Hermosa Beach, California
Hermosa Beach is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Its population was 18,566 at the 2000 census, and was estimated to have reached 19,435 in 2006.The city is located in the South Bay region of the greater Los Angeles area and is one of the three Beach Cities. Hermosa Beach is bordered by the other two, Manhattan Beach to the north and Redondo Beach to the south and east.The city's beach is popular for sunbathing, beach volleyball, surfing and paddleboarding. The city itself extends only about 15 blocks from east to west and 40 blocks from north to south, with the Pacific Coast Highway running down the middle. Situated on the Pacific Ocean, Hermosa's average temperature is 70 degrees in the summer and 55 degrees in the winter. Westerly sea breezes lessen what can be high summertime temperatures in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the county and help keep the smog away 360 days of the year.A paved path, called The Strand, runs along Hermosa's beach from Redondo Beach in the south approximately twenty miles north to Santa Monica and the Hermosa Beach pier is at the end of Pier Avenue, which is one of the beach community's main and shopping, eating and partying areas.
History
Hermosa Beach was originally part of the 1884 Rancho San Pedro Spanish land grant that later became the ten-mile (16 km) Ocean frontage of Rancho Sausal Redondo. In 1900 a tract of 1,500 acres (6 km²) was purchased for $35 per acre from A. E. Pomroy, then owner of the greater part of Rancho Sausal Redondo. Messrs. Burbank and Baker, agents, bought this land for Sherman and Clark who organized and retained the controlling interest in the Hermosa Beach Land and Water Company,In early days, Hermosa Beach — like so many of its neighboring cities (Inglewood, Lawndale, Torrance) — was one vast sweep of rolling hills covered with fields of grain, mostly barley. During certain seasons of the year large herds of sheep were grazed over this land, and corrals and large barns for storing the grain, as well as providing shelter for horses and farm implements were located on the ranch between Hermosa and Inglewood. The Spanish words Rancho Sausal Redondo mean a large circular ranch of pasture of grazing land, with a grove of willow on it.The first official survey was made in the year 1901 for the board walk on the Strand, Hermosa Avenue and Santa Fe Avenue; work on these projects commenced soon after. In 1904 the first pier was built. It was constructed entirely of wood even to the pilings and it extended five hundred feet out into the ocean. The pier was constructed by the Hermosa Beach Land and Water Company. In 1913 this old pier was partly washed away and later torn down and a new one built to replace it. This pier was built of concrete 1,000 feet (300 m) long, and paved with asphalt its entire length. Small tiled pavilions were erected at intervals along the sides to afford shade for fishermen and picnic parties. A bait stand was built eventually out on the end. Soon after, about 1914, an auditorium building was constructed; it has housed various enterprises and at present the public rest rooms, the Los Angeles Life Guard Service, and the local branch of the Los Angeles County Public Library occupy rooms in the building. This pier is municipally owned.The Santa Fe Railway was the only transportation system through Hermosa Beach. It was seven blocks from the beach. The street that led to the tracks was called Santa Fe Avenue, but was later renamed Pier Avenue. There was no railway station for Hermosa, but Burbank and Baker built a railway platform on the west side of the tracks near Santa Fe Avenue, and later the Railroad Company donated an old boxcar to be used as a storage place for freight. In 1926, the Santa Fe Company built a modern stucco depot and installed Western Union telegraph service in it.The first city election for city officers was held December 24, 1906. The town incorporated and its charter was obtained from the state on January 14, 1907. Hermosa Beach was incorporated in 1907 and celebrated its 100 year anniversary on January 14, 2007. On January 14, 1907, Hermosa Beach became the nineteenth incorporated city of Los Angeles County.The name Hermosa comes from Spanish and means 'beautiful,' an accurate description of this beach dwelling community looking out on sunsets.
