This Week's Top News in the South Bay

Manhattan Beach

Body Found Buried in Manure Pile in Manhattan Beach Park: A city groundskeeping crew Thursday discovered a body buried in a pile of manure fertilizer near Manhattan Beach's Polliwog Park, according to officials. The body was found at around 3:30 p.m. wrapped in an unknown material next to the Begg baseball field.

Air Crew Warns Surfers of 2 Sharks in Water Nearby: Two sharks seen within 15 feet of two surfers off the Manhattan Beach coast around 6:35 p.m. Tuesday prompted a Los Angeles County Sheriff's helicopter crew to use a public address system to alert the surfers, said Sgt. Morrie Zader of the L.A. County Sheriff's Aero Bureau.

Manhattan Beach Fugitive Found in Mexico After Taunting Police on Twitter: A fugitive who was charged with 29 felony counts was stripped of her freedom on July 4 in Mexico, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's office. Wanda Lee Ann Podgurski, 60, whose last known address was in Manhattan Beach, taunted law enforcement during her time on the run through Twitter.

Police: Gun Used to Rob Manhattan Beach Teens:  A silver semi-automatic handgun was used by one of two robbers who took cell phones and cash from two Manhattan Beach teenagers on June 30. The incident allegedly happened at 11th Street and Poinsettia Avenue as the two 17-year-old males were hanging out.

Redondo Beach

Missing Girl From North Redondo Beach Found: A 15-year-old girl who ran away from home after getting into an argument with her mother was found Thursday morning, according to a news release from the Redondo Beach Police Department. Emma Carter was located in San Bernardino and will be reuniting with her family.

Police: Passerby Tackled Suspected Puppy Thief: A commotion at a dog-adoption event at a South Redondo Beach pet food store resulted in an the arrest of a suspected puppy thief. Hector Orozco, 47, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of petty theft of a dog, a misdemeanor.

Torrance Says It's Not Liable for Shooting Redondo Man During Dorner Manhunt: In court papers filed Friday, the city of Torrance denied any liability connected with the mistaken identity shooting of Redondo Beach resident David Perdue during the hunt for accused killer Christopher Dorner.

Hermosa Beach

Fourth of July Crackdown Nets More Arrests, Citations Than Previous Years: Despite a slight increase in service calls for police this Fourth of July, Hermosa Beach city officials are calling their crackdown on alcohol-related offenses a success.

Extra Law Enforcement Delivers Fourth of July Message in Hermosa: Hermosa Beach city officials and police upped the ante for the city's onslaught of Fourth of July revelers this year, increasing law enforcement personnel and spreading word of their intent to keep the use of alcohol in check.

Hermosa Beach Ironman 2013 in Photos: The 39th Annual Hermosa Beach Ironman competition went off without incident Thursday as hundreds competed in an event that requires competitors to swim a mile, paddle a mile and then chug a six-pack of beer without puking.

Palos Verdes

Firefighters Knock Down Small Brush Fire in RPV: A brush fire reported near Highridge and Indian Peak roads in Rancho Palos Verdes was 100 percent contained Tuesday with no active flames, according to representative of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The fire—described as a "small brush fire"—was located in the 5600 block of Ravensburg Drive, according to the fire department.

Delays Expected Along Palos Verdes Drive: Construction on the city of Rancho Palos Verdes segment of the California Coastal Trail began Monday and will last several weeks, according to a notice from RPV city staff.

Two Rolling Hills Estates Council Seats Up for Election: The city of Rolling Hills Estates will hold its general municipal election on Nov. 5, 2013, according to Assistant City Manager Greg Grammer. The seats held by Councilwoman Susan Seamans and Councilman Steve Zuckerman are up for grabs, Grammer said.