Hermosa Beach News

Report finds no problem with use of force

By Chris Yang

A consulting firm investigating the Hermosa Beach Police Department recently concluded that the agency does not have a systemic problem with respect to the level of force used by its officers. While declining to offer any formal criticism of the department or any individual officers, the firm did issue 27 recommendations in a 60-page report that seeks to improve the agency's internal policies and procedures.

The report was authored by Ron McCarthy and Sgt. Michael Mello. The two are principals with the firm R.M. McCarthy & Associates, a San Clemente-based firm that specializes in law enforcement-related matters.

City Manager Steve Burrell hired the company earlier this year to conduct a formal study of the Police Department's policies and procedures regarding the “use of force/deadly force.”

McCarthy worked previously as a SWAT officer with the Los Angeles Police Department and also appeared as a witness on behalf of the city in a recent lawsuit brought against the department by a man arrested in Hermosa Beach in 2003. A federal jury recently sided with the Police Department and rejected most of the claims brought by 23-year-old Kenneth Agner, who alleged officers violated his civil rights and used excessive force during his arrest.

The report's conclusion exonerates the department, finding that “no pattern of abuse is evident” and that the level of force used by police officers was “almost always reasonable, justified, and in compliance with the law, policy and contemporary practice.”

Prior to its completion, Burrell stated the study was initiated to review department policies in the wake of several incidents involving the use of force that led to formal complaints, as well as to coincide with the transition period following the resignation of the former police chief, Mike Lavin.

While many of the recommendations included in the report are not extremely controversial, several do address areas of concern to the department. For example, some of the provisions in the department's current operating manual that pertain to the use of force are described in the report as “too general and limited in scope as well as necessary specificity.” Currently, the relevant language states that officers may “use whatever force is reasonable to protect themselves or others.” The report recommends that other “less-lethal options” be provided to officers, along with a requisite amount of training.

With respect to the department's deadly-force policy, the report recommends lowering the number of firearms allowed to be carried by officers. Currently, officers are authorized to choose between nine different pistols and 27 different ammo cartridges while on duty. The report states that the department should “select one caliber of pistol and one duty-round for uniform patrol officers,” because liability issues surrounding “a policy this broad Š are significant.”

In addition to the use of force, the report goes on to agree with the department's current policy that microcassette recorders should be used during officers' interactions with “confrontational or uncooperative” individuals. The report states that “mandatory audio-taping will eliminate 90 percent of use-of-force and rudeness complaint allegations.”

With respect to staffing, the department is urged to hire an additional captain and lieutenant to ensure the appropriate administrative oversight and “collection and maintenance of data.” The report states that “there is distrust and tension from the top down and bottom up regarding the department's handling of complaints,” and adding a new captain and lieutenant to the department's command staff would help address these issues.

McCarthy addressed the conclusions of his report in a follow-up conversation by phone on Aug. 11. He was quick to point to the emergence of the Pier Plaza as a potential cause of the complaints lodged against the department alleging misconduct. To emphasize this point, McCarthy's report included a chart comparing crime statistics between 1998 and 2004, with each of the eight categories presented showing signs of increase. When asked whether the department should hire more officers to patrol the city, McCarthy replied, “If your activity increases by two-thirds, that's certainly something that should be discussed and considered.”

Hermosa Beach News

Police catch car burglar

By Chris Yang

A recent call to the Police Department led to an incident involving officers chasing an individual through the streets of Hermosa Beach on foot early in the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 15. Akima J. Blake, 26, of Los Angeles, was taken into custody after fleeing the scene of an interrogation near Fourth Street and Manhattan Avenue.

Police received a call from a local resident reporting suspicious activity at approximately 4:30 a.m. According to a press release issued earlier this week, the caller reported “seeing a man enter a small dark parked car through the right rear door.” The caller, a woman, continued to watch as the man used “a flashlight in the car.”

The statement goes on to state that Blake was observed by an officer “lying across the front seat,” of a car whose right rear window “appeared to have been recently smashed.” According to the press release, Blake exited the vehicle claiming the car belonged to a relative of his. He then began to run away from the officer and was observed throwing “an object out of his pocket,” which was later determined by officers to be a removable car stereo face. He was later apprehended near the intersection of Fourth Street and Monterey Boulevard, and charged with burglary, delaying/obstructing the police and violating parole.

