About Town Redondo: Police coyote advisory, fireworks, street closings
Avenue I fireworks show canceled
The annual Avenue I “Keep the Esplanade Beautiful” fireworks show will not take place this Fourth of July because of costs, according to Joan Irvine, Keep the Esplanade Beautiful founder. She noted that the price to put on the full festival – including live music and beer garden – would have neared $250,000.
The fireworks show were previously launched from a barge off the beach near Avenue I.
“It got to be cost-prohibitive. $150,000 just for the fireworks, then $125,000 for the festival,” Irvine said, noting a new requirement to hire an environmental services company to monitor pre- and post-fireworks practices.
Otherwise, the annual Redondo Beach city-sponsored fireworks show will go on in King Harbor, returning this year after a drone show in 2023 took its place because of concern over a new environmental law.
The city fireworks show launches from a barge near the Redondo Pier about 9 p.m. on the Fourth.
City reminds of coyotes
The city of Redondo Beach is reminding citizens that coyotes have increasingly been spotted in town, and to avoid behaviors for which the animals may associate humans with food.
The city advises residents not to feed coyotes, to not feed any pets or other animals outside, including feral cats; and to keep garbage in a secured, coyote-proof container.
Sightings of coyotes have been reported in the area of Beryl Street, Flagler Lane, 190th Street and Prospect Avenue.
The Redondo Beach Police Department advises people to never run from a coyote, because it may trigger their instinct to chase. Instead, people should use “hazing techniques,” such as stomping and standing tall, making loud noises, flashing lights or spraying the animals with water.
Coyotes most often avoid humans, unless they are cornered, defending their den, or are sick or injured
For coyote-related emergencies, call 911. For other questions and concerns, Animal Services may be reached at (310) 379-2477, Option 6.
RBPD announces street closures for fireworks
Between 9 p.m. -11:30 p.m. July 4, the following roadways in South Redondo Beach will be closed or significantly impacted due to expected high traffic for the city’s annual fireworks show at King Harbor: Portofino Way, Harbor Drive, Herondo Street, Anita Street/190th Street 200-300 blocks of South Pacific Avenue, 100-1200 blocks of North Catalina Avenue, 100-1600 blocks of South Catalina Avenue, 100-1300 blocks of Beryl Street, 100-1000 Torrance Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway from 190th Street to Knob Hill Avenue, and the Esplanade from Catalina Avenue to Vista Del Mar.
Non-essential vehicle traffic is not recommended by Redondo Beach Police as long delays are expected while driving in these areas during the times indicated.
RBPD asks residents to refer to www.redondo.org for additional information on event times, parking considerations and other issues. ER