Letters to the Editor 10-20-22
Legal firepower
Dear ER:
When Manhattan Beach Mayor Steve Napolitano was stalled in his decision to approve or deny the Highrose/Verandas project, he indicated he was seeking a legal path that would allow a possible denial of the project. Through hard work and determination, a group of residents was able to enlist one of the top Constitutional legal scholars in the United States, Martin H. Redish, the Louis and Harriet Ancel Professor of Law and Public Policy at Northwestern University, who took it upon himself to write a letter to our Mayor and City Council describing a sound legal argument. The crux of the legal argument is: if the city approves the project and ignores California laws intended to keep people safe from environmental and other hazards, the city will recklessly violate the due process rights of Manhattan Beach residents under the 14th amendment of the US Constitution. (To see the full contents of the letter, Chill The Build.com)
On Tuesday, October 18, we expect the City Council to vote on the Highrose project. I urge residents to write Mayor Napolitano and other City Council members to remind them that they represent the will of the people, and please don’t be reckless when it comes to the health and safety of residents, current or future. I also urge residents to either show up at the City Council meeting on October 18, and let your voice be heard or Zoom in if you can’t be present.
Rick Ralph
Manhattan Beach
Massey matters
Dear ER:
In the Hermosa Beach City Council election, I endorse Ray Jackson, your Mayor Pro Tem, and Rita Gerace, a leader in our LGBTQ+ community. Jackson and Gerace are smart, well-informed problem-solvers dedicated to improving our City. Please also join me in voting Yes on B. Measure B will add 3/4 of a percent to our City sales tax, 100 percent of which will stay in Hermosa to meet your public safety, infrastructure, and public service needs. In the last 5 years, the City added $1.5 million to its annual budget to provide top notch fire services through LA County Fire, and to attract and retain effective and professional law enforcement officers by giving your Hermosa Beach police officers their biggest raise in 25 years. Both investments pay dividends in your property values, quality of life, and public safety. To build on these investments and continue meeting our rising costs in every area we serve you, please join me in voting Yes on B. Finally, please join me in voting Yes on U (civil service reform), Yes on T (cannabis tax authority if Measure M passes), and No on M (industry retail cannabis initiative). Measure M would inhibit local control of retail cannabis in Hermosa, and it is unnecessary because medicinal and recreational cannabis are readily available by delivery to Hermosa.
Justin Massey
City Councilmember
Hermosa Beach
Lucky eight
Dear ER:
Early in the campaign season, I was wondering if we’d even have enough candidates to fill three seats. Now we have an embarrassment of riches. We are lucky to have eight people willing to give their time to lead our city in what is largely a thankless job. Each candidate has their individual views and approaches, but there is no doubt all of them have the best interests of Hermosa Beach at heart. And the candidates have shown respect and affection for each other as they progress along their difficult paths. It is unfortunate that a few people, some who aren’t even registered to vote here, recently decided to launch vicious attacks on candidates and people who support them. It’s the same usual suspects that typically troll social media. Kudos to all of the candidates for taking the high road. While I wish them all good luck and look forward to working with anyone elected, I support Kieran Harrington, Jeff Raedy and Dan Godwin.
Long live the Best Little Beach City.
Sincerely,
Raymond Dussault
Hermosa Beach
Don’t ‘B’ taxed
Dear ER:
The proposed Hermosa Beach Measure B tax increase of .75 percent would yield the highest allowed local city tax of 10.25 percent. That brings Hermosa Beach in company with Hawthorne at the same rate. That’s a 7.9 percent sales tax increase, which multiplies the inflation problem and tracks higher prices forever. We’re in a recession. The City has a spending problem. It added, unfroze or upgraded 20 jobs in the current fiscal year, which increased expenses by a budgeted $562,689. That’s the main driver for the tax increase. Management problems such as “analysis paralysis,” and poor execution of basic functions are another reason to vote No on Measure B. Check out the number of new or redefined “analysts” and consultants employed this year. The largest source of revenue, property taxes, increased by 23 percent from 2018 through 2021. That critical revenue continues to increase dramatically. $5,834,252 was recently used from 2020-2021 unspent funds for the current fiscal year. $2.6 million went to the Capital Improvement Fund. Expenses were commendably tightened during the 2020 recession, and continued to July 2022. Now is the time to do the same and not raise taxes. Vote no on Measure B.
