[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",6582462,"mediaKeyId","3091069-99b6ddb9b60bcf304db978f89a67f051","parentId",3091069,"title","Council authorizes response to Brown Act letters; interim city attorney named","audioSeconds",906,"startMs",16324000,"endMs",17230000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3091069-99b6ddb9b60bcf304db978f89a67f051&start=16324&end=17230","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3091069-99b6ddb9b60bcf304db978f89a67f051/thumbnail_16324000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6582462/Hermosa-Beach-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-authorizes-response-to-Brown-Act-letters-interim-city-attorney-named","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582462-66071a28997f62ca6d860bd32dbfc86b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189164&Signature=BI5hKntGnowxjB7p6tv5bxrTPqW02qhomw5i5X80UrDZiRGDhzSZce1WK16Ns~HIoCuFdTpl20KPmRUhxPrmGcJHwGgbMJxzhk2yLbq21nDdjyGn9vL7lVkWTklSEooYMvOtKbTKs2~rwb1ztTkgHB1FMKqwjRQEmqyDNgjMT~5fzRB9fns4vB5kd9ZXSYoKz-IqnZZTFoPgzXz~viYBww1kQHq15ZWBvykXK88tWlIO3DFOoWEYmHT1WE2m9C-eqA4VmdXxuZCOKjZw-dX5BmjqpkJ0psIHIWxZH9Anl263lGVIa5ZdxOSnSYP3ARXdQXrX4W07VW63V57JBp3IqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Hermosa Beach, CA","date","2025-04-23T06:28:35.987Z","article","The Hermosa Beach City Council on April 22 addressed two procedural complaints under California’s Brown Act arising from recent discussion about short‑term vacation‑rental policy. The council authorized standard, statutory responses and took a closed‑session personnel action to appoint an interim city attorney.

Cease‑and‑desist letter: The city received a cease‑and‑desist letter alleging a Brown Act violation because a public email concerning the council’s short‑term vacation‑rental item was not posted on the city’s web page before the meeting. City Attorney staff reported that the form of response required by the Brown Act allows the city to unconditionally commit to “cease and desist” the alleged conduct without admitting a violation. The council directed the mayor to send the standard, unconditional response language to the complainant; the council voted 5‑0 on the staff recommendation.

Cure and correct letter: The city also received an anonymous “cure and correct” demand alleging multiple Brown Act violations related to the same short‑term‑rental item. The city attorney reviewed the allegations and concluded that many of the points either do not identify Brown Act violations or fall outside the narrow categories that the cure‑and‑correct statute addresses. The council directed staff to send a written response by email to the anonymous sender declining to cure and correct on the grounds explained in the staff report; the motion carried 5‑0.

Interim city attorney appointment: In closed session the council appointed Todd Leishman of Best Best & Krieger (BB&K) as interim City Attorney, effective April 28, 2025; the appointment was reported as unanimous. The closed‑session report also stated the city’s public‑employee performance evaluation of the city manager was continued to a future meeting.

Why it matters: The Brown Act (California Government Code § 54950 et seq.) establishes public‑meeting and public‑access rules for local jurisdictions. The cease‑and‑desist and cure‑and‑correct remedies are procedural mechanisms that let a public agency respond and, in some cases, avoid litigation by either committing to comply or by “curing” a procedural defect. The council’s responses attempt to resolve the procedural complaints without admitting a violation.

