CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH
CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting Agenda - Addendum
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
6:00 PM
Council Chambers
1315 Valley Drive
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
CITY COUNCIL
Dean Francois, Mayor
Rob Saemann, Mayor Pro Tem
Mike Detoy, Councilmember
Ray Jackson, Councilmember
Michael D. Keegan, Councilmember
David Pedersen, City Treasurer
APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Suja Lowenthal, City Manager
Patrick Donegan, City Attorney
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Brandon Walker, Administrative Services Director
Reanna Guzman, Acting City Clerk
Lisa Nichols, Community Resources Director
Angela Crespi, Deputy City Manager
Paul LeBaron, Police Chief
Joe SanClemente, Public Works Director
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990
To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) are available for check out at the meeting. If you require special assistance to participate in this meeting, you must call or submit your request in writing to the Office of the City Clerk at (310) 318-0204 or at [email protected] at least 48 hours before the meeting.
PARTICIPATION AND VIEWING OPTIONS
Hermosa Beach City Council meetings are open to the public and are being held in person in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Public comment is only guaranteed to be taken in person at City Hall during the meeting or prior to the meeting by submitting an eComment for an item on the agenda. As a courtesy only, the public may view and participate on action items listed on the agenda via the following:
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89968207828?
pwd=bXZmWS83dmxHWDZLbWRTK2RVaUxaUT092
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• Phone: Toll Free: (833) 548 0276; Meeting ID: 899 6820 7828, then #; Passcode: 472825 • Comment: Submit an eComment no later than three (3) hours before the meeting start time.
Supplemental Email: Supplemental emails are available for agenda items only and must be sent to [email protected]. Supplemental emails should indicate the agenda item and meeting date in the subject line and must be received no later than three (3) hours before the meeting start time. Emails received after the deadline but before the meeting ends will be posted to the agenda the next business day.
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Please be advised that while the City will endeavor to ensure these remote participation methods are available, the City does not guarantee that they will be technically feasible or work all the time.
Further, the City reserves the right to terminate these remote participation methods (subject to Brown Act restrictions) at any time and for whatever reason. Please attend in person or by submitting an eComment to ensure your public participation.
Similarly, as a courtesy, the City will also plan to broadcast the meeting via the following listed mediums. However, these are done as a courtesy only and not guaranteed to be technically feasible.
Thus, in order to guarantee live time viewing and/or public participation, members of the public shall attend in Council Chambers.
• Cable TV: Spectrum Channel 8 and Frontier Channel 31 in Hermosa Beach • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CityofHermosaBeach90254 • Live Stream: www.hermosabeach.gov/agenda
If you experience technical difficulties while viewing a meeting on any of our digital platforms, please try another viewing option. View City Council staff reports and attachments at www.hermosabeach.gov/agenda.
Pages
13. MUNICIPAL MATTERS
*13.g DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE CITY OPTIONS IN RESPONSE TO JANUARY 2025 LOS ANGELES AREA FIRES ADDED PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54954.2(B)(1). - 25-CMO-009
4 (Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright)
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends City Council receive and file an update on the ongoing Los Angeles County wildfires, their impacts, and the City’s emergency preparedness and response measures.
City of Hermosa Beach | Page 1 of 6
Meeting Date: January 14, 2025
Staff Report No. 25-CMO-009
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE CITY OPTIONS IN RESPONSE TO JANUARY 2025
LOS ANGELES AREA FIRES ADDED PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54954.2(B)(1).
(Emergency Management Coordinator Maurice Wright)
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends City Council receive and file an update on the ongoing Los Angeles County wildfires, their impacts, and the City’s emergency preparedness and response measures.
Executive Summary:
This report provides a situational update on the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County and their associated impacts. While Hermosa Beach remains outside the immediate threat zone, secondary impacts such as deteriorated air quality, potential power disruptions, and increased community demands underscore the City’s proactive measures and regional interconnectedness. This update outlines the City’s multidepartmental efforts to safeguard residents and prepare for evolving challenges.
Background:
On January 7, 2025, multiple wildfires—including the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst Fires— ignited across Los Angeles County. Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, exceptionally dry conditions, and low humidity, these fires rapidly spread, causing evacuations, extensive property damage, and tragic loss of life.
As of January 13, 2025, more than 40,000 acres have burned, over 12,000 structures have been destroyed, and containment remains a challenge due to rugged terrain and persistent winds.
Current Status:
Palisades Fire: ~24,000 acres, 13% contained
Eaton Fire: ~14,000 acres, 27% contained
Hurst Fire: ~800 acres, 89% contained
Kenneth Fire: Fully contained (~1,000 acres)
Air quality in Hermosa Beach has been adversely affected since January 8, 2025, due to wind-driven ash and particulate matter.
