City hiring: 177 employees in past year, 33 sworn police officers
Diane Strickfaden, Redondo Beach Human Resources Director, reports that, in the past year, 5,362 job applications were processed in the city, with 177 new employees hired.
The city has a turnover rate of 12%, she said during a Sept. 10 strategic planning session.
“In the industry of H.R., that’s considered a very healthy metric,” Strickfaden said.
Police Chief Joe Hoffman reported that, in the past year and a half, 33 sworn-police officers have been hired and 53 professional staff.
The total for new officers addresses more than one front.
“That number includes the quantity we were down as well as vacancies created by retirements and other separations; medical, etc.,” Hoffman said. “And trainee officers that did not successfully complete probation and were released, as well as overhiring several positions to plan for future vacancies.”
Sold-out Dine Around Artesia is Thursday
Dine Around Artesia returns Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. with 17 locally-owned eateries participating.
Attendees buy a wristband which grants entrance to each establishment, to try its samples.
“Last year’s sold-out event was a huge success for both the restaurants and patrons,” said Robin Garfield, North Redondo Beach Business Association vice president. “This year we have even more to offer with each eatery preparing a unique offering that reflects the diversity of our community.”
The event begins with check-in at South Bay Hardware (2411 Artesia Boulevard) where pre-purchased wristbands are picked up and maps handed out.
Restaurants taking part this year are Al-Hamra Kabob Grill, Chicken Dijon, Yanagi, Broginos, Menchies, SNAX, muun chi, The Empanada Shop, Tommy & Atticus, The Great Room, Blue Salt Grill, and new participants Natureba, El Tarasco, Kin-D Thai Kitchen, The Pita Cafe, Mychal’s Cafe and Chik-Fil-A Redondo Beach.
Tickets are available online at https://nrbba.org/dine-around/
The event is put on by North Redondo Beach Business Association.
“Heal the Bay” Coastal
Cleanup is Saturday
“Heal the Bay” will hold its 35th Coastal Cleanup Day Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., including multiple sites in the South Bay.
Heal the Bay captains lead volunteers at each, giving instructions, safety briefings and handing out supplies.
Local meet-up spots include El Porto, Bruce’s Beach and the Manhattan Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach Pier, and in Redondo Beach, Lifeguard Tower C and Miramar Park.
Anyone under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver, and kids under 13 must be supervised by an adult.
Volunteers may sign up at Heal the Bay’s registration page at healthebay.org/
Since 1985, 1.6 million volunteers on Coastal Cleanup Day have removed 26 million pounds of garbage
from California’s beaches and inland waterways.
Two public bond forums approach in Redondo
Two public forums are coming up regarding local bonds on the Nov. 5 ballot.
On Sept. 23, a community meeting will be held about the $93 million Redondo Beach public safety bond, a $278 million school facilities bond and the $30 million Beach Cities Health District bond, all at the RUHS auditorium from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Representatives from the city and its fire and police departments will be on hand, as well as officials from the school district and Health District.
On Oct. 5, at the Sonesta (hotel) Redondo Beach & Marina from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m, representatives from the fire department, police and the city will speak at a forum put on by Cal Haven about the Redondo Beach public safety bond.
Cal Haven was formed earlier this year, a network of elected officials, aimed at addressing public safety issues in California through bipartisan collaboration. ER
