Los Angeles County will not build winter sand berm at Hermosa Beach pier; city to reduce some accessible beach mats for winter

Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors has informed Hermosa Beach that it will not construct the traditional winter sand berm in front of the lifeguard station near the pier this year, Community Resources staff told the Parks and Rec commission on Dec. 3. Staff said the county determined current and foreseeable beach conditions do not meet the county's criteria for constructing the berm and that there is no structural risk to the lifeguard station.

Community Resources staff also reported difficulties maintaining accessible beach mats at Second and 20 Second Streets during recent winters because strong winds and storms deposit large amounts of sand on the mats. To align with Los Angeles County practice and reflect maintenance realities, staff said the city will reduce the number of mats at those locations from November through March, but will retain and commit to maintaining the Eleventh Street mat during winter months. Staff said they will continue to evaluate options for returning mats at Second and 20 Second Streets in future years.

Several commissioners and members of the public asked whether the city could build the berm itself. Staff said the city lacks the coastal development permit and the necessary equipment to construct the berm independently, making local construction more complicated than it may appear.

The changes affect accessibility on the beach during winter storms; staff said the city will continue to evaluate options and monitor conditions going forward.