Will oil drilling return to Hermosa Beach?

Youngsters walk along the sand in Hermosa Bedach on a late afternoon in July. Even as other municipalities embraced oil drilling, Hermosa Beach remained a 1.5-square-mile oasis, thanks to a 1932 vote that banned new drilling within the city.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Community organizers Mike Collins, left, Kenin Sousa and Stacey Armato meet at the Source on Pier Avenue to talk about the citywide election -- still almost a year away -- to decide the question of oil drilling in the city.   (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Longtime resident John Simon pauses in front of shops on Hermosa Avenue. “Some people don’t like the idea of the wells,” he said.   (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

A canine passenger stares from a car on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach. Battle lines have been drawn in the debate over allowing oil drilling to return to the town.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Shoppers walk past upscale stores on Pier Avenue. Anti-oil activists have attended environmental law seminars, spoken out at City Council meetings and printed hats and banners with a plea to “Keep Hermosa Hermosa.”   (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

A jogger makes her way along the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt on Valley Drive. The homes in the background are near where new oil wells would be located.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)