Home Care In Hawthorne, CA

Six years ago, SpaceX installed an above-ground tube in front of its Hawthorne headquarters, drawing excitement and intrigue from around the city about Chief Executive Elon Musk’s latest experiment.

At annual competitions, engineers and students from across the globe sought to develop and test Musk’s proposed Hyperloop transportation technology, which promised to hurl passengers through tunnels in levitating, autonomous electric pods at more than 600 mph, cutting a trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco to 35 minutes.

Today, there is no Hyperloop system in service. And after sitting idle for several years, the tube on Jack Northrop Avenue — which drew complaints about road and pedestrian access, as well as questions of its purpose — has been removed, at the city’s request.

“The city has been very giving and has been very supportive in efforts that SpaceX has had,” said Hawthorne Councilmember Angie Reyes English, who asked city staff to request that SpaceX remove the tube. “But ultimately, we have other businesses and other things we need to consider, and to give the community their streets back.”

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California

Oct. 18, 2022

It remains unclear whether SpaceX or Musk’s tunneling venture, Boring Co., are continuing to develop the Hyperloop technology. Bloomberg, which first reported the Hawthorne tube’s removal this week, called it “symbolic of a larger retreat” and said the Hyperloop project “has been indefinitely shelved.”

Representatives for SpaceX and Boring Co. did not respond to requests for comment.

After the last student competition in the summer of 2019, SpaceX seemingly abandoned operations at the nearly milelong test tube, which collected dust and debris from nearby railroad tracks, as well as pine needles from trees that hadn’t been trimmed in years due to lack of access, Reyes English said.

The tube took up an eastbound lane heading toward Crenshaw Boulevard, complicating existing concerns in the busy area about traffic congestion, drivers traveling at freeway speeds and pedestrian safety.

In 2017, SpaceX built a pedestrian bridge connecting its offices to a parking structure after employees were struck by vehicles while walking across Crenshaw Boulevard, according to a Daily Breeze report. The city supported the project, Reyes English said.

Alex Estrada, a manager at Tow World on Jack Northrop Avenue, said he began to worry about pedestrians who were forced to walk along the street because of the tube.

“It pretty much got in everybody’s way,” he said.

After the SpaceX competitions ceased, he and others began to question why the tube remained.

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“I assumed they forgot about it, or just left it there,” Estrada said.

After the tube’s removal, a leftover barricade and some plastic cones remained, obstructing a lane on Jack Northrop. A patch of asphalt that runs along the tracks has been turned into a parking lot, which the city has not approved, Reyes English said.

The council member plans to seek the removal of the barricades and said she will look at options for parking enforcement at the unsanctioned lot.

“We just have to clean it up to ensure its safety and to ensure pedestrian right of way,” Reyes English said.

Reyes English said she has had a close working relationship with SpaceX and Boring Co., pointing to the jobs created and boost to the local economy.

When Boring Co. sought to construct a separate milelong tunnel beneath a Hawthorne neighborhood to test its underground autonomous vehicles, Reyes English, along with the rest of the council, approved the project. But she pushed the company to conduct more outreach to the community to inform residents of the project, which was unveiled in late 2018.

Now, with the above-ground tube gone, Reyes English and others in City Hall are turning their attention to the underground tunnel, which runs along 120th Street.

Given Musk’s history of shelving tunnel projects, Reyes English is not sure whether the Hawthorne project is still running, she said.

Boring Co. representatives told City Atty. Robert Kim as recently as this summer that the company was using the tunnel for development and research. It is required to backfill the tunnel with concrete as soon as the project concludes, Kim said.

Musk previously dropped plans to build a tunnel beneath Sepulveda Boulevard on the Westside in 2018 after a lawsuit alleged that the city of Los Angeles violated state law when it sought to exempt the tunnel from environmental review.

More recently, Musk backed out of a tunnel project that would have transported riders from the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink station to Ontario International Airport. San Bernardino County transit officials plan to carry on the project without him.

Boring Co. is committed to finishing tunnel and loop projects in Las Vegas, according to its website, including one that would transport people to the city’s convention center.

