Letters 10/08/15
Dead end idea
Dear ER:
Is this really a fish the Redondo City Council needs to fry (“Redondo Beach Seeks to rename Torrance Blvd.,” ER Sept. 24, 2015)? Just because the Mayor hates using Torrance as a name within city limits? How ironic that Redondo Beach Boulevard pretty much begins where the city ends. Perhaps we should ask Gardena and the other cities, or their mayors, if Redondo Beach Boulevard is offensive to them. After all, if they decided to rename Redondo Beach Boulevard in within their city limits we’d be left with a Redondo Beach Boulevard that was only 500 feet long.
Cal Anton
Redondo Beach
Waterfront masquerade
Dear ER:
As a long time Redondo resident and former School Board president, I was disappointed in your article on the development project being planned for King Harbor (“Harbor ‘legacy’ tenants to be preserved,” ER Oct. 1, 2015). No where does the story state the proposed plan will more than double the development between Portofino Way and Torrance Boulevard and add three-story buildings to the Ruby’s parking lot. Instead of the magnificent view the public has from Harbor Drive, this development will replace those views with an additional 1,000 car parking structure and movie theaters, all in the name of ‘revitalization.’
There are many dissenting voices that want to see our waterfront upgraded, but not by more than doubling the development from 220,000 sq.ft. to over 500,000 sq.ft. — larger than the new Del Amo complex. In the future, I hope your reporting is more balanced, with opinions from those who have opposed these types of plans for years. This latest article is little more than a press release masquerading as journalism to promote what many of us see as more over-development for Redondo Beach.
Todd Loewenstein
President, R4 (Redondo Residents for Responsible Revitalization)
Redondo Beach
Powerless press
Dear ER:
Southern California Edison is seriously derelict in responding to the needs of residents and keeping them informed and Easy Reader is not investigating as thoroughly as it should.
On 24 September, an Edison power line fell at the corner of Poinsettia Ave. and 11th St. in Manhattan Beach. According to the local press, Edison reported “no damage.” In fact, the downed wire burned the yard of a home and severely cracked the pavement, requiring Edison to repair the curb and street.
Tellingly, a few years ago, at midnight on New Year’s Eve, an Edison power line fell at that same intersection, damaging the yard directly across Poinsettia from the current site, burning a power pole, reducing a car parked at the curb to a gutted, smoking hulk and causing a widespread blackout. The damage was so severe that the street under the car melted. We found no news reports of this power outage and Edison wouldn’t answer our questions, citing a lawsuit by the car’s owner.
Edison said that it relies on reports from local residents about power lines and other equipment needing repairs. However, we have complained about broken Edison guy-wires and had great difficulty getting them fixed.
Edison fails to maintain its equipment properly and then denies or downplays the resulting damage. Residents cannot know if these are isolated incidents or part of a pattern of neglect unless our local media demand answers from Edison.
Roger Kohn and Kay Gilbert
Manhattan Beach,
Justin, from past councilman
Dear ER:
Having served on the Hermosa Beach City Council with current council candidates Pete Tucker and Jeff Duclos, I found council candidate Justin Massey’s letter to the editor without merit and lacking substance (“Justin’s time,” ER Letters Oct. 1, 2015).
His letter notes his intent to “cut costs and build revenue,” citing bad decisions of prior city councils. Specifically, burning $5 million in legal fees fighting MacPherson oil, which began in 1994. In 2012, Duclos and Tucker voted to settle that lawsuit, ending the legal costs despite certain parties wanting to continue the legal fight, potentially risking bankruptcy from an adverse jury verdict. What would Massey have done to end the litigation?
Further, he proposes going out to bid for city attorney services, costing $240,000 annually over the past six years, believing he can save money. Neighboring Manhattan Beach attorney fees last year were $446,000. I seriously doubt Massey will find savings when he has no clue what other cities are paying.
Finally, he states a plan to cut costs and build revenue, however, his letter never mentioned anything tangible. Our city needs leaders with proven experience, not amateurs who criticize past city councils.
Howard Fishman
Hermosa Beach
39 steps to come
Dear ER:
The 38th running of the Manhattan Beach 10K took place last Saturday. The volunteer race committee could not put on the race without the enthusiastic support it receives from the community, along with the City of Manhattan Beach. We’re one of the very few volunteer, unpaid staffed race events left in the country. Also a nonprofit, we donate the proceeds back to fitness related causes in the community and to scholarships. Thank you to all who make it possible. Hope to see you October 1, 2016 for the 39th running.
Rachel Judson
MB10K Race Director
Manhattan Beach