What to watch: Any amended litigation filing by a complainant could raise the Brown Act questions again; the city’s written responses and any future procedural changes will be in the public record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hermosa Beach City Council Special Meeting - April 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Hermosa Beach City Council acknowledged two Brown Act notices related to recent short‑term vacation‑rental discussions, directed the mayor to send the statutory cease‑and‑desist reply, declined to ‘cure and correct’ an anonymous submission, and in closed session appointed an interim city attorney.","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},6582465,"Council advances $1M Kelly Courts project to restore four courts, address safety and access",1995,18399000,20394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3091069-99b6ddb9b60bcf304db978f89a67f051&start=18399&end=20394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3091069-99b6ddb9b60bcf304db978f89a67f051/thumbnail_18399000.jpg","/articles/6582465/Hermosa-Beach-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-advances-1M-Kelly-Courts-project-to-restore-four-courts-address-safety-and-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582465-1b1f5115dda0e816005e2bb21f1644b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189164&Signature=BeroiRjTTV4P0SIjIEondOQP15MIxIQJs~BGFhlsWIT3ukBGSCqd9jB89sMpHwJlAdmG6pdbiuQmxstorz-wJOGF~uUYO82ANGyo-i68YR6SFes8jAsB1rR7s74smBfxIZ51OC9F3s3KMoBBYsmeAfdiBeRiPZ14peWvDcMen2lb3~SHsun7O24pVL1zhXf6SQtw-OU1u3k0E37c69wTkSSoOIhEUHmI~ZWnG388arHuN6KE5O-OED5aCcU-GvwiVFXezlKgm3sQzRrBuwptfloofVicdBZjEyd96pHTGJlz9BwxngLU6Ax4RVmrioYDSaGGp93gGXt3gTZjTR6zqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hermosa Beach City Council on April 22 approved staff’s recommendation to advance CIP 6‑19, a Kelly Courts improvement project that aims to repair surfaces, correct dimensional nonconformities, replace fencing, improve lighting and add required ADA access so the complex can support four playable pickleball courts and accompanying tennis and basketball facilities.

The council vote was 5‑0 to proceed with the project as proposed and prepare a new contract award should bids be within budget. City staff said the project budget contains a little over $1 million; bid results earlier in 2025 had produced a low bid in the roughly $800,000 range that would have fit the existing appropriation with contingency. Staff warned that delaying rebidding could raise prices.

Why it matters: The project responds to two issues that have kept two of the Kelly complex’s pickleball courts closed: (1) court layouts and dimensions that do not meet current standards and create safety and trip risks, and (2) failing surfacing, fencing and lighting. Restoring the two closed courts will ease high reservation pressure on the two existing playable courts; staff reported roughly 270 registered pickleball members and said walk‑on access is rare because the courts are nearly always reserved.

What the project does: Public Works Director Joe San Clemente and Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols said the work will (a) push and expand a concrete slab toward the basketball court to obtain required length for pickleball courts; (b) move a westerly retaining wall to obtain tennis‑court width; (c) replace fencing and windscreen; (d) upgrade lighting and replace court equipment; (e) add an accessible path and restripe ADA parking; and (f) resurface and repaint courts to correct cracks and trip hazards.

Public input: The project was reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Public Works Commission; both commissions recommended advancing the project and suggested reengaging a stakeholder group to revisit court‑use policy once the facility supports four courts.

Speakers for and against: Residents and pickleball players testified in support of advancing the project, citing access problems and the sport’s community value. Opponents and some nearby residents raised concerns about noise, the adequacy of neighborhood notice for earlier commission meetings, and asked that commissioners and staff fully consider “alternate uses” prior to rebidding. Staff said signage and direct notices had been sent to membership lists and that the council had previously received multiple CIP updates on the project.

Cost and schedule: Staff said the project currently shows a little more than $1 million in the CIP. Earlier bids would have placed construction near $800,000; staff said the largest costs relate to wall relocation, fencing and lighting upgrades. If council directed rebidding under the current design, construction could begin as soon as the fall (staff estimated October) subject to bid results and coordination with Clark Building reopening, farmers market, Little League and park events.