In Hawthorne, Reyes English has noticed a lack of activity at the entrance and exits of the underground Boring Co. tunnel. She plans to seek a tour of the site to ensure its operation.

A Los Angeles County shopping center that has been closed since the 1990s but featured in television shows and movies has hit the market as developers target malls across the nation for other uses.

Owner The Charles Co., based in West Hollywood, is selling the 25-acre Hawthorne Mall at 12000 Hawthorne Blvd. in Hawthorne, California, according to a statement by Cushman & Wakefield, which was hired to sell the property. The enclosed mall, formerly named Hawthorne Plaza, was built in the 1970s before closing in 1999. It measures 935,025 square feet.

Retail centers across the U.S. have been turned into new properties including apartments in response to excess shopping center space nationally. Last month, a Dallas investor bought the 1 million-square-foot Valencia Town Center in Santa Clarita with plans to convert the space into other uses.

A Charles Co. representative declined to comment to CoStar News as to why it's selling the property. Hawthorne Mall is being listed without a price, and the seller is willing to provide financing, according to the statement. The site may attract developers interested in converting it into housing, commercial offices, light industrial, studio and production uses, or medical offices, according to the statement.

The shuttered mall's interior has been used in multiple television shows and movies including "Minority Report," "Westworld," "Gone Girl" and "Tenet."

"Hawthorne Mall represents one of the largest redevelopment opportunities in the Greater Los Angeles market," Cushman & Wakefield Vice Chair Mike Condon Jr. said in the statement.

The mall features a two-story retail shopping structure with about 915,000 square feet of space along with a roughly 20,000-square-foot office building, according to the statement. The property also has parking garages, subterranean parking and surface parking.

Hawthorne Mall opened in early 1977 with three anchor stores, including a J.C. Penney. However, the mall faced financial struggles soon after due to the loss of jobs in the area and competition with newer nearby malls. The mall was looted and damaged during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

After closing in 1999, Hawthorne Mall has been envisioned as a redevelopment site but plans have yet to come to fruition. In December 2022, Charles Co. co-founder Arman Gabaee was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison after offering to buy a home for a Los Angeles County official in exchange for the official's help signing a $45 million lease at Hawthorne Mall, according to a statement by the U.S. attorney's office.

Since the mall's closing, the city of Hawthorne has seen numerous investments by companies including SpaceX, Tesla and Ring. The city is roughly 13 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles in the region's South Bay area.

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In addition to Condon, Cushman & Wakefield's Erica Finck, McKenna Gaskill and Kylie Rawn are marketing the mall for sale.

Three park projects in Los Angeles County received about $14 million combined in state grants, which the California Department of Parks and Recreation announced this week.

Those projects — in Hawthorne, Los Angeles and Paramount — were among eight total across California to receive a combined $42 million under the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program. That program has provided about $1.2 billion in grants to create better park access since its inception more than 15 years ago, according to a recent press release.

“Having access to outdoor spaces is critical for all Californians,” State Parks Director Armando Quintero said in the press release, “and these projects will contribute to the quality of life for many people who seek local parks to improve their physical, mental and social well-being.”

Zela Davis Park, in Hawthorne, received nearly $1 million for renovations through the statewide program.

The $963,060 will pay to construct a new playground and picnic area with shade, a basketball court, public art, landscaping, lighting throughout the park, and more upgrades, according to the press release.

Hawthorne has 0.41 acres of park space per 1,000 residents, according to a California State Parks email, “with a very limited availability of vacant land that can be acquired and developed as new park space.”

The Zela Davis Park project will renovate the existing 0.74-acre park, which was originally built in 1978 — and has had few upgrades since then. It “has no amenities to attract visitors and gets very little use as a community park,” the Thursday, Dec. 28, email said.

“New recreation features that will be added will greatly improve the condition of an existing and critically needed recreation facility,” the email said. “Community residents will be engaged during the renovation by assisting with the design of the art elements and through community partners such as Zela Davis Elementary School and BHS-Family Health Center.”

