“Keep the Esplanade Beautiful” marks 10 years
by Garth Meyer It began with a recurring discussion about certain items left along the Esplanade. “We all complained about it; there didn’t seem to be anything being done,” said Joan Irvine, co-founder of Keep The Esplanade Beautiful, now celebrating its 10th year. “If we’re not going to do anything about it, let’s stop talking about dog poop.” Ultimately something was done, in 2013, as residents formed a non-profit organization and started “First Saturday Sweeps,” clean-up crews of 12-18 people going from Miramar Park at the edge of Torrance to Knob Hill (1.6 miles). Irvine worked outreach, and was referred to then-city Public Works employee Mike Witzansky, now the Redondo Beach city manager. Through these discussions, the city increased its power-washing of the Esplanade from monthly to weekly, during season. The first “Keep the Esplanade Beautiful” sponsor was Mike Ward at Village Runner – which holds its annual Super Bowl 5k-10k and Fourth of July run along the route. On Oct. 18, Keep the Esplanade Beautiful will hold its fourth annual mixer at H.T. Grill. One of the group’s two yearly fundraisers, the other is the Avenue I Fourth of July celebration, with bands, a beer garden…
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