HERMOSA FIVE-O AT THE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER:

The City of Hermosa Beach opened its long awaited Senior Activity Center in April 2010 for residents of the South Bay who are 50 years young and above. The Senior Activity Center is located in two adjoining rooms of the Community Center, 710 Pier Avenue. Stop by the Community Center during office hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:00am-6:00pm for a tour. Check out the monthly calendar and the current newsletter for all upcoming events and activities.

Bus Passes

HERMOSA BEACH PROPERTY TAX REBATE:

Hermosa Beach homeowners are eligible for a rebate on the Street Lighting and Landscaping portion of their yearly tax bill if the applicant:

1. resides at the property being assessed, and
2. is 62 years or older as of July 1 (the date of the levy); or
3. is permanently disabled (physician statement required) with a total household income of less than $9,000 for the prior calendar year, and
4. submits proof of payment for the total 2009/10 annual assessment no later than October 11, 2010.

Applications must be filed annually.

HERMOSA BEACH RESIDENT UTILITY USERS TAX EXEMPTION

Hermosa Beach residents are exempt from paying the utility users tax (UUT) on utilities for their personal residence if the applicant is:

1. 62 years of age or older (proof required); or
2. permanently disabled (physician statement required), and total household income was less than $9,000 for the previous calendar year.

The UUT Exemption Application is filed once unless there has been a change in utility service providers since the original application date.

Applications for both of the above are available online at http://www.hermosabch.org/departments/commres/seniors.html, in the Finance Department, 1315 Valley Drive, Room 201, Hermosa Beach, or by calling (310) 318-0225. City offices are open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., closed Fridays.

Beach Cities Health District

Community Care Services provides services to improve the quality of life and maintain the independence of older and disabled beach cities residents. These include confidential home visits and assessments, links to health and community services and advocacy, ongoing contact and care plans, fitness and wellness programs, support services including peer counseling, errand volunteers, general support groups and educational programs on age-related issues. Please visit their website at http://www.bchd.org/programs/senior_services.html

DIAL-A-TAXI PROGRAM

Senior citizens 62 years of age or older and disabled persons of any age may purchase the taxi vouchers. Residents must obtain either a TAPS Identification Card or an Access Paratransit Card prior to purchasing the vouchers.

To request a card from MTA you must do one of the following:

• Print the application directly from the MTA website:
  http://metro.net/riding_metro/riders_guide/paying_fare-06.htm
  Complete the form, include a copy of your ID for age verification, and one full face photo (2” x 2” or 1” x 1.25”).

Or

• Pick up an application in the Finance Cashier office at 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, complete the form, include a copy of your ID for age verification, and one full face photo (2” x 2” or 1” x 1.25”).

The City offers photos services for $10 with an appointment through the City Clerk’s office (310)318-0203.

Mail the information with the attachments to:
TAP Service Center
PO Box 811310
Los Angeles, CA 90081
For questions regarding issuance of the ID contact:
(213)680-0054

Proof of current Hermosa Beach residency is required at the time of purchase (e.g. utility bill, bank statement, credit card statement or rental/lease agreement less than 30 days old.)

Vouchers cost $1 each. Residents may purchase a total of 20 vouchers per calendar month. Vouchers can be purchased at the Finance Cashier office, Room 101, City Hall.

Each $1 voucher allows the rider a one-way trip from one pick-up point to one destination within the geographical limits established below. Please purchase only what you can use since there will be no voucher refunds.

All rides must begin or end in Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach or any area included within the following boundaries.

El Segundo Blvd. to the north
Crenshaw Blvd. to the east
Pacific Coast Highway to the south

If a rider chooses to travel beyond these boundaries, an additional meter charge must be paid.

Up to 3 additional passengers may ride on one voucher as long as it is from the same pick-up point.

Taxi patrons can call for a taxi directly by dialing 1-800-829-4378. No reservation is required. Taxi service is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Pick-up should be within 20 to 30 minutes from the time the telephone request is received by the taxi service. Additional time may be required to accommodate a rider with a wheelchair.

Patrons may reserve a one-time trip up to 2 weeks in advance, specifying the time of pick-up and destination or schedule a standing pick-up for the same time daily or weekly.

For further information contact the Finance Cashier office at (310) 318-0251 or (310) 318-0217.

ACCESS

A shared ride countywide bus service for persons 55 years old and disabled citizens to destinations outside the city. Contact 1-800-827-0829.

AARP

Formerly known as the American Association for Retired Persons, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and older. AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life throughout the aging process. For more information contact 202-434-2296 or visit their website at www.aarp.org .

Meals on Wheels

Home delivered meals for the elderly or disabled provided by contacting 310-318-2827.

South Bay Family Health Care Center

Provides medical services for older adults on a sliding fee scale. Contact 310-802-6170.

South Bay Seniors Directory of Services

310-325-2141