AWARD CATEGORIES

Best Bite (restaurants and cafes)

Recognition to a local restaurant that is a Hermosa Beach fan favorite. Serving delicious food day in and day out, and at the top of everyone’s “favorite” list. No limits to size or type of restaurant. Must be a member of the Hermosa Chamber.

Finalist: The Bottle Inn

Inspired by far away coastal towns like Amalfi and Positano, Hermosa Beach's legendary Bottle Inn is an authentic neighborhood Italian ristorante. Serving classic Italian dishes, our famous garlic bread and homemade Italian desserts while our guests enjoy the patio sunset views and an award winning wine list, it's no wonder we're considered the "best bite" in town—a little corner of Italy in your neighborhood since 1974.

WINNER: Hermosa Brewing Company

Whether you order off the classic menu or one of Chef Aaron’s daily specials at Hermosa Brewing Company, you will be guaranteed a delicious, high quality meal made with fresh ingredients and care. Pair a classic hot chicken sandwich, western bacon burger or Korean tacos with one of HBC’s award-winning beers and you will be smiling the rest of your day!

Finalist: Palmilla Cocina y Tequila

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila consistently dishes out elevated Mexican bites and beautiful plates that the Hermosa community has continued to love year after year for all occasions; from a casual bite after the beach, to a special family dinner, celebratory event or a quiet romantic dinner. Not only was it one of the first upscale restaurants to open in the downtown area, it's proven its value to the local community by happily serving and supporting many local charities like Leadership Hermosa Beach, Little League, Hearts of Hermosa, Toy Drive, Hermosa Museum, Fiesta, Oktoberfest, etc.

5 Star Service (salons, CPAs, legal, marketing, etc)

This award is for the service industry businesses who deliver quality service to the Hermosa community. Can include anyone from CPA's to salons. Top notch service in true Hermosa style. Who makes sure that you leave feeling special? Does not include retailers, nonprofits, restaurants, or real estate agents—those businesses have their own category. Must be a member of the Hermosa Chamber.

Finalist: The Londoner Salon

The Londoner Salon, proudly owned by Anthony Morrison, and his team of talented professionals are dedicated to exceptional customer service in Hermosa Beach. They offer top-notch hair care with a touch of royalty–where every guest is treated like British royalty.

Finalist: Rad House Agency

The RAD HOUSE AGENCY prides itself on delivering top-tier service and exceptional results to all of their brands while being easy to work with to ensure a seamless and enjoyable client experience. With a passion for creativity and innovation, they see themselves as a part of their clients' teams and do their best to exceed their expectations by helping them make a meaningful impact on their industry.

WINNER: Sea Sprite Hotel

Steeped in Hermosa Beach history, Sea Sprite Hotel has served visitors and the community as a beacon of exceptional service for decades. Today, Sea Sprite Hotel continues to embody the enduring spirit of Hermosa Beach, while making every guest feel special and deeply connected to the alluring Hermosa lifestyle.

DIG Standout (diversity, inclusion and gender)

Recognizes diverse, inclusive, and gender-equal businesses for rising to the challenge and operating outside the norm. Their ethical business practices, community involvement, contributions to growth and diversity, and the special flair bring great value to the City. Business can either be DIG-owned OR exemplify practices that encourage and support diverse, inclusive, and gender-equal hiring and employee practices. Must be a member of the Hermosa Chamber.

WINNER: Barsha

As a BIPOC owned restaurant, it is Barsha's mission to create a safe space that celebrates cultural and gender diversity. They also strive to be inclusive in their marketing and in bringing awareness to diverse causes. It is important that everyone on Barsha's team and in the our community feels like they have a seat at our table.

Finalist: El Tarasco

El Tarasco is proud to be a woman-, queer-, and minority-owned family business thriving in Hermosa Beach—culturally and financially contributing to the community in all the ways they can. Patrons know the family by name and enjoy the same great delicious food for the whole family, day in and day out.

Finalist: Vibe Hermosa

As a gay-owned business, Vibe Hermosa provides not only a safe and accepting workout community for all LGBTQ+ youth and adults, it also continues to grow and promote other circles, such as the disabled and pre/post natal with a variety of free pop up community events. At Vibe, in addition to a diverse population, you are guaranteed a challenging training program made specifically to your individually unique needs and wants with tailored options for nutrition and wellness coaching.

Non-Profit  

A local nonprofit organization that has greatly contributed to the culture of Hermosa Beach and its residents. The nonprofit nominee should have demonstrated contributions to both residents and businesses and be a true partner in the community. Any nonprofit located in Hermosa or serving the Hermosa Beach community is eligible. Must have 501(c)3 status or application pending. Must be a member of the Hermosa Chamber.