Stephen Goodell
Hermosa Beach
Where there’s smoke…
Dear ER:
Vote NO on Measure M in Hermosa Beach and retain the ban on cannabis dispensaries. An informational report recently published by the city validates that Hermosa Beach will most likely see increased crime as a consequence of neighborhood cannabis dispensaries. Dispensaries have large amounts of cash, and product that entice criminals. No wonder they have armed security. While some may think they will be unaffected because they do not live in close proximity to Pacific Coast Highway, and Aviation Boulevard, note that the report indicates the overall community may be affected. Also, do not believe dispensaries would forever be relegated to those zones. Cannabis companies have unlimited resources, do not believe in limits to the number of dispensaries, and have the resources to litigate for years, forcing us to eventually acquiesce, and increase the number of dispensaries beyond two, and change our zoning. The proponents of Measure M want people to believe money will flow, bringing tremendous benefits that far outweigh the impacts. That is a false narrative. Measure M has no tax component. The city sponsored tax measure has no minimum tax rate. Translation – a city council could set the tax rate at 0 percent. What is the conclusion? Dispensaries will result in a net cost to us, strain city resources and endanger our community. More disturbingly, recent exposes by the LA Times uncover the political corruption currently happening in other jurisdictions as cannabis companies vie for the limited number of licenses. Don’t roll out the welcome mat to these companies and vote NO on M.
Carolyn Petty
HB Residents Against Measure M
Hermosa Beach
Campaign deduction
Dear ER:
At the most recent Beach Cities Health District Board of Directors meeting that approved negotiations to lease three acres of public land to a commercial developer Board Members Noel Chun and Michelle Bholat did not bother to vote on the lease. Since both are up for re-election in November, you can only assume neither one wanted to be tarred with this terrible deal. Vote for Michael Martin for BCHD Board, a candidate who will deal with difficult issues instead of hiding from them.
Mark Nelson
Redondo Beach
Thankful for Crabtree-Kampe
Dear ER:
Manhattan Beach Council candidate Rita Crabtree-Kampe is exactly what Manhattan Beach needs in these divisive times. As a leader, she will represent the community as a whole, with no political agenda, ulterior motive, or goal of higher office. She believes that term limits mean something and when her eight years as our city’s representative have ended, she will move on with her life rather than follow in the shoes of several other candidates in this election. I respect my colleagues who completed their terms as council members but I cannot agree with their disregard for true term limits. Our city deserves fresh perspectives, and we do a disservice to ourselves when we recycle past representatives. Let’s move forward with gratitude that long-term residents like Crabtree-Kampe are willing to put in the hard work as our City Council representative.
Joyce Fahey
Manhattan Beach
Trifecta a head scratcher
Dear ER:
The Manhattan Beach Unified School District is consistently ranked in the top 10 of school districts in the state. My kids and my neighbors’ kids have had excellent K-12 educations, and gone on to attend world class universities. I am scratching my head as to why a “Trifecta” of school board candidates think it’s necessary to blow up our schools? They want to ban books. They want to cut the budget. (We have one of the smallest per pupil budgets in the state.) One of the “Trifecta” has never had kids in the district. All three of them admit they know few details about how our very complicated budget and funding work. How will they work with a teachers union, which they disdain? Will anyone want to work here? MBUSD has turned out some great adults. Let’s not scare families away by electing inexperienced extremists and risk losing our hard earned national recognition. If you and your neighbors have benefitted from our excellent schools, vote for Tina Shivpuri, Wysh Weinstein and Jen Fenton for school board.
Loralie Ogden
Manhattan Beach
Lesser leadership
Dear ER:
I am thrilled that David Lesser is running for City Council. I am 100 percent certain he is the best candidate for this position and hope you will join me in voting for him in November. Lesser will bring his experience from having previously served two terms on city council. He will provide thoughtful, collaborative, and dedicated leadership to support all that we love about our community, while maintaining our small-town environment. Lesser will always listen to residents and colleagues, and will work tirelessly to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of Manhattan Beach. Having known Lesser for more than 20 years, I am happy to endorse him wholeheartedly.
Noelle Merritt
Manhattan Beach
Odd pairing
Dear ER:
Redondo Beach Fourth District Councilman Zein Obagi desperately tries to paint his recall as only about Elliot Lewis, and Lewis’ want of cannabis control. But many in District 4 are fully aware Lewis filed for his own interest, yet still support Yes on the recall, because we find Obagi not adequately representing our best interests. Clearly Obagi’s Recall and E were paired in this unnecessary city funded special election to confuse voters that they’re the same. Only E is about cannabis. Obagi’s Recall is not. Redondo may be one city but there’s a reason for five districts, and five council members. Each to advocate for their district. But except for non-controversial crumbs like stop signs, bike lanes, etc., Obagi has forced us to take one for the team whenever other districts don’t want something. Seems like the least he could do — he’s also gotten us 3,000-plus new housing units with all the low-income housing required. Plus the pallet shelter, and fire department issue. Now we have an expensive, separate special election, which taxpayers will pay for at the cost of something else. We encourage voters to look beyond editorials/social media for facts. Check recent council meetings at Redondo.org to see for yourself the special interest maneuvering of Obagi. Watch Obagi and supporters’ bullying, especially towards lone female Council Member Laura Emdee. Know however you feel about cannabis, it will be in Redondo, like it or not. If it’s a big negative for you, look at the State Bar Public Matter for Obagi’s own connections to that industry. Then think hard to decide if you trust him to support your best interests as District Four taxpayers and vote accordingly.
