Letters to the Editor 4-25-24
Outdoor dining tip
Dear ER:
This is so wrong on so many levels.
One sentence in the article entitled “Outdoor Dining Implementation Estimated up to $20 Million (the title alone should give pause) should be bothersome to all Manhattan Beach residents (ER April 18). It states “The City’s finance department suggested the costs of the program could be paid through use of 20 year Certification of Participation (COP) bonds of either $10 million or $15 million with an annual debt services of $727,375 to $1,083,515 met through a combination of outdoor dining permit fees, increased parking meter rates and fines and exploring the possibility of a Street Lighting & Landscape ballot measure similar to the recently passed Storm Drain measure, or simply a sales tax increase.”
Manhattan Beach residents should not be forced to shell out a single penny for outdoor dining facilities. The entire cost should be borne by the participating restaurants. They should pay because they reap the rewards.
Do we really need to spend between $7.5 million and $12 million of city funds for the decks and expanded sidewalks?
And this shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath as the Storm Drain measure, which services all residents, not just business owners.
I’m stunned to read that council has already squandered $91,727 and $400,000 on consultants who are assisting in developing these plans.
Enough! Stop! What a waste of taxpayer money.
Mimi Toberman
Manhattan Beach
Cold water on Redondo Beach Fire Department
Dear ER:
I’m wondering why two termed out Redondo Beach Councilmembers, after spending eight years in office doing nothing for our Fire Department, are only now speaking out (Redondo council debates city fire dept. vs. county,” ER April 18, 2024)? While in office they claimed everything was great, and refused to verify reports of major problems in the department made by our First Responders. When the city council majority changed in 2021 the former Fire Chief suddenly quit. We then learned in a scathing report from interim Fire Chief Keith Kauffman of serious problems in the department. Many have speculated that the unwillingness to closely examine the department was done deliberately by the then council majority to protect the former chief.
For those who haven’t read it, the report was so bad the new council had to appropriate nearly $2 Million just to keep the department functioning.
Recent fear mongering by these same former council members now has some residents scared, saying “Keep Redondo Fire Local.” Sadly, the reality is there is no way to pay the minimum $35 Million to replace two dilapidated, 65-year-old Fire Stations that aren’t even earthquake rated. We also need to increase wages for our First Responders, which are 12% lower than surrounding cities.
It’s time for those crying the sky is falling to put your money where your mouth is.
The only way to save our Fire Department is to collect funds in a General Obligation Bond.
If not we will have no Fire Department.
Wayne Craig
Redondo Beach
Read the report
Dear ER:
The City of Redondo Beach has a straightforward choice to maintain our current fire department, based on the findings of the report from Citygate (Redondo council debates city fire dept. vs. county,” ER April 18, 2024). The report, which cost the city close to $100,000, clearly states what we already knew: “A contract with County Fire is more expensive for fewer personnel on duty in the City limits.” The report also concludes “The City has a strong fire department that does not need a major overhaul. The City also has maximum control over the design and cost of its fire services. The employees have chosen to work for and stay in the City.”
I recently visited Fire Station #1 and spoke with our firefighters, who expressed their pride in serving Redondo Beach. They highlighted the unique aspects of working for our local department and the strong sense of community they feel.
I believe it’s essential to maintain local control over our public safety services and continue supporting, and fairly compensating, our best in class Redondo Beach Fire Department. I urge our city leaders to listen to the voices of the community and retain local control over all of our public safety services.
Brad Baker
Redondo Beach
Don’t compromise safety
Dear ER:
To move our beloved Redondo Beach Fire Department to County is just stupid and Redondo taxpayers can’t afford stupid. $14 million more for crummy service, fewer firefighters on duty and giving away our brand new, $1 million dollar fire engine!?!
A move to County would represent a compromise to the safety of every Redondo resident.
Anyone who supports the move to County is cannot justify their position with reason, data or facts. Anyone who supports a move to County has ulterior motives and doesn’t have the best interests of Redondo residents in mind.
