Tour operator sentenced in HB hotel fire

A man who set fire to a car parked under a fully occupied Hermosa Beach hotel was sentenced to nearly a year in jail and probation on Friday. Derek Padraig O'Donnell, 37, of North Hollywood previously pleaded no contest in Torrance Superior Court to one arson charge, according to a court clerk. He was sentenced to time served and three years probation, but will return to court April 8 for a restitution hearing.

After the July 6 pre-dawn blaze under the Quality Inn at 901 Aviation Blvd., investigators estimated the damage at about $60,000. O'Donnell, an aspiring comedian and actor who leads tours of move stars' home, was staying at the hotel with two friends. He is seen on surveillance video standing next to rented 2008 Jeep Commander just before he sets it on fire, fire investigators said.