According to the statement, officers allegedly found “burglar tools” in the vehicle that Blake was in when police arrived on the scene.

In addition to the tools, police allegedly discovered a car parked in the vicinity that was thought by officers to be owned by Blake. The car reportedly included several car stereo systems, CDs and a purse that “had been stolen from a Hermosa Beach resident.” Blake is being held currently by the Police Department without bail, due in part to his alleged parole violation.

The press release goes on to state that the woman who reported the incident “did the right thing,” by reporting Blake's suspicious activity. The Police Department's statement “recommends that residents pre-program their cell phones with the HBPD Dispatch telephone number,” if residents are calling to report suspicious activity.

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

HARASSING PHONE CALLS. A victim living in the 1200 block of Corona Street allegedly received two harassing phone calls between Monday July 10 and Thursday Aug. 10. The victim owns a medical referral service business. He recently terminated an employee, after which he allegedly began receiving the threatening calls. The first caller allegedly identified himself as a friend of this employee and stated “You owe us eighty large and we will be paying you a visit.” Later, the victim received another call in which the caller reportedly stated, “I have two guys in Hermosa Beach that will come slit your throat!” After the victim replied, “And?” the caller continued, stating, “How about I start with your neighbor?”

PETTY THEFT. A cell phone was reportedly stolen from a car on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 5:30 p.m. The incident allegedly occurred in the 1300 block of Manhattan Avenue. The victim left his car for a short period of time to make a delivery. He returned to find a Nokia i860 cell phone missing.

VEHICLE BURGLARY. Unknown suspects allegedly removed glasses, CDs, and a stereo's face plate between 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, and 6:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 10. The victim was unsure if the car was locked.

THEFT. An aluminum hydraulic jack was allegedly stolen from a construction site in the 2000 block of PCH. The hydraulic jack was estimated to be worth $2,000 and was a rental from Trench Shoring Inc. The incident allegedly occurred between 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, and 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 10.

BATTERY. A woman was reportedly the victim of an assault on Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 12:15 p.m. The victim was walking her dog near the 1600 block of The Strand when another individual jogging southbound allegedly stated, “You bimbo, get your (expletive) dog off the beach!” After ignoring the comments, the individual allegedly ran by again and said, “I told you to get your dog off the beach!” He then reportedly grabbed her by the shirt (near the neck) and started to pull her off the sand. Another individual reportedly managed to separate the two.

Manhattan Beach – Crime Watch

SLASHED TIRES. Sometime between July 30 at about 7 p.m. and July 31 at about 8 a.m., the tire of a car parked in the 900 block of Marine Avenue was slashed.  In a separate incident, sometime on July 28 at about 11 p.m. and July 29 at about 6:30 a.m., two tires of a car parked in the 900 block of Ninth Street were slashed. According to the police report, the victim's neighbors have had their tires slashed on six different occasions in the last six months.

CONCEALED WEAPON. On July 30 at about 1:30 a.m., a police officer traveling southbound in the 500 block of Sepulveda Boulevard in a marked patrol car spotted a silver Cadillac driving in front of him. The suspect vehicle continued through an intersection, despite the light having turned red. The officer then followed the car and pulled it over to conduct a return traffic violation. When the driver handed over his identification, a records check indicated that he was on probation for a marijuana offense. The officer asked the driver to step out of the car, which he did, and then he asked the suspect if he had any contraband in the car. The suspect hesitated and then said no. Another officer arrived on the scene to help with a search of the vehicle. Along with the driver, there were two female passengers and a male passenger in the suspect car. The police officer asked the suspect driver again if he had any hidden drugs or illegal contraband in the car; the suspect then admitted to having a gun in the glove compartment. Handcuffs were then put on the suspect driver and a search of the vehicle conducted. A loaded semi-automatic weapon was found. No drugs were found. The suspect was arrested; the passengers, who said they knew nothing about the gun, were not arrested. A records check indicated that the Los Angeles Police Department reported the gun found by Manhattan Beach Police officers in the car was reported stolen.

SCHOOL BURGLARIZED. On Aug. 11, the property manager of a building in the 1700 block of Laurel Avenue where a school is located reported that the building had been broken into, and several offices and rooms had been ransacked. Several computers were stolen along with other office supplies.

