CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING (STUDY SESSION) MINUTES

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Closed Session - 4:00 PM and Budget Study Session - 5:00 PM

Council Chambers

1315 Valley Drive

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Members Present:

• Mayor Dean Francois, 
• Mayor Pro Tem Rob Saemann, 
• Councilmember Mike Detoy, 
• Councilmember Ray Jackson, 
• and Councilmember Michael D. Keegan 

Staff Present:

• City Manager Suja Lowenthal, 
• City Attorney Patrick Donegan, 
• Interim Deputy City Manager Leo Zalyan, 
• Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker, 
• Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols, 
• Police Chief Paul LeBaron, 
• Public Works Director Joe SanClemente, 
• Acting City Clerk Reanna Guzman, 
• and Planning Manager Alexis Oropeza 

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1.

CALL TO ORDER—CLOSED SESSION 5:00 PM

2.

ROLL CALL

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann was absent during Roll Call.

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann arrived at the dais at 5:04 p.m.

Acting City Clerk Reanna Guzman announced a quorum.

3.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA

Sheryl Main

Let's talk about transparency for a minute - a word our current Mayor likes to throw around but clearly doesn't practice what he preaches. Why did Francois and Keegan do this at the last minute? Did they actually interview prospective candidates without Council's knowledge or approval? Why wasn't our City Manager advised of this in advance? What is so egregious that this had to be done behind closed doors? Who are the the former Hermosa Beach public servants also behind this? Didn't Suja receive a positive evaluation last Fall and glowing remarks from the Mayor at the SOTC? What is really going on here folks - this isn't about performance. Suja has done a good job. Has she made mistakes...yes. But she doesn't hide behind lies and false accusations - she acknowledges mistakes and moves on. She is being personally attacked by folks who are out of touch and maybe a tad misogynistic. I support Suja and appreciate everything she has done to keep Hermosa Hermosa. Sheryl Main

Matt McCool

It’s time to tell Suja Lowenthal her Long Beach does not belong in our Hermosa Beach. The extreme lack of transparency is to conceal her Long Beach agenda and even more to cover up her incompetence. For far too long the City Manager has acted as if the City Council works for her, and she might not comprehend she works for the City Council. With all these comments supporting the City Manager now, where were the comments in the years past? There are too many examples to list of the City Manager abusing her power, but this particular incident, the City Council is in discussion, Suja Lowenthal shakes off the issue to the City Attorney: https://www.facebook.com/726139689/videos/1315911365999453/ That is not her call to make.

Jeff Duclos

To the Hermosa Beach City Council. I had the honor to be serving the City as Mayor in 2018, when the City Council unanimously voted to hire Suja Lowenthal away from the City of Santa Monica and appoint her as the next City Manager of the great city of Hermosa Beach. Having worked with four City Managers who preceded her, I can say with great conviction that she has proven to be a great choice in guiding the city forward, as noted by a long list of accomplishments and key hirings. Her stellar work was demonstrated most recently by the contract bonus she received last year. She deserves the continued support by the City Council, mirroring that which she has received from the community at large. Jeff Duclos

Heidi Fernandez

Support for City Manager Suja Lowenthal Closed Session Agenda Item 4.d – PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Dear Mayor Francois and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council, I'm a 44-year resident of Hermosa Beach. Our city is everything to me. I want to express my full support for our highly competent and ethical City Manager, Suja Lowenthal. Today's City Council meeting lists a performance evaluation listed as Closed Session Agenda Item 4.d. Suja Lowenthal has demonstrated steady, capable, and visionary leadership and our city has benefited from her talent. She has made public safety a top priority, not just in words but in action. Her commitment to ensuring the safety of our city is evident in her strong partnership with the Hermosa Beach Police Department, her support for effective staffing levels, and her responsiveness to the needs of both residents and first responders. Through her leadership, we’ve seen a strengthened and more collaborative relationship between city staff and the HBPD; built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared goals. That’s the kind of infrastructure that keeps our streets safe and our community resilient. Beyond public safety, Suja has led with clarity and purpose on community initiatives, guided long-awaited infrastructure and beautification projects, and, perhaps most impressively, she has built a high functioning team. The city staff members are professional, accessible, and deeply committed to serving the residents of Hermosa Beach. This progress is the result of a City Manager who listens, plans, and executes with care and dedication. I expect members of our City Council to partner with the City Manager. The City Manager serves at the pleasure of the City Council, and unless an ethical issue is at stake, the time to make any changes is when a contract is expiring. Leadership is not found in scapegoating, but in collaboration, courage, and vision. Thank you for your time and service to our city. Sincerely, Heidi Fernandez Hermosa Beach

Dave DAvis

As a long time Hermosa business owner and 3x Chairman of the Board for the Hermosa Chamber of Commerce, I have spent quite a bit of time working with Hermosa city staff and with the City Manager, Suja Lowenthal. I have been impressed with the professionalism and communication from staff and from Ms. Lowenthal herself. While I don't agree with every decision, I appreciate that the process is always well thought out and fair to all parties involved. I am also very concerned that this surprise review seems to be a coordinated attack on Ms. Lowenthal between some council members and the same individuals that have been harassing her endlessly over the last few years. These personal attacks have more than crossed the line and are despicable. Our elected officials should not be rewarding those who harass our city officials and staff. In conclusion, I believe that the city has made significant progress in the last several years in terms of community improvement projects, policing and overall professionalism. I, for one, do not want to revert to the days of back room deals and secret handshakes.