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The Zela Davis Park in Hawthorne received nearly $1 million for renovations through a state-wide program, it was announced by the California Department of Parks and Recreation on Dec. 28, 2023. (photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)

Another $5.8 million, meanwhile, will go toward the Jefferson Park Project, which will create a new park in Los Angeles. That park will boast a playground and water play area, picnic and exercise areas, public art and a skate spot, among other amenities.

Paramount, though, received the largest of the three grants — nearly $7.4 million. That money will help expand the city’s Paramount Park Community Center, particularly the senior center within that facility. The expansion will include include “fitness, music, craft, billiards, card, and conference rooms (and) two screened outdoor lounge areas,” among other additions, according to the state’s Thursday press release.”

Since 2000, California State Parks’ Office of Grants and Local Services has doled out more than $3 billion in local assistance grants to help create or improve approximately 8,000 parks across the state, according to the press release.

If you're looking for a beachy escape from Hawthorne, California, you're in luck! There are plenty of beautiful beaches within a short drive. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or a lively spot for beach volleyball, we've got you covered. Here are the top 3 beaches near Hawthorne, California, their addresses, approximate distances, unique highlights, accessibility, and interesting history.

101 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 - 4 miles

Manhattan Beach is the closest beach to Hawthorne, and it's a must-visit spot. With its sandy shores, crystal clear waters, and stunning sunsets, it's no wonder this beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you want to take a dip in the ocean, play some beach volleyball, or simply lounge on the sand, there's something for everyone here.

Parking at Manhattan Beach can be challenging, especially during peak season. There are metered street spots, a parking lot on 13th street, and a parking garage on Manhattan Beach Boulevard. But don't let that deter you from visiting this beautiful spot!

Interesting fact: Manhattan Beach is known for being the birthplace of beach volleyball. The first official game of beach volleyball was played here in 1930, and the sport quickly gained popularity on this very beach.

1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 - 6 miles

Hermosa Beach is just a short drive from Hawthorne and offers a lively atmosphere that's perfect for young and old alike. The beach is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops, making it a great spot for people-watching and soaking up the California sun.

Parking can also be a challenge at Hermosa Beach, but there are several parking garages and street spots available. Just be prepared to pay a premium price for convenience during peak season.

Unique highlight: Hermosa Beach is home to the Hermosa Beach Pier, a historic landmark that was first built in 1904. Today, the pier is a popular spot for fishing and taking in the gorgeous ocean views.

10 W Torrance Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 - 9 miles

Redondo Beach is a little further from Hawthorne, but it's well worth the drive. The beach boasts a wide, sandy shoreline and plenty of amenities, including volleyball courts, bike paths, and a playground.

Parking at Redondo Beach is plentiful, with several large lots available for a reasonable price. There are also several nearby restaurants and shops, making it a great spot for a day trip with the family.

Interesting fact: Redondo Beach is known for being the site of one of the largest commercial fishing ports in California. Today, the port is still active, and visitors can watch fishing boats come in and out of the harbor.

There you have it, the top 3 beaches near Hawthorne, California. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to unwind or a lively spot to soak up the sun, these beaches have something for everyone. From the birthplace of beach volleyball to historic piers and commercial fishing ports, there's plenty of interesting history to discover as well. So grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and head out for a day of fun in the sun.

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I’m at The Boring Company’s unveiling of their prototype tunnel in Hawthorne, California, waiting to take a ride on Elon Musk’s moon-shot solution to the scourge of traffic congestion…and I’m preoccupied. There are placards with the press tent’s Wi-Fi password placed everywhere, but I didn’t need it to log on. My phone just automatically joined the network. And in the moment, I kinda want this to mean something.

I want it to mean something the way Elon Musk means something to the guy who tried to sneak into the press tent earlier. He and his mother are huge fans of Elon, he said. Huge fans of the future, he said. I want to be a fan of the future. The future's been a tough bet lately.

Reality is boring. The present is boring.