Fien, A. McVe
Redondo Beach
Educated trustees
Dear ER:
This fall Mira Costa High School graduates went to 134 prestigious colleges, and universities in 37 states and six countries, in addition to vocational and service opportunities. MCHS is nationally ranked by US News and World Report. It takes focused and experienced leadership at the school board level to get these results. That’s why I’m supporting Jan Fenton, Tina Shivpuri and Wysh Weinstein for MBUSD Board of Trustees. A very resilient Fenton navigated the last 3 years on the board, in spite of forces that lined up against her. Shivpuri is the resourceful communicator who searches for best practice to solve problems. Weinstein, a former teacher, brings a breadth of knowledge as MBUSD PTAs president. They understand the challenges, and how financial stability pays off in student performance, health, and wellbeing. For our kids to succeed beyond our town’s borders takes academic excellence as well as social/emotional life skills, and mental health coping strategies. Mira Costa is an academic and sports powerhouse, but my arty kids’ creative needs were met, as well. I want my neighbors and young families to get the same quality education and learning experience they did. Let’s support practical MBUSD candidates who connect across all stakeholders —Shivpuri, Weinstein and Fenton for school board, and Howorth and Lesser for city council. When the city and the school board work in tandem everybody wins — students and property owners.
Ann Pitts
Manhattan Beach
Out of context
Dear ER:
I am writing to set the record straight about a disparaging public statement made last week by a former Manhattan Beach city council member, attacking Manhattan Beach Council council candidate Mark Burton’s contention that he is the public safety candidate we so desperately need. This derogatory statement was made in reference to an instance last year when Burton cautioned the Manhattan Beach City Council about its pending No-Confidence vote on Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon. The pejorative statement further declared Burton defends and supports Gascon. After reviewing this questionable statement made last week, its alleged basis, and discussing the situation with Burton, I believe it not only misrepresents Burton’s stance on Gascon, but also contains outright falsehoods. Burton, in his caution to the Council, said the Council is supposed to be non-partisan and, with all the political divisiveness circulating locally and nationally, it wasn’t appropriate for it to take a position, representing the entire community on such a controversial topic … especially considering the recent Bruce’s Beach negative news coverage. Importantly, it should also be noted that Burton has signed both petitions to recall Gascon, and written several letters-to-the-editor criticizing Gascon’s policy to not prosecute misdemeanors. As Burton explained at a recent candidate forum, he believes we can have our own Manhattan Beach City Prosecutor now, not later. A career prosecutor himself, Burton believes that Gascon does not have the legal authority to reject our City’s request to prosecute misdemeanors our-self and we should file litigation, if necessary. Burton is the candidate we need on our City Council, a public servant who will fight for all of Manhattan Beach residents.
Paul Beswick
Manhattan Beach
School math
Dear ER:
In the 2019-2020 school year the Manhattan Beach Unified School District enrolled 6,524 students. After the pandemic it was 5,852. That’s a loss of 672 students, not 1,000 as the “Trifecta” school board candidates keep repeating. 1,000 sounds impressive, but it’s just not true. And enrollment is projected to be up next year, by one percent district-wide. Time and again the most important issue for parents is keeping class sizes down, according to MBEF surveys. If the Trifecta is elected and slashes the budget as promised, this will only increase class sizes. And kids will leave the district. If the Trifecta can’t do simple arithmetic, are they who we want deciding the fate of our schools? If the Trifecta’s goal is to cut the budget thereby increasing class size, how will that help enrollment? Let’s elect board members who actually have an understanding of how our schools are funded and operate, not Johnny-come-lately’s only interested in scoring political points. Vote Jen Fenton, Tina Shipuri and Wysh Weinstein for school board
Dexter Taylor
The Lesser approach
Dear ER:
I am writing in support of David Lesser’s Manhattan Beach City Council candidacy. I have known Lesser through family and dog-care connections for over 30 years. He is a thoughtful, and effective advocate for a collaborative approach to problem solving. His prior service on the City Council, and his legal background give him a working knowledge of what can (and what cannot) be accomplished on a cost-effective basis at the local level. His prior success with complex projects like the new library and Edison equipment upgrade, and like the Vista Del Mar “road diet” controversy, shows how he will approach current issues such as Highrose. His temperament and singular commitment to local public service offer a calm, rational voice countering recent divisive discussions on issues now facing our City. I encourage you to vote for David Lesser on November 8.
