Chamber Selects Hartley as 'Man of the Year'

The has named Hermosa resident Ken Hartley as “Man of the Year” for 2010 in recognition of his volunteer efforts and commitment to the community.

Before Hartley will be honored at the chamber’s  Thursday night, Patch talked to the local about his experiences as a Hermosan and what this recognition means to him.

Hermosa Beach Patch: How does it feel to be selected as "Man of the Year?"

Hartley: It's beyond an honor—there are so many people that have done many things for this city for so many years, and I'm the relative newcomer. I'm happy to be a part of this family.

Patch: Where were you when you received the news and how did you react?

Hartley: I was at home when I was called and told, and it gave me Goosebumps when I found out.

Patch: What message, if any, do you have for your fellow honoree (Hermosa resident Vicki Garcia was named  “Woman of the Year”)?

Hartley: Oh I'm just so happy for her. She's been volunteering in this city since 1970, I believe as my memory serves, and I'm really happy for her that she's being recognized.

Patch: Which volunteer efforts were you recognized for?

Hartley: The main one would be this room: . It was a three-year project to come to completion. I try to volunteer in as many things as I can that I know I can complete, because the key to volunteering is to complete things that you start.

Patch: What community work did you do that you are personally most proud of?

Hartley: This room, the Emergency Operations Center, I'm most proud of. As you can see right now, there is a group coming that is coming in here—the Hermosa Beach CERT group, which is newly forming—and they are having their meetings in here. 

The police department is having meetings, the fire department is having meetings, and training sessions and drills, so I 'm happy to see the city using a room that they didn't have before.

Patch: If you could change one thing about the city what would it be? 

Hartley: That's a good question...I'd need a minute to think about that...I guess I'll go with this: If I could change one thing, I'd make it so all the neighbors knew all of their neighbors. So many people in town don't get to meet, or they don't make the effort to meet, their neighbors. It's very important to know who your neighbors are and become friends with them.

Patch: What do you love most about Hermosa Beach?

Hartley: I love the weather. I'm originally from New Jersey (from South Jersey), and my mother is out visiting this week, and they got snow yesterday, so my mother was happy to send pictures back home of the beautiful weather we are having out here. Actually, Hermosa reminds me of some of the beach towns in New Jersey and the small town feel—that's really why we ended up moving here.

Patch: What's your favorite hangout spot here in town?

Hartley: For breakfast I love to go to . As a matter of fact, I took my mom there this morning. It's a great place that's real low key and [you can] hang out on the Strand, and enjoy.

Patch: Describe Hermosa Beach in one sentence.

Hartley: That small town beach community.

Coming up next on Patch—we will talk to Garcia, the “Woman of the Year,” about her award and what she loves most about Hermosa Beach.