Council action and next steps: Council approved staff’s recommendation and directed staff to proceed with the project procurement and continued community engagement on court‑use policies. Staff will return with contract award recommendations if bids meet budget and scope constraints.","The Hermosa Beach City Council voted 5‑0 to advance CIP 6‑19, a project to resurface and reconfigure the Kelly Courts complex so that four pickleball courts can be restored, correct non‑standard dimensions, improve fencing, lighting and ADA access, and reopen temporarily closed courts.",{"_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},6582470,"Hermosa Beach wins federal funding for HB Cares and Real‑Time Crime Center; Congressman Lieu honored",687,7352000,8039000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3091069-99b6ddb9b60bcf304db978f89a67f051&start=7352&end=8039","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3091069-99b6ddb9b60bcf304db978f89a67f051/thumbnail_7352000.jpg","/articles/6582470/Hermosa-Beach-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Hermosa-Beach-wins-federal-funding-for-HB-Cares-and-RealTime-Crime-Center-Congressman-Lieu-honored","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582470-453aca0028abfb1a9690be34f93c749e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189164&Signature=CAu2vMJOBIa5LFuoXoFCVY6o3ik2uoiur~feyWeyBL8pmeAx841utp~DY1ncjvRMOixjRsBeU3rRmJvFBRBsNP6i91z2TfUMI33Dd~0iK1iMkuV0jlvqTVZopEqjOdxMG1z0Ls1KsapIJoll3X8wZkqV8SQYVTuTxSQ2lemPhpv4DrBZx4N24IjLt7K9La4iuevjBpv~Q4KZ6uSycdD22RFGAjtAw3pmEhT86ghuXL244~EQALbj~GcpQmOXOUmJIE8AP1RfAc6FG6gSDctScpaNL-6SqACgr9-RktOIwPp4fKdAHGZgH79pwNUG3MvNJCfsppUgVKd95jDMePgArw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hermosa Beach officials on April 22 accepted two federal grants that the city says will fund HB Cares, a civilian mobile crisis response program, and a Real‑Time Crime Center for the police department.

Congressman Ted Lieu visited the council chambers to present the awards and was recognized by the council and city staff for securing the funds. Lieu said the two grants total about $4,963,000: approximately $4,000,000 for HB Cares and $963,000 for the Real‑Time Crime Center.

Why it matters: The grants fund two operational programs the city and police chief say will change how the city responds to mental‑health crises and how patrol officers receive investigative support. Officials described the investments as enabling both diversion from law‑enforcement responses and faster, more targeted police investigations.

HB Cares: a two‑person civilian response
City Manager Suja Lowenthal told the audience the HB Cares program, launched in 2024, provides an evidence‑based alternative response for mental‑health and behavior‑related calls within Hermosa Beach’s 1.4 square miles. The program pairs a clinically trained clinician with a licensed EMT or peer supporter in a two‑person mobile response team.

Lowenthal said the team provides de‑escalation, crisis stabilization, referral to mental‑health treatment, and follow‑up support and wellness checks for unhoused residents. She thanked the HB Cares team members who attended the meeting by name.

Real‑Time Crime Center: what it will do
Police Chief Paula LeBaron described the planned Real‑Time Crime Center as a “21st‑century model” for policing that will connect city and partner cameras, automated license‑plate readers the city owns, and other law‑enforcement data into decentralized workstations accessible to officers in the field. Chief LeBaron said the center will provide real‑time leads, speed investigations, and reduce misdirected stops by helping officers “know who we’re looking for” during incidents.

LeBaron also said the center is intended to promote regional information sharing with neighboring agencies and to support accountability by documenting evidence that can be used in court.

Federal funding and recognition
Congressman Ted Lieu said his office selects and champions funding for projects that can be executed and sustained; he described Hermosa Beach as having the staff and leadership to deliver the grants. Lieu presented two award checks in the council chambers and praised the city’s execution capacity.