UNWANTED HOUSE GUESTS. A woman house sitting for a family on vacation left the residence in the 1500 block of Eighth Street at about 1 p.m. and returned to the house on Aug. 13 at about 8 p.m. She reported that unknown people had been in the house. When she arrived back at the house she noticed that the front door was closed but open and she knows that she locked the front when she left. She did report that a second-level balcony door was left open. When she entered the house and began walking through it, she noticed that there were empty beer cans throughout the living room and it appeared in disarray, even though she said that she left the house very neat. When she went into the master bedroom, she noticed that the bathtub was half full with dirty water and she found a message on a napkin written in pink ink that said several things, including thanks for letting us party in this house. It was signed, “Love everybody.” Nothing seemed to be missing. The police spoke via telephone with members of the family. The parents, who have a teenage son, believe it could be people they know and want to press charges. The police dusted and found fingerprints.

Redondo Beach – Crime Watch

DISTURBANCE. Police arrested a man for allegedly being under the influence of drugs and obstructing police in the performance of their duties in the 800 block of El Redondo Aug. 8 at about 11:45 p.m. Officers had received several calls about a subject running through yards. Officers arrived at the scene and contacted the man, who refused to stop. Police captured the man, but only after he ran through more yards and across a rooftop.

BRANDISHING A FIREARM. Police searched for two men who reportedly brandished a handgun at two women sitting on a bench in the 400 block of South Pacific Coast Highway Aug. 9 at about 10:40 p.m. The women reported that two men drove by slowly and “gawked” at them. When one of the women told the occupants to “keep going,” the driver backed up and pointed a handgun at them. The victims retreated into a nearby bar and told a policeman who happened to be inside conducting a business check. Officers were unable to locate the suspects.

SHOOTINGS. Police have opened an investigation into two separate BB gun shootings. The first occurred at Blossom Lane and Voorhees Avenue Aug. 10 at about 2 a.m. Two men were jogging when a vehicle approached and one of the occupants fired a BB gun at them. Minutes later, a second victim called to report a similar incident. There were no physical injuries in either incident.

ROBBERY. Two men reportedly robbed a group of people at gunpoint, stealing a cell phone, watch, money and bank cards from them in the 2500 block of Nelson Avenue Aug. 12 at 4:20 a.m.

Hermosa Beach News

City officially welcomes new chief

By Chris Yang

Hermosa Beach officially welcomed new Police Chief Greg Savelli at an event held last weekend in front of City Hall. The ceremony attracted a vast array of community leaders, including City Manager Steve Burrell, City Attorney Mike Jenkins, Councilmen J.R. Reviczky and Kit Bobko, and Mayor Pete Tucker, among others.

Following comments by several speakers, Savelli was sworn in by Hermosa Beach's city clerk, and addressed the department and public with a short speech. He thanked a slew of supporters (several of whom were in the audience) and drew chuckles when he told anyone not mentioned in his speech to “get over it.”

Savelli takes the reins of the department at a precarious time for the city. Several issues remain unresolved that could potentially cause great damage to the city's reputation and/or financial well-being. Foremost among them is a year-old investigation by the federal government stemming from the arrest of an off-duty LAPD officer in 2003. After the Los Angeles field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation last year, the case has since been transferred to the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department. A spokesperson with the DOJ would not comment on the investigation, except to say that the matter is still open.

Earlier this week, The Beach Reporter sat down with the new chief to discuss his new job, and to talk about some of the issues he'll be facing in the future.

The Beach Reporter: What are some of the goals you hope to accomplish during your time here as chief?

Greg Savelli: My primary goal right now is to learn what the organization's history and culture have been, how the operation goes today, and then from there my goal would be to work with the command staff to evaluate where we want to be in the future for an organization. The important measure of that is “What does the community need?” So I will be meeting with the community in several public forums to determine how they would like to see the Hermosa Beach Police Department serve their needs. That would be some of the first goals I have for the organization, is just getting to be known in the community and getting to know what the community expects of their police department.

Has anything been scheduled yet?

Yes, I've attended several functions already Š beginning with the ceremony on Saturday. (The ceremony) was an opportunity for the community to come out and see their department - this is their police department. That ceremony was more about the Police Department as an entire organization, not just the fact that I'm their new leader, and so we encourage them to be involved. I've taken several calls from individuals that have interest in the success of this organization and I will be meeting with other individuals. Again, I'll be attending chamber functions, I've attended other functions already this week regarding the community and then I will also host forums myself similar to what Chief Barr did last month. I anticipate after people get to know me and I get to know more about the community, we will be hosting those forums. I'm already meeting with the organizations within the city, employee representative groups and individual employees to listen to their point of view and to understand where they're coming from so that we all can work from a position where we have everything on the table.

