Chief Phillips told the City Council on Dec. 9 that detectives prioritized the Nov. 21 assault near 11th Street and Beach Drive, identified seven juveniles with help from school officials, and arrested two juveniles who were transported to Los Padrinos juvenile detention. The District Attorney has filed charges on those two arrests, the chief said, and further interviews are ongoing.

"Detectives met with the victim on Monday, November 24 and with the assistance of school officials, all of the involved parties were identified," Chief Phillips said. He added that because juvenile proceedings are under court order, the department cannot discuss further details about the juveniles or charges.

During public comment, multiple residents called for a sustained and visible patrol presence downtown and on the strand. One resident, Sochi Beam, said, "Hermosa Beach needs decisive action. We need a stronger and more visible patrol presence," and urged enforcement of existing e-bike laws. Another speaker asked where the line is between calling 911 and using the nonemergency police line; the chief described the nonemergency number as appropriate for non-urgent incidents but urged callers to dial 911 if they perceive an immediate threat.

Council members asked staff for a broader review of police resourcing, including whether contract code-enforcement officers could free sworn officers to expand patrol footprints. Council directed staff to return with options for persistent beach- and strand-focused enforcement as part of future agenda work.

The police department also encouraged residents to sign up for Alert South Bay and to report suspicious activity so officers can respond before incidents escalate.