Hail the chief
Dear ER:
The HermosaCity council has announced that they have asked Michael McCrary to take over the Chief’s position for an undisclosed tenure.
City Manager Bakaly was quoted stating that the interim chief would remain in place until the City concludes an audit of the police function.
Most recent published Hermosa Beach crime data concludes that some part one crime (most serious) is on the rise. The Hermosa Police Dept has been acting under the leadership of acting Chief Steve Johnson for about sixteen months.
We all view with sympathy the most recent unrest in Boston. We also applaud the strong leadership results from the Boston Police Chief.
The theory that we must wait for months to hire a permanent chief because of council induced police dept audit priorities collapse under academic problem solving scrutiny.
To allow a new chief the opportunity to review and audit his department is intuitively obvious unless of course the City Council chooses to interpret and initiate police dept changes themselves.
It becomes tortured logic to assume that an interim chief will gain leadership traction with his subordinate police officer employees.
Any organization deserves professional permanent leadership. Perhaps the Council should rethink the idea of hiring a temporary chief and immediately complete the process of hiring a permanent chief thereby removing the yoke of uncertain leadership.
Gary Brutsch
Hermosa Beach
Long live Cannery Row
Dear ER:
Thank you ER for Bondo Wyszpolski’s ” This Is Where We Get Off” (April 4, 2013). And November 29, 2012 story, “ The Last Hurrah”
My husband Chuck and I attended Richard Stephens 12/22/2012 “ A party to end all parties.” And just as he promised his party was well-worth the world being reprieved from its 12/21/2012 predicted total destruction. Much better than anything ending was that Cannery Row had a new beginning. We all prayed that Cannery Row would once again resume its regular series of shows.
Thank you Richard for giving your best for one last art showing Sunday, April 21st. Thank you for devoting more than 20 years to many of the best art exhibits of the SouthBay; and one last time to enjoy your CanneryRowArtGallery before its closing.
Many years ago my stepson Mark mused, “ Cannery Row! Sounds like the name of a Redondo Beach fishing boat.” Thanks to your gallery, Mark got to show his seascape paintings.
Last Sunday, April 21st, Chuck and I parked our bikes to enjoy Richard Stephen’s last Cannery Row show, which was so exceptionally good that the viewers hoped that their hometown multi-talented friend Richard’s Cannery Row creation would be where we all get back-on.
Richard’s first art reception was for us the opening of many cordial gatherings of the best artistic inspiration deposited inside the kind souls eager to share. Your gallery over the years has become a SouthBay landmark, and in itself a work of art created by all of us in every media of humanity. We do now applaud your greatest work and will always remember those wonderful art receptions at Cannery Row.
Dora Perez-Meyer
Torrance
Freedom of dance
Dear ER:
In response to Mr. Huebscher’s letter last week, I was appalled to hear councilman Aspel would have led me out in ‘cuffs’ for dancing out of the Redondo City Council meeting the other night if he had been Mayor. All I did was pirouette out the door in 10 seconds to illustrate my frustration with how the Council was dancing around the AES issue yet again. It’s not even worthy of an apology, much less arresting a citizen for a few seconds of harmless protesting at a Council meeting. It was a moment of fun and I noticed others laughing it off too.
I guess if Aspel gets elected, he’ll be like the son of Kim Jong Il threatening nuclear annihilation for no particular reason. Oh well, he doesn’t have to be the next Mayor. This is America. We get to vote. I’m voting for Matt Kilroy.
Al Meissner
Redondo Beach
Carbon hogwash
Dear ER:
I doubt that the intentions of those in Hermosa pushing the carbon neutral initiative are anything less than admirable. Why then, does a Wharton “ trained economist” see the need to promote this initiative through such fanciful yarns masquerading as facts. Beyond pondering what is actually involved in training an economist, the idea a carbon neutral life is somewhat specious. Carbon neutral electrical generation is subjected to the changes in weather, meaning that for every kilowatt capacity in solar or wind generated power there must be a backup source of electric generation.
Its very well for little Hermosa to blissfully envision a totally self sufficient enclave free of carbon generated electricity, but I suspect that the very same folks promoting the carbon free life style would protest the loudest at the loss of electricity from lack of night time wind. Demonizing combustion upon which the electric grid relies for firm capacity, suggesting that it is the sole source of grime on the window pane, is neither true nor helpful in making a case toward carbon neutrality, since the majority portion of coastal grime is a function of where the Prius meets the road. And of the dire consequences from particulate; has the human genome been so radically changed in just one generation, that particulate matter from combustion, tire dust or Santa Ana winds would doom anyone? Was centurion George Burn’s four-a-day cigar habit a just a freak of nature?
The absolutism and fear mongering of the carbon neutrality initiative combined with the naiveté of its promoters makes it appear more like a marketing campaign for some get-rich-quick scheme than any serious solution toward reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions.
