Democracy, discourse in decline
Dear ER:
So here it is, late February, and our Redondo Beach election is fast approaching with candidates vying for the positions of Mayor, City Council, and City Attorney. Every time you look at election-related posts on various Facebook group pages, you will see hostile and disparaging posts criticizing candidates for real or imagined flaws/decisions. No wonder voter turnout continues to be disappointing. Many residents are so turned off by the sheer volume of bitter commentary and repetitious “beating a dead horse” from one FB group to another, that they become fed up with local politics and won’t even cast a ballot. This benefits no one and certainly not our City of Redondo.
Nancy Skiba
Redondo Beach
A proud cobbler
Dear ER:
“Leadership is not about being in charge, it is about taking care of those in your charge.”
I became a member of the Redondo Beach Public Safety Commission in 2023 and became its chair in 2024. During the whole time, a name with the adjective servant leader and champion for the entire city and the commissions attached kept coming to my attention. I did my due diligence, by attending his town halls, observing during city council meetings, and while at times landing the plane proved a challenge, a love for the community he served and a command of both legacy and future city challenges was always evident. Not only was he ready to identify the challenges and offer a perspective (popular or unpopular the perspective may have been), a combination of one or two solutions coupled with an openness to outside perspectives was always his first pivot. I’m told the difference between knowledge and wisdom is knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is never putting a tomato in a fruit salad.
That said, I proudly endorse Nils Nehrenheim to be the next Mayor of Redondo Beach. I’m excited to work with a leader who not only is transparent in the decisions being made but inclusive in the discussions regarding the choices. I’m confident in Nehrenheim’s ability to anchor us to the best of us. While he may not always get it right or do it right, my endorsement lives largely in my belief that excellence is measured by one’s commitment to the work. I ask but one thing — worry not about big shoes to fill. Be a proud cobbler of your own. Great leaders are not born, they’re made. I and many others for sure have your six.
Austin Carmichael
Redondo Beach
A second chance
Dear ER:
I moved to Redondo Beach in 1992. I lived on Francisca, between Sapphire and Ruby. There was an issue of zoning along Pacific Coast Highway and, thus, I became interested in Redondo Beach politics. One way was the South Bay Parkland Conservancy. There, I met Bill Brand and Jim Light. I was and remain impressed with the knowledge and background Light brought to everything we did. He and Brand worked together, helping guide our work. At the time, The Heart of the City plan was a focus of attention.
I attended council meetings and was proud when Brand was elected Mayor, but knew he and Light worked together. Light consistently supported projects Bill proposed, often developed with combined information.
Light did not see himself public facing. He worked hard, but Brand was the public face. When Brand passed, I knewJim was a natural successor and believed that Brand intended that. I had seen them together too long not to recognize the nature of that succession. In the urgency of the moment, Brand felt he would only be there until the term ended. However, he was able to see how he could continue Brand’s work and decided to run. I do not fault him in this. Situations can cause minds to change. In fact, I am very pleased that he is running, and I seriously hope for his election.
Paula Tuckerman
Redondo Beach
Silence from the dias
Dear ER:
I am a long time homeowner in Redondo Beach. I was inspired by Bill Brand to be proactive in community affairs where he was a standard-bearer on the City Council for 16 years. With Brand gone, the current City Council appears to have lost its moral compass. I am deeply concerned for the future of Redondo Beach with the upcoming March 4 election.
In December 2023, District 4 councilman Zein Obagi was suspended from the practice of law for two years by the State Bar of California. The California Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the State Bar Court judge, who found Obagi guilty of misappropriating over $500,000 from a former client. Now, we learn Obagi has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office. A condition ordered by the U.S.Attorney’s office was for Councilman Obagi to disclose this in an open session of the City Council. Since 2023, the council, including the interim Mayor and City Attorney, has not said a word nor taken action to inform Obagi’s constituents or demand his resignation. This is not acceptable conduct by Obagi, or the elected officials in this city.
Mary Ewell
Redondo Beach
Council complex
Dear ER:
My sincere thanks to the hundreds and hundreds of residents who have given their time to talk with me and share their concerns, questions, and appreciation as I have gone door to door over the past months. It takes a tremendous amount of time to keep up with everything going on in our city, time that I know very few have to spare in their lives. In my various roles in the city, one of the skills I have relied on is the ability to take very complex topics and boil them down to their basic aspects. Always asking what this means to the typical resident, how it might affect their lives, and understanding that those answers may be different for different people. That is what it takes to move us forward in the right ways, taking the time to bring all of the different aspects and viewpoints together to create the best solutions to all of the issues we face as a city. Doing so is a full time job, one that I have enjoyed over the last decade and look forward to continuing with your support.
Rolf Curtis Strutzenberg
Redondo Beach
Editor’s note: Strutzenberg is a candidate for the District 1 Redondo Beach City Council seat in the March 4 election.
Signing Off
Dear ER:
As we know, the one constant in life is change, sometimes subtle and sometimes pronounced. In the last 40 years, we have seen our Manhattan Beach evolve into one of the best communities to live in, and raise your family. This change was driven by a commitment to our residential character with single family homes and to having excellent schools.
For several years now, single party Sacramento has had communities like ours with single family homes in their crosshairs. These politicians are committed to changing our community into one that has high rise apartments, lots of them. Yes, the low-profile character of our infrastructure will be forever gone. With the anticipated approval of a 7-story apartment building on Pacific Coast Hwy., at 2301 Sepulveda, this pronounced change will begin, and you can be sure developers will flock to these profitable high rise apartment projects.
The only real hope of turning it around is to vote in the 2026 election, vote for a change in Sacramento. That’s a change that is sorely needed.
I wish the residents of Manhattan Beach the very best. It has been a pleasure and honor serving you. Signing off.
Mark Burton
Manhattan Beach
Timely proclamation
Dear ER:
As Black History Month draws to a close, I wanted to highlight an inspiring initiative in Redondo Beach. Redondo Beach issued its first proclamation commemorating Black History Month on February 18. This is especially meaningful in the current climate where we see numerous institutions and businesses pulling back their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) protocols.
Redondo Beach’s proactive step, led by Mayor Jim Light and received by Redondo Beach businesswoman and Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s Office Representative Tonya McKenzie, is a testament to its commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming community upholding their vision statement. This initiative not only acknowledges the significant contributions and rich history of the Black community but also serves as a beacon of hope and progress for other surrounding communities to emulate.
Redondo Beach honors its Black residents who give up their free time to serve the City, on commissions and committees, their efforts are recognized and commendable.
Black History Month serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans throughout history. From the bravery of civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, to the groundbreaking achievements of scientists, artists, and innovators, Black Americans have significantly shaped our society.
Let us continue to work together to build a community that embraces and celebrates the diversity that makes us stronger.
Pat Healy
Redondo Beach
Emergency response readiness
Dear ER:
When disaster strikes and Hermosans want to help, perhaps the city should sponsor a city-wide garage sale with proceeds going to disaster relief. This would provide a way for Hermosans to help by providing what victims need most, money, while recycling their gently used goods. Some years ago, Hermosa had a city-wide garage sale that drew a lot of buyers. It would be great to have a system in place that is ready to go when disaster happens.
Betsy Nicassio
Hermosa Beach