Finalist: Beach Cities Toy Drive

The Beach Cities Toy Drive (“BCTD”) is a non-profit that has been collecting new toys for underprivileged children in Los Angeles County during the holidays since 1992. Over the years, BCTD has grown to where fundraising is also done with local companies as well as events such as Jeremy Buck and his Toys for Tots rock and roll event on the Hermosa Plaza and, has now become one of the biggest toy drive distributor in Southern California, collecting and wrapping approximately 4,000 toys every holiday season.

Finalist: Hermosa Beach Sister Cities Association

The Hermosa Beach Sister City Association is a Congressionally recognized organization established in 1967, whose ongoing mission is to promote peace and cultural understanding through its relationship with the city of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, as a “people to people” program. It’s a 100% community volunteer run organization that includes a student exchange program that has included over 750 students from Hermosa, funding and support for the Paramedic Training program in Loreto, funding and support for Casa Hogar de Esperanza, a foster care group home in Loreto, and an annual member and friends trip to Loreto.

WINNER: South Bay Music Connection

A huge part of giving to the community and to the world is fostering the creative mind, providing a space for it to grow and opportunities to share those gifts with society. SBMC promotes teens and young adult musicians and provides an inclusive environment where they can grow both personally and socially by using their music to interact with the community, make social connections, gain earning potential, and move steps closer to their goals in life.

Legacy

A Hermosa Beach business or organization that has been in existence for 10 years or more and has consistently made an impact on the greater Hermosa Beach community. Business nominees can be any type of business but must be physically located in Hermosa Beach. Must be a member of the Hermosa Chamber.

Finalist: Hermosa Cyclery

Celebrating 50 years this year, Hermosa Cyclery may be best known as the bike shop with “free air” for bike tires near The Strand in Hermosa Beach, with a history that spans 4 decades and a charitable energy that is felt by all Hermosa nonprofits. The beloved Harold Schumaker (Schu) founded Hermosa Cyclery in 1974 and owned and operated the landmark bicycle and skate store for 28 years until he passed the legacy onto his crew who he considered family—Steve Collins, Larry Burke, Ken Liebowitz and Mark McNeill.

WINNER: The Lighthouse Cafe

The Lighthouse Cafe has been a legendary venue in Hermosa beach since 1949 and is one of the oldest jazz bars in LA County with names like Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Max Roach who have graced its stage—the great Howard Rumsey and the Lighthouse Allstars recorded many albums while playing for live audiences. After its revamp in 2021, the Lighthouse Cafe has continued to thrive and showcase musicians from around the country as well as the amazing local talent of the South Bay area and keeps the jazz tradition alive every Monday night with the 'new Lighthouse Allstars' and jazz brunch every Sunday.

Finalist: Stars Antiques

Stars Antique Market, a.k.a. “The Big Red Barn by the Beach” has charmed locals and tourists from around the globe for over 28 years. As a trusted authority on all things vintage, nostalgic and antique, Stars’ loyal customers return time and time again to explore an always-changing selection of eclectic offerings, purchase one-of-a-kind items, and find inspiration in one of the oldest historical buildings in the South Bay.

Master of the Market (real estate agent)*

A real estate agent serving the Hermosa Beach area who goes above and beyond for their clients. This award is not about quantity of sales, but quality of service. Must be a member of the Hermosa Chamber either through brokerage or individual membership.

WINNER: Ed Kaminsky

Ed Kaminsky’s 36 years of real estate expertise and over $2 billion in home sales elevates him at the top of many lists. He has been recognized as one of the top 50 teams in the United States by the WSJ/RealTrends, has exceeded $300 Million in annual sales, and has been seen on ESPN, FOX, ABC and HGTV.

Finalist: Evelyne Ouellet

Evelyne Ouellet, a French-Canadian with an MBA from HEC Montreal, isn't just a finalist for Master of the Market; she's deeply committed to the people and businesses of the Hermosa Beach community with her unwavering dedication to connecting people with their perfect home and lifestyle. Through captivating videos, beautifully designed magazines, and a dynamic beach community newsletter, she showcases the beauty of Hermosa Beach to over 12,000 followers.

Finalist: Raquel Rogers

Raquel Rogers provides an invaluable service to homeowners by elevating their properties with the most profitable improvements, maximizing the market value of their homes, and consistently resulting in record-breaking prices. Her buyers also benefit from her 18 years of outstanding service as the average number of offers written is just 1-2 before they get their dream home, ensuring they reach their goals within their ideal timelines.

Artist (musician or fine artist)*

A outstanding Hermosa Beach musician or fine artist. This person is well-known in the community and is praised for the quality of their talents. They embrace Hermosa's artist culture and provide art or music for all to enjoy. They are eligible for this award because they are well-known, admired, and treasured as a true representation of Hermosa's art culture.

