[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6638831,"mediaKeyId","2568113-db29ecbbc2835fed46511852b9064787","parentId",2568113,"title","Neighbors urge Hermosa Beach to oppose 50‑foot development using \"builder's remedy\"; city outlines review process","audioSeconds",2921,"startMs",6439000,"endMs",9360000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2568113-db29ecbbc2835fed46511852b9064787&start=6439&end=9360","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2568113-db29ecbbc2835fed46511852b9064787/thumbnail_6439000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6638831/Hermosa-Beach-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Neighbors-urge-Hermosa-Beach-to-oppose-50foot-development-using-builders-remedy-city-outlines-review-process","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6638831-bdc4553cfa0ddea73fff4e85588ea76e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202184&Signature=ffeaJLRfHEGBT4ULOTBxrmbLfQUyejOX4l-cHGcxgpbd2LFqlzNY8689tNuJoXDwOyQiSDVMyJKLYINc9lxv8qx7Aq3GPnGabsqkylqZLCNjmx~ZmAaVNKdTjxtWdOK4YwesjD8pvcshZdOhQvU-O7IxnUX6Pdego6XHbJtshzwaEyW6WHbKMFy2Lcd8nh2AQq7xaXX0APhZNKBnbihE9YzyNxh1FXP13JFwJKst8~vS0mnVsMTlQUlZsIGY5vqHr~JNHSBQ4PmIpMAyxGjavdjZaCUo~EkkJXlfB~xlAfGJ14cEY0EIFqReE9JCi4LlPhK1i3xRIaAZ5SraNS3DGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Hermosa Beach, CA","date","2025-03-12T06:18:55.337Z","article","Dozens of neighbors and property owners told the Hermosa Beach City Council on March 11 they oppose a proposed five‑story apartment project on North Hermosa's Palm Drive that would exceed the city's 30‑foot residential height limit.

Multiple speakers identified the project property by address and raised similar concerns: the development would reach about 50 feet, would block sunlight for adjoining homes, would add parking pressure to narrow alleys and risk changing the character of the neighborhood. \"It would be bad enough if locals did this, but part‑time residents from another country are using the builder's remedy law to defy ordinances such as zoning and height restrictions,\" said Rory Barish, a neighbor. Anna Jung, who said she has lived next door for 37 years, told the council the building would \"totally block the sun to our house in the winter\" and cause mold and mildew problems.

Several speakers urged the city to seek stronger protections from the Coastal Commission and to explore whether the city can deny the project on coastal or health‑and‑safety grounds. Neighbors asked the city to delay the planning hearing and provide complete project files in person; speakers said recent procedural changes had limited public access to some planning documents.

City Attorney representatives and staff described the normal approval flow: development applications are reviewed by the Planning Department, go to the Planning Commission and can be appealed or \"called up\" by two council members for a city public hearing; if the city approves a project that conflicts with state housing law, the developer may then take the proposal to the California Coastal Commission as part of the builder's remedy and state housing processes. The city attorney said the Coastal Commission review is outside city control. \"That is their purview, not ours,\" the city attorney said, while also urging the council to avoid substantive public comments on pending applications until any formal appeal or call‑up is before the council.

Why it matters: Residents said the project would be the first 50‑foot residential building in Hermosa Beach and could set a precedent that changes neighborhood scale and livability. Several speakers urged the council to explore legal arguments to oppose or condition the development before it reaches the Coastal Commission. City staff said neighbors can review files during business hours and that two council members may call a Planning Commission decision up for council review.

Provenance: topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"block_6439.96\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"My name is Anna Jung. I live, next door to a, proposed project at 3550... We live at 3422 Hermosa Avenue. This is Brian Chung, right? And we've lived there for 37 years. And there's a proposed ... it's supposedly approved at 50 feet and a half, which is twice as tall as our house.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}, topicfinish: {\"block_id\":\"block_9360.85\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":140,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I think it might help you all a lot to understand what's going on with it all. Do some research about Builders Remedy. Find out about it. Either form and join or join a group that is working on this already. And and try and educate yourselves about what Builders Remedy is and why it's here and and so on.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}},","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hermosa Beach City Council Meeting - March 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Residents urged the City Council to oppose a proposed 50‑foot, five‑unit development on Palm Drive they say would exceed long‑standing 30‑foot residential height limits; city staff and the city attorney explained the planning, appeal and Coastal Commission steps and noted state \"builder's remedy\" rules may affect local authority.","taxTitle","Hermosa Beach City, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",71860,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6638836,"Hermosa Beach council amends Clark Building use policy, removes prohibition on hard liquor",1838,9494000,11332000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2568113-db29ecbbc2835fed46511852b9064787&start=9494&end=11332","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2568113-db29ecbbc2835fed46511852b9064787/thumbnail_9494000.jpg","/articles/6638836/Hermosa-Beach-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Hermosa-Beach-council-amends-Clark-Building-use-policy-removes-prohibition-on-hard-liquor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6638836-18be384bf46da37dfbe8037a17b39471/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202184&Signature=C3FjSwBOXpRhHYOoDg-gamvovVnqQ2aB8OsUc9qKoq4BIluKBlDpaYCsf78GWb1pu3tHzjZKGYB5mu0VBHeD-UyoGAPdF7zR9tKoEZPwdb4-koMkrS0usqUapU25CLZF1LMDqxtm31Bp8VNQhHKlo2xNl~R~v8Pu7OPSj~xHZsJ7O27CFyAMjZ3GjCQtaVCsWCSuqk2ctE~NWW2wrT2r5Zku5lSZq705MBPjnpgA1mTkpBnYrag5vH4UDNzCTPMfnS76R4efOrnUJJWXiUmWYMvVS6HYQTVqYGlNSn2tX-2HWAA3zsjpD9KyvTEejIDYKMqiKRlwESQn6QdIZK9zKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hermosa Beach City Council on March 11 approved changes to the Clark Building use policy and rental rates after a sizable council discussion and public comment. Councilmembers debated amplified‑sound permitting, insurance minimums, whether renters may bring their own tables and chairs and whether hard liquor should be allowed.

