If you have any suggestions for future program offerings, staff would be pleased to discuss them with you. Your comments are welcome! Contact the Community Resource Department at 310-318-0280. Please see Excursions section for daylong adventures.

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 2007/08 annual assessment no later than October 9, 2008.

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.

Applications for both of the above are available 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.

AARP-55 Alive Driving Course

This driver-training course takes into consideration the physical changes of the mature driver and identifies ways one may compensate accordingly. The course provides information to improve driving behavior. Insurance rate reduction for seniors who take this course. Fee: $10. Location: Community Center Room 12. Call 310/318-0280 to pre-register. To complete course you will need to take two four (4) hour sessions.

Beach Cities Health District

BCHD provides many programs for South Bay seniors, including free Bone Density Testing, Diabetes Education, P.A.C.E. (People with Arthritis Can Exercise), ‘Silver Sneakers’, and Senior Yoga. Contact 310-374-3426 for more information or visit the website at www.bchd.org .

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 an MTA 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:

• Pick up an application in the Finance Cashier office at 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, complete the form, attach a copy of your ID for age verification and one (1) passport photo.

• Send a written request including your name, address, city and phone number. Include a copy of your ID for age verification and one (1) passport photo.

Mail the information with the attachments to:
MTA Fare Reduction Office
1 Gate Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
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