Be a true sport
Dear ER:
This must stop now. I’m talking about the scheduling of children’s sport activities on Sunday mornings between breakfast and noon, when they could just as well be scheduled after lunch. Those hours are just the hours we go to church as families. The lessons learned there help our families to keep mentally balanced and frankly, happier. These same lessons are then applied to situations on the baseball, football and soccer fields. Sports do not supplant worship or devotional services. So please dear coaches, could you find it in your hearts to schedule sports activities after lunch on Sundays? I know hundreds of parents would be grateful, not to mention the young people when they face life’s challenges as adults. Let’s not “drop the ball” in keeping the spiritual fabric of our society strong. The truths learned in church during those precious hours on Sunday mornings are invaluable
Helen Lechner
Hermosa Beach
Investing in the future
Dear ER:
I’ve always viewed City Hall as the living room of our community–a space where residents gather, discuss and help make important decisions that shape our City’s future. It was a pleasure to welcome faces both familiar and new to that same community living room for our recent Civic Facilities Tour. I want to thank everyone who attended this event, which served as the kickoff to our year-long Civic Facilities Project community outreach effort. As attendees learned firsthand, our facilities must be safe, functional and able to accommodate changing technologies because they are our community’s first line of response in times of crisis. Our City Hall was officially dedicated in 1965 – almost 60 years ago. This aging infrastructure presents significant challenges to today’s operations and long-term community safety. To meet current and future service needs, it is imperative that we address these challenges. We must take steps to ensure compliance with seismic and fire safety standards to safeguard our City’s resilience. Our facilities face problems with aging HVAC systems, water intrusion, inadequate ventilation and non-compliance with current ADA standards. There are plumbing issues, insufficient parking, outdated lighting and electrical systems and windows that no longer function. I’d also like to clarify that funding for the Civic Facilities Project will come from sources other than the proposed sales tax measure (Measure HB). None of the revenues from Measure HB would be directed toward this project. Let’s not let our community living room fall further into disrepair. Investing in our civic facilities is essential to supporting residents and delivering City services efficiently.
Suja Lowenthal
City Manager
Hermosa Beach
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Two will do
Dear ER:
Serving on the Hermosa City Council is not a part-time job as some may believe. However, incumbent Michael Detoy, while renting in Hermosa Beach for a decade or more, has spent upwards of half his time working and essentially living in Riverside (75 miles East) as a fireman on multi-day shifts, while also handling duties with a fireman’s union and insurance fund. His voice-mail doesn’t indicate if one has even reached him. He’s not served Hermosa residents and businesses well during his five years on the Council. Now the Hermosa “machine” that’s apparently taken over the city during the last five to nine years appears to be going out of its mind to ensure this rubber-stamp of a councilman is returned to office. Serving on the Council requires an open mind in hearing and respecting all residents and businesses views, and importantly commitment, time, willingness to dig for information, and ensuring real transparency to the people and businesses the councilperson represents. It’s not the other way in a democracy.
Only two council candidates, well-accomplished Michael Keegan, and long-time international journalist, life-long Hermosa-resident Elka Worner have the experience, time, energy, smarts, maturity, and needed-tenacity to help return Hermosa’s government to a more common-sense approach. Please join the many who understand that Elka Worner and Michael Keegan are needed today on Hermosa’s Council by voting for them.
Howard Lee
Hermosa Beach
Council collegiality
Dear ER:
As a committed resident, I’m writing to express my strong support for the reelection of “Mayor Mike” Detoy and for City Commissioner Jani Lange in the upcoming election to Hermosa Beach city council. This election is too important to leave to chance, and Detoy and Lange are undoubtedly the clear choices to keep Hermosa Beach moving forward.
“Mayor Mike” Detoy—a firefighter, father, and steadfast leader—has proven time and again he has the vision and experience our city needs. His leadership has guided us through challenges, and his continued dedication will be essential in tackling the work that lies ahead. Detoy is the absolute right councilmember to lead our Best Little Beach City forward.
And then there’s father of three, City Commissioner Jani Lange, a true “Mr. Hermosa Beach” who embodies the spirit of 90254. His unwavering dedication to our community and tireless commitment to making Hermosa Beach better have set him apart. His energy and leadership are exactly what our City needs in City Hall, standing alongside “Mayor Mike.”
Detoy and Lange have demonstrated they’re not only effective leaders but are invested in Hermosa Beach’s future. Let’s keep their experience and proven dedication working for us. This election isn’t even close—these two are our best choices to continue building a bright future for our city.
Ray Jackson
Hermosa Beach City Council
Hermosa Beach
Council conflict
Dear ER:
As a member of the Hermosa Beach City Council, I was disappointed when two of my colleagues disparaged two citizens in response to their appropriate use of the public comment period during our regular meeting. These elected officials used their positions to publicly denigrate John Burry and Elka Worner. It is especially concerning because Worner is running against other candidates endorsed by these two councilmen.That kind of official bullying is one reason public participation in our local government continues to decline. We deserve respectful discourse from our elected officials. I support Worner. I think she can help restore civility and respect to our civic engagement. Worner has my endorsement for many reasons, including her strong commitment to civil discussion, open and friendly public communications, increased access and community input, and better fiscal management. For a full list of reasons to vote for her, I encourage all of Hermosa to visit Elka4HB.com.