Robert “ Burgie” Benz
Hermosa Beach
Brand weighs in
Dear ER:
I’ve served on the Redondo Beach City Council with both Mayoral candidates, Matt Kilroy and Steve Aspel, for the last four years. Both work hard for the city and are dedicated councilmen.
When voting for a new Mayor, however, my vote goes to Matt Kilroy for three fundamental reasons: He’s a superior communicator, has good analytical skills and is willing to work with all the political factions on all the issues.
Getting things done and being an effective Mayor requires an inclusive approach, one that honors the will and opinions of even your opponents. It requires consensus building rather than bullying, intimidation, and insults. Councilman Kilroy’s professional demeanor coupled with his experience and willingness to listen is a stark contrast to Councilman Aspel who at first comes across as jovial and self-deprecating, but then shows his true colors as he breaks into divisive and unpredictable outbursts aimed at those with differing views. Our new mayor needs to be a visionary not a bully.
Just at the last meeting, Councilman Aspel said he would’ve led a heckler out in ‘cuffs,’ and recently told opponents he would vote a certain way just to spite them. Vindictiveness is not a trait we need in a new Mayor.
Both candidates still oppose a new power plant. Kilroy, however, is standing firm and leading the opposition. Aspel is now calling the power plant removal ‘pie in the sky stuff’ right before Mayor Gin properly labeled it ‘an investment in our future.”
The mayor sets the tone for the city and should run the meetings in an orderly, restrained fashion, especially when issues are hot.
Vote for our future and vote for inclusiveness. Vote for Matt Kilroy on May 14th as the next Mayor of Redondo Beach.
Bill Brand
Redondo Beach
Light’s on
Dear ER:
Jim Light is a student and an authority on Redondo Beach.
One might say that he knows as much as John Parsons, but that, of course, is impossible.
But go onto Jim’s web site http://jimlightforcouncil.com and see for yourself. Wow! You can see that he has all the bases covered. He is organized, knows what he is doing, where he is going, and most importantly, he has the best interest of Redondo Beach at heart.
Jeff Ginsberg and his family, on the other hand, are knee deep in Redondo real estate. With a sign on every corner, he and his deep pockets are trying to weasel their way onto our City council. Having had prior business dealings with Ginsberg, it somehow comes to mind, that his intentions and interest might just be about feathering his own nest, rather than working for the citizens of Redondo.
To sum it up: There is the reason, and then the REAL reason people run for office. Jim Light wants to help us! He has always been a guiding light for a better Redondo! Jim Light has our best interest at heart…not his family’s real estate portfolio.
Wayne W. Bradshaw
Redondo Beach
Ginsburg’s pitch
Dear ER:
As a candidate for Redondo Beach City Council I am honored to have received over 41 percent of the total votes of four candidates in the March election. In Redondo Beach our charter requires a runoff election for the top two candidates (if one does not receive 50 percent + 1 of the vote). I hope I can count on your vote again on May 14th!
I have the endorsements of our current councilman Steve Aspel, the Riviera Village Association, the Police/Fire/Public Works Associations as well as the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce. I am also proud to have the support of Kim Fine (previous City Council candidate for District 1) and our recently retired City Treasurer Ernie O’Dell. I encourage Redondo Beach residents to view on my campaign website at http://jeffginsburg.org.
You may have received a flyer or mailer from my opponent as to what he thinks our differences are. After reading the column of my accomplishments, I am very proud of what I have accomplished in my personal and professional life and for our wonderful community. I appreciate that my opponent shared these positive changes that I have been involved with in our city and to view a more complete list please visit http://jeffginsburg.org/accomplishments.aspx.
I am focused on maintaining and improving our local community which as one of your Public Works Commissioners for over 5 years has resulted in our newly remodeled Esplanade, efficient LED street lighting, a new trash service which recycles over 70% of our refuse, and of course our usual day-to-day sidewalk repairs, pot hole abatement…the list goes on.
Our runoff election is Tuesday, May 14th. I would be honored to have your support and ask for your vote. Please visit my campaign website at: http://jeffginsburg.org or email me anytime: jeff@jeffginsburg.org or call/text my cell: 310-462-3221 with any questions you might have.
Jeff Ginsburg
Redondo Beach
Esser vs. Diels
Dear ER:
I cannot let a candidate lead Redondo down a deceptive path. On his Facebook page, Steve Diels wrote “ …my rivals are scrambling to rationalize why they deserve $116K of the resident’s money…one even suggests reducing the salary of another employee so she can keep [it]!” Diels, the termed-out District 4 Councilman, forgets that the City Deputy Treasurer plans to retire, and developed a plan with the Acting Treasurer to restructure the Treasurer’s office to a full-time treasurer and one part-time support person, saving the City $122K annually.
The plan was explained to all candidates, yet Diels states that I want to reduce the salary of another employee. What? Diels knows it’s not my plan, but it’s a good one that I support. If you want to elect a termed-out councilman to another position with no term limits; one who creates gimmicks and twists reality to deceive the public for self-benefit, vote for Diels.