Steve Balgrosky
Manhattan Beach
Optical repair
Dear ER:
20 percent of our top firefighters are leaving, being replaced by Battalion Chiefs with no paramedic status, and bringing old pension cost liabilities to Manhattan Beach. A Fire Department that once stood as one of California’s most prestigious is no longer. Our town was asked when it was “going to come out from underneath its rock” by a Senator who was able to pass a law with no opposition whatsoever in the California Legislature, validating that our City took land with prejudice 100 years ago. Our new Los Angeles County Supervisor, Holly Mitchell, stood next to Senator Bradford, validating his statement with no City of Manhattan Beach representation on the stage at a National Historic event. Our Council turned the process into a “non-apology.” So the entire nation is asking if our City is a racist community. We are not.
A myriad of new newsletters, individual blogs, and social platforms have purported to be “fair and balanced,” yet increasingly find nothing but fault with one another and have induced kindergarten-level arguments and exchanges. The new, never seen divide among our citizens is palpable. Those seeking jobs no longer consider Manhattan Beach the jewel of government employment. Interviews are unsuccessful because we no longer offer what is needed to obtain top-notch candidates. I have had the pleasure of knocking on 1,500-plus doors for over three weeks. I can tell you firsthand from the mouths of our citizens they are sick about the change that’s occurred in our idyllic, wonderful oasis of relaxation, neighborly, and compassionate beach town. Ask yourself how many of the letters you are reading today produce conversations about what is really happening. Ask yourself if Manhattan Beach has been a better place since the last election. No other candidate shares the encompassing background, history, or breadth of knowledge I have earned over the last 40 years. I hear the citizens of this town. It’s time for a change.
Stewart Fournier
Manhattan Beach
Coordinating council
Dear ER:
When a homeless individual slept on my street last month, my neighbors and I quickly learned the strengths and weaknesses of the City’s response. We came away with the opinion that there is more the City can do. We talked to the police, to city council members, and to local citizens supporting the cause on their own time. We found out that, as a member of City Council in 2018, Amy Howorth passed an anti-camping ordinance prohibiting sleeping on City property. Howorth also worked on Measure H, which reserves two local shelter beds for police to offer to homeless individuals to move them off the street and into shelters. I’ve decided to support Howort for City Council because of her past leadership on the issue of homelessness in Manhattan Beach. I’ve learned Howorth will continue her smart efforts to use existing City resources to move homeless individuals into shelters and housing. Howorth stands out among the other candidates because of her extensive experience addressing this issue from City Hall. She laid the groundwork for the City to respond to this important issue in 2018, but in 2022, the City’s response could be better. Electing Howorth will bring us a coordinated, effective, and proactive City response to homelessness in our parks and streets.
Craig Kaplan
Manhattan Beach
Coyote campaign
Dear ER:
Suzanne Hadley has my vote for council in November. She wants to block retail pot shops here. Like me, she’s voting No on Measure MB and YES on Measure V. Hadley is also a voice against the big increase in predatory South Bay coyotes. She wants to protect family pets and prevent a future attack on a child. Two weekends ago, a coyote streaked through a kids’ soccer game at Pacific at 8 am. Then an MB family found a coyote lurking in their backyard, completely unafraid, at 4:30 p.m. Then another resident sent Ring videos to council about a pair of coyotes in her backyard — the second sighting was at 7:30 p.m.— barely dark. The homeowner was afraid to go into her own yard in the early evening. That’s sad. Hadley is in favor of trapping to prevent an attack on a child or a senior citizen. She is responsive to my emails. And she’s been strong in her first term on issues I care about: funding our police, keeping our fire department local, protecting small business, dealing with homeless, and now removing dangerous coyotes.
Kristin Muller
Manhattan Beach
Redondo E-gregious
Dear ER:
Redondo Beach Measure E would overturn the carefully crafted and highly responsible cannabis sale ordinance recently approved by the Redondo Beach City Council. Measure E has no provision for mandatory fees or taxes (based on sales) to be paid to Redondo Beach for police, fire or other public safety services. Instead, it only has a provision for “voluntary pledges” of 2 percent of retail sales to be provided to “a public school or park” or a “nonprofit community organization.” Our Redondo City Attorney has noted that there is no mechanism provided for a cannabis store’s compliance with making good those pledged contributions.Vote No on Measure E.