Rob Saemann
Hermosa Beach City Council
Hermosa Beach
What’s it all aboutDear ER:We don’t vote to elect great people to office. They’re not that great. We vote to throw out the foolish, the wasteful and the corrupt or to re-elect those who aren’t foolish, wasteful, or corrupt. When I heard Hermosa was spending close to $1 million to install a granite path for people in wheelchairs in a small section of the greenbelt, I assumed the Hermosa coffers must be overflowing with cash. But, according to the city council, my assumption is not true. They say the city needs extra money for high-priority public safety and city services and want to increase the city sales tax to get it. Why would our city council unanimously vote to spend such a large amount of the city budget on such a low-priority item that would benefit so few and then declare the city is short of funds for high-priority items that would benefit so many? I couldn’t think of any good theory to explain this paradox. But it was easy to come up with three bad ones. The first is our present city council is well-meaning but soft-hearted, soft-headed, wasteful, and has no clue as to budget priorities. The second theory is one or more of the council members may be corrupt and getting kickbacks. The third theory is maybe they just like applauding themselves for spending other people’s money on extravagances. That said, I suggest voting out every single member of the existing city council whenever possible since they were unanimous in voting for the granite path. I also suggest voting no on Measure HB. John Szot Hermosa Beach Throw the switchDear ER:Last week, the Hermosa Beach City staff hosted a tour of City Hall facilities. The tour began at 6 p.m. I had budgeted an hour or so for the tour. I had to leave at 7 p.m for another engagement. For an hour, I listened to a lecture on how there isn’t enough space at City Hall. Listening, I thought to myself, how do these people survive in what is described as a terrible work environment, with circuit breakers tripping due to personal heaters operating near desks. Because this just takes the addition of an additional circuit breaker into the electrical panel. It costs $14 for the additional breaker. I later called two attendees of the tour. They informed me that the tour took 2.5 hours and they did not get to see the police station facilities. They were off limits, as was the City Manager’s office. Any tour that takes that long to describe a problem is suspect. There were about 40 people on the tour. There must have been over 15 City employees there to make the sales pitch, plus several paid consultants embedded in the tour groups. At this rate, the tour costs taxpayers about $3,000 in staff overtime, or comp time off. I am told more tours are planned. We need to course correct this idea of demolishing our City Hall in favor of a new $120 million city hall. If elected, I will look for alternatives to this huge capital outlay for a building that has served the residents of Hermosa Beach for decades with distinguished utility. I would be honored with your vote. Michael Keegan Hermosa Beach Needed qualitiesDear ER:As women leaders and long-term residents of Hermosa Beach, we are proud to support Elka Worner—not simply because she is a woman, but because she embodies the qualities our citycouncil desperately needs: independence, intelligence, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Hermosa Beach deserves a city council that puts residents first, maintains our small-town charm, and respects the community’s voice. The current council has been mired in unchecked spending and mishandled projects, often ignoring resident concerns. The Greenbelt granite path was originally presented as a $200,000 project, fully funded by grant money. The cost ballooned to $1 million, no grant money, and the project proceeded anyway, despite strong community opposition. The current city council enacted unprecedented, significant restrictions on resident parking passes, another decision made against the wishes of our community. Worner offers a refreshing alternative. With her extensive background in investigative journalism, Elka has the skills to dig deep, ask tough questions, and bring transparency to our local government. She has the grit to stand up to pressures within council chambers, as shown by her resolve in the face of Councilmember Ray Jackson’s personal attacks. We believe that if Worner can stand up to Jackson, she will stand up for all of us. Worner is committed to representing every resident of Hermosa Beach, making thoughtful, transparent decisions that prioritize our community’s needs. Let’s vote for genuine, independent leadership. Please vote for Elka Worner. Carolyn Petty, Annie Seawright, Dorothy Courtney, Carol Tanner, Kathleen Gardner, Marsha Majka, Robin Hudson, Karynne Thim, Michele Hampton, Nancy Schwappach, Cara Knight, Anna Tattu, Cathy Chambliss, Deloris Gantner, Barbara Sindelar, Melary Bennett-Burry, Denni Kopelan, and Cindy Whitehead. Hermosa Beach |
Deflection
Dear ER:
Hermosa Beach Council Member Raymond Jackson, known in the community for his hair-trigger temper and tendency towards bullying, once again attacked a resident, this time in the same paper he previously claimed was “not interested in the truth” (Letters to the Editor,” ER October 24, 2024). He has returned to his earlier target, Elka Worner, a resident and candidate for Hermosa Beach City Council. The blatant politicking as a City Council member is shameful and should be illegal. Jackson misrepresented Worner’s comments, falsely accusing her of comparing Hermosa Beach’s government to the Taliban. Worner simply stated that she had more interviews with members of the Taliban than she was able to secure with City Manager Suja Lowenthal. This is a reality many residents can attest to—the difficulty in reaching city officials through layers of staff roadblocks. Jackson’s selective outrage is clear when considering his silence in response to other recent inflammatory comparisons made about certain U.S. states being likened to oppressive regimes. This inconsistency raises questions about whether his reaction to Worner’s comments is truly based on principle or if it’s simply a convenient way to attack an opponent whose views he disagrees with.