What have you been told about Hermosa Beach from other officials? What can you tell us that you've been told about Hermosa Beach?

Well, it's been printed in your paper and in others that there are some issues of concern for the community. People are concerned about the lawsuits, people are concerned about employee-management relations. The reviews that were being conducted by Mr. McCarthy and interim chief Barr are being made available to me and the public this week, and we will look at those tools to see what the perceptions are and how we can improve upon them. (R.M. McCarthy & Associates is a training and consulting resource for law enforcement agencies that was hired by the city in March to conduct a review of department operations.)

What is the department's position on how Pier Plaza should be policed? Do you believe the department should increase, decrease or maintain its current size?

The department is committed to providing a safe environment for the city's residents and guests. Our goal is to maintain a balance of enforcement, education and prevention. Our presence should be seen as a deterrent to criminals and unruly behavior, yet serve as a resource to residents, businesses and our visitors. Currently the department staffs the downtown and Pier Plaza based on the activity known and our history of calls of service. This is in addition to staffing officers in each of the department's districts/beats. Some of this staffing is scheduled overtime, primarily for special events. As the new chief, I will certainly evaluate our deployment of officers and form an opinion on staffing needs based on the demands of the community. With the priority being to respond to in-progress emergencies and the time it takes for that response being a primary consideration, we can determine if the city has enough officers. The current average of officers per 1,000 residents in the United States is 2.4 officers, with the West Coast average being far less. For example, the city of Modesto, my former department, has 1.35 officers per thousand in a city of 210,000; currently the city of Hermosa Beach has approximately 1.9 (or two) officers per thousand.

Another concern of some of the residents, while not one of the highest concerns, has been pedestrian safety. A child was run over while riding a scooter on PCH earlier this year. How would the department help to keep pedestrians safe?

The Police Department will help to reduce injuries and accidents through education and enforcement. In fact, prior to my arrival, the department was already working on a concerted effort; the weekend before last, they had a special team out focusing on pedestrian issues to create an environment of compliance, to make sure that residents and motorists know that there is pedestrian traffic. So they conducted an operation where they conducted enforcement using a person in the crosswalk to see if people would yield. Then on the other side, they also enforced bicycles that were violating pedestrians' right of ways and were operating in pedestrian areas. So that was a successful operation conducted two weekends ago. This department is already actively looking at those issues. Traffic in any beach community is always a big concern, and the traffic unit is well aware of their responsibilities and are proactive in responding to that. I spoke just yesterday with Rick Morgan and we discussed the signage on PCH regarding pedestrian crossing currently at the Pavilion with a no-crossing request at 16th, in the middle of the block. The other department heads are bringing me up to speed on what the issues are and what attempts they have made to address those issues. We're always cognizant of the fact that when they add development or commercial, that they will also be adding traffic and the Police Department will participate in the review of those projects, from that perspective.

It was reported a couple weeks ago, before the swearing-in ceremony, that city officials are considering renovations of the current facility, or an entirely whole new complex for the department. Has that been brought up? Was that a correct report?

I didn't see the report, but I know I've had discussions with both the city manager, the interim chief, that there is consideration for improvements in this facility, as well as a vision on the horizon for a new police facility, possibly on city-owned land next door to City Hall. Again it's very preliminary at this point, but that is something that they have spoken to me about. It would be a vision, of course, funding and plans and all that would have to take place. They want to incorporate a parking facility as well so that could help serve downtown. Again, that's a vision at this point, there aren't any hard plans, although the city has acquired some land.

The Justice Department is currently investigating the department. What can you tell the public about this? Have you been briefed on it? Have you spoken with any federal officials about this?

I have not met with any federal officials. I have met with some of the attorneys for the city. I have met with the city manager and I've been provided with some of the reports that are going to be released, if they are not already released to the community. I recognize that these are issues that are of great importance to the city and to the Police Department. The luxury of a new leader in an organization is to take those reports and review them, and compare and contrast to what I see within the organization, so I'm very grateful that the city manager has conducted these investigations, or had the two reports prepared. As far as the issues with the Department of Justice, I have not seen a report from the FBI or the DOJ. Some people have told me that they are being done. I plan to meet in the future with the local representatives from the FBI, find out if and what their issues are with this organization, and work on improving areas that may need improvement.