lynne pope

please read attached. Dear Members of the City Council, Thank you in advance for allowing residents for input into the review of contract renewal of our City Manager. Many residents are stunned that the city has suffered so much loss from a lack of transparency, ineffective management, and misplaced priorities under her reign. The greatest loss by far is the mishandling of our Housing Element. For two years, critical deadlines were missed and residents weren’t informed and missed the opportunity to help resolve. When residents spoke out about the St. Cross location, local realtors were given a narrow 14-day window to identify other viable properties. They succeeded. Ironically, the city did not get the Housing Element certified on time. The result, a “Builder’s Remedy,” project in north Hermosa that is grossly out of scale with the existing homes.Then they missed the next deadline to the state. We don’t know the full extent of the damage to our rights and resulting losses, but they missed the State mandated deadlines because St Cross and the city had worked for two years undercover. In contrast, neighboring cities such as Palos Verdes approached this process with open forums, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative problem-solving involving business and community leaders. Hermosa Beach residents were denied that same transparency and involvement. This is unacceptable. We wondered how El Segundo and other cities handled the statewide issue so much more favorably. It falls directly on our lack of leadership and transparency. The same neglect has been to resolve residents concerns about the lack of disclosures, ineffective mailings, supervision about the cell tower, parking permits and the sales tax mailers.They consistently make it harder for Senior citizens to participate. Further concerns include excessive spending and questionable staffing decisions. The City Manager’s salary is reportedly doubled, and she has added a second assistant along with multiple hires from her former post in Long Beach. Meanwhile, critical infrastructure issues remain unresolved. There has even been talk of constructing a new $120 million civic center, because they didn’t repair or complete basic public facilities like the Clark Building and City Yard, also go unfinished. This raises serious questions, why build new when they can't even build a bathroom for under a million. Hermosa Beach deserves leadership that is responsive, transparent, and aligned with the values of our community. I respectfully ask that you consider these concerns carefully and advocate for the change we need. Let’s bring in leadership that understands and represents Hermosa Beach.

Jennifer Rosenfeld

I am a 35 year resident of Hermosa Beach and am writing to oppose the surprise attack on the City Manager. As a matter of transparency and due process, such reviews should occur with adequate notice to allow the community a meaningful opportunity to weigh in and council time to fully consider its actions. There is no reason to rush this process, except, apparently, to emulate the rush to chaos occurring at the national level.

Jose Bacallao

Support for City Manager Suja Lowenthal Closed Session Agenda Item 4.d – PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Dear Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council, As a longtime resident of Hermosa Beach, I write to express my full and unequivocal support for our City Manager, Suja Lowenthal, in connection with the upcoming performance evaluation listed as Closed Session Agenda Item 4.d. Suja Lowenthal has demonstrated steady, capable, and visionary leadership, earning the trust and gratitude of my family and many others in our community. Above all, she has made public safety a top priority, not just in words but in action. Her commitment to ensuring the safety of our communities is evident in her strong partnership with the Hermosa Beach Police Department, her support for effective staffing levels, and her responsiveness to the needs of both residents and first responders. Through her leadership, we’ve seen a strengthened and more collaborative relationship between City staff and our Police Department—built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared goals. That’s the kind of infrastructure that keeps our streets safe and our community resilient. Beyond public safety, Suja has led with clarity and purpose on community initiatives, guided long-awaited infrastructure and beautification projects, and, perhaps most impressively, she has built a team of City staff members who are professional, accessible, and deeply committed to serving the residents of Hermosa Beach. The progress we’ve experienced in recent years did not happen by chance. It is the result of a City Manager who listens, plans, and executes with care and dedication. With that in mind, I respectfully challenge each member of this City Council to demonstrate the kind of leadership our city needs right now. Voters did not elect you to sit idle or politicize our progress. They elected you to lead; proactively, strategically, and in partnership with a proven and effective City Manager. Leadership is not found in scapegoating, but in collaboration, courage, and vision. Suja Lowenthal has shown all of those qualities. I urge you to recognize her performance for what it is: community-centered, effective and impactful, and deserving of your full support. Thank you for your time and service to our city. Sincerely, Jose Bacallao Hb, CA

MC Guerry

I am frustrated that the city council is once again wasting everyone's time with an issue that does not need addressing at this time. This time it is an evaluation of the City Manager. She has done an excellent job and there is no reason to evaluate her at this time. I urge the council to support Suja Lowenthal and keep her as the City Manager.

Andrew Gawdun

I am appalled at this move a few members of our City Council has decided to try and play out. Making a move to waste time and resources on the removal of City Manager Lowenthal at a time when businesses are struggling, community support of the City rides low is disgusting and not what you were voted in for. To use personal disdain and hold a special meeting and even an attempt to keep this from the public is beyond disgusting. As a community resident, and business owner I actually implore you to use this same fervent attitude to find ways to support the businesses that are here and struggling and even using this same energy to entice new ones to come. Things like this get out to the greater community and at times put a sour taste in others mouths when Hermosa Beach is mentioned. Can you tell how disgusted I am yet? Over the past few years I have had the privilege of working with and meeting with City Manager Lowenthal on many issues that pertain to the business community. While I have not always agreed with the outcome or the cause of my meetings I have found a greater respect for City Manager Lowenthal and an equal respect for our City, and in fact learned more on how a City works. I have also had many occasions to work and communicate with her on issues that she did not realize the greater business community was experiencing. I have never felt this sort of open door policy with past City officials. Many of whom have been and are on this City Council. Before her we had a (IMO) terribly run police department that needed rehab of its own. With her efforts we have a police chief who is active in the community as well as a smoother running department. Nothing is perfect, but we have come far from where we were. With City Manager Lowenthal, works being done to update codes that this City needs to bring it to the front of the future like many around us have done or are currently in the process of. Stop acting like snakes in the grass. We need to b e working together for a better future and not one that serves a personal agenda or vendetta because of ones gender, cultural identity, age (which by the way many of these have been used as attacks against her in the past).

