Letters to the Editor 8-3-17
Belittle East
Dear ER:
When I first heard about the free shuttle in Manhattan Beach west of Sepulveda, I said, “Once again, the east side is being ignored.” I feel most able bodied people could easily walk from Sepulveda Boulevard to the downtown area (“Council approves one year extension for Downtowner, but owner waivers,” ER July 20, 2017). I am 80 and could probably still do it. The East side is where this service should have started to get a true representation of interest. The shuttle could avoid Manhattan Beach Boulevard by using 2nd and 8th streets to cross Sepulveda. Many people are going elsewhere to spend their money because parking and traffic have become so bad in downtown Manhattan Beach.
May I remind you that once the East side had a wonderful little library that was well-used. Sadly, the decision was made to close it. I guess most of those in charge figured no one East of Sepulveda could read. Apparently they are not worthy of a free ride either.
Jane Porter
Manhattan Beach
End means
Dear ER:
I am sitting at the Coffee Bean on Manhattan Beach Boulevard in downtown Manhattan Beach at 3 p.m. and traffic is constant (“Council approves one year extension for Downtowner, but owner waivers,” ER July 20, 2017). We need better transit ideas. More Lyft and Uber cars clogging up traffic in front of the Kettle is not the answer. Let’s work with what cuts down on parking and traffic. Yes, the free Downtowner service may have been a ruse to get in. However, should we just ignore the experiment? Free transit at approximately $50 per parcel is interesting and ironic.
Stewart Fournier
Manhattan Beach
Manhattanburg
Dear ER:
Ironically, I come from Hermosa Beach, the next town south of Manhattan Beach (“Council approves one year extension for Downtowner, but owner waivers,” ER July 20, 2017). I have lived in Healdsburg for almost 30 years. I love where I live now because it is so like the Hermosa of my youth. Good, reliable, cheap transportation is so important to make communities accessible to everyone. Let’s put this in the mix when we envision what we want Healdsburg to be.
Andi Michelsen
Facebook comment
Don’t encourage them
Dear ER:
I hope hundreds and thousands of others do not follow suit and decide to live a vagabond lifestyle in Manhattan Beach (“Homeless in Manhattan,” ER July 20, 2017). We pay taxes and live on the grid for a reason — to maintain a certain standard of living. If everyone took this route imagine what the city would be like, perhaps like Venice, Santa Monica etc… And the liberals want you to think the homeless are on the street through no fault of their own, No in fact many enjoy the lifestyle. The city is not designed to support homeless people living in parking lots and using public restrooms. In fact it is a public health hazard to others. Manhattan Beach police, enforce the laws. Manhattan Beach citizens do not become complacent
Leza Bonelli
Manhattan Beach
Recuse me
Dear ER:
The Coastal Commission unanimously voted on the Redondo waterfront project to approve Coastal Commission staff’s findings that there are substantive issues, to void the permit approvals by the city, and to hold a de novo (like new) hearing (“Redondo Harbor Commissioners advised to recuse selves,” ER July 20, 2017). The findings that drove this determination substantiated the concerns the public had presented to the Harbor Commission and to the City Council. So I should recuse myself for having expressed concerns that the Coastal Commission validated? If anyone should recuse themselves, it should be those who showed bias by ignoring the concerns presented by the harbor patrol, Lifeguard Baywatch crews and the public. Our city staff has gone from honest brokers putting a project through city processes to advocates. The Coastal Commission findings validate that concern.
Jim Light
Redondo Beach Harbor Commissioner
Redondo Beach
Stakeholder stomp
Dear ER:
Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin finally admitted his mistake regarding the failed Vista del Mar “road diet” debacle, due to massive public/political pressure, litigation and a recall movement (“End in sight for Vista del Mar lane closures,” ER July 27, 2017). However, let’s not forget about the huge waste of taxpayer dollars on this unnecessary fiasco, not to mention the accidents caused, adverse environmental impact and protracted disruption of so many people’s lives. The important lesson to be learned is that this was all caused by the lack of outreach to stakeholders..
Wayne Powell
Redondo Beach
Street barred
Dear ER:
Over the years there has been vandalism, theft and people walking onto the police and fire ramp without escort (“Bard Street to be gated,” ER July 27, 2018). There is a need for security reasons, but also for the safety of the employees.
Tom Thompson
Facebook comment
Bard none
Dear ER:
Move the Friends of the Library to the city yard. Fix the building and stop taking away public spaces and parking. Gone is the upper parking at South Park. Only school administrators get those. Soon to be gone is more than half of the parking spots at View School. No parking for a growing community. Not smart.
Sally Field
Facebook comment
All for Bard
Dear ER:
Is Hermosa also going to close the streets nexts to schools (“Bard Street to be gated,” ER July 27, 2018)? Nightclubs? Movie theatres? That’s where many more incidents occur. I have no problem with police officers being safe, but I think prioritie are reversed.
John Dalton
Facebook comment
Sober thanks
Dear ER:
We want to thank those who gave their time, energy, and efforts to underage drinking prevention work in the beach cities communities. Behavioral Health Services (BHS/NCADD) and its Beach Cities Prevention Community Council received national recognition from SAMHSA, (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) as one of its 2016 Prevention Program Success Stories. Our story is based on our community awareness event: “Safety, Stress and Social Media: Educating Parents and Protecting Teens, held in Hermosa Beach on April 28, 2016. Nearly 100 parents attended the last Communities Talk — Town Hall Meeting. The goal of these Town Hall meetings was to show the youth perspective, discuss solutions with community leaders, highlight other teen related issues, and create and open dialogue about what’s really going on in the Beach Communities. If you would like more information on upcoming community events please email eizzo@bhs-inc.org.
Eric Izzo
Behavioral Health Services
Torrance