, Hermosa Beach residents Dave and Mary Garrett, the Beals and Noel Castiel rallied their neighbors for a Fourth of July parade. Every year since, neighbors have decorated their pets, cars and bikes and paraded up and down what may be the steepest hills in Hermosa. The parade follows the […]
‘Holy Moly,’ Hermosa fireworks fines skyrocket up to $5 grand
by Kevin Cody Fines for possession of fireworks in Hermosa Beach were increased from $250 to $1,500 for the first violation, under an urgency ordinance approved by the City Council on a four to one vote Tuesday night, June 25. Fines for second, and third fireworks violations will escalate to $3,000 and $5,000, respectively. Property […]
Hermosa Beach’s Albert Calibet missing in Greece
by Kevin Cody Albert Calibet worked as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff for 20 years, until his retirement in 2018. He never moved up in rank. “I don’t want a desk job. I want to be in the field. I like the excitement.” the 58-year-old Basque immigrant told friends. Calibet was a tough Deputy. […]