Letters to the Editor 10-16-25

Should’a known

Dear ER:

The California Appellate Court’s striking down of Redondo Beach’s Housing Element is a perfect case study in what Donald Rumsfeld called “known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns.”

The “known knowns “is that the court found the city’s overlay zoning violated state law by allowing parcels that could still be developed with zero housing.

The “known unknowns” are the fallout: how many Builder’s Remedy projects will now be revived, what legal exposure remains, and how City Hall plans to rewrite a housing plan rejected three times and counting.

But the “unknown unknowns” —the outcomes no one saw coming—may be the most consequential. Redondo’s long insistence that it “did everything right” has now collided with the reality that compliance on paper isn’t compliance in practice. Developers flagged the noncompliance. City Hall shrugged.

For once, residents’ frustration is aimed squarely where it belongs: at city officials who chose appearances over accountability. Redondo Beach didn’t get blindsided by Sacramento—it got caught ignoring what everyone else already knew.

Redondo residents deserve more than legal gymnastics. They deserve a housing plan rooted in honesty and urgency.

Pat Healy

Redondo Beach

Newsom’s magic carpet

Dear ER:

I have given a great deal of thought to the musings of KC Ellis (“Redistricting in context,” Letters to the Editor, ER October 9, 2025). Let’s see if I can clarify those issues that lack context and shed light on Governor Newsom’s aspirations in the future as well as his motives. Governor Newsom will soo, no longer be our Governor. It doesn’t take a genius to surmise he’s looking for his next gig.   

We can agree the California Citizens Redistricting Commission was created to minimize partisanship by Congressional district drawing maps that would not favor one party at the expense of the other. This was what the people wanted, not the politicians. Politicians can’t be trusted, as a group. Governor Newsom’s desire for fame and glory may override his sense of “fair play”? 

I have accused the Governor of playing politics for political gain. KC Ellis disagrees. KC says that AB604 is primarily aimed at adjusting timelines and procedures for future redistricting. Its passage is not a personal power grab for Governor Newsom; his decisions about district lines remain constrained by law and public input. Claiming the governor will redraw districts purely for political gain is “speculative” and not supported by the language itself.’  

I disagree with this observations. Governor Newsom instigated AB604, which was drawn up and passed in record time in a matter of days without input from Republicans. Using the same theme of “Saving our Country” from the evils of President Trump, who did suggest to Governor Abbott to redistrict his state to gain more Republicans before the mid-term elections. All of which is troubling. Maybe I can explain later? 

What happened to the “Redistricting Commission?” The unbiased 14 members who had just finished their extensive maps and approved for use? They were never used, totally ignored by our Governor and the Legislature. 

The question becomes, who drew the new maps? Well of course, the Democrats. The same biased politicians who voted them lawful.  But, there’s more to AB604 than meets the eye. It states the new Gerrymander maps will be approved for use ‘till 2030 if Prop 50 passes. So, for the next five years the Democrat’s rule! Yippee! 

KC Ellis final advice: “Protecting nonpartisan mapping helps ensure that California voters, not politicians, determine representation. Read the full story. Know the details and make an informed choice on Prop 50.” 

Thanks for the advice

Gary Brown

Hermosa Beach

The three runners 

Dear ER:

The article about the Manhattan Beach 10K inaccurately states Russ and Charlotte Lesser were the co-founders of the race (“Elite runners, ‘fast old people’ keep up MB 10K Tradition,” ER October 9, 2025). As much as I respect and love Russ and Charlotte, the facts need to be accurate. My father, “Bud” Barton and Alex Reisbord (5th Streeter), along with Russ Lesser (4th Streeter) founded the race in 1978. Unfortunately, in August, 1978, my father suffered a stroke, so he did not get to reap the rewards of the trios 1978 vision when over 2,500 runners, from all walks of life, including this 5th grader, ran, jogged and walked through Manhattan Beach.

At no time am I dismissing Charlotte Lesser’s work on the 10K. But the founders of this effort, stemming from love for family, friends and community, and a shared interest in running, must be credited. Bud Barton and Alex Reisbord  deserve equal recognition for the beginning of this incredible event. 

The race honors the 4th and 5th walk street families, who were the initial worker bees, including Susie Weems Young, who has announced every Manhattan Beach 10K, and  was one of  my father’s favorite human beings. 