Elaine Kim

My name is Elaine Kim, and I am a resident of Hermosa Beach. I’m writing to express my concern regarding an agenda item listed for closed session — specifically, the evaluation of City Manager Suja Lowenthal. While I understand that personnel evaluations are generally handled in private, I believe this particular situation warrants greater transparency and public engagement, given the citywide implications of any decision related to the City Manager's future with Hermosa. The position of City Manager is not simply an internal staff role. It is one of the most visible and impactful positions in our city government. The decisions made by the City Manager affect every resident and business owner — from budgeting and public safety to sustainability and long-term strategic planning. For that reason, any consideration of her continued employment, especially if it involves termination or forced resignation, should involve input from the public and be part of a more open and accountable process. What’s especially troubling is the increasing sense that this evaluation process may not be entirely fair or procedurally appropriate. I’ve become aware — as have many residents — that certain councilmembers have openly discussed firing Ms. Lowenthal, even before any formal public discussion or performance evaluation took place. If true, this calls into question the impartiality of the process and raises concerns about whether her evaluation is based on objective criteria, or whether it has become politicized or personal in nature. Public trust is vital in government, and it's undermined when backdoor conversations appear to preempt formal procedures. If councilmembers have already made up their minds or are discussing termination outside the appropriate forums, that’s not only deeply inappropriate, it may also be a violation of city protocol and potentially a legal liability. Let’s also not forget that Suja Lowenthal has previously received a positive performance evaluation. There is no publicly documented history of misconduct, negligence, or failure to perform her duties. Her tenure has included strong leadership through challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, complex regional partnerships, and climate and infrastructure initiatives that align with Hermosa Beach’s values. To abruptly reverse course without clearly stated reasons or a transparent evaluation process seems not only unfair to Ms. Lowenthal, but risky for the city as a whole. I am seriously concerned that if this process leads to her dismissal under questionable circumstances, the city could face legal action — and likely an expensive one. In an era where public agencies are expected to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and good governance, the perception of retaliation or pretextual firing could open the city up to a lawsuit that diverts public funds away from the services and programs our residents depend on. Regardless of how any one person feels about the City Manager personally, this situation is bigger than one individual. It’s about how we as a city conduct ourselves — with integrity, openness, and due process. As a resident, I expect my elected officials to follow the rules, respect protocols, and ensure that all personnel matters — especially those involving high-level leadership — are handled in a way that is above board and in the best interest of the public. I urge the Council to consider the long-term ramifications of its actions and to recommit to a process that values fairness, public input, and transparency. If there are legitimate concerns about Ms. Lowenthal’s performance, then they should be documented and addressed through the proper channels — not through rumor, speculation, or political maneuvering. And if her evaluation continues to be held in closed session, the public at minimum deserves to be informed of the general nature of the concerns, and what standards are being applied in her review. Thank you for your time and for your commitment to serving the Hermosa Beach community. Sincerely, Elaine Kim Hermosa Beach Resident

Vimarsh Bakaya

We have been living in Hermosa for nearly 15 years now and have leveraged its parks and facilities over that time. Suja has been instrumental in helping the city run smoothly and its parks and facilities are cleaner and safer over her tenure.

Hans Geiger

Dear City Council: I use our parks and support CIty Manager Suja Lowenthal and her staff, who have made significant improvements to our parks including the addition and restoration of restrooms and improvements to Clark Field including the forthcoming restoration of two closed pickleball courts. Together with the completion of the Parks Master Plan and full staffing of our police and fire departments, Suja and her staff have made our parks safer and better for residents and visitors alike.

Robert Smith

The Best Little City... period. As a long-time resident, just wanted to express what a wonderful place our City is to live. We are community-minded, welcoming, inclusive, naturally friendly, and progressive in how the city is managed. We owe special thanks to the City Council over many years for sustaining this wonderful culture. And we appreciate our city staff for making this happen day-to-day. That especially includes Suja Lowenthal who has effectively managed operations as well as introduced new ideas to make the City even better. Thanks to you all. 

Anne Garvey

I’m not exactly sure where Mr Wolfe is getting his facts from with respect to PVE but my recollection is that in April 2019, the newly elected PVE city council fired Tony Dahlerbruch (it's city manager for nearly 6 years) and definitely went on to have a run of bad luck with at least 3 of the 4 replacement “professionals” they selected over the next 4 years: Laura Guglielmo : June 2020-August 2021 (left for Assistant Executive Officer position with Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) ) Mark T. Prestwich: February 2022-December 2022 (left for City of Hemet) Ms. Elaine Jeng : July 10, 2023 – February 2024 (left to become Central Basin’s new interim general manager) Mr. Kerry Kallman: March 2024-Present With respect to their Police Department, they had two stellar Police Chiefs between 2019 and 2022 Mark Velez: 2018-2020 (Retired) Tony Best: 2021-2022 (Retired) And after Tony retired Luke Hellinga (who joined PVE PD in 2001) became their new first class Police Chief and still holds that awesome position today and Palos Verdes Estates remains the only town on the Peninsula with its own police force. They did lose their incredible Human Resources Director/Assistant to the City Manager Karina Banales in 2021 when she left to join the city of Rancho Palos Verdes as Deputy City Manager and their irreplaceable brilliant Public Works Director Ken Rukavina retired in 2022. My understanding is that their public works department is currently staffed by their long-time contract engineering company HRG. For the record.