Parks and recreation
The wide flat beach makes Hermosa Beach one of the most popular places to play beach volleyball, from professional to amateur. Hermosa Beach is home to the AVP Hermosa Beach Open tournament, and several amateur CBVA tournaments during the year. The Strand stretches north into Manhattan Beach and south into Redondo Beach and is a popular place for walkers, joggers and biking. Of the three Beach Cities, only Hermosa Beach owns its own beach. The other two cities' beaches are owned by the county of Los Angeles.Running parallel to The Strand is a lovely linear trail known today as the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt. Once part of a railroad easement, this narrow 24-acre (97,000 m2) strip had long been the subject of heated controversy and pressure from various commercial interests. After years of litigation and wrangling, the city was poised to permit intensive retail and condominium development in the mid-1980s when a grassroots group spearheaded by activist Rosamond Fogg forced the matter to a vote. The City Council at the time was divided over whether the matter was of much importance but after an energetic and passionate campaign, the citizens found that the greenbelt was a vital recreational resource and mandated its preservation for the use and enjoyment of residents and visitors. This ballot initiative passed by almost 87%, the highest in California history.[citation needed] The public also substantiated this effort by taxing themselves millions of dollars in order to purchase the lands.[citation needed] As a result, the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt has the quality of a rural country lane, home to butterflies and many bird and animal species. At any time of day or night joggers and walkers enjoy its soft woodchip trails and graceful landscaping. The Greenbelt is also now part of the Federal Rails to Trails network. RUDAT (an urban architectural planning group) found that Hermosa Beach, thanks in large part to the existence of the Greenbelt, was a 'world class pedestrian city' as attested to by RUDAT member Jerry Compton in the public record at The city also has eight other parks:Cypress Park also known as Clark Field (9th & Ardmore) -Baseball/SoftballDiamond,BasketballandTennisCourts
South Park (Valley Drive & 4th) - Children's play area,Inline HockeyRink, Large open field forSoccerandFootball
Bi-Centennial Park (4th & Ardmore)
Fort Lots-o-Fun (6th & Prospect)
Noble Park (The Strand & 14th)
Edith Rodaway Friendship Park (Prospect between Gentry & Hollowell)
Valley Park (Valley Drive & Gould)
Skateboard Park ( Pier Ave)
Other facilities:Roller Hockeyrink (South Park) - 4th and Valley Drive is frequently used for friendly pick-up games and league matches.
Basketball(Cypress Park) - Two outdoor courts on 9th and Valley Drive
Baseball/Softball(Cypress Park)- Lighted field with lights on 9th and Valley Drive behind the basketball and tennis courts
Tennis- Lighted courts on 10th and Valley / Ardmore
Skateboarding Park- Lighted park behind the Hermosa Beach Playhouse
Lawn Bowling Clubis located next to Clark Building at 861 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach. Open to the public and they furnish equipment and instruction to beginners. The club was founded in 1936, when Mayor John Clark obtained the approval of the City Council to install a green at his own expense. In 1958, a clubhouse was donated and in 1963 a second green was laid. In the 1960s, over 150 bowlers could be seen all dressed in white. When membership waned, the second green was lost to the basketball court. The club is informal and seeks new members.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 18,566 people, 9,476 households, and 3,553 families residing in the city. The population density was 5,012.8/km² (12,982.4/mi²). There were 9,840 housing units at an average density of 2,656.8/km² (6,880.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 89.58% White, 0.80% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 4.40% Asian, 0.22% Pacific Islander, 1.68% from other races, and 2.91% from two or more races. 4.82% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.There were 9,476 households out of which 14.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.6% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 62.5% were non-families. 39.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.95 and the average family size was 2.65.In the city the population was spread out with 12.0% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 55.0% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 6.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 112.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.8 males.The median income for a household in the city was $81,153, and the median income for a family was $104,645. Males had a median income of $67,407 versus $50,295 for females. The per capita income for the city was $54,244. About 1.7% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.1% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.There are eight hotels and one youth hostel in the city.
Local Government
According to the city’s most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city’s various funds had $32.4 million in Revenues, $33.9 million in expenditures, $93.8 million in total assets, $12.2 million in total liabilities, and $23.0 million in cash and investments.The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:The Beach Cities Health District , provides health and wellness services to the residents of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach. The voters of the three beach cities elect the 5-member Board of Directors to 4-year terms. One of 78 California Health Districts , it was created in 1955 as South Bay Hospital and took on its current name in 1993. Beach Cities Health District opened AdventurePlex , a Manhattan Beach fitness center for kids and their families, in 2002. Filled with mazes, tunnels, outdoor rock climbing walls, complex ropes courses, and an indoor gym, AdventurePlex challenges children physically and intellectually in health-focused recreational activities.The United States Postal Service Hermosa Beach Post Office is located at 565 Pier Avenue.
Politics
In the state legislature Hermosa Beach is located in the 28th Senate District, represented by Democrat Jenny Oropeza, and in the 53rd Assembly District, represented by Democrat Ted Lieu. Federally, Hermosa Beach is located in California's 36th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of D +11 and is represented by Democrat Jane Harman.In the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama won 61% of the vote compared to 36% for John McCain.
Education
Hermosa Beach has its own elementary school and middle school but high school students are served by either Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach where rankings are in the 80 to 90th percentiles. Hermosa Beach residents are zoned to Hermosa Beach City School District for grades (Kindergarten through 8).In 2005, Hermosa Valley and Hermosa View schools were honored as U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Schools, along with 33 California schools and less than 300 schools across the nation. The award was based on academic achievement. Hermosa schools are among the top 10% of schools in the state with students scoring at or above the 90% in the highest grade tested in reading and math. For the award, the Department of Education reviewed growth in scores over a three-year period.The district has two schools:Hermosa View Elementary(Kindergartento Grade 2)
Hermosa Valley Elementary (Grades 3 through 8)
Mira Costa High SchoolofManhattan Beach Unified School Districtor
Redondo Union High Schoolof theRedondo Beach Unified School District
The Hermosa Beach City School District as a whole received a score of 915 on the 2006 California Academic Performance Index, neighboring Manhattan Beach Unified School District scored just below at 906 making it one of California's best performing districts. Each individual school also ranks at the top of its respective category.Hermosa Beach also has a private school:Our Lady of Guadalupe, aCatholic schoolwith classes up to the eighth grade. Although it is a religious school, there is no convent so most classes are taught by lay persons. Religious studies and services are provided by Franciscan friars and priests.