City of Hermosa Beach | Page 2 of 6
Discussion:
City of Hermosa Beach Response
As the tragic wildfires in Los Angeles County continue, here in Hermosa Beach, the City remains focused on the immediate impact of unhealthy air quality with a priority of the safety and wellbeing of City team members, residents, contractors, visitors, and businesses.
Below is a comprehensive update on potential impacts and the actions taken by the City in response to wildfire and Red Flag conditions.
Communication and Coordination
Emergency Meetings—Key City staff convene daily to assess wildfire impacts, disseminate updates, and adapt operational strategies.
Regional Collaboration—Emergency Management Coordinator maintains continuous contact with the Area G Emergency Coordinator, Los Angeles County Fire Department (Station 100), and other regional partners to align response efforts.
Staff and Public Safety Measures
Indoor Air Quality—HVAC systems in City facilities were shut off to prevent circulation of outdoor pollutants. Staff working indoors were not required to wear a mask, however masks were readily available in all departments. Outdoor Activities—Staff and contractors limited outdoor work. KN95 masks were distributed, and mask usage was encouraged for necessary outdoor tasks, with guidance to replace every two hours.
Health Monitoring—Staff was instructed to report any respiratory symptoms immediately.
Public Information and Outreach
Community Alerts—Timely updates regarding air quality, safety precautions, and wildfire developments were disseminated via Alert South Bay, the City’s website, and social media platforms.
Emergency Preparedness Resources—Promoted readiness materials and family emergency plans to residents.
Enhancing Community Preparedness
CERT Training—Efforts are underway to revitalize the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, with new training sessions scheduled for June 2025.
City of Hermosa Beach | Page 3 of 6
City Department Actions
The City Manager’s Office
Through the City’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator staffed in the City Manager’s Office, the City continues to refine its emergency plans, conduct regular drills, and actively engage with residents to foster community-wide resilience. Comprehensive emergency plans and protocols are in place, ensuring the City is well-equipped to respond effectively to a range of potential emergencies.
The City encourages all residents to take proactive steps to prepare for emergencies.
This includes developing a family emergency plan, assembling emergency supplies, and staying informed about potential hazards and emergency procedures. Further information on emergency preparedness and helpful guides can be found on the City's website at www.hermosabeach.gov/beready.
In collaboration with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the City is actively planning to revitalize the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The next round of CERT training sessions are scheduled for June 2025. Efforts are currently underway to promote this valuable program to residents and encourage wide participation in enhancing our community’s preparedness.
Other actions taken:
Collaborating with the City’s communications team to prepare communications alerting residents to the air quality concerns and recommended precautions. Maintaining contact with Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 100, ensuring readiness for local emergencies while supporting mutual aid deployments.
Coordinating with public safety departments to remain prepared for evacuation or other emergency support needs, if conditions change.
Coordinating with Beach Cities Health District to support our vulnerable residents.
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Full Staffing at Station 100—Despite mutual aid deployments, Engine 100 and Squad 100 remain fully staffed and stationed at Fire Station 100 ready to respond locally.
Administrative Services
Staff Safety Notifications—Disseminated comprehensive guidance on safety precautions during wildfire and Red Flag conditions.
City of Hermosa Beach | Page 4 of 6
City Clerk’s Office
Dissemination of Public Information—The City Clerk’s Office diligently answered a volume of phone calls received on the City’s main phone line to provide timely incident related information.
Community Development
Air Quality Monitoring—Monitored outdoor air quality and limited outdoor inspections and code enforcement to minimize exposure risks for staff.
Community Resources
Outdoor Program Adjustments—Due to poor air quality, the Community Resources Department closed outdoor recreational facilities in accordance with rainy day procedures. The P.A.R.K After School Program was moved indoors to align with the Hermosa Beach City School District operational adjustments.
Outdoor Instructional programing was moved indoors, cancelled, or rescheduled.
Public Works
In addition to staff and public safety measures detailed on page 2, staff oversaw the following actions.
Dust Control—Contractors implemented additional measures, including hosing down work sites to reduce airborne particulates.
Street Sweeping—Adjusted schedules to address ash accumulation.
Hermosa Beach Police Department
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of officers during periods of elevated wildfire activity and associated air quality concerns, the Hermosa Beach Police Department implemented the following measures.
Dissemination of Information—Regular notifications and advisories regarding air quality conditions and recommended precautions communicated to all sergeants and watch commanders.
