A bench was dedicated on the Esplanade above Redondo Beach Aug. 19 in honor of the late Robert “Bob” Valencia, a former LAPD officer and lifelong Redondo Beach resident.
He was born in a house on Steinhart Avenue. Part of six generations of family who lived, or still live here, Valencia died of cancer April 24 at the age of 71.
He worked as an LAPD patrol officer for 30 years (1980-2010), and before that as a recreation leader for Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation, from 1972 to the early ‘80s.
A scholarship has been established in his name at Redondo Union High School.
The bench has a view of what was a favorite place of Valencia’s; the Knob Hill beach volleyball courts. An LAPD helicopter made a flyover at the bench dedication. ER
