Letters to the Editor 1-12-23
Power play on The Strand
Dear ER:
Neither your article nor Hermosa Beach Police Chief Paul LeBaron acknowledge that electric bikes are illegal on The Strand, no matter who is riding them, or what speed they are ridden at if their motors are engaged (“Greening too much of a good thing, Council finds, ER Dec. 29, 2022). Merchants who sell electric bikes in Hermosa do not tell their customers that motorized e-bikes are illegal on The Strand. The law is straightforward and needs to be enforced. Is Chief LeBaron waiting for a serious accident before he decides that enforcement is necessary? The tickets given to electric bike riders on The Strand in a single afternoon, could support the entire police department for a month. Putting up permanent barriers on The Strand will change the character of Hermosa Beach and only punish law abiding bicyclists and pedestrians.
Hermosa Beach Municipal Code §12.20.220 reads:
Motorized and electric wheeled devices. No electric or motorized bicycle, moped, electric scooter, electric skateboard, or motorized vehicle (as defined in Section 10.04.010) of any kind other than those used for the purpose of protecting life or property shall be ridden, pedaled, walked, carried onto or otherwise enter any portion of the Strand walkway, Pier Plaza, or beach at any time when the motorized- or electric-propelled power is in use. A violation of this section shall be an infraction. (Ord. 18-1387 §5 (part), 2018: prior code § 5-24).
Robert Aronoff
Hermosa Beach
Married to the idea
Dear ER:
I would love to see another event manager/catering company take over the Veteran’s Park library to continue events there (“Redondo seeks new ideas for old library,” ER January 14, 2022). Our company hosted several celebrations there, and I loved everything about this venue, so much so that I decided to hold my wedding, and reception there back in 2017.
Jennifer Leigh Olvera
Redondo Beach
Highrose reexamined
Dear ER:
In recent years, the State has adopted several low-income housing statutes designed to increase the building of more low incoming housing in cities. These statutes were adopted to solve the specific problem of cities denying low-income projects even after CEQA’s EIR public process had been completed, and all environmental and safety issues had been identified and mitigated. These statutes solved this specific problem by removing a city’s discretion to deny low-income housing projects after CEQA’s EIR public process had been completed, and all environmental and safety issues had been identified and mitigated. However, if CEQA’s EIR public process identifies environmental or safety issues that cannot be mitigated, then a city can deny a low-income housing project by adopting such findings, and providing the developer with written notice. To be clear, the State’s low-income housing statutes do not abrogate the application of CEQA’s EIR public process. In fact, that public process is integral to, and clearly contemplated by, these State low-income statutes. Manhattan Beach should have adhered to, and followed, the scheme set forth in the low-income State statutes by requiring a CEQA EIR public process. It’s the only way for a city to identify environmental and safety issues. In regard to Highrose, the City failed to require CEQA’s EIR public process to identify and mitigate all environmental and safety issues by conflating the State mandated “streamlined ministerial review process” with CEQA’s “ministerial project.” To right this wrong, the Manhattan Beach Council should remand the Highrose project for the CEQA EIR public process.
Mark Burton
Manhattan Beach
Crown jewel needs cleaning
Dear ER:
The Redondo Pier neighborhood is turning into a dump (“AES plant owner Pustilnikov undeterred by city housing plan,” ER Sept. 8. 2022). The facilities are in disrepair, multiple businesses have been shutting down, and the derelict structures atop the parking are falling apart. The structures on the pier are rusting, the docks need to be replaced, and generally the place is going to hell. When I moved to his area, the pier seemed to be vibrant with the Fun Factory arcade, and multiple places to eat. People who live in the area need to decide whether they want to make peace with the commercial world that pays to develop and improve properties, or whether they want to see their city’s crown jewel continue to grow increasingly shabby and decrepit.
Ben Cooley
Redondo Beach
New Paige for Redondo
Dear ER:
Please join me in providing Redondo’s District 3 residents with representation focused on real solutions, and not politically motivated personal attacks, or special interest schemes. We must ensure different viewpoints are welcomed and heard so, together; we can find common ground for real solutions that improve our quality of life. I decided to run for the Redondo Beach City Council when the Council chose to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a special election instead of waiting a few weeks. The same Council also said “no” to a budget request of $19,000 for a crossing guard at Ralston and Inglewood Avenues. Had residents been allowed to vote during the November election as state law already dictates, this crossing guard could have been safely budgeted for the next 12-plus years. We need an independent and pragmatic voice on our Council to be reasonable with our future decisions and to avoid court mandated decisions. I’ll be at the Galleria leasing office on Sunday January 15 from 10 to 11am to learn more about the proposed South Bay Social District revitalization. I invite you to join me. Park on level P4 and find the leasing office next to the AMC Theatres. I look forward to meeting with you there or at your door.
Paige Kaluderovic
Redondo Beach
Metro flyer
Dear ER:
The DEIR (Draft Environmental Impact Report) will be released for the Metro Green Line Extension. Once it is released, it provides the opportunity for the community to submit concerns. How our community responds to this document is vital. Metro is legally obligated to respond to the comments submitted. It is important as a community that we respond to the DEIR in unison. By doing so we amplify our voices in support of the Metro being elevated above Hawthorne Boulevard, versus roaring within a few feet of the backyards of North Redondo Beach residents.
Redondo Beach Quality of Life, a resident-led group, is holding an informational townhall about the Metro on Saturday, January 21 at 5 p.m. at the Great Room Café (2810 Artesia Blvd). Please join me and other residents at this important townhall to work together to preserve our quality of life. For more information: rightofsay.com.
Candace Allen Nafissi,
Redondo Beach
allcove CoveFest
Dear ER:
I am a Redondo Beach resident and an 11th-grade student attending Redondo Union High School. I am fortunate to be one of the inaugural allcove Youth Advisory Group members. The new allcove Beach Cities Center not only offers mental and physical health services for young people ages, 12 to 25, but also provides a space for them to relax and charge their phones. The versatility of the allcove space helps lower the stigma surrounding mental health and aids the unique needs of the youth. I wanted to let everyone know that allcove Beach Cities will be hosting CoveFest on January 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. CoveFest is a fun event with live music, engaging activities, and a perfect view of the sunset. We encourage all in the community to join us. Learn more about Covefest by visiting allcove.org/event/covefest.
Colin Chia
Redondo Beach
A Kiwanis thank you
Dear ER:
As president of The Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club, I want to thank all of you who made our Holiday Tree Lot a huge success. Every year we provide support for 55-plus charities and worthy recipients along with 40-plus scholarships. Without your support that would not be possible. Our profits go directly back into our community. Kiwanis has been in Hermosa Beach since 1926 (96 years) and we feel blessed to have a strong active membership, allowing us to make a big difference. May 2023 be your best year ever,
Hermosa Beach