Ira Ellman

One of Suja Lowenthal’s best traits is her leadership, which is reflected in the quality, morale and loyalty of her management team. She has put together an exceptional team: Police Chief, Public Works Director, Parks & Rec Director, Administrative Services Manager, etc. Hermosa’s police department is fully staffed (not a usual occurrence) and is extremely well respected by residents. Capital expenditure projects have been completed at a solid rate. Turnover seems to be reasonable, despite sub-optimal facilities. Suja’s staff and City Council have worked together to keep the city on solid financial ground. Losing Suja would result in a loss of her leadership, likely some of her management team, her breadth of Hermosa knowledge and her expertise regarding the Coastal Commission. The City would have to hire a search firm, utilize a temporary City Manager for a number of months, get the new City Manager up to speed (more months) and then hope the new person stays. In addition, it would validate the personal vendetta by Francois, Keegan and their behind the scene supporters. Let’s hope the Council does the right thing and tables this unnecessary and unscheduled distraction.

Ann Gotthoffer

My name is Ann Gotthoffer and I have been a resident for 45 years. I was surprised to see the Performance Evaluation of our City Manager, Suja Lowenthal, on the agenda for tomorrow. As I recall, Suja received a positive evaluation just last fall, and as such would not be scheduled for another one now. Doing so would typically only be done for a serious violation of contract, etc. It is no secret that a few in our community frequently complain about our City and Staff, and likely have allies on the Council bringing this item. I strongly believe that the normal order of business should be followed, and our staff appraisals should follow the schedules outlined. This sort of action is no doubt demoralizing and confusing to our staff as a whole. There are so many positive things I could say about the job Suja has been doing; most have been written in these comments already. Have we had some problems in Hermosa? Yes, but in my opinion many have been caused by strident complaints from very vocal residents convincing Council to delay decisions, with staff being directed to rewrite proposals repeatedly. The lesson is that sometimes trying to please everyone can cause more problems in the end. In short, I believe scheduling this item appears to be an underhanded move. Any attempted change in leadership, particularly during a valid contract period, would only lead to chaos. We are lucky to have such a qualified and competent manager that is so responsive to the community. Let's be sure to keep her!

Bob Wolfe

IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T BREAK IT Our world increasingly is beset by chaos, nationally and internationally. Let’s not add Hermosa Beach to the list. Hermosa is a well-run, well-policed, business-friendly town. It has minimal staff turnover, responsive public officials, positive community energy, and a fully-staffed, dedicated police department. Full credit is due to city manager Suja Lowenthal, and police chief Paul LeBaron. Don’t believe me? For an object lesson about what can go wrong, check out the experience of our neighboring city, Palos Verdes Estates (PVE). In April 2019, PVE fired Tony Dahlerbruch, its city manager for nearly 6 years. The city had to buy him out with substantial severance payout. But the aftermath was much, much worse. The city suffered through 6 different interim and city managers in 6 years, with multiple police chiefs, no human resources director, no public works director, serious shortfalls in city staffing and a police force that was so demoralized and overwhelmed as to cause the city to seriously consider shutting it down entirely and contracting with the county sheriff’s department. By 2026-2027, the city’s revenues are projected to be insufficient to meet the city’s expenses. PVE is just beginning to get back on its feet. There’s another HB City – Huntington Beach – that has engulfed itself in turmoil and culture wars. Is disorder, instability and staff turnover the future we want for Hermosa? Let’s give our next mayor and mayor pro tem a professional group of civil servants to carry forward the work that needs to be done. We’re all lucky to benefit from the service and dedication of City Manager Lowenthal and Chief LeBaron.

anthony higgins

Dear City Council I hope you take the comments supporting Suja because of her successful projects record including the parks restrooms project with a large grain of salt. this project took 7 years to renovate 3-4 parks restrooms for gods sake. Then look at the city yard project. its taken 7 years too and we havent gotten off the ground. During that time the city yard budget has jumped from $350k to $22 million and after 7 years we haven't even decided the project delivery methodology eg bid or design-build. That coincidently is a decision for tonights meeting per the agenda - 7 years too late. Hell, after 7 years the city has not even defined the city yard project requirements. Between the city yard and the late housing element, the botched sales tax measure, the lack of coastal plan, the clark building & parks restrooms fiascos and the botched civic facilities community engagement process; our city manager has been asleep at the switch far to often and has lost the confidence of a broad swath of the community. This must be reflected in her review. thank you th

Anne Garvey

Good Evening City Council: My name is Anne Garvey and I have been a resident and a homeowner in Hermosa Beach for more than two decades. Here is what I find incredibly strange..........there is a closed session item tomorrow night relating to a Performance Evaluation of the city manager (which to the best of my memory appears regularly as a Closed Session item annually if not bi-annually since 2018 when the city manager receives her pay raise/bonus). My sincere question is what is happening this time that is so different that has generated comments from the majority of the previous commenters (Sean Dennison, the Nelsons, Claudia Berman, Katie Sotheran and Roseanne Basu) which appear to allude to the end of the city manager's contract? I guess my main question is why am I (and so many of my neighbors/fellow HB residents) often left feeling why do only a "chosen few" of hb residents always seem to know the "internal politics" and "what is really going on in the city"? Seems a little too cliquish and highly questionable for my professional liking................Thank you for listening.