Welcome to Hermosa Beach, and best of luck in the next few years.

Thank you. I am open to sharing information as long as we can legally share it, and believe in an open-door policy, both with your newspaper and the community.  

Hermosa Beach News

‘Taste' event to benefit historical museum

By Chris Yang

Hermosa Beach may be known for its sandy beaches, volleyball tournaments and lively bar scene, but connoisseurs of the local food circuit may also soon rejoice at news of the arrival of “Taste at the Beach,” a fund-raising event sponsored by the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club. Taking place later this month, the event will allow people to partake in sampling some of the best dishes from a wide swath of the city's restaurants and wineries.

Jane Walker, the Kiwanis Club's director of public relations, expressed optimism that the event would help raise the visibility of Hermosa Beach's dining establishments.

“I really think it's going to be wonderful,” said Walker. “There will be a silent auction, a live jazz band, and tours of the museum. We're hoping to get a minimum of 300 people.”

The event is scheduled to last from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. It will be held directly outside of the Hermosa Beach Community Center. Participants are encouraged to wander through the Hermosa Beach Museum to soak up the city's history, while enjoying the food and wine. More than 14 restaurants have already signed on to participate in the event, offering up a wide variety of styles, including Italian, Mexican and American dishes.

“Taste at the Beach” originated after Rick Koenig, president of the Hermosa Beach Historical Society, approached the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club with a request for assistance. Koenig's intent was to garner the assistance of local organizations to raise funds to complete the expansion of the Hermosa Beach Historical Museum in time for the city's centennial celebration, held early next year.

“The Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club has stepped up to the plate by assisting our organization in raising the money necessary to bring our dream to fruition. Our museum expansion will be the source of delight, education and entertainment for decades to come,” said Koenig. “I'm very proud of Hermosa's history and am so glad that we will finally get a chance to show it off.” The Kiwanis Club subsequently came up with a concept of a “food and wine extravaganza” held at precisely the location where proceeds from the sale of tickets would go.

Tickets for the event are $50 per person and can be purchased online at www.hermosakiwanis.org/  or by phone at (310) 318-0171.

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY. A residence in the 100 block of Sixth Street was reportedly burglarized Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. Three bicycles were allegedly taken from an open garage. A woman employed by the owner was home at the time, but did not investigate when she heard noises in the garage because she believed it was the owner.

BATTERY. An employee at an establishment in the 1300 block of Hermosa Avenue was reportedly the subject of an assault Aug. 6. The incident allegedly occurred between 8:10 and 8:20 p.m., and involved an altercation between a doorman and another individual. The suspect was reportedly denied entrance into the establishment due to a dress code requiring pants. Upon hearing this, the suspect allegedly used an open right hand to slap the left side of the victim's face.

BOMB THREAT. An employee of a business located in the 1500 block of Valley Drive was allegedly the recipient of a bomb threat from one of its customers. The suspect allegedly informed the dispatch person that if an appointment was not kept to restore the customer's cable, the individual would appear in person and “bomb” the business.

BATTERY. Someone was the alleged victim of an assault on July 19 at 8:30 a.m. As the victim was walking southbound along the beach, she was approached from behind by another individual who introduced himself as “Corey.” The suspect tried to give the victim a business card, and after she refused he grabbed her by the right arm and pulled her closer to him. The woman was able to pull back and free herself from the suspect.

GRAND THEFT. Two Schwinn bicycles were reportedly stolen from the 1000 block of The Strand between 10:15 p.m. July 15 and 7:30 a.m. July 16. Each bicycle was worth approximately $1,000.

VANDALISM. A 2003 Chevy Tahoe was allegedly keyed while parked near the intersection of Hermosa Avenue and 10th Street. The incident allegedly occurred between 7 and 10:30 p.m. July 15. 

Hermosa Beach – Crime Watch

DEADLY WEAPON ASSAULT. Someone riding a bike on The Strand was allegedly shot with a pellet from an Airsoft pellet gun July 12 at 5:08 p.m. The victim was riding with his friend northbound in the 200 block of The Strand when his friend realized someone standing in the vicinity had shot something at the victim. The suspect did not know the victim, who was not injured by the incident.

