Letters to the Editor: 4-22-2021
Color theory
Dear ER:
Few, if any, of society’s agendas have only one motive. The park, today called Bruce’s Beach, is in a good location and an asset to Manhattan Beach. Thus, no matter the racial misjudgments (or by today’s standards, misdeeds) of the time, the 1920s’ motives of the Manhattan Beach city council included elements of positive foresight.
If the taking by eminent domain was such a miscarriage of justice that it requires restitution, both Black and white property owners were victims, therefore all should be compensated. That only the ancestors of the Bruce family are intended for restitution reveals that it is mostly skin color that is driving today’s argument for “justice.” Thus, those pushing this idea are today’s racists.
Not surprisingly, for racists it is groups, not individuals, that dominate their political agendas.
Don Spencer
Manhattan Beach
Unhealthy district?
Dear ER:
Even if the Beach Cities Health District development were needed, it should be on an RH zone–residential high density, not a public zone. The majority of this plan would not be for community public use—it’d be a for-profit business on public-designated land, and that’s wrong. It would threaten the health of the residents and the neighborhoods themselves. The board members already know this, but don’t care given they’ve ignored the residents and increased the size and scale of the project since 2019. With schools and homes in every direction, the fallout from this massive development would include– impossible traffic, destruction of property values, and loss of neighborhood character.
The DEIR asserts there would be no or only minimal adverse effects caused by this project. They end a lot of these points with “…and would not substantially,” fill in the blank, “…obscure views of the open sky above, negatively impact traffic, interfere with the neighborhood character.” How can anyone with a straight face make such statements when you’re wanting to put a giant residential commercial building in the middle of a sleepy neighborhood?
The Planning Commission and City Council of Redondo Beach need to know that their review is critical to this project and they need to hear from residents. Their review should be easy in recognizing it should not be allowed, but they need to hear from you! Them signing off on this project would be an abdication of their duties if they deem this a suitable project for the area. It is a behemoth structure in a residential neighborhood—completely out of character to surrounding structures. BCHD isn’t listening, so we must encourage our city representatives to recognize that this RCFE (Residential Care Facility for the Elderly) should not be allowed at this site.
Lara Duke
Redondo Beach
Dicey dias behavior
Dear ER:
When residents bring their concerns to an elected body, especially concerns regarding the appearance of impropriety and conflict of interest, we expect that representative body to listen and address the issues, investigate and/or move forward, not hurl accusations and personal attacks upon the residents who dared to come forward.
When several residents presented verifiable facts and valid concerns about the City of Redondo Beach partnering with the South Bay Parkland Conservancy at the April 13 city council meeting, those concerns were not addressed, nor were any of the facts disputed. Instead, those residents were personally attacked from the dais by Mayor Bill Brand, Councilman Zein Obagi, Councilman Todd Loewenstein and Councilman Nils Nehrenheim. One by one, each of the residents was called out by name and chastised. Collectively we were branded by these men as liars and slanderers.
Public service is a public trust. Elected representatives should be listening to all whom they represent, not using the public platform to shame and humiliate those residents who present a different viewpoint or who attempt to shine a light on shadows.
M. Healy
Redondo Beach
Hermosa counsel
Dear ER:
Vote Raymond Jackson for Hermosa Beach City Council. As school board president, I can attest to Jackson being actively involved to drive change. From serving on an equity task force to ensure we have the best little beach school for all, to volunteering in the classroom, and supporting Measure S. Indeed, given the opening of Hermosa Vista School this week, I thought it timely to note that Ray was one of the first community members to sign up to support HERO (Hermosa Educational Renewal Operation) and Yes on Measure S. It’s just what he does: getting involved and being part of the solution. As a friend and fellow South Bay dad I know how much time and passion he gives to volunteer with many community clubs, charities, events and youth sports to make a positive and meaningful difference in our city. Smart, engaged, inclusive. He’s a proven leader who’s devoted his life to public service as a retired Colonel, US Army, and is committed to serving full-time on city council. Ray cares deeply about getting stuff done, and done right for Hermosa Beach. Want action? Vote Jackson! Ray has my vote.
Stephen McCall
Hermosa Beach
School Board President, HBCSD
BCHD’s second site
Dear ER:
The Beach Cities Health District is proposing a 103-foot tall, 800,000 sq. ft. development on the failed South Bay Hospital site. The primary use that BCHD envisions is a $12,000+ rent/month, assisted-living that BCHDs own reports show is being built for 92% non-residents of Redondo Beach and 80% non-residents of the three Beach Cities that own and fund BCHD. This will be a commercial project built for non-residents of the Beach Cities and will be 75% or more owned and 100% operated by a commercial vendor.
The surrounding residents and schools of Torrance and Redondo have suffered 60+ years of negative impacts from traffic, toxic emissions, noise, along with a 75-foot building in a 30-foot zoned area. South Bay Hospital failed as a public-operated hospital in only 24 years. That’s likely a record for mismanagement and failure of a taxpayer-funded hospital.
The only future project that BCHD should even consider is a voter-approved, publicly funded, affordable assisted living for the seniors in the three Beach Cities.
Mark Nelson
Redondo Beach
Wuerker worked
Dear ER:
Just want to say how pleased I am that Trump is still under Matt Wuerker’s skin. I mean, the left controls the Senate, House and POTUS as well as our whole state, yet Matt is still focused only on “Orange Man Bad”. Love it!
Mr. C
EasyReaderNews comment
Coping for health
Dear ER:
In March 2020, the world temporarily closed. COVID-19 reshaped lives. The pandemic is not our only problem now.
We heard the doom-and-gloom stories of coronavirus for months. Massive job loss, civil unrest, and whether kids should attend school in person are constantly discussed. Many people feel a mixture of tiredness, disgust, rage, anxiety, grief, depression and are overwhelmed with the chaos. Californians are emotionally and physically worn out.
This ongoing stress is crisis fatigue. It can take a toll on the body and mind. Crisis fatigue is not a formal medical diagnosis, but its effects are real. Here are a few ways to manage it:
- Avoid negative coping skills
Overdrinking, drug use, and overspending money are a few. Negative consequences can come, like driving drunk. I was critically injured after a drunk driver hit me in 1992.
- Make a daily routine
This is an essential cure because it is done continuously. It is something you have control over.
- Limit the news
Do not be glued to the media. Too much can increase your crisis fatigue. Disconnect from the news sometimes.
Believe in your own resilience. This helps you survive the long road ahead.
Lori Martin
Tracy