Rosanne Basu

I am writing in support of our City Manager Suja Lowenthal. I have been a resident of Hermosa Beach for over ten years and have a great love for our city. I am active in the community and follow city functioning fairly closely and therefore have a good understanding of what is happening. My interactions with City Manager Lowenthal and city staff have only been favorable. I find her to be intelligent, experienced, and knowledgeable, and she is transparent in her interactions with the public. She cares about this city and is responsive to it's needs. Her vision for our community aligns with it's citizens: a place that is safe, healthy, productive, engaging, and fun. City Manager Lowenthal truly helps make this the Best Little Beach City. It would be a mistake to lose her expertise and know-how. Some examples of her good works are: helping staff-up our police department with high quality personnel, bringing resources and compassion to help our unhoused population, ensuring compliance with California law, and providing multiple ways for the public to engage in the discussions regarding the Civic Facilities project. These are but a few ways she is making a positive difference. Thank you for your consideration of my remarks.

Katie Sotheran

Regarding the evaluation of City Manager Suja Lowenthal, I would like to voice my support for Suja and her efforts for Hermosa Beach. We recently constructed a home in Hermosa Beach and in our interactions with the city found the departments to be efficient and effective. As a parent I appreciate the improvements to our parks including the improved restrooms at Clark Field and South Park that have been overseen by Suja and her team. I have also organized a couple of community events which required police permits, and I valued the responsiveness of our police department: I understand Suja was instrumental in the recruitment of Chief LeBaron and the improvements to HBPD, some of which have been nationally recognized. I understand Suja has also secured several grants which have been a significant accelerant to improvement works in the City. I believe any kind of performance evaluation is unnecessary and a waste of public funds.

anthony higgins

Dear City Council, Lets talk some specifics related to the city manager's performance as a counterpoint to the generalized praise in some of the other comments. Suja failed to get the sales tax passed in good part because she lost considerable public confidence because she didnt provide an honest accounting of the tax measure pros & cons in the city mailers and infomercials. On top of that she claimed these mailers and informercials were "educational material" when everyone could see it was one-sided promotional material. Meanwhile Manhattan and Redondo passed their funding measures. This resulted in an anti-sales tax campaign. Suja allowed the Civic Facilities consultant to lead us by the nose towards HER preferred "Option A" solution In addition to overseeing a completely dysfunctional civic facilities community engagement process. This was discussed extensively by the council several months back. Now ask yourself whats been done to improve the Civic Facilities community engagement process since then? Suja was years late with the housing element putting us at risk of builders remedy. Suja still dont have an approved coastal plan after 7 years meaning we don't have local control of our coastal zone and the city and even small changes like raising parking meter rates by a nickel would require approval from the coastal commission Suja claimed she would bring stability to the executive team but we have had 3 different community development directors and 3 different City Clerks. Suja went against the best advice of LA county health officials and ignored LA county health-orders banning outdoor dining sending the message it was ok to ignore health & safety laws during the peak of a pandemic. And this is just off the top of my head. th

Moira Nelson

I see that one of the items on the Closed Session Agenda is a performance evaluation of our City Manager, Suja Lowenthal. I want to register my thorough approval of Suja’s performance and my support for her continuing in her position (as well as my hope that she will continue to be our city manager for a very long time). I am a regular observer of city council meetings and have always been impressed by Suja’s calm, thorough, conscientious discussions of city matters and her reasoned, straightforward responses to the queries and scrutiny that of course all council members and responsible citizens would naturally bring to any weighty question before the council. I will also say that I am a 40-year resident of Hermosa Beach with long involvement in many local organizations and activities. I have a wide acquaintance throughout Hermosa Beach, and I find that the people I have the most respect for in our city hold Suja in the same high regard that I do, which can’t help but reinforce my good opinion of her.

Dency Nelson

As a 41-year resident and homeowner who plans to stay here and be buried in the backyard, and someone who stays engaged and is aware of what;s going on in our city, I feel the City of Hermosa Beach is in great shape and I fully support the City Manager and the entire City Staff, the Police Chief and his Department, and all of the hardworking City Employees. City Management has enabled the Chief to fully staff his Department, and our Police Department has earned National recognition for its excellence, I interact with our Community Resources Department on a weekly basis, and often with our Public Works Department, and the heads and staff of those departments appreciate the support they receive from our City Management, as do I. I see no need to make a change, a change that would inevitably cause chaos and wind up costing the city money and unnecessary delay of ongoing projects, Let's stay the course! Onward!!!

