The Hermosa Beach Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Advisory Commission on Jan. 6 recommended that City Council approve a proposed LA Galaxy "soccer celebration" — a series of World Cup watch parties on the beach south of the pier — with conditions to protect public access and safety.

Staff described the proposal as a July 2026 series of event days that would include a stage, a large screen for broadcasts, merchandise sales and sponsor activations, and an estimated maximum attendance of up to 3,000 people per day. The staff report included a fiscal impact estimate (staff listed $16,310 in expected city revenue and direct staff/service costs noted in the report); staffing and any police costs would be determined closer to the event date and borne by the event producer, staff said.

LA Galaxy representatives said the events build on prior watch‑party experiences in Hermosa (notably 2014 and 2022). "We really value this community," Nick Gilbert, LA Galaxy director of game presentation and events, told commissioners during the hearing. Kara Korber, LA Galaxy senior director of business development, clarified the program is a league‑led "soccer celebrations" partnership with MLS and FIFA but is not an official FIFA fan zone that would use FIFA marks.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about crowd control, audio and staging, and how the event would overlap with the long‑standing AAU Hermosa Beach beach volleyball championships. Staff told the commission they had met with both LA Galaxy and AAU to coordinate logistics and that the two producers agreed to delineate footprints, coordinate sound, and share certain services where appropriate. To address limited space, staff asked the commission to recommend a one‑time policy exception to allow four temporary AAU volleyball courts slightly south of the commercial zone so both events could proceed on the same dates.

After public comment — which urged careful accounting of direct and indirect costs and attention to impacts on adjacent neighborhoods — a commissioner moved to recommend approval with the caveat that the event not include a VIP section located on the sand. The motion was seconded and carried 5‑0.

Next steps: the commissionwill forward the recommendation to City Council for final action and staff will continue coordination among the event producers, public safety staff, and community stakeholders.