VEHICLE BURGLARY. A vehicle parked in the garage of an apartment complex in the 400 block of Herondo Street was allegedly burglarized on July 12, at an unspecified time. A cell phone, sunglasses, and yoga bag worth approximately $100 were reportedly stolen from the vehicle.

VEHICLE BURGLARY. Several items were reportedly stolen from a vehicle parked in the 1700 block of Monterey Boulevard between 7 p.m. July 14 and 10 a.m. July 15. The victim's California Drivers' License, a handicap placard and the vehicle's stereo were reportedly stolen.

VANDALISM. Someone reportedly smashed a victim's car windshield between 9:50 and 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 15. The vehicle was parked in the lower parking lot located at 702 Pier Ave.

BATTERY. On Sunday, July 16, at 12:46 a.m., several individuals were involved in an incident at a Pier Plaza establishment that led the citation of two people for misdemeanor battery. As a woman danced with two of her friends in the establishment, a man approached them on the dance floor and asked the woman to dance. After she refused, words were exchanged between the two parties. Each party claims to be the victim of an assault.

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.

Hermosa Beach News

HB City Council wrap

By Dave Eisenstadt

Hermosa went on record as the latest California community to ban smoking on the beach. The City Council approved the move unanimously. The move to forbid smoking of all forms on the sand and seashore began some years ago.  Recently Torrance joined the effort following Manhattan Beach and a host of other beach communities along the coast.
 

Walking men - The Beach Cities Health District cut the tension at this week's City Council meeting when it presented large blue coffee-styled mugs and nifty pedometers to the panel's members. Joanne Edgerton, wife of Councilman Sam Edgerton, presented the council with the gifts to memorialize their participation in a district effort to promote walking.  Mayor Peter Tucker was singled out as someone who'd walked many miles. Tucker said his efforts totaled some 138,000 steps, suggesting his new pedometer won't collect dust.

Rock classic - Billy Vera and the Beaters haven't quite made it to household-name status - unless the houses are filled with serious rock 'n' roll aficionados. The City Council added the veteran rocker to its Sunset Concert Series.  Vera has been around for decades, penning hits for the likes of one-time teen heartthrob Ricky Nelson, for whom he wrote “Mean Old World,” according to a city handout.

The group had a No. 1 single in 1987 with “At This Moment.”  Vera, however, also is one of the rare breed of rock musicians who's parlayed his knowledge into a second career as a historian of the genre and a third one as a bit-part actor. He had a role, for instance, in the film “The Doors.”  Vera has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Political debut - Councilman-elect Kit Bobko launched into his duties this week even before formally joining the governing body. Bobko had notebook and pen in hand at this week's council meeting, noting the proceedings when Mayor Pete Tucker summoned him to the podium to say a few words.  Sometimes, however, jaws snap shut even for the politically inclined.  “I am completely unprepared to speak,” Bobko told the council and crowd.  The officeholder in waiting kept his remarks to a polite thanks and a cautionary warning that his next turn would certainly result in “much longer” remarks.

Lawn bowling - The arcane sport that somehow gained serious footing in Hermosa in the last century is celebrating its 70th year.  Organized in 1936, the Hermosa Beach Lawnbowling Club has become one of the city's venerable links to its quainter past. The sturdy clubhouse off Valley Drive has stood since 1958.  As the council commemorated the anniversary, Mayor Pete Tucker sought to ramp up residents' enthusiasm for the sport.  “I further urge all citizens to give lawnbowling a try,” he said.

Hermosa Beach News

Bobko to take fifth seat on Hermosa council

By Dave Eisenstadt

The tightly contested battle for a City Council seat that pitted four candidates split into a two-way contest as ballots were counted late Tuesday with lawyer and astronaut's son Patrick “Kit” Bobko capturing the post over longtime Hermosa residents.

Bobko, perhaps the best campaigner of the group, won the vacant seat with 41 percent of the balloting, or 1,287 votes. Jeff Duclos, a public relations consultant, finished second with 36 percent, a tally of 1,145 votes.

“It feels good. I haven't had any bad victories,” said Bobko. “Jeff is such a well-known guy, I wouldn't have been surprised if the margin had been smaller.”

Educator Janice Brittain and executive Jeff Maxwell trailed Bobko and Duclos by a wide margin. Brittain received 439 votes or 14 percent while Maxwell netted 293 votes or 9 percent. The turnout for the elections was slimmer than usual even for midterm and local elections. Of Hermosa's almost 13,000 registered voters, fewer than 4,000 cast ballots Tuesday.