Councilmember Keegan led questioning about several provisions, including a requirement that reservation holders obtain an amplified‑sound permit in addition to the city’s provided sound equipment and a proposed ban on hard liquor and kegs. Staff told the council that municipal code requires permits for amplified sound and that insurance limits reflect standard city practice for facility rentals.

After public comment from community members who urged clarity and competitiveness for the newly reopened building, the council amended the draft to remove the proposed prohibition on hard liquor and to ensure any related permit language matched existing alcohol permit categories. Councilmember Keegan moved the change and the council adopted the amended policy unanimously.

Council members said they expect to review the policy’s implementation and collection of feedback after the building has been used for events; staff said amplified‑sound permits and the city’s municipal code requirements will continue to apply and that the city will provide support to prospective renters on insurance and other logistics.

Provenance: topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"block_9494.995\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Next we have item 15 gs, approval of the amended Clark Building use policy and reservation rates.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}, topicfinish: {\"block_id\":\"block_11331.76\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Motion carries unanimously.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}},","After debate, the council unanimously approved an amended Clark Building use and rental policy, dropping a proposed ban on hard liquor and keeping insurance, amplified sound permit and single‑use plastic prohibitions under review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6638840,"Hermosa Beach Council approves grant‑funded mobile digital computers for police; lieutenant reports full staffing",1978,5982000,7960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2568113-db29ecbbc2835fed46511852b9064787&start=5982&end=7960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2568113-db29ecbbc2835fed46511852b9064787/thumbnail_5982000.jpg","/articles/6638840/Hermosa-Beach-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Hermosa-Beach-Council-approves-grantfunded-mobile-digital-computers-for-police-lieutenant-reports-full-staffing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6638840-df5ed2f88e1677821a13248db3977cce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202184&Signature=GA3zmKTRXVezxlcNad8YHyN5xthiYvlMS82Mjm0vFP5bj63o4KQLqTI7VajN9ViHqVt6LzgZpzkRjr4iN~gn0G856H9wZ0nJyTrs67xXQNWbqn~rcN3CGa-98lhgSYM7lTnPfS1GtFUHuK78tQTezm7EHO2A1~DUHP1bh9X-kbLvbs6fsOljQ0DbqGUbbP-6GXGbVGokQj1DIaXNU9XZ58Ht4MkiSK5NblhaznMcb3RhBTW9MIcjDXN7tghkrdYE9iFfVgu8DseJUBt-jTlX0pYl4xf49TSmIQG0-QUnm-G4IY4ct9vlTek-NE4vuBQow9N3DpuARyerTD2~VbL5RA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hermosa Beach City Council on March 11 authorized staff to buy 29 mobile digital computers (MDCs) and supporting hardware for police and community service vehicles, funded by federal grant dollars intended to establish a real‑time crime center.

Lieutenant Joe Polstra presented the staffing report and said Hermosa Beach Police are fully staffed and even maintain a list of qualified applicants, a contrast he said with neighboring agencies facing recruitment shortfalls. \"We are not only fully staffed here in Hermosa Beach, but we actually have a waiting list of qualified candidates,\" Polstra said.

Police staff told the council the MDCs are a key component of the real‑time crime center and will be used across the fleet; 16 units were proposed for police vehicles, 11 for community service fleet vehicles and two as spares or command units. City staff said the purchase would be covered entirely by the federal grant and recommended awarding the equipment contract through a cooperative purchasing agreement.

Councilmember Ray Jackson moved approval of the purchase and the council approved the staff recommendation. City staff said the MDCs will be integrated with other real‑time crime center elements, including software and camera systems, as grant funding allows.

