Hermosa Beach temporarily suspends residential street sweeping amid wildfire ash; staff updates on Cal Water coordination and upcoming CIP work

Hermosa Beach Public Works staff announced a temporary suspension of residential street sweeping late this week because sweepers were kicking up ash and creating dust clouds tied to recent wildfires north of the city.

Public Works Director told commissioners the suspension covers residential neighborhoods at least through Monday, with a tentative plan to resume Tuesday as staff and contractor Athens Services test mitigation approaches. The director said the city is monitoring air quality and coordinating with the county public health guidance that recommended avoiding leaf‑blower use to limit dust and ash mobilization.

Why it matters: street sweeping helps with cleanliness and stormwater compliance, but under the current conditions it worsens air quality and spreads ash into the breathing zone. The temporary pause is a short‑term public‑health mitigation while staff and the contractor try slower sweeper speeds and other tactics to reduce dust.

Other updates and coordination

Staff also briefed the commission on coordination with California Water Service (Cal Water). City staff said Cal Water’s water main replacement on Bayview Drive (Second to Eighth streets) has completed main installation and is finishing service connections; the city and the sanitation districts are coordinating final pavement restoration to avoid conflicting pavement work. Staff said the city borrowed a trench plate from Cal Water during the December emergency sewer repair and described the overlap as a fortunate coincidence that aided the emergency response.

Capital projects and parks

Public Works staff provided updates on multiple capital projects: Clark Building renovation is near the halfway point with interior framing and kitchen floor installed; the Greenbelt pedestrian trail has opened its southern portion (8th Street toward 11th) with decomposed granite path, new fitness equipment and tree plantings and the northern section is nearing completion; the city’s annual street improvement project received multiple bids and staff expects a contract award in the coming month; and the pier structural inspection found the pier safe for use but identified upcoming deck repairs that will require additional design and funding.

Storm drain and accessibility work

Council recently awarded a contract to address a storm drain runoff problem near Bard and Oak streets that will add a catch basin and connection to reduce runoff into a nearby mobile‑home park. Staff also briefed the commission on sidewalk and curb‑ramp projects on 24th Street at Palm Drive and 21st Street, including tree removal in the parkway and ADA upgrades.

Ending note

Staff said they are pursuing regional Measure M/C.O.G. grant opportunities for the Pacific Coast Highway mobility study and pedestrian safety improvements but noted awards, if received, would arrive later in the year. Staff reiterated the city’s approach to coordinate timing with utility work to minimize repeat pavement restoration.