By Garth Meyer
The Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce held its 117th annual Community Awards Oct. 24 at Riviera Mexican Cantina, saluting City Attorney Mike Webb as Man of the Year and Laura Emdee, former city councilmember, as Woman of the Year.
Volunteer of the Year went to Nanci Goussak; Chamber Ambassador of the Year was John Burke; and the Nonprofit Business of the Year award was presented to Keep the Esplanade Beautiful.
City Employee of the Year honors went to Redondo Beach Police Lieutenants Corey King and Michael Strosnider, City Quality of Life Prosecutor Joy Ford, and Lila Omurra, the city’s (homeless outreach) housing navigator.
Webb is set to retire next March after five terms as city attorney. In his current term, he has led the Redondo Beach Enhanced Response to Homelessness. Woman of the Year Emdee finished two terms on the city council in March 2023, representing District Five. She continues to be involved with Redondo Beach Kiwanis Club, South Bay Bicycle Coalition and the Redondo Beach Woman’s Club.
The Ambassador of the Year’s role is to ensure that chamber membership is being served. Honoree John Burke is a loan officer in Torrance. ER
