Henry Chao

The session included a closed session that resulted in no reportable actions, followed by general announcements. Key announcements covered complimentary holiday parking until December 25th, details for the Santa sleigh parade and movie night on December 12th, and information regarding the Beach Cities toy drive wrapping party on December 20th, 2025. Additionally, announcements were made regarding the schedule for Giant Menorah lighting ceremonies across the South Bay in December and promotion for the Kowanas Christmas tree lot for charity. The council then addressed procedural matters, removing two agenda items (17B regarding the residential parking program and 17F regarding electric vehicle parking spaces) after initial votes and subsequent requests for clarification/revotes. The primary discussion focused on an update from Chief Phillips concerning the November 21st, 2025 assault incident involving a resident and several juveniles. The Chief confirmed the victim was hospitalized, all seven involved juveniles were identified, and two were arrested and charged. The investigation remains ongoing to interview remaining parties and present the full case to the District Attorney's office for potential further charges. The council also approved the balance of the agenda.

The meeting included a closed session session, which involved no reportable actions. Following this, announcements were made regarding the State of the City address scheduled for January 15th. The council addressed agenda approval, pulling one consent calendar item (15H) related to Planning Commission minutes concerning development at 901 Hermosa Avenue and parking requirements for increased square footage. Proclamations and presentations honored the winners of the Los Angeles Public Library 2025 children's bookmark contest and the 16th annual parking permit art contest, with discussions about the inspiration behind the winning designs. Public comment included a detailed presentation from the Chairman of the Hermosa Beach Planning Commission regarding concerns over parking penalties for a precise development plan and a request to reconsider restrictions on commissioners speaking about staff reports. Another speaker provided thanks for the successful unveiling of the centennial mural and addressed the purpose of the Green Store business.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and roll call, confirming a quorum. A modification to the agenda was approved, moving the item on future agenda items to just before adjournment. The commission noted the transition of the Community Resources Department to the Parks and Recreation Department. Key updates included progress on the tree replanting plan for Valley Park, which was approved by the City Council, and the decommissioning of the subcommittee reviewing the commission's roles and responsibilities. A significant discussion involved an upcoming major Cal Water utility project for water main replacement along Aviation, 9th Street, 10th Street, and AASO, slated to start February 9th, with construction hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Concerns regarding pavement restoration standards and coordination with the city's annual pavement project were addressed. The commission also approved the consent calendar, which included the minutes from the November 19th meeting. CIP status updates noted the recent completion of sewer improvements and the Lot C elevator modernization project.

The initial portion of the meeting involved audio testing and a call to order for the close session. Key discussions included the announcement that Close Session Item 4 D, Hermosa Beach versus ICRMA, would be continued to a future meeting. The City Clerk provided announcements regarding Council Member Jackson joining virtually under AB2449 requirements and the mandate for all subsequent votes to be taken by roll call. The City Attorney reported no reportable actions from the close session. During the regular meeting portion, the agenda was approved after a contentious motion to move item 17c regarding the adjustment of fees for commercial encroachment areas to the next meeting, which passed 4 to 1 against one dissenting vote. The meeting then moved to proclamations and presentations, featuring a K9 Armor presentation. Police Chief Phillips introduced Officer Ivan Torres and K9 Arco, an apprehension dog that will eventually be trained in explosives detection. Suzanne Saunders, co-founder of K9 Armor, requested a $4,000 donation from the council to provide K9 Arco with a ballistic vest, citing that the department currently has no vests for its only canine, which has specialized apprehension skills beyond previous department K9s. Questions clarified that current department canines lack ballistic protection and that any fee adjustments would take effect 30 days after adoption.

The meeting commenced with a closed session where the board approved a resignation agreement with a certificated employee, including terms for severance payment and release of claims. Following the flag salute, the open session began with the approval of the agenda. Announcements included updates from the Valley Student Council regarding leadership class focus on communication skills, the success of the student store, and ongoing art projects including ceramic masks and rattles for a fundraiser. Updates were also provided on the yearbook progress, speech and debate preparation, and PLTW projects focusing on measurement and game design. The board received reports and discussion on the midyear Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) review for year two of the three-year plan, confirming alignment with strategic goals concerning inclusion, academic achievement (aiming for a 2% annual increase), and community engagement/enrollment. Discussions also touched upon budget expenditures, the receipt of additional Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant funding, and analysis of chronic absenteeism rates by grade level, noting higher rates in TK and Kindergarten compared to middle school. Action items related to data tracking systems and attendance incentives were discussed.