HERMOSA BEACH : Agency Abandons Plan to Relocate Six Youths

A nonprofit organization that runs group homes for troubled teens has decided against moving six youths into a neighborhood where many residents opposed the plan.

Masada Homes had planned to relocate the 16- and 17-year-olds into a house at 4th Street and Hopkins Avenue. But residents, including more than 100 who turned out for a meeting last week, complained that the youths would bring crime to the upscale neighborhood.

Despite the outcry, Masada’s decision had nothing to do with the residents’ opposition, said spokesman John Newell. “Our choice was based on other things,” he said. “We’re always looking for something more suitable.”

The state-licensed organization, which operates 14 group homes in the South Bay, will instead consider relocating the youths to a house outside Hermosa Beach, Newell said, adding that no specific site had been chosen. Masada runs two group homes in Hermosa and three in Redondo Beach.

The youths in Masada’s homes are wards of the county who may have spent time in juvenile hall, but who have never committed violent crimes, Newell said.

Although the organization has no plans to relocate the youths into the Hermosa house, some residents said that they fear Masada may go ahead with plans once opposition has faded. Resident Cheri Martinez said she will continue to monitor the organization. “What’s to stop them from moving into another neighborhood?” she said.