Letters to the Editor 9-26-24

Fuel on Measure  

Dear ER:

Redondo Councilmembers Zein Obagi and Todd Loewenstein are deliberately minimizing the average yearly property tax lien assessment on my home for the unknown cost of two new fire stations and a new police facility. Getting re-elected in March 2025 has entered their head space and they want voters to pass measure FP on the November 5 ballot so they get support of the police and fire unions for their campaigns. Both claim the lien will cost pennies per day on taxpayers. I don’t believe it. Neither has a plan, a concept of a plan, a drawing or a simple sketch for these facilities to show the public. How can this be transparency in any form of government? Obagi and Loewenstein are paid by taxpayers to do this as part of their jobs. For this tax and spend duo, reaching into someone else’s pocket and spending other peoples’ money means little to them. You want me to vote yes on a $93.5 million property tax assessment on my home for the next 30 years for a project you can’t show me now? I don’t think so. Neither of these two may even be in office when the next city council is seated in March 2025. Manhattan Beach just completed in November 2023 its new state of the art Fire Station No. 2 at 1400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The final cost was $9.4 millionManhattan used $2 million of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay down the debt for the new station. This saves Manhattan Beach an additional $1 million in debt service for Fire Station No. 2 over the 30-year amortization period. With two lawyers, one MBA graduate, and a retired engineer on our City Council, you would think someone should be doing their homework. Until I see plans and bids on these projects, I’m voting No on Measure FP. 

Sincerely, 

Robert Stewart

Redondo’s remedy

Dear ER:

The most important item for Redondo Beach voters to approve on the ballot in November is Measure RB. Unlike other ballot measures, it costs nothing to residents but can nonetheless save our city. In a recent lawsuit Redondo Beach and other Charter Cities were victorious against attempts by Sacramento to take over our local zoning. After the win city leaders found language in the current City Charter that could allow exposure from future lawsuits from the state unless corrected. Measure RB will make a small change to charter language to better protect the city from bad actors trying to force zoning on Redondo Beach. This measure is absolutely vital and must be approved. If not Redondo Beach can be exposed to builder’s remedy lawsuits that will force state mandated zoning on our city.

Stop those trying to take over our local zoning.

Vote Yes on Measure RB.

Wayne Craig

Redondo Beach

Are you happy?

Dear ER

I’ve had the privilege of hearing from many Hermosans who reached out to express  concerns about the state of our city (Letters to the Editor, “Personal politics,” ER September 19, 2024). The range of topics discussed has been wide, but at the heart of it there’s a common thread: we all care deeply about Hermosa Beach. 

Through these conversations, I’ve noticed something interesting. Despite the diversity of opinions, it all boils down to two clear paths to consider in this upcoming election — two paths that will shape the future of our beloved city.

If you’re happy with the way things are going, here’s what to do:

1. Vote for the two candidates endorsed by the city. They represent continuity in the current direction.
2. Support the sales tax increase that the city is advocating.
3. Send a message of gratitude to the city and council, thanking them for a job well done.

However, if you’re concerned about the city’s management, leadership, or the decisions being made, I urge you to take a different course:

1. Consider the other three candidates not supported by the establishment. Explore their platforms, ask questions, and see if their vision for Hermosa  resonates with your hopes for a better future.
2. Reject the tax increase, as it may not align with the changes we need.
3. Make your voice heard. Email the city and council, expressing not just your concerns but offering suggestions on how they can better serve our community.

This election is not just about individual candidates or a single issue; it’s about the direction we, as a community, want to take. Do we stick with the status quo, or do we demand a shift in leadership and vision? Your vote will determine the answer.

It’s easy to feel powerless when it comes to local government, but your choices matter now more than ever. Let’s reflect on what’s best for Hermosa Beach, not just today, but for the years to come. Whichever path you choose, I encourage you to be thoughtful, engaged, and to take action that aligns with the future you believe in.

Ed Hart

Hermosa Beach

Funnies fan

Dear ER:

I have been a lifelong newspaper reader. Political cartoons historically have been featured prominently in many newspapers. These cartoons often can convey more insights and understanding of vital issues than articles running hundreds of words. Unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons, many papers have discontinued offering political cartoons. Readers of the South Bay’s Easy Reader are so fortunate that your paper continues to feature Matt Wuerker’s political cartoons. Matt is a Pulitzer Prize winner cartoonist who has also won numerous other prestigious awards. His cartoons reference contentious, current issues that readers should be concerned about. Besides his ability to almost always “hit the mark” with his efforts, he is humorous.

I’d like to thank the Easy Reader for providing Matt’s political cartoons and urge them to continue doing so.

Harry E Antoniou

Redondo Beach

More to do

Dear ER:

I want to thank everyone who has sent comments, posted comments, and showed up at the Planning Commission in support of StopBCHD.com. Last week the Planning Commission recommended to the City Council that most all public land, including BCHD, be limited to a Floor Area Ratio of 0.5. That means that BCHDs 400,000+ sq.ft. land area (around 10 acres) can accommodate roughly 200,000 sq.ft. of total redevelopment — a roughly one third downsizing from the current buildings. BCHD was planning for an Floor Area Ratio of 1.95 for its 793,000 sq.ft.,, towering over the neighborhood.

We’ll be asking for support at the City Council next month. We had several rockstar speakers at the Planning Commission on our behalf tonight, all with facts at their fingertips and very good, logical arguments.  BCHD CEO Tom Bakaly finally showed up for a Planning Commission meeting, as it appears word got back to BCHD that their lawyers did a lousy job at the previous two Planning Meeting. Bakaly made veiled threats to sue the City, so we’ll see if that’s how BCHD wants to play it. Fantastic job, everyone. But the work is not over until the council votes.

Mark Nelson

StopBCHD.com

Redondo Beach

Health of the draw

Dear ER:

Beach Cities Health District is currently pushing a $30 million bond for their Healthy Living Campus. It consists of $9 million to increase the building size, create a budget for allcove Beach Cities (serving outside residents) and $21 million for demolition of the 514 N Prospect Hospital.

BCHD’s proposed healthy living campus is great, with the exception that they cannot afford what they are proposing so they want you to pay for it. They have dreamt up a bunch of so called “needed services” and forcefully asserted themselves at community and school events so they can get community by in.  However, nothing will change the fact that this construction will provide years of air pollution to four local schools, students, residents, and the elderly in the immediate area. Schools impacted by the years of construction will be Towers, Beryl Elementary School, Parras and Redondo Union High. BCHD boasts a recent Gallup poll comparing health in the Beach Cities to inner cities’ health but it is not cut and dry. Our affluence, access to healthcare, over all income and education are the reasons why this community is healthy. Most people in the beach cities have never encountered a BCHD service so to tout that BCHD is the reason for a healthy community is incredibly misleading to our community.

Candace Allen Nafissi

Redondo Beach