This Week's Top News in the South Bay

Here is a look at some of the top stories this week in the Beach Cities and on the Palos Verdes Peninsula as reported by Patch.

Redondo Beach

Two Redondo Men Injured in Boston Marathon Blasts: Two Redondo Beach residents watching the Boston Marathon Monday were injured—one seriously—when two bombs exploded near the finish line of the world-renowned race.

Redondo Man Tells of Helping Man Set on Fire: Chauffeur Paul Hershey had popped into the Long Beach 7-Eleven between fares on Friday when he suddenly looked outside to see a man in flames, trapped in the driver's seat of a truck. Hershey, a former Air Force officer from Redondo Beach, said he felt stunned as he ran outside to help.

Redondo Man Found Dead on Beach Identified: The elderly man found dead on the beach in Hermosa Beach on April 2 has been identified as John Burke, 79, of Redondo Beach, according to HBPD Detective Mick Gaglia.

City Council to Draft MOU Regarding AES Property: Despite concerns from Redondo Beach employee groups, the Redondo Beach City Council unanimously agreed to draft a memorandum of understanding between AES Southland and the city that outlines the company and city's commitments throughout the process of collaborating to find a new use for the property on North Harbor Drive.

Manhattan Beach

Police Arrest 3 on Suspicion of Radio Shack Robbery: Three adult men were arrested on suspicion of "strong arm" robbery early Tuesday evening, said Sgt. Scott Combs of the Manhattan Beach Police Department. MBPD responded to a call around 4:35 p.m. of a shoplifter being detained at Radio Shack, 1908 Sepulveda Blvd. When officers arrived, they found a male who had struggled with employees and patrons of the store when he attempted to steal a police scanner.

Update: Hostage Freed in El Segundo: The man taken hostage at Popcornopolis in El Segundo was released unharmed and his alleged captor gave herself up to police shortly thereafter. The incident began around 8:19 a.m. Tuesday when the woman, reported to be an employee, brandished a gun inside the building in the 1300 block of El Segundo Blvd.

: Neighborhoods in Manhattan Beach have had homes broken into in the past month, with burglars getting some precious loot.

Marathon Bombings Prompt City to Set Up Emergency Operations Center: In response to the explosions at the Boston Marathon Monday, Manhattan Beach city officials activated level 1 of its Emergency Operations Center, said David Carmany, city manager.

Suspected Manhattan Beach Bank Robber Strikes Again: The man wanted for robbing a bank in Manhattan Beach on March 29 is suspected of robbing a Pacific Palisades bank Wednesday. The man brandished a handgun when he robbed the Pacific Western Bank at 15310 Sunset Boulevard and fled on a bicycle, similar to what the suspect who committed the Manhattan Beach bank robbery in Manhattan Village.

Palos Verdes

: The intersection of Palos Verdes Drive North and Palos Verdes Drive East was closed early Thursday morning after a car toppled a power pole in the area, authorities said. The road closures jammed traffic, delayed public transportation and frustrated commuters through Friday.

Schools Temporarily Locked Down: Miraleste Elementary and Miraleste Intermediate schools were placed on lockdown Wednesday morning after deputies notified the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District of a foot chase in the area, according to the school district's website. The lockdown lasted from about 9:30 a.m. until 10:05 a.m.

Police Warn of Increased Burglaries in PVE: Police in Palos Verdes Estates have been investigating an increase in residential and vehicle burglaries in the area, according to an alert from the department.

Two Injured in Crash Near RHE Border: A vehicle crashed into a pole and caught fire in Torrance near the Rolling Hills Estates border on Wednesday morning, injuring two people, authorities said.

Hermosa Beach

City Receives National Distinction for Street Policies: Hermosa Beach took the No. 2 spot out of nearly 130 cities for its adoption and implementation of policies recommended by the National Complete Streets Coalition. The coalition's laws, resolutions, executive orders, policies, and planning and design documents are established to encourage and provide safe access to destinations for everyone, regardless of age, ability, income, ethnicity or how they travel.

E&B President to Discuss Potential Oil Project at Private Party: A Hermosa Beach resident held a private party Thursday to educate her friends about E&B Natural Resources' proposed oil drilling project in the city. The invitation touts the evening as an opportunity to meet E&B President Steve Layton for questions and answers.