On Local Government: Who lost Redondo Beach?
by Bob Pinzler When I sat on the Redondo Beach City Council 25 years ago, there were many days when we were dealing with decisions made by previous Councils where the only proper response was, “What were they thinking?” The reason one gets elected to public office, especially when one’s time there is term-limited, is not just to handle everyday tasks, but to think about how one’s decisions will affect those who follow. One of the most long-lasting is land use. Once a property gains an entitlement, the ability to significantly change it is close to impossible. Thus, when the Redondo Beach City Council considers allowing substantially increased density permitted by its zoning code for property owned by public entities, schools, the Beach Cities Health District, and the City itself, a look into the future is worthwhile. And, as often is the case, a look into the past can enlighten that search. In the 1980s, Redondo Beach schools were experiencing rapid declines in student populations. That left the school district with surplus properties that it decided to “repurpose.” One of those was Andrews School in north Redondo. The District decided to build an independent living facility for…
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