Geography
Hermosa Beach is located at 33°51′59″N 118°23′59″W / 33.86639°N 118.39972°W / 33.86639; -118.39972 (33.866314, -118.399681).According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.3 km² (5.9 mi²). 3.7 km² (1.4 mi²) of it is land and 11.6 km² (4.5 mi²) of it (75.80%) is water.
Climate
Average air temperature - (Summer 74 °F (23.3 °C)/ Winter, 55 °F (12.7 °C))Average water temperature - 60 °F (15.5 °C) (Summer 68 °F (20 °C)/ Winter 50 °F (10 °C))Hermosa Beach has an average of 325 days of sunshine a year. Because of its location, nestled on a vast open bay (Santa Monica Bay), morning fog and haze is a common phenomenon in May, June and early July (caused by ocean temperature variations and currents). Locals have a particular terminology for this phenomenon: the 'May Gray' and the 'June Gloom'. Overcast skies are common for June mornings, but usually the strong sun burns the fog off by noon. Nonetheless, it will sometimes stay cloudy and cool all day during June, even as other parts of the Los Angeles area will enjoy sunny skies and warmer temperatures. At times, the sun shines east of PCH, while the beach area is overcast.As a general rule, the temperature is from 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (3 to 5.5 degrees Celsius) cooler than it is inland. A typical spring day (mid-April) is sunny, pleasant and about 68 °F (20 °C). In the summer, which stretches basically from May to late October, temperatures can reach to the mid-80's Fahrenheit (about 30 °C) at the beach. In early November, it is about 68 °F (20 °C). In late January, temperatures are around 63 °F (17 °C). It is winter, however, when the hot, dry Santa Ana winds are most common. In mid-December 2004, temperatures soared to 84 °F (28 °C) in Santa Monica, for a few straight days, with perfectly sunny skies.The rainy season is from late October through late March. Winter storms usually approach from the northwest and pass quickly through the Southland. There is very little rain during the rest of the year.Hermosa Beach usually enjoys a cool breeze blowing in from the ocean, keeping the air fresh and clean. Therefore, smog is less a problem for Hermosa Beach than elsewhere around Los Angeles.
Economy
According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:
Cost of living
The beautiful beach lifestyle comes at a price: according to public data from the LA Times, real estate prices increased almost 20% per year between 1999 and 2005.[citation needed] Properties within short walking distance of the ocean routinely sell for well over US$1.5 million. Those with direct, unhindered views routinely ask in excess of $2 million. Money Magazine ranks communities in the area as some of the most expensive places to live in America. Homes located on The Strand frequently sell for $3–10 million. The home pictured to the right sold in 2003 for $8,100,000. The average 3-bed 2-bath home costs about $649 per square foot or $1,500,000 as of 2006.[citation needed]West of PCH single homes mix with apartments, some have sunset views. East of PCH, the hills rise into upper middle class neighborhoods of tract homes with custom touches. Since the 1980s gentrification has set in, and many single-family dwellings and apartment buildings have been razed for condominiums. Multiple housing units dominate slightly over single family homes.
Events
HermosaBeach.orgCity of Hermosa Beach Event Calendar
Fiesta HermosaArts and crafts festival which has taken place for the last 35 years every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend
SouthBayEvents.comThe locals' weekly entertainment and activities guide to Hermosa Beach.
Hermosa IronmanUnofficial triathlon every July 4, consisting of running a mile in the sand, paddling a mile on a surfboard, and downing a 6-pack of beer. Then keeping it down for 15 minutes.
AVP Hermosa Beach OpenStarted in 1969 and typically in June. Attracts combinations of pros and near pros. It's best to know a local to get in.
Hermosa Beach Film FestivalStarted in 2005 and typically in August. Short films from each year are chosen to be screened at theHermosa Beach Playhouse
International Surf FestivalSurfing,Paddleboarding, Pier to PierSwimEvents. Beginning of August
Hennessey's Paddle Board FestivalU.S. Paddleboard Championships. Typically in July.