Jackson’s letter to the editor is not about honoring truth or respectful debate—it’s about deflecting attention from his record of bullying residents and quelling dissent. Hermosa Beach deserves leaders who genuinely value open dialogue, not those who hide behind feigned indignation.
Raymond Dussault
Hermosa Beach
Born to serve
Dear ER:
My parents raised me here. My daughter grew up here. And still, I’ve never felt closer to Hermosa than I do now, after going up one street and down another, knocking on doors, introducing myself and hearing what people are thinking about our town.
Thank you to everyone who took a minute to hear me out as I run for Hermosa Beach City Council. Thank you to everyone who so much as glanced at one of my door hangers on the way to the recycle bin.
This experience has reinforced my firm conviction that listening to residents is the key to successful city government. Putting you first will be the guiding principle of my time on the council, if you do me the honor of electing me.
Elka Worner
Hermosa Beach
Freshen up
Dear ER:
On Tuesday, November 5, Manhattan Beach voters have the opportunity to elect a new City Council, one with fresh faces and new ideas; an opportunity to elect Councilmembers who embrace transparency, are being fiscally prudent, committed to listening to residents and fighting for residents and, most of all, being truly independent and unbiased when it comes to managing Manhattan’s City Manager and staff. With the highest number of full-time employees, making the highest salaries, in Manhattan’s history, we desperately need new Councilmembers who are capable and willing to make the “hard choices” to reduce staffing and salaries. You really can’t go from 278 full-time employees just 10 years ago to 328 full-time employees without having serious and lasting escalating pension costs. We now have over $80 million in pension debt, costing our taxpayers $5.5 million annually for another 20 years, in addition to ballooning unfunded pension obligations of over $25 million.
With City Councilmembers legally obligated to be “non-partisan,” please ignore a City Council candidate’s party registration or affiliation. Most of all, please vote for the City Council candidate who will be fiscally prudent in managing the City Manager and Staff. The “status quo” just is not sustainable. That’s why fresh faces with new ideas are needed on our next City Council.
Mark Burton
Manhattan Beach
On a personal noteDear ER:I would like to express my strong support for Nina Tarnay, candidate for Manhattan Beach City Council. Tarnay’s qualifications and credentials are exceptional in all aspects, and I wanted to take this opportunity to describe Nina on a more personal level. I met Tarnay and her family eight years ago when our sons played AYSO. Tarnay’s steady support and enthusiasm for the team was contagious. It only takes one to lift the entire energy of the sidelines and create a strong sense of community. That was Tarnay. When you first meet her, you will immediately notice her approachable nature and her commitment to fostering a thriving community. I also attended a public event where Tarnay was invited to present as one of the keynote speakers in support of Asian American Pacific Islander month. I was not surprised by her ability to captivate the attention of hundreds as she shared her personal journey. She spoke alongside city leadership such as the mayor and the police chief. She consistently inspires and motivates all in her presence. Tarnay has chaired numerous fundraisers and health care panels with the American Heart Association and Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Notably, Tarnay serves as a Board Member of the Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation. This work highlights her commitment to serve with purpose and compassion. I proudly endorse Nina Tarnay for Manhattan Beach City Council. Vote for Nina, Tina Shivpuri Manhattan Beach School Board Trustee Manhattan Beach MBUSD Trustee |
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Off balance actDear ER:The Beach Cities Health District indebted district taxpayers to a $172 million in off-balance-sheet debt when it wanted to get $6.3 million from the State to build a shiny new allcove building. How did BCHD do that? BCHD agreed to provide allcove for a minimum of 30 years to all 12 to 25 year-olds in the LA County SPA8, a 1.4 millionM population area. The 30-year cost is estimated at $172 million and only 9% of the service area is District taxpayers. Vote No on Measure BC to stop the $172M District taxpayer debt. BCHD underestimated the allcove building cost by $9M. If BCHD is denied the Measure BC funding, then BCHD can’t build the allcove building and the 30-year obligation to service all of LA County SPA8 ends. The allcove program for District residents can continue as needed for a small fraction of the $172 million cost. Off balance sheet debt is how Enron built its house of cards. Stop Measure BC and stop BCHD from being required to provide allcove for 30 years to LA County on the backs of District taxpayers. Mark Nelson Redondo Beach
Erick Horne Hermosa Beach |
According to Redondo Beach Councilmember Obagi, BCHD and the AES developer both have the same law firm teed up to sue the City of Redondo Beach. That’s ugly. I guess Developers all bed down together.