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:

Manhattan Beach

Massive Chevron Coke Drums Trek Through Beach Cities: The first pair of six massive coke drums slowly inched their way up Pacific Coast Highway and Sepulveda Boulevard Wednesday night from Redondo Beach to El Segundo's Chevron oil refinery. The drums completed their 4.5-mile journey shortly after 2 a.m. when they made the final turn into the refinery at the border of Manhattan Beach and El Segundo.

David Lesser Takes Over as Mayor: Elected to his first term on City Council in March 2011, David Lesser officially began his first mayorship during Tuesday night's meeting after then Mayor Wayne Powell turned over the gavel, and following unanimous approval from council colleagues.

Kerri Walsh Jennings Honored at City Council Meeting: Manhattan Beach Mayor Wayne Powell honored the final MB resident to medal at the 2012 London Olympics Tuesday night. Kerri Walsh Jennings was applauded for her efforts on and off the beach volleyball court, graciously accepting Powell's "I Heart MB" award and a key to the city. 

Redondo Beach

: A man suspected of stealing a white BMW during a burglary at a Redondo Beach home was killed by Long Beach police Thursday morning after firing at officers at the end of a vehicle chase, authorities said.

Coke Drums Roll Through Redondo: With several dozen spectators watching, Chevron unloaded the first two of six giant coke drums from a barge in King Harbor onto Mole B on Monday, the first step in a three-week process. On Monday evening, Chevron moved the coke drums from their spot on Mole B to the staging area across the street from Peter's Garden Center in Redondo Beach.

New Fire Chief Pinned in Redondo: With a traditional pinning ceremony, Redondo Beach officially recognized Robert Metzger as the chief of the local fire department. City Manager Bill Workman, who praised Metzger's "unique" skill set, called the new fire chief a cut above the rest.

3 File to Run for City Treasurer: Three people have thrown their hat into the ring for the Redondo Beach city treasurer race, according to City Clerk Eleanor Manzano. Former Councilman Chris Cagle, Councilman Steve Diels and activist Dawn Esser have filed papers to run, Manzano said.

Palos Verdes

Oiled Seabirds on Our Coast Straining Local Rescuers: The International Bird Rescue has been swamped this month with an influx of seabirds found covered in crude oil along the Southern California coast. The culprit, San Pedro-based IBR said, is natural oil seepage found in the waters of Southern California.

Man Rescued From Shipwreck Trail: Firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department rescued a man injured on Shipwreck Trail in Palos Verdes Estates on Wednesday. According to the Daily Breeze, the urban search-and-rescue team and helicopter crew were dispatched at about 2:30 p.m.

Area Surfer Turns Trash Into Treasure: Artist and surfer Jalian Johnston, perhaps the greenest soul on the planet, acquires his inspiration for his art from the sea.

Hermosa Beach

: With six months in the rear view mirror, Jed Sanford and Chef Tin Vuong of Abigaile in Hermosa Beach are finally gearing up to open WildCraft Sourdough Pizza in the Washington Building in downtown Culver City. The restaurant's official opening date is Monday, Feb. 25.