2013 Leadership Hermosa Beach Class Achieves a First

The 2013 Leadership Hermosa Beach class did something no other class had done: partnered with another non-profit organization for its class project.

The "Walk Hermosa" project consisted of the creation and installation of professional-grade signs throughout the city that encourage healthy living. Each sign depicts how many steps there are from one sign to another.

The project's celebratory unveiling took place June 1, with Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi and Mayor Patrick "Kit" Bobko attending the ceremony near the Hermosa Beach Pier. 

For Walk Hermosa, Leadership Hermosa Beach teamed up with the Blue Zones Project, taking inspiration from the Blue Zones "vitality compass," which states that walking 10,000 steps a day will increase your well being, according to Kimberly Barbis.

“We are especially proud of this year’s class for successfully teaming with another local nonprofit endeavor, the Blue Zones Project, in completing the Leadership Hermosa Beach program and their community service project,” said Ryan Nowicki, program director for Leadership Hermosa Beach. 

While working on the project, class members learned how to obtain approval for the project from the appropriate city departments, raise funds and build community support. 

Leadership Hermosa Beach was started in 2003 by former mayor Art Yoon. His vision was to create a community-based organization that conducts an annual leadership program for residents.

Leadership Hermosa Beach acquaints class member with the city’s government, community services and non-profit organizations. Each year, the class chooses a community service project to make a contribution to the city, said Barbis.

Leadership Hermosa Beach is now accepting applications for their next class program, which is held one evening per month from September 2013 through June 2014. Application can be found on their website at www.leadershiphermosa.org.