Residents and student advocates press Hermosa Beach commission to form pool subcommittee

Speakers during public comment urged the commission to take formal steps toward securing community pool access or partnerships for Hermosa Beach.

"We need you to form a subcommittee to look into this," Christine Schultz, a Hermosa resident, told commissioners, noting the pool has been identified as a top priority in past Hermosa Beach master plans and that the community had missed partnership opportunities with neighboring agencies. Students and youth-advisory members reinforced the request, arguing that teens need accessible swim lessons, training and junior-guard programs.

Representatives of local swim organizations described operational constraints. Keo Libiano, membership chair for the Surfside swim team, said about 20% of their roster are Hermosa residents and that lane space at local pools is limited, forcing programs to drop offerings for younger swimmers. Retired lifeguard Scott Davey noted the long-term community benefits of pools but cautioned on cost and ongoing operations funding.

Staff responded that the department has advised advocacy groups to begin "best practice research" (potential locations, estimated budgets, funding opportunities) until staff capacity allows formation of a staff-supported subcommittee. "We've been in touch with Redondo Beach's parks and recreation department," staff said, and pledged follow-up with Beach City's Health District to clarify partnership opportunities.

No formal vote creating a pool subcommittee was taken; commissioners asked staff to follow up and report back. The item also appears on the commission's future-agenda list for additional review.