Local Operations— Maintained full readiness to address any local emergencies. Regional Support— Deployed officers to assist with mutual aid efforts in wildfireaffected areas. Deployment consisted of three to four officers per shift, across two shifts per day as part of the Area G response.
Continued Preparedness—Officers remain on standby and anticipate further deployments to assist in response efforts in the coming days and weeks.
Air Quality
As of the writing of this report, the local air quality ranges from regular to moderate levels.
The City continues to closely monitor air quality conditions as reported by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), utilizing its air quality index ratings as a primary guide.
City of Hermosa Beach | Page 5 of 6
Water Quality and Supply
The City proactively works to prepare for significant emergencies, including coordinating closely with our water utility, California Water Service (Cal Water), to help mitigate potential impacts to our water supply. Concerning water availability during wildfire emergencies, although no urban water system is designed to battle wildland fires, we are aware that Cal Water has a comprehensive emergency preparedness program, takes numerous operational steps to support water system reliability in emergencies, and works directly with the City and our first responders both before and during such events. Having coordinated and trained jointly with Cal Water, we know these efforts are not just for fires but also for other potential disasters.
The City was also made aware that some Los Angeles County residents, directly impacted by the recent wildfires, received Boil Water Notices. Due to the nature of the wildfires and potential damage to water infrastructure, these notices were issued as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of drinking water. The Boil Water Notices do not currently extend to or impact the City of Hermosa Beach. Cal Water will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the City if necessary.
Southern California Edison Planned Power Outages
Southern California Edison (SCE) announced the possibility that Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) may be needed to keep our communities safe. While SCE makes every attempt to notify customers in potentially affected areas in advance, in situations where the weather shifts suddenly, they may be unable to provide advance notice. If a PSPS is necessary, SCE attempts to restore power to customers as soon as it is safe to do so. The City of Hermosa Beach is not currently included in a PSPS area and will closely monitor SCE's actions to disseminate any relevant information to residents.
Evacuation Alert Issued by Los Angeles County
On Thursday January 9, the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management mistakenly issued an evacuation alert to all residents within Los Angeles County, while the intended target area for the alert was significantly smaller. Los Angeles County Emergency Management is currently investigating the root cause of this issue, working closely with its vendor to identify and rectify the technical failures that led to the widespread dissemination of the erroneous alert.
To prevent future occurrences, all future emergency alerts from Los Angeles County will be transmitted through the State Emergency Alert System. Furthermore, the County is actively collaborating with state and federal partners, as well as cell phone providers, to implement measures that will enhance the reliability and accuracy of future emergency alerts.
City of Hermosa Beach | Page 6 of 6
Some residents may have also received a second evacuation alert, which was an "echo" message stored in cell phone towers. These messages were transmitted as cell towers came back online following the initial erroneous alert.
The City of Hermosa Beach immediately disseminated updated and accurate information to residents, emphasizing that Hermosa Beach was not under an evacuation order. This information was communicated through the City’s emergency notification system, Alert South Bay. To ensure timely and accurate local emergency alerts, the City encourages all residents to sign up for Alert SouthBay by texting HBALERTS to 888-777.
General Plan Consistency:
This report and associated recommendation have been evaluated for their consistency with the City’s General Plan. Relevant Policies are listed below:
Safety Element
Goal 5. High quality police and fire protection services provided to residents and visitors.
Policy:
5.2 High level of response. Achieve optimal utilization of allocated public safety resources and provide desired levels of response, staffing, and protection within the community.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
Attachments:
1. Los Angeles County Situation Report Dated January 13, 2025
2. How You Can Help Guide
3. Link to Hermosa Beach BE READY Symposium
Respectfully Submitted by: Maurice Wright, Emergency Management Coordinator Reviewed by: Angela Crespi, Deputy City Manager
Approved: Suja Lowenthal, City Manager
How You Can Help
The City of Hermosa Beach extends its deepest sympathies to all those impacted by the recent devastating wildfires that have affected Los Angeles County and surrounding regions. We recognize the significant hardship and loss experienced by our Southern California neighbors. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the brave first responders, including members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, who have worked tirelessly to combat these fires. How to Donate, Give Blood, and Volunteer:
American Red Cross Los Angeles Region
LA Fires in person Volunteer Opps
Emergency Network Los Angeles
The Salvation Army
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation Wildfire Emergency Funding California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund Wildfire Recovery Fund - California Community Foundation Airbnb.org Offering Housing Assistance to Wildfire Victims LA Works - Ways to Donate and Volunteer
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Los Angeles SPCA
Pasadena Humane Shelter
The Pasadena Community Foundation
YMCA's Centers for Community Well-Being
World Central Kitchen
Westside Food Bank