Paul Moses
Redondo Beach
Fire department alert
Dear ER:
I am incredibly thankful to Redondo Beach councilmember Paige Kaluderovic and those who elected her last March. She fiercely advocated to keep Redondo’s Class One Fire Department local. Paige appeared to be the only city council member who emailed residents information prior to the Tuesday, April 16 council meeting, alerting them to the fact we could lose RBFD to the County. She provided detailed information (not opinions) and posted it on her social media. Having RBFD merge with the county will cost more for less, so I am unclear why councilmembers Nils Nehrenheim, Todd Loewenstein, and Zein Obagi,Jr. did not put clearly anxious residents at ease Tuesday when they had the opportunity. There were over 80 opposed public comments on the agenda, and those who spoke at Tuesday’s council meeting, including former Fire Chief and councilmember Pat Aust, supported keeping the fire station local. It is so odd that Nehrenheim, Loewenstein and Obagi claim to want the public’s feedback when they did nothing to solicit it prior to Tuesday’s meeting, nor did bother to solicit it when they appointed Harbor Commissioner Jim Light mayor after one meeting. I am extremely grateful to Kaluderovic for her efforts and the courage to advocate for us. It appears to be a lonely position on Redondo’s City council.
Marie Walsh Puterbaugh
Redondo Beach
Metro line alert
Dear ER:
As we gaze at the stars and ponder the future of space exploration, let’s not overlook the urgent issues in our own backyard. The proposed Metro C-Line (Green Line) in Lawndale and Redondo Beach looms large, with Metro contemplating the construction of two additional tracks alongside the freight train track, mere feet from homes in some areas. This plan could subject neighborhoods in North Redondo Beach, Lawndale, and Torrance to the passage of 200 to 300 Metro trains daily, all while lacking adequate sound barriers and safety measures, putting our residents at significant risk. Moreover, the cherished green spaces that so many enjoy could be destroyed.
The recent article highlighting Northrop Grumman’s lunar railroad project serves as a timely reminder of the progress in space exploration and technology (“Northrop Grumman Studies how to railroad on the moon,” ER April 18, 2024). However, as we marvel at these achievements, we must address the pressing issues facing our communities. It is imperative that everyone in the South Bay stand up for the Lawndale, Torrance and Redondo Beach neighborhoods that this plan would impact. Join us in opposing the Hybrid ROW option at the upcoming Metro meeting on May 23, and lend your support to the Hawthorne Boulevard route, a choice that would not only connect the South Bay, but also respect the residents and businesses it traverses. Your presence and support are crucial as we strive to protect our homes and community. Let’s strive to be a society that explores the stars while also providing for a sustainable future at home.
Chelsea Schreiber
Lawndale
Extension Yes, but
Dear ER:
I am a resident of Redondo Beach. I’m writing in strong support of the C Line Extension to Redondo Beach and against the Metro recommendation for the Hybrid Alternative! I’m for the Locally Preferred Hawthorne Alternative Elevated option. I am asking that the Board Of Directors Committee reject the hybrid recommendation and further investigate this project.
In a recent 2023 poll, done by Market Research, of the South Bay communities, Lawndale, Torrance and Redondo Beach residents were 67% in favor of the C-Line extension.
Yes, we the majority of South Bay support the C-line extension. But what this survey does not represent is the preference of the different routes. The ROW (Railroad Right Of Way) options run commuter trains next to freight trains, carrying potential hazardous material. This is a disaster waiting to happen, in residential areas!
Therefore, the safer route is the Hawthorne Elevated option.
Monika Olmos
Redondo Beach
Go West (Point)
Dear ER:
Sea Cadet Joshua Banzuela, of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps, South Bay Coastal Division, pictured in a recent issue of Easy Reader, was recently admitted to U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He will be graduating from South Torrance High School on June 12, 2024.
Alvin Banzuela
Torrance
Correction
In the April 11th issue of the Easy Reader, Handles Ice Cream was listed as the Best Of Winner in the Ice Cream Parlor category. The write up incorrectly listed two addresses. The correct address is 1882 Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach (424) 247-8861. We apologize for the error.