Comments of the Week: Wildlife, Bikes

Patch debuted its special report on domoic acid. And, the bike valet at Fiesta Hermosa on Memorial Day weekend was a success, according to one of our columnists, mainly due to volunteers—one of the community members who helped with the operation was Steve Collins of Hermosa Cyclery.

Here are some reader comments that Hermosa Beach Patch received this week.

Domoic Acid

Patch about domoic acid's impact on local wildlife Tuesday. Domoic acid, which is a naturally occurring nerve toxin produced by algae blooms, has harmed marine mammals in the area. One Patch reader commented:

• "Great article. Interesting and balanced. Love it when science is reported as science without editorialization. Articles like this could teach 'mainstream' media a thing or two about science reporting. Well done!"—wrote .

Fiesta Hermosa

The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce decided to offer a volunteer-operated free bike valet lot at the Fiesta Hermosa arts and crafts fair during Memorial Day weekend.

, Patch contributor Joe Galliani reflected on how the service has grown to become a vital part of the event. One of the co-owners of Hermosa Cyclery agreed:

• “Great article, Joe!”—wrote .
• "Thanks Steve, And thanks for giving me this opportunity to point out what a driving force you personally have been behind the success of the bike valet lots at Fiesta Hermosa. You and your fellow owners of Hermosa Cyclery have contibuted not only endless amounts of time and free manpower but your enthusiasm and positive attitude have set the tone for all of us. It's no wonder you were honored last week as 'Businessman of the Year' from Hermosa Beach Rotary. Congratulations and thanks!"—wrote .

Funeral Protests

A bill sponsored by state Sen. Ted Lieu would make it a misdemeanor to demonstrate at a funeral unless protesters were 1,000 feet away and on public property. and now goes to the state Assembly for consideration.

One Patch reader commented that the proposed measure should completely ban funeral protests.

• "I think they should ban the protesting. It’s more of a freedom to organize issue than a freedom of speech issue. Anyone with common decency would agree it’s wrong. What are Fred Phelps and the WBC afraid of anyhow? Rainbows? Unicorns? A flaming pink queer apocalypse?"—wrote .

Coming up: Check Patch on Sundays for our weekly roundup of the latest Hermosa Beach headlines in the Week in Review.