Andrew Lesser, MD.
Redondo Beach
Educated investment
Dear ER:
When my oldest turned 6, my husband and I scraped together enough to move into the Manhattan Beach School District so our kids could be a part of this excellent school system. The decision has not disappointed. We have been so impressed with the district’s level of academic excellence; my kids are learning more advanced concepts than I can keep up with. I am deeply worried about the “Trifecta” that is running together for the three open school board positions. As a group, they wholly lack the expertise I believe is required in a school board trustee. They are very light on school volunteerism, program involvement, and financial giving. One Trifecta candidate never had kids in our schools. None of them has a background in education, yet they are proposing significant changes to the curriculum. Their collective platform does not address the needs of our community, our students, or our city. Instead, they have chosen to tap into the rhetoric that we are seeing nationwide — a movement that brings right-wing attacks to non-partisan school boards. This cynicism is not just threatening our school board elections here; it’s happening in Santa Monica, Palos Verdes, and across the country. I am supporting the three candidates who have proven their commitment to MBUSD, through their years of service and leadership and who are running independently. My votes go to Tina Shivpuri, Wysh Weinstein, and Jen Fenton.
Maria Reese
Manhattan Beach
Canopy over Redondo
Dear ER:
Please join me in supporting the efforts of the Redondo Beach City Council, Mayor, and Public Works Department to protect, and increase the number of, trees on our public property. The City Council took a huge step forward this year by including in the budget funds to plant hundreds of new trees in public parkways and other open spaces. These trees will add shade, beauty, and other aesthetics that contribute to the character and well-being of our community. Working together with homeowners, businesses, and other residents, the City Council, Commissions, and Public Works Department should continue to explore more opportunities to “green” our city streets, parks, and bike paths in a thoughtful and environmentally friendly way that benefits everyone.
Scott Behrendt
Redondo Beach Planning Commissioner
Rita made for Manhattan
Dear ER
I am supporting Rita Crabtree-Kampe for Manhattan Beach city Council. I am struck by her sincerity, enthusiasm, and accomplishments. I believe her to be politically objective. Hers is a fresh voice, and I believe she will follow her values in her decisions. Crabtree-Kamp believes in consensus building, bringing people together. She will look at all sides, compromise when necessary and ultimately promote what is best for our community. I have heard her at speaking events, and walked with her meeting residents. I have been impressed with her work as a founding member of MB Safe for Homeless Outreach. She has been involved with the city for several years. Crabtree-Kamp participates with law enforcement and with her group directly to help needy people find assistance, shelter and direction. I want what is best for our community and I hope you will join me in supporting Rita for City Council
Louise I Wolf
Manhattan Beach
Not complicated
Dear ER:
I hope Redondo Beach residents are smart enough to see that the pot dealer is spending all this money to buy Tonya McKenzie a seat on the Redondo Council. He is not just doing it for fun. For $400,000 he is doing it for his company. McKenzie’s dodging on Measure E shows she is not looking out for the City or its residents’ best interests. Council Members Christian Horvath, Laura Emdee, Mayor Bill Brand, Nils Nehrenheim and Todd Loewenstein rarely are on the same side on any controversial issue. Yet all of them say Measure E, which would legalize three cannabis retailers in Redondo is bad for the City and is bad for its residents. Somehow, McKenzie refuses to come to that same conclusion. And that is telling.
Jim Light
Redondo Beach
Cannabis consensus
Dear ER:
Long Beach-based Catalyst Cannabis sponsored four initiatives to allow dispensaries in the four Beach Cities — El Segundo, Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beaches. Catalyst found resident sponsors from each city and paid signature gatherers to get enough signatures to qualify these measures for the November 8 ballot, except for Redondo, whose special election is October 19.
Was this an altruistic gesture? Were residents begging for dispensaries in their cities? No. This was a business expense ($350,000-plus) to help it open more dispensaries in its chain and increase its profits. All four City Councils oppose these initiatives and have taken steps to defeat them. In Hermosa Beach, not only is the City Council against the initiative, but the eight City Council candidates are against it. Council Member Ray Jackson wrote the ballot argument against the initiative, with all council members signing it. The Hermosa Advisory Group, of which I was a member, met six times, reviewing the pros and cons of the initiative. The group unanimously advised the City Council to reject the initiative. The Beach Cities Health District also advises against them. The initiatives, which don’t include a tax, will increase police and emergency call outs, and normalize marijuana use by our children. Therefore, Hermosa and other councils have created tax measures to offset these added expenses, in case these initiatives pass.
Andrea Valcourt
Hermosa Beach