Claudia Berman

The most important functions for a city manager to perform are as follows, and Suja Lowenthal performs them with excellence. Here are a few proof points: 1. Strategic Leadership: Recruited Chief LeBaron and worked with him, transforming a chronically understaffed HBPD into a community-responsive, nationally recognized organization for best practice policing. 2. Financial Stewardship: Secured $6M in grants in the last 4 years for Housing Initiative Court, crime tracking system, HB Cares, downtown hi-res security cameras, and green belt improvements including new planting and fitness equipment. Yes, she is a grant writer. 3. Community Engagement: Actively participates in community events, regularly meets with stakeholders, and provided 600 hours of staff support to create the "Economic Development Strategy." Suja participates in many, many community events, including events after hours and on the weekends. 4. Personnel Management: Despite outdated and cramped facilities, Suja has recruited exceptional department heads and staff who understand modernization and efficient service delivery. I challenge anyone to staff better. 5. Crisis Management and Problem Solving: Successfully led city operations through the COVID crisis while freezing open positions. She has also reorganized functions to achieve economies of scale. The politics undermining her work is appalling. Council members (and community members) should focus on supporting the city manager and her staff rather than creating a hostile work environment. Under Suja's leadership, Hermosa Beach is a city where people want to work. Let's keep it that way.

anthony higgins

Dear City Council. How long has it been since the city bid out the City Attorney Services contract services currently held by BB&K Law? I was told, perhaps incorrectly, that the HB City Attorney contract has not been competitively bid since Michael Jenkins started in 1996; 29 years ago. Is that true? With City Attorney Donegan's departure wouldn't now be the right time to prepare a bid request for these legal services? A neighbor gave me the history: Michael Jenkins was with Richards, Watson & Gershon (RW&G) for 5 years when he served as HB City Attorney starting in 1996 In 2001 Michael Jenkins started his own firm with his wife (Jenkins & Hogin) in 2001 and continued to serve as HB City Attorney. Best Best and Krieger (BB&K) merged with Jenkins and Hogin on April 1, 2018 and Michael Jenkins continues to serve as HB City attorney until he was replaced by Patrick Donegan a few years back. It seems that each of these changes would have been an opportunity to rebid the contract so once again, the question is should a bid-request be prepared now that City Attorney Donegan is leaving? Thank You for Considering th

Sean Dennison

Good evening: My name is Sean Dennison and I have been a resident and a homeowner in Hermosa Beach for a decade. In 2023, I also became a business owner of a company headquartered in Hermosa Beach. I have two children in Hermosa Beach schools and, like every other parent, I coach innumerable sports in the various Hermosa leagues. All of this is to say that I feel that I’m deeply invested in the City and, as resident/voter, I also greatly appreciate that each of you give of your time freely to make Hermosa continue to be the best place in the world to live. I deeply regret that I am personally unable to attend tonight’s hearing, as I am in Boise for the night working on a project based in Salt Lake City (yes, I realize that makes no sense). To that end, you’ll have to settle for my written submittal. In my professional life, I’m a 26-year attorney and real estate developer, and I spend much of my time in front of city councils nationwide. Unlike certain of the blundering bureaucracy that we see in state and national government, I believe that municipal government is where the rubber quite literally hits the road – things have to get done and, with the right resources, they do. In my experience, the engine that drives that train is necessarily the City Manager. This person is not elected and therefore insusceptible to political headwinds. They also touch, quite plainly, everything in the City. I have worked (and am presently working) with City Managers of differing calibers and levels of experience. It makes all the difference to have someone smart, confident and decisive. Alas, that is exactly what I believe that we have with Suja Lowenthal. I don’t know how I would characterize myself politically, but I will say that if I didn’t feel that our money was being well-spent on her position, you would certainly be hearing from me in a polite, but very direct way. I mention this because it because my consistent silence since Suja’s ascension emblematic of her success as our City Manager since 2018. I first met Suja in 2020 during the pandemic. I was disgruntled by a couple of things – my car had been stolen from our driveway and I was bothered by what felt to me at the time like a hands-off approach to certain crimes and homelessness in Hermosa, combined with overzealousness in policing non-crimes like playing with my dog off leash. Suja came over to my house with the police chief and various other senior officers in the department, we sat in my backyard and discussed the functional elements of prosecution in the County of Los Angeles (or, at the time, the lack thereof) as well as the Martin v. Boise decision that was then-binding on the 9th circuit (of which California is a part) which required cities to permit camping in public areas (it’s since been overturned). Suja was thoughtful, inclusive and direct – as were all of her colleagues. My son, who was having massive anxiety over the notion that criminals had been in our driveway, was greatly comforted. Suja followed up many times and she has always made herself available to listen to any thoughts or concerns that I have regarding the City or any of the various policies that are being advanced or otherwise. If the Council acts in a manner adverse to Suja, we will all soon come to regret it. Suja will quickly be swooped up by wise and envious neighboring city, but we’ll be left with whomever attempts to fill her shoes wondering why we let a good thing go. I really mean this and am open to meeting with each of you – in whatever composition will not implicate the Brown Act.

This Public Comment period is limited to Closed Session agenda items only. Public Comment is limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Councilmember Detoy provided comments regarding item 4.d.

Mayor Francois provided comments.

Councilmember Jackson provided comments. 

In Person Public Comment: 

• John Cordova 
• David Wallace
• Steve Collins
• Dr. Susan Wildes
• Eric Oakes
• Andrea Valcourt
• Michael Grijana
• Landon Phillips
• Mick Gaglia
• Eric Cahalan
• Luis Pineda
• Rachel Nyback
• Jennifer Cole
• Rick Poplin
• Russ Gilbert
• Justin Massey
• Stephen McCall
• Joe SanClemente
• Jose Bacaus
• Mary Campbell
• Brian Sousa
• Ashley Tull
• Trent Larson
• Scott Hayes
• Jani Lange

Virtual Public Comment:

• Carlos Rubio
• Matt McCool
• Anthony Higgins
• Craig Cadwallader

Mayor Francois provided comments.

City Attorney Patrick Donegan provided comments.

The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:27 p.m.

4.

RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION

4.a

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF CLOSED SESSION HELD ON APRIL 8, 2025

4.b

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Attorney

4.c

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT

Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Attorney

4.d

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager

5.

CALL TO ORDER—STUDY SESSION 6:00 PM

Mayor Francois called the Open Session to order at 9:30 p.m

6.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by David Grethen. 

7.

ROLL CALL

Acting City Clerk Reanna Guzman announced a quorum. 

8.

ANNOUNCEMENTS—UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

Councilmember Detoy requested that the CIP Study Session meeting be pushed to a future agenda. 

Mayor Francois provided comments.

Councilmember Detoy provided comments.

Mayor Pro Tem Saemann provided comments.

• Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
  Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann

  To continue Items 10,11,12,13,14, and 15 to a future Special Meeting, and hear Item 16.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

9.

PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

9.a

RECOGNIZING CONGRESSMAN TED LIEU FOR HIS SUPPORT OF TWO VITAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMS: HBCARES AND REAL TIME CRIME CENTER (RTCC)

Mayor Francois recessed for a break at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The City Council reconvened from recess at approximately 6:45 pm. 

City Manager Suja Lowenthal introduced members of the HB Cares team.

Chief LeBaron provided comments about the Real Time Crime Center.

Congressman Ted Lieu provided comments. 

Mayor Francois provided comments.

The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 7:05 p.m.

10.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON STUDY SESSION AGENDA ONLY

Laura Pena

Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Staff - I wanted to share a few thoughts after reviewing the City’s pavement condition breakdown, particularly with regard to how our different types of streets are holding up and what that might mean for the everyday experience of our residents. From the data, it’s pretty clear that our arterial and collector streets (the big, busy ones) are generally in good shape. Hardly any of them fall into the “Poor” or “Failed” categories, which makes sense, they get the most traffic, so they get the most attention. But when you look closer at the local streets and alleyways, the ones we all live on, walk along, park on, and push our trash bins out to, it’s a different story. Over 16% of local street pavement is either in fair or failed condition, and alleyways are even worse, with the highest percentage in the "Failed–Poor" category. That might not jump off the page, but it sure does hit home when you're dodging potholes to park, dealing with runoff from uneven alleyways, or watching your kids bike on cracked asphalt. A few simple recommendations: 1. Don’t overlook the locals. While arterials need to stay functional, our neighborhood streets deserve their fair share of investment. Consider a target to reduce the percentage of local streets in poor/failing condition over the next 3–5 years. 2. Create an alleyway action plan. These are key for access and services but seem to be falling through the cracks. Maybe a dedicated repair fund, pilot resurfacing program, or matching grant for neighborhoods would help. 3. Use equity, not just traffic counts, to guide street repair decisions. Residents are most impacted by the streets they live on, not necessarily the ones they drive through. We all want to see our city looking its best and working well for visitors, for businesses, and most importantly, for the people who call it home. Thanks for taking the time to consider how we can bring a little more balance to the way we maintain our streets. As always, I appreciate your thoughtful consideration. Laura Pena

David Grethen

Please see attached PDF. I endorse the Director's plan and priorities. David Grethen - Public Works Commission

Laura Pena

Dear Mayor, Council Members and Staff - I support our City’s effort to install a tsunami warning system (CIP 618) but have several questions about the proposed Sentry Siren SV-8 system. First, the $160,000 total cost appears reasonable, but the $27,000 “one-time” wireless subscription fee is ambiguous. Will this fee cover all future communication needs, or should we anticipate recurring costs? Additionally, the quotation specifies “Net Due PTS” payment terms—staff should clarify whether this means payment is due upon delivery, installation, or another milestone to avoid misunderstandings. Second, while placing sirens along the beach is a step in the right direction, especially given the Community Center’s location—coverage assumptions in the acoustic assessment are based on “perfect conditions.” In reality, noise from ocean waves, buildings, and other barriers could reduce audibility. Staff should verify proposed locations and consider conducting a post-installation acoustic test to ensure sirens can be heard throughout the tsunami hazard zone, particularly in dense beach-adjacent areas. Third, while the Sentry system may address immediate needs, it’s important to ensure future compatibility with the Los Angeles County BEELS regional alert system. Staff should confirm that Sentry can support IP-based or radio upgrades for future BEELS integration. Finally, can clarification be provided on the following? 1. Details and implications of the $27,000 wireless subscription fee. Are there hidden, ongoing costs related to the “subscription” model? 2. Meaning of “Net Due PTS” in vendor quotation 3. Acoustic validation for real-world coverage 4. Vendor confirmation of BEELS integration capability As always, I appreciate your thoughtful consideration to ensure we invest in the most effective and future-ready system for our city. Laura Pena

Anthony Higgins

Dear City Council, i thought the council voted 3-2 to suspend the Parking Lot D project in lieu of an analysis of possible better uses for this property. I don't understand why this better-use analysis doesn't show up as a future project on the CIP project schedule leaving me to wonder if someone is trying to advance the Parking Lot D project without doing the analysis of potential better uses. related URLs: https://pub-hermosabeach.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10208 https://pub-hermosabeach.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10207 I also don't understand why the project spreadsheets dont clearly list the total dollars spent so far on each project. For instance can any one of you easily tell how much money the city has spent on the CITY YARD project over the past 7 years AND why after 7 years staff is just now coming before you for advice on which "Project Delivery Method", (e.g. Bid, Design Build, etc.) to use for this project. This should have been step 1 and done 7 years ago. See Url below. https://pub-hermosabeach.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=10214 And while the above staff report on "Project Delivery Methods" is nicely done this information could have been copied out of almost any college level project management textbook or any high quality project management seminar material in the last 10 years. You need to ask yourself why with so many very smart people on the City Council and Public Works team and a Public Works Commission backing them up, why the Project Delivery Method analysis wasnt done 7 years ago when the CIP was first opened and what is at the root of these completely avoidable missteps. Is it a learning curve problem? Well if so I hope you replace the executive team members who are leaving or have left with people with considerable experience in the jobs they are hired to do and a proven track record doing it. Being smart or well educated ain't good enough. There is no substitute for experience. thanks for considering. th