And this whole Boring Company tunnel thing—it’s not turning my crank yet. No, I’m thinking maybe this Wi-Fi thing is the thing. I mean, I’ve never been to The Boring Company or SpaceX across the street. Never been on this network. A mystery, that. My imagination hyperloops right into sci-fi territory—and pretty soon the only explanation is that The Boring Company is a front for a time-travel operation, and I’ve been sent back to this moment, and whoever wiped my mind forgot to erase the press network from my phone.

Yeah, Musk is working on a transportation system all right: one that sends you back in time.

But then I realize I’d logged in with my Mac a few minutes earlier, the Cloud synched the passwords on my devices blah blah blah. Sigh. Reality is boring. The present is boring. Literally.

A modified Tesla Model X drives into the tunnel entrance before an unveiling event for The Boring Co. Hawthorne test tunnel in Hawthorne, south of Los Angeles, on December 18, 2018.

Turns out, the ride in Musk’s new tunnel is actually pretty damn cool. A group of us climb into a Tesla X, buckle up, and our driver rolls us into the surprisingly narrow tunnel. We won’t go more than 40 mph, but as the overhead line of lights changes from red to green, and we pick up speed…it becomes obvious that going 150 mph will be, um, awesome. Even at this clip, even with the bumps, the tight tunnel is mesmerizing, almost calming. It feels natural to be zipping in this discrete pod.

In a few minutes, we're at our destination, and pull onto an elevator. We rise some 50 feet toward the California sky, a Boring Company employee watching us come up like a scuba instructor. There’s a palm tree. A private plane cuts through the sky. We are back on the surface where the earth is disgorging Teslas.

An attendee operates a Boring Co. flamethrower at the company’s photo booth during an unveiling event for The Boring Company Hawthorne test tunnel.

Musk tells us later that it all came to him fuming in L.A. traffic. Truth. You can feel yourself dying in L.A. traffic. My tactic is to stay home, stay in my 'hood. I got my coffee places, my Trader Joe’s. I will not do Los Angeles things simply because of what havoc traffic does to my mood. I feel Musk’s pain.

The problem isn’t just the traffic, but how we’ve conceived it. We live in three dimensions, but we travel in two. It’s stupid. And our flying-car fetish has been a bogus panacea all along—every crash would be an air disaster. The mythic draw of flight was maybe too dazzling for us to appreciate another direction: underground. Well, until now.

The Boring Company was founded on a basic frustration: We live in three dimensions but travel in two.

Here’s the thing about Musk: The flamethrowers, tweets, the suggestions that our reality might be a simulation—they all garner a ton of attention. But if you want to learn anything from the guy, learn to appreciate his eye for the absurd. Current tunneling technology runs about $2 billion a mile, and even at such cost, you can expect to dig that measly mile in a year. The state of this art is horrendous.

So The Boring Company is doing the opposite of rocket science. Digging faster. Digging cheaper. Their newest modified machines tackle the costs of digging with almost ridiculously simple solutions. The engineers buffed the drill. The dirt the machines remove makes the concrete tunnel segments. And by boring and reinforcing the tunnel simultaneously, Musk thinks their custom machine can work 15 times faster than existing boring machines. And do it much cheaper—the 1.14-mile Hawthorne test tunnel cost $10 million.

Elon Musk, cofounder and chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., walks into the crowd during an unveiling event for The Boring Company Hawthorne test tunnel.

I have my skepticisms. A subterranean high-speed superhighway is basically a killer app for selling electric cars. And I’m not sold on the idea that the steady eruption of cars from every urban nook wouldn’t make a fresh hell of American cities. And even if the multilayered, infinitely expandable transportation array Musk envisions is as sound as he believes, I have profound doubts we won’t find a way to legislate a perfect disaster of the idea.

But all that said, The Boring Company might be the most vital of Musk’s projects precisely because their innovations do not speak to our imagination—they speak to our frustration. Cities are clots of stymied humans, vast swathes of wasted time. Traffic is just a salient example of our shoddy situation. Healthcare, education, our very electoral machinery…nearly every component of our civic infrastructure is in dire need of updating. That’s what’s so invigorating about The Boring Company. They’re making a time machine after all, dragging us a little closer to the future in which we’re supposed to be living now.