Letters to the Editor 9-12-24

Champagne harbor

Dear ER:

Tear down an existing revenue generating business for a non revenue generating, $25 million dollar boondoggle that no one in Redondo wants (“Redondo Beach boat launch could mean teardown of restaurant,” ER September 5, 2024). That makes no sense. As a Redondo Beach homeowner and taxpayer, I don’t want a dime of my tax money spent on this luxury harbor amenity.

Paul Moses

Redondo Beach

Keep it simple

Dear ER:

Former Manhattan Beach Councilman Mark Burton continued his push for Manhattan Beach to convert to a charter city from our current general law city status (ER Letters, September 5, 2024). His reasoning was that we could then hire our own city prosecutor to prosecute the numerous arrests that our Manhattan Beach Police have made, but current Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon refuses to prosecute. A simpler solution is to defeat Gascon in the upcoming November 5 election. Vote for Nathan Hochman for District Attorney and end the pro criminal madness of Gascon’s disastrous tenure. That is much easier (and much cheaper) than going through the arduous process of converting to a charter city. 

Bob Holmes 

Manhattan Beach

Fee hike folly

Dear ER:

As a concerned stakeholder, I want to address some urgent issues regarding Hermosa Beach’s current direction in the hope that we can prevent long-term harm to our community. This letter is not a personal critique, but a call for a course correction

1. Salary and Accountability: According to the Orange County Register, theHermosa city manager’s salary per capita stands at $17.67, far surpassing neighboring cities like Redondo Beach ($5.29) and Manhattan Beach ($9.75). This imbalance raises serious concerns, especially as residents are being asked to bear the burden of new tax increases and fees. It is crucial to ensure that such compensation aligns with the city’s size and needs. Failing to address this discrepancy erodes public trust and makes it harder to justify additional financial burdens on residents when the city’s leadership is so highly compensated.
2. Consultant Spending and Financial Mismanagement: The excessive reliance on consultants, many of whom deliver underwhelming results, is not just a waste of taxpayer money — it undermines the city’s financial stability. Without better oversight, these practices will continue to bleed the city’s budget dry.
3. Drastic Parking In-lieu Fee Hike: The proposal to increase the parking in-lieu fee from $28,900 to a staggering $113,000 per parking spot threatens to derail Hermosa Beach’s future. This fourfold increase is not just a burden — it is an outright deterrent to any form of business growth or development. Small businesses, which are the backbone of our local economy, will find it financially impossible to comply with such excessive fees. This will force many to shut down or relocate, leaving commercial areas vacant and creating a ripple effect across the entire city. Future developments will come to a standstill. The result will be a city frozen in time, unable to attract new businesses or improve its infrastructure. Residents will no longer enjoy the thriving, dynamic community that Hermosa Beach is known for. 
4. Leadership Engagement and Public Perception: Leadership requires transparency and visibility. Recent decisions, such as fortifying the city manager’s office while continuing to work remotely, have created the perception of detachment and a lack of accountability. In these times of financial uncertainty and rising community frustration, it is essential that leadership be accessible, and responsive to the concerns of residents. The perception of working from a distance while benefiting from taxpayer dollars only deepens the divide between city leadership and the community it serves.

In conclusion, the decisions made now will have lasting consequences for Hermosa Beach. It’s imperative we shift toward governance that prioritizes long-term stability, community well-being, and financial responsibility. Lastly, I want to clarify my concerns are not politically motivated. I have no connection to, nor do I endorse, any council candidates. 

Ed Hart 

Hermosa Beach

Healthy outlook

Dear ER:

This is why the South Bay was recognized as one of the top places to live for longevity (“Gallup: Residents spend $182 million less on healthcare,” ER August 30, 2024). I am aware of the “Stop BCHD” group and I wonder what they want to stop BCHD from doing? Reducing chronic illnesses and healthcare costs? Providing much needed mental healthcare to teens and young adults? Fostering relationships to combat the epidemic of loneliness? Reducing the workload on teachers by teaching our children health and nutrition? Coordinating walking school buses to reduce morning traffic? Trying to add more greenspace and improve infrastructure locally? Step up and provide much needed services during a pandemic? Help families find resources for aging family members and/or health insurance? Support other organizations working to help the community? I have to wonder if those trying to “stop” BCHD are truly advocating for residents of Redondo or simply thinking about themselves.

Marie Puterbaugh

Redondo Beach