WINNER: Jeremy Buck

Jeremy Buck, a seasoned songwriter and musician, has graced almost every stage in the South Bay over the last 20 years, including major music festivals and TV appearances like Jimmy Kimmel Live. Beyond his music career, he founded the Rock for Tots Charity Concerts 18 years ago, dedicated to supporting children in need through music and community involvement.

Finalist: Mike Collins

Standing on the shoulders of so many great creatives in Hermosa Beach history, Mike Collins has used his visual storytelling skills to help pioneer a thriving art destination on Cypress Avenue, Shockboxx gallery. As a painter, Mike's work rips wide open, the story of addiction and existential angst with a childlike humor that is disarmingly approachable and the work has been displayed in galleries throughout the country.

Finalist: V Torres

V TORRES is an indie-rock singer-songwriter born and raised in the South Bay that writes and sings songs of empowerment that blend distinct guitar tones with soulfully truthful vocals and lyrics. Torres has been a part of the South Bay music community for many years and loves to collaborate with other artists to create events that support the community.

Retail Renegade (retailers)*

Everyone's favorite shop! This award goes to the business that really embodies the shopping experience you want in Hermosa. They are a treasured local spot that stands out from others. They engage in the community and appreciate their customers. They are successful at product as well as successful at customer service. Must be a member of the Hermosa Chamber.

Finalist: Beach & Beverly

Beach & Beverly has been styling women of the South Bay and beyond since 2014. They pride themselves on curating a unique and effortless collection of clothing, gifts and FUN!!

Finalist: The Bungalow

The Bungalow is a unique retail shop offering handmade hats, jewelry, clothing and home decor.  They opened in Hermosa in September of 2022 and have since created a space for people to hangout, shop and connect with many events at the shop supporting local musicians, artists, comedians and more. 

WINNER: curious...

Right under 15 years, the quirky pop and pop shop ‘curious…’ has brought funky fresh energy to the community of Hermosa Beach. From the stationery, goods sold, and team members who work there, both owners Bryce and Andrew have cultivated a place where you can raise your freak flags high and wave them all about or find something mildly sweet for grandma.

Best of Hermosa (overall)

The Best of Hermosa award distinguishes the very best of business in Hermosa Beach. It is presented to a business that has a major presence in the city, excels in quality customer/client service, is favored by locals, and respected by its employees. The recipient also exemplifies excellent Hermosa citizenship in giving back to the community in which it operates, and has a culture that enhances the lives of its employees and neighbors. (Finalists are the top overall scoring nominations from the civic member scoring round)

Finalist: curious...

Right under 15 years, the quirky pop and pop shop ‘curious…’ has brought funky fresh energy to the community of Hermosa Beach. From the stationery, goods sold, and team members who work there, both owners Bryce and Andrew have cultivated a place where you can raise your freak flags high and wave them all about or find something mildly sweet for grandma. 

Finalist: Hermosa Brewing Company

From the moment the doors opened 6 years ago, Hermosa Brewing Company established itself as a friendly gathering place for the residents of Hermosa and people of the South Bay with its delicious food, great beer and friendly staff. HBC prides itself on its support of the community through its work with the City of Hermosa Beach, HBEF, and many other local organizations.

WINNER: Hermosa Cyclery

Hermosa Cyclery is proud to be part of such an amazing community. With a history that spans 4 decades, Hermosa Cyclery and its staff has been a staple in Hermosa Beach with a constant and dependable service for both locals and the public.

Chamber Member of the Year

Special recognition to honor a Chamber member who went above and beyond in 2023 to help support the Chamber of Commerce, its events and/or its projects. Support comes in all shapes and sizes and can include financial contributions, volunteer time, or advocacy. Can be a business, business owner, manager or individual member. Must be a member of the Hermosa Chamber.

WINNER: SkyOne Federal Credit Union

Person of the Year

A long standing Hermosa tradition, the Chamber has been recognizing extraordinary citizens in Hermosa for many decades. This award goes to residents who go above and beyond for their Hermosa community—a  Lifetime Achievement award. Someone who volunteers their time and talent to make the Hermosa Beach community an outstanding place to live, play and work. The following are the criteria:

• Contributes significant time, energy and spirit in fields outside his or her professional life, without regard to personal gain.
• Civic and community service goes beyond “normal” responsibilities.
• Creates a lasting and beneficial impact for all Hermosa Beach residents.
• Actively participates in service, community, church or other organizations.
• Living, reside or have a business in the Hermosa Beach area and possess excellent personal character.
• Previous recipients are not eligible. Job-related tasks or duties for which nominees are paid do not qualify.

WINNER:  Kevin Sousa (posthumous) (more about Kevin)