Hermosa Beach Sunset Concert free concert series from bands who perform on the beach. Starts July 22 - Aug. 5 (3 Weeks)
Farmers' MarketEvery Friday from 12 noon to 4 pm, rain or shine. (Valley Drive between 8th and 10th Streets)
Sand and Strand Run The second oldest standing run in the L.A. area. Unique is its course design, with 45% of the run on the Strand and 55% on the beach. February during low tide.
Shakespeare by the Sea- the South Bay'sfree Shakespeare in the Park company. Performances run June through August in a variety of venues in Los Angeles and Orange County.Shakespeare by the Sea
TheLighthouse Cafe, a seminalWest Coast jazzvenue, is located in Hermosa Beach.
Hotels
There are seven hotels in Hermosa Beach ranging in price from $79–$450 per night depending on the season. All hotels are within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and nightlife. The following list below is sorted by price and distance from the beach.Beach-House.comBeach House located on The Strand (Rates $250 – $450)
Hbinn.comGrandview Inn located 1 block off The Strand (Rates $150 & Up)
SeaSpriteMotel.comSea Sprite Motel located on The Strand (Rates $125 & Up)
Hiehb.comHoliday Inn Express located on PCH (Rates $125 & Up)
HamptonInn.comHampton Inn located on PCH (Rates $150 & Up)
QualityInn.comQuality Inn located on PCH (Rates $100 & Up)
HotelHermosa.comHotel Hermosa located on PCH (Rates $79 & Up)
Notable residents
Adrianne Curry: First winner ofAmerica's Next Top Modelwho appeared onMy Fair Brady,The Surreal Life, and was featured on the cover ofPlayboytwice
Christopher Knight: Actor,The Brady Bunch,The Surreal Life, andMy Fair Brady
A. J. Cook- actress onCriminal Minds
Bill Butler- cinematographer
Bill Simpson- racecar driver (retired)
Brent Barry- professionalNBAbasketball player
Carson Daly- television personality
Daniel Tosh- comedian
Eric Fonoimoana- professionalAVPvolleyball player
Hollie Self- The Biggest Loser Season 4 Finalist
Jack Black- actor who grew up in Hermosa
Jacqueline Frank DeLuca- water polo goalie;bronze medalist, 2004 Summer Olympics
Jason Acuna-Jackasspersonality, actor and professional skateboarder
Jim Finn- professionalNFLfootball player
Jimmy Kimmel- television personality
Kerri Walsh-Gold medalistand professionalAVPvolleyball player
Kyle Harrison- professionallacrosseplayer and 2005Tewaaraton Trophywinner
Rachel Hunterand LA KingsJarret Stoll
Mae Marsh- former actress
Michael Strahan- professionalNFLfootball player
Misty May-Treanor-Gold medalistand professionalAVPvolleyball player
Morgan Ensberg- professionalMLBbaseball player
Raymond Pettibon- Contemporary American artist largely associated with the LA Punk scene; notably Black Flag.Also the brother of Greg Ginn of Black Flag.
Rodney Mullen- professional skateboarder
Ryan Starr- OnAmerican Idol
Steve Lyons- former professionalMLBbaseball player,Foxsportcaster and currentDodgersbroadcast team
Ted Coombs- Author of 'For Dummies' computer books series
Ty Page- Professional skateboarder
Peter Revson- race car driver
Derryl Cousins-MLBumpire for 27 years
Albert Hannemann -Gold medalistand professionalAVPvolleyball player
Amber Willey - professionalAVPvolleyball player
Chad Mowrey - professionalAVPvolleyball player
Scott Ayakatubby - professionalAVPvolleyball player
Teri Polo - Actress 'Meet the Fockers', 'Meet the Parents'
Tiffany Jestadt Rodriguez - professionalAVPvolleyball player
Victoria Prince - professionalAVPvolleyball player
Media
In addition to the Los Angeles Times, Hermosa Beach is served by local daily the Daily Breeze and local weeklies the Beach Reporter and the Easy Reader. One of the main online references for locals and visitors is the online home of the venerable Easy Reader at EasyReaderNews.com and SouthBayEvents.com, which offers a weekly entertainment guide, as well as a full local business listing. The TV show Summerland was partly filmed here.
Trivia
Segments of the television show The O.C. were filmed in Hermosa Beach (and more in neighboring Redondo Beach), not Newport Beach. This was necessary because of union rules that make it expensive to film outside of Los Angeles County.In the late 1970s the hardcore punk band Black Flag emerged from Hermosa Beach, and played their first show at Valley Park. The infamous 'church' profiled in The Decline of Western Civilization was on Pier Avenue, though it has since been torn down.The punk rock band Descendents emerged from Hermosa Beach in 1976.An episode of Gilmore Girls (Season 4, Episode 17: Girls in Bikinis, Boys Doin' the Twist) was filmed at the Sea Sprite Inn where Rory went to 'Florida' for spring break.Hermosa Beach has been the sister city of Loreto, Baja California Sur, since 1967.
