City may face lawsuit from E & B over oil agreement
Hermosa Beach will not enter into mediation with E & B Natural Resources to resolve a dispute over interest owed to the oil and gas company, setting the stage for future litigation. A letter dated Oct. 23 was sent to City Attorney Michael Jenkins from Loeb & Loeb, a large law firm representing E & […]
Redondo to host annual girls volleyball tournament
In a tuneup for its rivalry match against Mira Costa and the ensuing CIF playoffs, Redondo’s girls volleyball program will host its annual Varsity Power Classic Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30-31 at three area high schools. Defending champion Redondo is ranked No. 2 in CIF-Southern Section Division 1AA and is the top seed in the […]
Rethinking Redondo’s mixed-use
There are multiple types of mixed-use development. In this case we are specifically addressing the current vertical mixed-use zoning defined in Redondo Beach zoning ordinances. Building a Better Redondo is opposed to the current Mixed-Use Zoning designations in Redondo. But BBR is not alone in this opposition, nor is this opposition a recent phenomenon. Though […]
Letters 10/29/15
H, yes Dear ER: Voting yes on Hermosa Beach Measure H will generate much needed revenue for our City without taxing residents or harming local businesses. A Transient Occupancy Tax – also known as a “TOT” or “Hotel Bed Tax” — is a fee on guests who stay overnight in our hotels. This charge is […]
On Local Government: Density is not the apocalypse
Over the past twenty or so years, those who would try to build a wall around the City of Redondo Beach have used traffic as their chief urban planning bugaboo. Now, they have a new one…density. Density does have its limits. The ugly high rise buildings along Esplanade are perfect examples of how bad it […]
Mixed feelings on development in Redondo Beach
City planners laud mixed-use projects as a way to more affordable, vibrant neighborhoods. Critics call it another form of overdevelopment. Andy and Arinna Shelby love where they live. The couple, who moved into Andy’s South Redondo townhouse at the 1800 S. Pacific Coast Highway six years ago, can’t imagine a better place in all the […]
Four candidates compete for two seats in school board race
Patti Ackerman Time spent inside a classroom is what pushes Patti Ackerman, currently serving as board president, to campaign for re-election. “I’m running because I’m an educator,” she said at a candidates’ debate last week. “It’s never been about myself, it’s been about student learning.” Ackerman, a previous Manhattan Beach Preschool Teacher of the […]
Considering mixed-use
Author’s Note: I was asked by the Easy Reader to comment on the purpose of mixed use zoning and its relationship to Redondo Beach. It has been over 6 years since I retired as Planning Director of Redondo Beach. I have had no conversations with city officials, city staff, developers, community members or anyone else […]
MOVIE REVIEW – “Life in a Walk,” directed by by Yogi Roth
by George Schmeltzer There are as many reasons to walk The Camino as there are pilgrimage trails leading to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. For Yogi Roth, author, athlete, ESPN commentator, world traveler, motivational speaker, former Hermosa Beach resident and, now, filmmaker, the reason to undertake the demanding 240 kilometer walk along the Caminho Portugués from […]
RESTAURANT REVIEW – Bottega Romana is superb
There are some works of art that are unfinished yet iconic. The portrait of George Washington on the dollar bill is one of them – artist Gilbert Stuart planned to portray him down to the waist, but only finished his face and shoulders before moving on to another commission. The painting is powerful even though […]
Proposed South Bay Galleria design includes housing, hotel
Public comments are currently being taken regarding the environmental impacts of a potential project at the South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., that hopes to redesign and renovate the regional mall that many, including local officials, believe needs a rejuvenation. A notice of preparation was issued at the beginning of the month, indicating that the […]