What to watch: City staff will publish project schedules and program details, including how cameras and license‑plate readers will be deployed and how privacy and civil‑liberties safeguards will be managed.","Congressman Ted Lieu presented two federal awards to Hermosa Beach that will fund a mobile mental-health response (HB Cares) and a police real‑time crime center. City officials and the police chief described services and technology funded by the grants.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":46,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6582475,"Hermosa Beach public speakers overwhelmingly back city manager as council continues review",16224,1006000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3091069-99b6ddb9b60bcf304db978f89a67f051&start=1006&end=17230","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3091069-99b6ddb9b60bcf304db978f89a67f051/thumbnail_1006000.jpg","/articles/6582475/Hermosa-Beach-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Hermosa-Beach-public-speakers-overwhelmingly-back-city-manager-as-council-continues-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582475-d04b6bbc4667f42296d47cf490083a14/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189164&Signature=I2nOzJ5kNGtWXtdSy7WVk81AU968sjikhkDPIdK8Hcm775jRgzXBIuL~4fWZruRS1brylXS7R~ekv4YFiOvEVgRUbBGWpcbXPeXYzul3jQq6B~O5~P~KfxGP-IAyDssBWNvWYeaupkKFF5di4RHbRTm0SJU1~o~dtKeLRE5m~fEQjoJl8MEz6SPVarmGn0PyigBvPqBtc8osFmPDUO70BeJNsxQ1joVxW19eUdgZaCPrChNCLRmZfqEdwb~2e8-RMu1RrEVlLlPqpDaRfhpkraU7LqfqaUJ-GzMbLx0Hmp7Y-NPXG08qR21RZmBwZz8ajwC7QaPP1WDmjKt9WcOdNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents, labor leaders and city staff urged the Hermosa Beach City Council on April 22 to retain City Manager Suja Lowenthal and to handle any evaluation transparently.

The public comment session drew sustained, often personal testimonials about Lowenthal’s leadership from employees, union representatives, school and faith leaders, police managers and residents. Many speakers credited Lowenthal with rebuilding departmental capacity, securing grant funding and improving public-safety staffing and interagency partnerships.

The comments came before the council recessed into closed session to consider a personnel evaluation. City Attorney staff later reported the city continued the public-employee evaluation to a future meeting tentatively scheduled for April 28 around 7 p.m., and that 32 members of the public spoke on the closed-session item.

Why it matters: The city manager is the council’s chief executive and the single employee formally evaluated by the council. Public testimony at the April 22 meeting framed the item as consequential for city operations and staff morale; many speakers said abrupt action would undercut ongoing capital and public-safety initiatives.

What speakers said: John Cordova, superintendent and representative of the Hermosa Beach Professionals and Administrative Employees Association, told the council Lowenthal “rolls up her sleeves to make it happen” and credited her with securing “critical long overdue upgrades” that let staff serve residents safely and effectively. Dr. Susan Wilds, superintendent of the Hermosa Beach City School District, said Lowenthal had “elevated what’s possible” in school–city collaboration and urged the council to oppose any change to current leadership.

Representatives of city labor organizations also spoke. Carlos Rubio, president of Teamsters Local 911, said the city had “made progress in day-to-day operations, labor relations, and overall negotiations” under Lowenthal. Joe San Clemente, public works director, and members of the police management group described results in capital projects and public-safety staffing; Landon Phillips, speaking for the Police Management Association, highlighted a fully staffed police department and recent federal partnerships that he attributed in part to the city manager’s office.

Opposing voices: A small number of speakers questioned Lowenthal’s practices and the timing of the review. Matt McCool alleged hiring practices that he characterized as efforts to “buy loyalty,” and raised other accusations; those claims were contested in public reply by many who testified in Lowenthal’s support. Several speakers urged the council to respect personnel confidentiality and to follow standard evaluation processes.

Council action and next steps: After public comment and a closed-session recess, the city attorney reported the evaluation item was continued to a future meeting tentatively set for April 28 at about 7 p.m. The council did not take a public vote on the city manager’s contract or termination on April 22. The council also received a closed-session report noting 32 public comments on the closed-session agenda.

What to watch: The council’s next posted agenda or staff reports for the April 28 meeting will show whether the evaluation item is placed for action, which would be an explicit public step toward any change in employment status.","Dozens of residents, labor groups and public safety leaders urged the Hermosa Beach City Council not to remove City Manager Suja Lowenthal. The council moved the performance-evaluation matter to a future meeting after hearing public comment and recessed to closed session.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council authorizes response to Brown Act letters; interim city attorney named

Council advances $1M Kelly Courts project to restore four courts, address safety and access

Hermosa Beach wins federal funding for HB Cares and Real‑Time Crime Center; Congressman Lieu honored

Hermosa Beach public speakers overwhelmingly back city manager as council continues review