Swimming Pool, Teen Center Closed in Budget Cut

City officials have closed the sole municipal swimming pool as well as its teen center to start trimming nearly $4 million from the budget after voters failed to pass a 5% utility tax early this month.

Employees were planning a series of actions in response, including attendance at a City Council meeting on Monday to object to the pool’s closure, which saves Hawthorne $100,000 a year.

“We are completely shocked,” said Lourdes del Rio, senior head lifeguard. “I learned how to swim at this pool. I’ve worked there for nine years.”

City Manager Bud Cormier said he is cutting all department budgets. Even the police department is not immune. About 17 police officers will be laid off soon, he said.