Abuse Probe Closes a Sixth Preschool

A sixth South Bay preschool has been closed by state authorities while reports of alleged child molestation are investigated. The Children’s Path Preschool in Hermosa Beach had closed voluntarily Oct. 30 at the request of local police. But state inspectors again closed the school in the Hermosa Beach Community Center after the owner attempted to reopen it Monday. John Hagerty, deputy director for community care licensing for the state Department of Social Services, said the school will remain closed while the molestation probe by the Sheriff’s Department continues. He said there were sufficient allegations of child abuse to warrant closure. No arrests have been made. Five other South Bay preschools have been closed in the past year, including the McMartin Pre-School in Manhattan Beach, where seven teachers have been charged with more than 200 counts of child molestation involving 41 children.