Hermosa Mayor Named Alternate on CA Coastal Commission

Hermosa Beach Mayor Jeff Duclos has been named the California Coastal Commission’s South Coast alternate appointee, serving whenever the selected appointee, Long Beach Vice Mayor Robert Garcia cannot attend a meeting.

The Senate Rules Committee announced late Wednesday that Garcia would fill the seat recently vacated by Santa Monica City Councilman Richard Bloom, who was elected to the California Assembly in November. Garcia will now represent Los Angeles and Orange counties as a member of the state’s landmark coastal protection and planning agency.

“I am honored to be selected by the Senate Rules Committee to serve as an alternate member of such an important commission,” said Mayor Duclos. “The Coastal Commission has been vital to the protection of the California coastline and to ensuring the public has access to it, and I look forward to working with the other members of the commission in fulfilling its mission. This is believed to be the first Coastal Commission appointment from Hermosa Beach, and I pledge to be a strong voice for coastal protection and for the South Coast as I undertake this new role.”

Garcia's appointed term ends May 2013 and he will be eligible for reappointment. Duclos has been appointed to a term with no end date and serves at the pleasure of the commissioner and the Rules Committee. Duclos will continue to serve on the Hermosa Beach City Council. 

Other nominations for the seat included Manhattan Beach Mayor Wayne Powell, Malibu City Councilman John Sibert who opted to withdraw his name, Rancho Palos Verdes Councilman Jim Knight and Azusa Mayor Pro Tem Angel Carrillo. Nominations came from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Orange County Board of Supervisors and various Southern California cities. The seat was open for for one elected County Supervisor or City Councilmember from Los Angeles County or Orange County.  

Garcia told the Long Beach Press-Telegram he was supported for the commission by LB Mayor Bob Foster, the statewide Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Bay and the National Resources Defense Council.

"I am honored to serve the people of California and to begin the important work of protecting the California Coast while ensuring public access to this incredible natural resource," said Vice Mayor Garcia in a statement. "The California Coast is not only one of the most important assets in our state, but in the country."

The commission concludes its latest meeting in Pismo Beach Friday and will meet in the Redondo Beach Civic Center Feb.6-8. Garcia is expected to fill his seat at the February meeting.