BeachLife’s Sanford named is Mayor’s Person of the Year
by Kevin Cody During his introduction of Allen Sanford as the 2023 Mayor’s Person of the Year, Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand recalled the day in 2017 when Sanford pitched him an idea for breathing new vitality into the slumbering Redondo waterfront. The presentation was made following the Mayor’s State of the City breakfast, last […]
50th Anniversary Ironman more celebration than competition
Photos by Ray Vidal by Kevin Cody Chaos is the defining quality of the Hermosa Beach Fourth of July Ironman. Most of the competitors puke before crossing the finish line. After running and paddling a mile competitors must chug a six-pack, and keep it down or be disqualified. But this year, the Ironman’s 50th anniversary, […]
Letters to the Editor 7-6-23
Neighborhood cooties Dear ER: One of the major points missed by the neighbors reacting to the proposed rezoning of the St Cross campus (“Neighbors oppose St. Cross property upzoning,” ER June 29, 2023) is that state law requires all cities – including our beloved Hermosa – to have a housing plan. The upzoning of St. […]
Kevin Sousa celebration of life also celebrates Hermosa Beach
by Kevin Cody Among the many speakers who introduced themselves as Kevin Sousa’s best friend, Mike Collins was the only one to presume to know what Sousa would say to the estimated 500 mourners who gathered for his memorial paddleout Sunday morning at the Hermosa Beach pier. “Kevin would tell us to feel the sun, […]
Letters to the Editor 6-29-23
Velzy the man, the legend Dear ER: With questions raised about the historical accuracy of a proposed Dale Velzy plaque, the Manhattan Beach City Council delayed approval, pending research and historical review. Following a month of staff work and volunteer research, and endless discussion, when compromise/consensus language was finally reached for approval, the Manhattan Beach […]
Memorial for Sousa, the musician, activist, therapist
A celebration of the life of Kevin Sousa will be held Sunday, June 25, beginning with a paddle out in the morning south of the Hermosa Beach pier, and followed by music and remembrances in the afternoon and evening on Pier Plaza. Sousa cast a wide net prior to succumbing to melanoma last month, just […]
Letters to the Editor 6-22-23
Man to see missed Dear ER: I met Kevin Sousa in 2012 at the start of the Keep Hermosa Hermosa campaign to stop oil drilling in Hermosa Beach (“Just the man to see,” ER June 8, 2023.) I often wished I had met him earlier. His passing is a great loss for Hermosa Beach, but […]
Hermosa Valley School will require students e-bike safety course
by Kevin Cody E-bike stickers indicating completion of an e-bike safety course will be required of Hermosa Valley students who wish to park their e-bikes on campus next fall. Students must also have a helmet to park their e-bikes on campus. Bike helmets for riders under 18 are mandated by the state. But the mandatory […]
HB Fiesta Wizard is vanishing
by Kevin Cody Mike Bell, the wizard behind the Hermosa Beach Labor Day, and Memorial Day Weekend Fiestas for the past three decades, announced his retirement as the fiestas’ manager this week. “It’s time to spend more time with my family,” Bell said. “But I wanted to make sure we brought the event back to […]
Kevin Sousa Water/Music Memorial planned in Hermosa Beach
A celebration of the life of Kevin Sousa will be held Sunday, June 25, beginning with a paddleout in the morning south of the Hermosa Beach pier, and followed by music and remembrances in the afternoon and evening on Pier Plaza. Sousa cast a wide net prior to succumbing to melanoma last month, just a […]
Letters to the Editor 6-15-23
One nation, one flag Dear ER: Applause and thanks to Redondo Beach Councilmember Nils Nehrenheim for standing his ground (“Pride Flag Raised in RB,” ER June 8, 2023). The American flag is the only non-discriminatory, all-inclusive symbol that represents and unites all of us. This is not an attack on the LGBTQ+ community. I have […]
Letters to the Editor 6-8-23
Forever young Dear ER: What a fantastic tribute to a true South Bay icon whom we lost far too early, but who accomplished more than most if they live to be a 100. His legacy will live on in our community (“Just the man to see,” ER June 1, 2023). Stein Lager ERNews comment […]
Letters to the Editor 6-1-23
Teacher’s lesson Dear ER There are a few issues to address here (“Manhattan Beach Unified teachers reject district’s offer of six percent pay increase,” ER May 25, 2023). First, any “double digit” increase is in reference to a two year contract, and would be the combination of sequential single digit increases. Second, it is hard […]
First fins to the finish: ‘Finologist’ Larry Allison paddles against the tide with fins designed to make paddleboards faster
By Kevin Cody Larry Allison is confident his newest fin concept will be validated at the Fifth Annual South Bay Paddle on Saturday, June 3. Approximately 100 prone paddleboarders will compete in the 15-mile race, which runs south from the Hermosa Beach pier to Torance Beach, then four miles out to sea to the R10 […]
MBMS students sing to the rafters
Photos by Kevin Cody Manhattan Beach Middle School music director Denise Haslop said she knew her school’s new 5,000 square foot music building had proved its $4.1 million value when a student said to her, “Ms. Haslop, I can hear myself.” Performances Monday afternoon by the MBMS choir, the MBMS String Ensemble, and a flute […]
Katz rides into history
Pioneering cyclist Julian Katz was remembered Sunday with dedications of the Julian Katz Bike Route, and the Julian Kaatz Bike Corral in downtown Hermosa Beach, After he retired from a career as an engineer Katz served two terms on the Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission and was president of the Hermosa Beach Lawn Bowling Club. […]