Redondo council keeps call-ins, despite threat of hate speech
CORRECTED: This is an updated version of the article which previously mischaracterized the vote and Councilmember Kaluderovic’s comment. by Garth Meyer After a discussion of recent hate speech call-ins during a September 28 Hermosa Beach council meeting, the Redondo Beach council voted 3-2 to continue to allow call-in comments. The item was raised Tuesday […]
UPDATE: Possible grave sites may haunt Green Line proposal
by Garth Meyer The LA Metro Transportation Board has postponed a decision on a light rail extension through a North Redondo Beach/Lawndale right of way after possible gravesites were found in a Lawndale back yard. The matter came up Sept. 28 when Los Angeles County Sheriff’s detectives confirmed the existence of grave sites – or […]
About Town Redondo: “Dine Around Artesia,” Public boat launch, teacher of the year
“Dine Around Artesia” returns Thursday, Oct. 5 “Dine Around Artesia” is back. After an 11-year hiatus, the North Redondo Beach Business Association (NRBBA) resumes the event Oct. 5 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Participants buy a wristband, granting them access to 14 eateries, each with something different. “These family-owned restaurants reflect the diversity of our […]
Redondo 11-year-old tops College Board AP calculus
by Garth Meyer If he wanted to, Redondo Beach sixth-grader Stephen Huffaker could never spend another minute in a math class, and graduate from high school with credits to spare. It was true last year too at Lincoln Elementary School, when he scored a 5 on the state AP College Board calculus test. “In fourth […]
Allen Sanford: BeachLife Ranch ‘just getting started’
by Garth Meyer “BeachLife Ranch” second edition is complete. “Just licking wounds,” said Co-founder Allen Sanford on Monday. “It was a super-successful but exhausting weekend. We put in our steps. I thought it went great. The first year people didn’t quite understand it, this time people were getting it, and our talent over-delivered.” Numbers show […]
About Town Redondo: Beer and wine sales at gas stations, residential design standards confirmed
Beer and wine, general grocery items to be sold at gas stations Beer and wine sales will be allowed at Redondo Beach gas stations after a 4-1 city council vote Sept. 19, the change to also include full-size grocery items – which was the thrust to alter the policy after some station owners sought permission. […]
BeachLife Ranch police report: scalper arrests, horseback patrols
Redondo Beach Police increased its presence on the outskirts of this edition of BeachLife Ranch – in uniform and undercover – aiding in the arrest of six ticket scalpers on the first day. Police recovered hundreds of wristbands. Chief Joe Hoffman also praised a new private security firm that worked the three-day festival. “In my […]
Council says put light rail down Hawthorne Blvd.
by Garth Meyer The City of Redondo Beach made its position official last week on the proposed Metro light rail extension to Torrance: run it down Hawthorne Boulevard on an elevated track. The city council voted 4-0 to take the stance after much testimony Sept. 19. The decision came two days before Metro presented feedback […]
Kings Highway
Photo by Garth Meyer
About Town Redondo: fatal crash, “Upstander” assemblies
Woman killed by alleged drunk driver A suspected drunk-driving crash killed a 48-year old Torrance woman Monday night at Rindge Lane and Artesia Boulevard. Cassandra Basgall died at the scene of the two-vehicle collision. The other driver was taken to a hospital, and police have not identified the person because of the ongoing investigation, and […]
Planning commission appointments draw umbrage
by Garth Meyer Appointments to most of the city’s commissions were approved on a 4-1 vote Sept. 12, though some controversy accompanied the process. Councilmember Paige Kaluderovic cast the dissenting vote, for reasons related to accusations from members of the public that Mayor Brand ousted two previous planning commission members in 2021. In the current […]
911 dispatcher calls labor situation “dehumanizing”
by Garth Meyer Mia Halsell, a six-year Redondo Beach emergency dispatcher stepped to the podium Sept. 5 at the city council meeting during public comment. She said that, of the 23 people she and a colleague have trained, three remain on the job. She said 911 dispatchers in the city have been in a staffing […]
Webb team honored with Hughes Award
The Aero Club of Southern California Sept. 6 presented the Howard Hughes Memorial Award to the James Webb Telescope project at a ceremony in Los Angeles. Held at the California Club, Mike Menzel, NASA missions system engineer for Webb, accepted the award, which honors those who have advanced aviation or aerospace technology. The award was […]
Redondo council lauds skate park, hours may expand
by Garth Meyer Open for four months now, the city skate park on the pier has become “very, very popular,” Police Chief Joe Hoffman told the City Council at its September 12 meeting. By council request, he presented a report on the status of the park, assisted by Lt. Corey King, making four recommendations. First […]
“Rad Dads” up security at Redondo school
by Garth Meyer Wearing yellow vests, walkie-talkies at their sides and whistles around their necks, they watch arrivals every morning at the school entrance for an hour and 15 minutes. “Rad Dads” is a new program to enhance security at Riviera Hall Lutheran School in Redondo Beach. This month, fathers of eighth-graders stand watch. In […]
About Town Redondo: City hall communications, new Chamber of Commerce office
City looks to improve communications, customer service The City of Redondo Beach is set to begin a new project to improve its customer service. The six-month effort, approved by the city council at its September 5 meeting, includes monthly team meetings and city-wide customer service training with a focus on consistent messaging to residents. “The […]