Hermosa Beach councilmen don’t take their beatings lying down.

FIGHTING BACK: Hermosa Beach City Councilmen Robert (Bergie) Benz and Sam Y. Edgerton, who are both targets of a recall effort because of “foul language,” “obnoxious behavior,” and an “irresponsible attitude” toward alcohol and drugs, have equally nice things to say about their critics.

Benz has been under attack for his participation in the Ironman, a controversial Fourth of July endurance contest in which participants cap off running and swimming events by chugging a six-pack of beer on the beach--a violation of city law.

Edgerton, who witnessed part of the Ironman but did not participate, has also been under fire.

In his response--dripping with sarcasm--to the recall effort, which recently got under way, Benz described his opponents as local politicos who are “eager to open a new front in the war for political correctness.”

“Perhaps these select few, who have anointed themselves as a court of correctness, could endow me with insight to their way of thinking,” Benz said in a statement that will be circulated with recall petitions. “From their pedestals, atop the moral high ground, the group could issue commandments regulating attitude, thought and actions of all.”

In his statement, Edgerton said the allegations result from “witch hunts” that are “malicious and hurtful to my family and me.”

“I voted to ensure that no public drinking will take place on the beach next July 4th,” Edgerton wrote. “Having done that, I have bigger issues to address and wish not to engage in a dialogue with those who constantly argue, but never listen.”

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SIGNS OF THE TIMES: When the economy was booming, Del Amo Fashion Center had tried--most recently in 1990--to replace its circa 1960s entrance signs with artsy electronic message boards.

But the Torrance City Council, fearing that the bulb-lighted boards would make the streets look a bit like the Vegas strip, rejected the idea.

Not anymore.

Last week, new signs around the mall began flashing advertisements and announcements after the city environmental review board gave its OK. The City Council didn’t weigh in because nobody appealed the board’s decision.

Mayor Katy Geissert, who had criticized Del Amo’s plans in the past, now sees the signs as, well, a sign of the times.

“The attitude now is, ‘Let’s give it a try and see how it works,’ ” she said. “Very seldom are signs put in for aesthetics, and we’ve done a good job of controlling them on Hawthorne Boulevard. But with the economy as it has been, we have to do everything we can to help them out.”

Geissert, however, said that she has not yet had a good look at the flashing boards.

“I saw something that said ‘buns,’ which I believe was for Cinnabuns, but we went by too fast,” she said. “I’m not ready to make a judgment until I get a really good look.”

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TIME FOR A CHANGE: Maybe it was just a matter of convenience for its members. But the Los Angeles Airport Commission’s recent decision to change its meeting day has some wondering if the move was aimed at keeping away its most persistent critic.

Until recently, the commission’s twice-a-month meetings were at 1 p.m. on Mondays--a time that never conflicted with the City Council’s regular Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday meetings. Now the commission, newly appointed by Mayor Richard Riordan, has changed the meetings to Tuesdays at 9:45 a.m.--15 minutes before the council’s start time.

The new time, of course, means that Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, a frequent critic of the commission, will have a tough time attending its meetings.

Asked about speculation that the change was to keep her away, Galanter said, “I’ve wondered the same thing myself.”

Airport department spokesman Tom Winfrey said there’s nothing to it. The change was made for the convenience of commission members, he said.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“They can’t just call 911 and have the paramedics come.”

--Brian Tang, a Long Beach doctor, explaining some of the difficulties seafarers have in getting medical attention on ships.

THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Los Angeles: The City Council will be asked to unfreeze one local park ranger’s position in the Recreation and Parks Department. The position of senior park ranger has been vacant for some time because of the city’s hiring freeze. But harbor-area Councilman Rudy L. Svorinich Jr. has asked that the job be filled because it is needed to provide supervision for park rangers in the vast Pacific Division, which includes San Pedro.

LAST WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

San Pedro: The City Council temporarily extended restrictions on new apartments and condominiums in San Pedro neighborhoods dominated by single-family homes. The restrictions arose from hearings last year on how to preserve the single-family flavor of many older neighborhoods in San Pedro. The restrictions will remain in place until the city adopts new zoning for the community.

Wilmington: The City Council authorized a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer of Miguel Moreno, a 25-year-old Wilmington resident shot to death Aug. 8 while he was returning to his home at the Normont Terrace housing development. Police believe Moreno was killed by gang members.

Inglewood: The City Council introduced an ordinance to allow its Police Department bicycle patrols and bicycle-riding parking enforcement officers to zip up and down sidewalks. The city code had prohibited anyone from riding bicycles on the sidewalk. The council is expected to adopt the revised ordinance within 30 days.