Diels also states in an eblast “ If I don’t reform it, who will?” Where was Diels the last eight years as a leader of this City? If he thought the Treasurer’s office needed reforming, why did he wait until he was termed out on the Council to do or even say anything about it?
Please do not fall for Diels’ political gimmickry. Vote for the person with the best qualifications and experience to ensure our finances are managed properly and efficiently, not someone suddenly jumping on a “reforming cost-reduction bandwagon,” who did nothing for eight years. DawnEsser4Treasurer.com – May 14th.
Dawn Esser
Redondo Beach
E & B drilled
Dear ER:
E&B Oil has submitted a project proposal that states an intention to create massive changes to the city of Hermosa Beach. First and foremost, they are going to ask the city to believe that they are operating a safe, honest process of harvesting oil from beneath our town and from under our ocean. Our first glimpse into what they propose to do is in having the ability to read their proposal. This proposal is peppered with city code violations. When it seems convenient to follow the code, E&B will cite such code in a highly visible way. Any intention to wiggle around this code is, at best, a parenthetical statement hidden deep inside a paragraph.
My problem begins when there are phases of the proposed project where following the code will be either inconvenient or impossible. When this is the case, the suggestion that the code will be waived, changed or violated seems to be less openly written. Once such case can be found on page 45 of the E&B Project Proposal and reads, “ The drill rig would operate continuously for 24 hours per day, seven days per week, until the appropriate depth and bottom-hole location for each well has been reached. It is estimated it would take approximately 30 days per well for each of the four wells.” This is a description of the drilling of test wells and one reinjection well. With no problems, we are looking at a minimum of 4 months of around the clock drilling and associated noise and disruption, just related to the test wells. The additional 30 wells will take 3 more years of around-the-clock drilling.
Our city municipal code has several provisions that state that this type of activity is prohibited. Specifically, in chapter 8, section 24.040, part C, the following is considered prohibited noise: “ the sustained, continuous or repeated operation or use between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of any motor or engine or the repair, modification, reconstruction, testing or operation of any automobile, motorcycle, machine, contrivance, or mechanical device or other contrivance or facility unless such motor, engine, automobile, motorcycle, machine or mechanical device is enclosed within a sound insulated structure so as to prevent noise and sound from being plainly audible at the property line of the property from which the sound is emanating.” Furthermore, chapter 8, section 24.050 restricts the hours of construction from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and states that, “ construction activity shall include site preparation, demolition, grading, excavation, and the erection, improvement, remodeling or repair of structures, including operation of equipment or machinery and the delivery of materials associated with those activities.” As a person who lives near the proposed site, and whose home (like many in the area) is above the sound attenuation wall and in the line of sight of proposed drilling rigs, equipment, vehicles, workmen, and other aspects of the project, I am highly concerned. The proposed sound attenuation wall does nothing to address the issue of noise pollution facing the majority of houses around the proposed drill site.
I am concerned that E&B Oil might already be operating under the assumption that this code will be ignored or amended for the purposes of their operation. I am concerned that any false assumption, created either by the city council, the city manager, or anyone misleading the citizens of Hermosa, will allow 24 hour a day construction and drilling, and will lead to another lawsuit. I want the citizens of Hermosa, the very citizens who will be voting about the next 35 years of our city’s future, to be informed in every step of this process.
I am presently dissatisfied with this council’s ability to clearly present information about this project.
Keep Hermosa, hermosa,
Michael Collins
Hermosa Beach
For the people
Dear ER:
Newly elected Manhattan Beach City Councilmembers Mark Burton and Tony D’Errico have added a much-needed increased maturity and leadership to the Manhattan Beach City Council resulting in reestablishing the seat of public policy making from the city manager to the council.
Further, their presence is providing the opportunity for Councilmembers Lesser, Howorth, and Powell the opportunity to renew their commitment and competence towards achieving political accountability by demonstrating the will to overcome the prior failures of the previous council, many specifically resulting from the toxic effects of the now departed councilmembers Tell and Montgomery.
The failures include the demise of the much-proclaimed open government initiative, lack of civic engagement by residents as evidenced by a voter turnout in the last municipal election of only 21 percent. Distrust of residents as substantiated by council’s fear of empowering us to significantly participate and make recommendations in such areas as labor relations, strategic planning, community development, and budgeting.
Further, it failed to stem the tide of increased threats to our public safety and the growing alcohol and tobacco-related harms in our community. In addition, it failed its own mission statement of “ preserving our small beach town character.” It failed to ensure management accountability by not obtaining the required adequate performance by city management.
In essence, the Manhattan Beach City Council will achieve political accountability to the extent it creates our government in the words of Abraham Lincoln as etched in our Civic Center Plaza: “ Government of the People, By the People, For the People.”
Edward C. Caprielian, Ph.D.
Manhattan Beach