For Bud’s family, this race is a constant reminder to exercise kindness, service, and gratitude. The original winners plaque was named the “Bud Barton,” though it ran out of space after a few years. 

Coincidentally, in that first race, of 2,500 runners, the first female finisher was a member of Bud’s 4th street family, Marsha Dyer. Three men created the race. But without countless individuals, from the official committee, to the volunteers and city employees, this race would not have celebrated 49 years. Together, our 10K legacy contributes to making Manhattan Beach a special place to call home. Everyone participating in some capacity over the 49 years should be proud. 

Tecia Barton

Manhattan Beach

Comments from the Law Nerds

 (“Former Deputy DA Emily D. Baker livestreams pop-culture trials to a global audience.,” ER October 9, 2025)

Critical thinking

Not only do I love to hear about what’s going on in the news from Emily, she keeps me up to date on the latest memes and teen jargon (which we are often confused by). Watching Emily’s content has encouraged me to think critically in all situations of life, to look for impartial evidence, to practice civility and consideration with those I disagree with and to avoid name calling and overgeneralizations. She’s also made it insufferable for me to watch police, detective, or (the worst) court shows or movies because I see all inaccuracies. Love you EDB, love that glamour photo.

Sami V.

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Accessible to all

Law Nerd here. EDB has made law accessible to all, and the Law Nerd community is kind, accepting, supportive and funny as all get out. The cases EDB covers are serious, but quite often the facts, the witnesses and the various players add unique flavor to watching the law in action.  EDB excels at pointing out the gems and the umm, BS. From “Words-of-the-Day” to “Hear Ye, Hear Ye,” EDB live trial is always an adventure!

Creekside Casual

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Couple conversation

I’m so glad I found Emily D Baker during the JD and AH trial. I’ve been in almost all livestreams ever since. Sometimes I rewatch her while I’m doing some walking at the gym. My husband also pays attention and I’ve even messaged  him at work. We have great conversations about the cases.

Kristy Watkins

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Team Baker

EDB, Team Baker and all her MODS are fantabulous. EDB breaks down all the legal jargon down to everyday words. Does she cuss? Yeppers & Law Nerds are here for it. We never criticize  anyone for race, religions, partners, or politics. All are welcome.

Stephee Thee

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Motivator

Until I discovered Emily D. Baker’s YouTube channel, it never occurred to me to study criminology. I’m pushing 60, but I just finished my BS in criminology over the summer and am now in the graduate program. The only negative is I can no longer watch the full trials with the Law Nerds. But Emily gives us synopses too. Emily is always thinking about her audience and is absolutely the best!!

Susanna

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Media bias

I have followed EDB since Depp v Heard. It became apparent during that and many other trials that the media reporting on trials do not always factually report on what happened in court. I have a deep appreciation for Emily’s coverage and legal insight.

Tracy Sullivan

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MSM mush

I found it very eye-opening to see the main street media report almost the opposite of what we were watching live from court. I knew the legacy media had biases but it was quite shocking to witness such blatant misinformation.

Wendy Mew

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Sláinte

I watch Emily from Ireland. She’s funny, informative and an all round good person. Watching Emily with the Law Nerds is the highlight of my day

Anne-Marie Nolan

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New interests

I’m so glad I found EDB when I did, I have learned a lot about the law and pop culture. Who knew I’d be interested in that, but it’s opened my eyes and I’m a better person for it. Thanks so kindly EDB

Sillypick

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Even the young

Been watching EDB since my early twenties and gotta tell you, the humor, humility and passion, and long-duration streams definitely speak to us!

Aiko

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Spotlight well aimed

A well deserved spotlight on this amazing human being. I love our international law nerd community  and it’s thanks to EDB. It’s also so nice seeing so many of us in the comments section. Law nerds united indeed.

Beth

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Respect

I considered a love for nerding out on reading complaints, briefs, motions, orders, and decisions a dirty little secret that no-one in my life could relate to in any form. I would watch live streamed trials with no commentary … straight from the court pool feed. Then I found EDB and I felt seen and educated simultaneously. The best thing about the community is the constant call to stick to facts,  not sideshow speculation, and to treat everyone with grace and respect.

Kraness

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The right word

The first time I saw Emily and saw she wasn’t afraid of the cursey words  I was all in. When I was in high school in the early ‘80 people would freak because I swore so much.  But sometimes you just need the right word.

Shoal Bear

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