The election sent Hermosa voters to the polls for the second time in eight months. Howard Fishman won the council seat in the general election in November but stepped aside when his wife became ill.

When the council moved to appoint a successor, it deadlocked 2-2 over whether to name Duclos, the runner-up in November, to fill the empty seat.

The split revealed clear lines of support on the council: Councilman Sam Edgerton and Mayor Pete Tucker backed Duclos. Councilmen J.R. Reviczky and Michael Keegan dissented.

The unspoken message was that Bobko had strong support despite finishing behind Duclos in November. The stalemate forced Tuesday's special election.

Bobko, a lawyer, stressed that his legal expertise would benefit the city in resolving pressing court battles.

Janice Brittain, an educator, and limousine company owner Jeff Maxwell joined the contest, both candidates billing themselves as independent voices. Duclos, who works from home, also taught at UCLA. He is 61, and has lived in Hermosa for 27 years. Bobko, 36, is a municipal attorney and former Air Force captain. He is a six-year resident of Hermosa. Asked about his first steps as a councilman-elect, Bobko focused on immediate needs.

“The first thing I'm going to do is get some sleep,” he said.

Maxwell ran unsuccessfully in November. Brittain, a retired school administrator, was the contest's newcomer.

Hermosa Beach News

Three council candidates boycott forum

By Dave Eisenstadt

Three of the four candidates who battled for the City Council seat filled after Tuesday's voting touched off a pre-election day dustup when all but one skipped a televised political forum hours before it began.

The surprising move by a trio of political challengers - rejecting an election-eve appearance before voters - turned what was slated as a candidates' forum into a discussion between an office-seeker and the audience.

The Hermosa Beach Neighborhood Association organized the event, which was planned as the watchdog group's first political forum. Candidates Patrick “Kit” Bobko, who was declared the winner of Tuesday's election, Jeff Maxwell and Jeff Duclos told the association they would not attend via e-mails sent some six hours before the broadcast.

Janice Brittain, an education administrator, was the sole attendee.

Al Benson, head of the neighborhood association, said he was puzzled by the timing of the withdrawal - and that it wasn't one or two candidates skipping the event but three of four. Benson ran and lost for a council seat last November.

“They gave me six hours notice,” Benson said. “They have the right not to show up at the forum but if they really have problems, they could have given me a call.”

The neighborhood association is best known for its efforts to highlight what they see as problems resulting from a too-raucous lower Pier Avenue scene. The group contends crime, especially violent incidents, has shot up with the increasing popularity of the bar-laden strip.

The candidates, however, complained the event was less a political forum for those vying for office than a platform for the group.

Bobko said his schedule was just too packed on that day to attend the forum and downplayed the notion that the three candidates acted together to undercut the event.

“To be perfectly frank, that was not the case,” said Bobko. “As much fun as these forums are, I have other things to do and simply can't get to everything all the time.”

Bobko noted that he and the other candidates already participated in three similar forums. They were sponsored by the League of Women Voters, Leadership Hermosa and the Chamber of Commerce.

Still, Bobko, the two others who cancelled and Brittain briefly met the night before and discussed withdrawing from the forum. Bobko said the group discussed the matter but stressed that it was chitchat rather than guerilla political tactics.

“While it's clear we didn't show up, it wasn't a concerted effort,” Bobko said. “What we're talking about is someone taking personal offense.”

While Duclos declined to return telephone messages seeking comment, Brittain said weightier issues were at play.

“Bottom line, I gave my word and I live up to my word,” she said. “It's the integrity of it - as a council person you have to deal with all audiences.”

Brittain and others, however, said the group's material was freighted with its point of view and too detailed for the occasion.

“It was like a term paper,” she said.

Benson said the group misread his intent and short-shrifted pressing issues.

“I'm disappointed that they had this little powwow on this issue and made a collective decision behind my back,” he said. “I'm worried about crime - and they don't want to answer those questions.”

Of the candidates involved, Brittain was the only one on Tuesday's ballot who did not run last November.

The seat opened when the election's winner, Howard Fishman, declined the post when his wife became ill.

In that contest, Councilman J.R. Reviczky triumphed with Duclos finishing fourth, Bobko fifth and Maxwell seventh among a field of 10 candidates vying for three council seats.