Provenance: topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"block_5942.74\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":90,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Good evening, madam city manager, mayor, mayor pro tem, council members. I am very pleased to introduce myself to you, Joe Polstra, Lieutenant with Hermosa Beach PD. And I'm even further pleased to give you a staffing report.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}, topicfinish: {\"block_id\":\"block_15118.955\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":160,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"The city of Hermosa Beach has secured, $963,000 in federal grant funding to establish a real time crime center aimed at enhancing law enforcement response and community safety. The essential part of this real time cry crime center can be broken down into 3 components. That's, computers, software, and cameras.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}},","Council authorized purchase of mobile digital computers for police vehicles to support a real‑time crime center funded by federal grant money. Lieutenant Joe Polstra told council Hermosa Beach Police are fully staffed while neighboring agencies report shortfalls.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6638844,"Hermosa Beach outlines Pier Avenue paving, pier testing and library accessibility work ahead of spring season",291,3168000,3459000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2568113-db29ecbbc2835fed46511852b9064787&start=3168&end=3459","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2568113-db29ecbbc2835fed46511852b9064787/thumbnail_3168000.jpg","/articles/6638844/Hermosa-Beach-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Hermosa-Beach-outlines-Pier-Avenue-paving-pier-testing-and-library-accessibility-work-ahead-of-spring-season","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6638844-0ad1232e693583378ac901d14b094a0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202184&Signature=J-XBiFX6tHygp~LjAo5UzrxSxZK~bCIz5s7dKWNCAAc6bgK0wttYU4Me70-zU~O32lc9MiYpr4N2IRxJFqgfkJvZKi2JHZOzmMWpWvfwUQOJZwb7MNpyuzhZzr8sRCwxlxyM~HzhhJx7bC7v91DxG3FEjukyLVOQEiVOYSBoxiNrgFM1fl7VzcgeA-0kyX1OB8pjY1vtHmFK9ovv0rMZDdoNcjAlIbxyLAw7ATeP62eGl684RmM4wqJ3eNJK8hVyxT1rzlwKkUbYhZu0B6vazYyeK8w3UoT~UtFsMjf7-be6W3ECymhaTg9t~pd4T65oMjmIWT-20Qp8aYciZlGnHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Hermosa Beach City Council on March 11 that Pier Avenue resurfacing and repairs to Parking Lot A are scheduled to begin in April with the goal of completing major paving work before the Memorial Day holiday.

Public works director Joe San Clemente said the contractor will not close Pier Avenue to traffic and will phase work to preserve two-way traffic and minimize impacts to downtown businesses. He said most pre‑paving activities — land surveying, concrete ramps and minor sidewalk repairs — could span about five weeks but will not significantly affect traffic or parking. Grinding and repaving operations on Pier Avenue are expected to take two to three days for the roadway and about a day for Parking Lot A; work will be phased to reduce parking disruption. \"We expect paving work will take about a day for Parking Lot A and 2 to 3 days on Pier Avenue,\" San Clemente said.

San Clemente also described overnight sensor‑based structural testing planned on the pier to measure vibrations and help inform repair recommendations. The crew will work overnight from about 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for a portion of the tests; the city said crews will be west of the pier gate behind closed gates and that visible noise impacts should be minimal.

LA County’s planned accessibility improvements at the Hermosa Beach Library were also detailed. Greg McQueen, acting assistant director of capital projects and facilities for LA County Library, told the council the county will use grant funds to modernize the public restroom, add drinking‑fountain upgrades and install automatic exterior doors; the county expects the work to take three to four months and said it will try to keep the library open throughout construction, with possible short closures for specific work.

Why it matters: The paving and pier work affect downtown access and business operations during the busy spring and summer season. Library accessibility work will alter public access for a limited time. City staff said they will continue direct outreach to businesses and residents and keep a project website updated with phasing and schedules.

Council members asked about outreach and the accuracy of the 6‑week window cited in initial letters to property owners. San Clemente said the 6‑week span described in notices covers the total series of activities but not six weeks of continuous, full‑closure work on the roadway. \"We're not looking at 6 weeks of active construction on the roadway,\" he said, adding staff will share a detailed phasing plan after meeting with the contractor.

The city also noted that owners of outdoor dining decks will be asked to remove decks while paving proceeds; staff said it will work with affected businesses on temporary sidewalk dining alternatives at no cost during the removal period.

Provenance: topicintro: {\"block_id\":\"block_5248.515\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":140,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Good evening, mayor and council. Thank you. Sorry for the 1 minute delay. I have a few updates that I would like to share with you tonight. First to start off, CIP 6 23 are pure structural investigations as part of that ongoing work as part of CIP 6 23, our structural engineering team will be performing sensor based testing on our peer deck panels next week.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}, topicfinish: {\"block_id\":\"block_5699.65\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"The work will require 3 portable restrooms to be located on the south side of the facility during the work and there will be 1 space occupied for the staging of equipment and to facilitate construction. We're working in close, coordination with the county, and we'll continue to provide updates, as they are available.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}}, ","City staff detailed timing and steps for Pier Avenue and Parking Lot A resurfacing, overnight pier sensor testing and LA County-funded accessibility upgrades at the Hermosa Beach Library; crews aim to finish major downtown work ahead of Memorial Day.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Neighbors urge Hermosa Beach to oppose 50‑foot development using "builder's remedy"; city outlines review process

Hermosa Beach council amends Clark Building use policy, removes prohibition on hard liquor

Hermosa Beach Council approves grant‑funded mobile digital computers for police; lieutenant reports full staffing

Hermosa Beach outlines Pier Avenue paving, pier testing and library accessibility work ahead of spring season