The public is invited to attend and provide public comment on the Study Session agenda only. No general public comment will be taken during the Study Session. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker. The time allotted per speaker may be modified due to time constraints at the discretion of the Mayor or City Council. Another period is reserved for public comment on the Study Session topic only during item 14.

No action will be taken on matters raised during public comment, except that the Council may take action to schedule issues raised during public comment for a future agenda. Speakers with comments regarding City management or departmental operations are encouraged to submit those comments directly to the City Manager.

Mayor Francois opened Public Comment.

In Person Public Comment:

• Craig Cadwallader
• Tony Higgins
• Kristin Marino

11.

OPENING REMARKS

Item 11 was continued with the CIP Study Session.

12.

STUDY SESSION TOPIC

12.a

FISCAL YEAR 2025–26 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM STUDY SESSION - 25-PW-025

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

• Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
  Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Saemann

  To continue item 12.a to a future agenda. 

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

13.

COUNCIL QUESTIONS ON STUDY SESSION TOPIC ONLY

Item 13 was continued with the CIP Study Session.

14.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON STUDY SESSION TOPIC ONLY

The public is invited to attend and provide public comment on the Study Session agenda only. No general public comment will be taken during the Study Session. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker. The time allotted per speaker may be modified due to time constraints at the discretion of the Mayor or City Council. 

No action will be taken on matters raised during public comment, except that the Council may take action to schedule issues raised during public comment for a future agenda. Speakers with comments regarding City management or departmental operations are encouraged to submit those comments directly to the City Manager.

Item 14 was continued with the CIP Study Session.

15.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION ON STUDY SESSION TOPIC ONLY

Item 15 was continued with the CIP Study Session.

16.

OTHER MATTERS

16.a

REVIEW OF CIP 619–KELLY COURTS IMPROVEMENTS - 25-PW-026

CEQA: The Project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and section 15302 (Replacement and Reconstruction). The proposed work is an alteration of existing public structures or facilities involving no expansion of existing use. The proposed work consists of reconstructing existing court structures to current standards where the new courts will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. No exceptions to the CEQA exemption apply.

(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)

Community Resources Director Lisa Nichols and Public Works Director Joe SanClemente provided a staff presentation.

Mayor Francois asked various questions.

Director Nichols provided information.

Director SanClemente provided information. 

Councilmember Jackson provided comments.

Director SanClemente provided information. 

Councilmember Detoy asked various questions.

Director SanClemente provided information.

In Person Public Comment:

• Scott Hayes 

Virtual Public Comment:

• Tony Higgins
• Anna Liza Garcia
• Joshua Steiner

Mayor Francois asked various questions.

City Manager Lowenthal provided information. 

City Manager Lowenthal provided comments on the CIP Study Session.

• Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  To review Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project 619–Kelly Court Improvements; and authorize the Director of Public Works to readvertise CIP 619–Kelly Courts Improvements.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

16.b

REPORT TO COUNCIL REGARDING A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER SENT BY FRANK ANGEL; REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND SEND RESPONSE LETTER

CEQA: The City finds that this action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Public Resource Code § 21065 and State Guidelines Section §§ 15061(b) & 15378.

(City Attorney Patrick Donegan)

City Attorney Patrick Donegan provided a staff presentation.

Mayor Francois asked a question.

City Attorney Donegan provided information.

Mayor Francois provided comments.

No Public Comment was provided for this item.

• Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  To acknowledge receipt of the Cease and Desist Letter, and, to reflect the City’s commitment to transparency, authorize the Mayor to execute and send a response letter (in substantially the same form attached hereto as Attachment 1) in order to avoid unnecessary litigation, but without admitting any violation of the Ralph M. Brown Act in connection with the challenged action; or provide alternative direction to staff.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

16.c

REPORT TO COUNCIL REGARDING AN ANONYMOUS CURE AND CORRECT LETTER - 25-CA-012

CEQA: The City finds that this action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Public Resource Code § 21065 and State Guidelines Section §§ 15061(b) & 15378.

(City Attorney Patrick Donegan)

City Attorney Donegan provided a staff presentation.

There was no public comment for this item. 

• Moved by: Councilmember Detoy
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  To receive a report on the anonymous “cure and correct” letter sent to the City and direct the City Attorney to send a response letter pursuant to Government Code section 54960.1(c)(2) informing the anonymous drafter that the City Council determined that the “cure and correct” letter asserts Brown Act violations where no violations occurred and that the City Council will not cure and correct the challenged action; or provide alternative direction.

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried
• Moved by: Councilmember Jackson
  Seconded by: Councilmember Keegan

  To continue the preliminary budget to May 29, 2025. 

  Ayes (5)

  Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Francois, Mayor Pro Tem Saemann, Councilmember Detoy, and Councilmember Keegan

  Motion Carried

17.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m. in memory of Greg Browning.