Hermosa Beach Council Member Dean Francois is running for reelection to the city council in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race has three open seats and six candidates on the certified ballot.
The other candidates are Elka Worner, Eric Horne, Margaret Bove-LaMonica, Raymond A. Jackson and Rob Saemann.
Voters may choose up to three.
Candidate information
- Name: Dean Francois
- Age: 69
- Residence: Hermosa Beach
- Occupation: Former federal budget manager
Experience and public service
Francois has served on the Hermosa Beach City Council since November 2022 and served as mayor in 2025, according to the city's council page.
Francois said he has also served as a commissioner on the L.A. County Library Commission, a director on the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission and a delegate to the League of California Cities. He said the League president appointed him to the Transportation, Communications, and Public Works Policy Committee's E-Bike Task Force.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Francois' responses on his campaign website and a Daily Breeze candidate questionnaire. They reflect the candidate's own claims.
Public safety: Francois said he pioneered stronger e-bike enforcement in Hermosa Beach, including increased fines and confiscation, which he called a regional first. He said he approved illegal camping regulations and is working on statewide e-bike legislation through the League of California Cities task force.
Fiscal stewardship: Francois said he was the only council member to oppose both a sales tax increase and late-night bonuses for upper management. He said he challenged unnecessary consultant spending, including taxpayer-funded advocacy for higher taxes, and favored repairing City Hall and beach restrooms instead of committing to multimillion-dollar rebuilds.
Small business: Francois said he led efforts to help small businesses open faster by advancing director-level permit review, supporting activation of vacant commercial spaces, phasing major fee increases over two years and reducing outdoor dining and encroachment costs.
Environmental protection and coastal access: Francois said he led a countywide effort to end Coastal Commission advertising waivers that he said commercialized public beaches. He said he stood alone on the council in opposing preferential "VIP" beach access.
Housing: "To add housing at lower price points, I support reusing vacant commercial spaces, and I've worked to do that," Francois said in his Daily Breeze questionnaire response. He said he is committed to preserving neighborhoods and ensuring state mandates do not override local control.
Endorsements
The following endorsements are listed on Francois' campaign website. Paul Koretz's endorsement includes a statement attributed to the endorser; the Sierra Club and California League of Conservation Voters endorsements are claimed by the candidate.
- Paul Koretz, former Los Angeles city council member
- Sierra Club (Angeles Chapter)
- California League of Conservation Voters
Candidate positions and biography details are based on Francois' responses to a Daily Breeze questionnaire and his campaign website. South Bay Tide presents this information to help voters evaluate candidates and does not endorse in elections.
