by Garth Meyer
Two new Redondo Beach city councilmembers, a new treasurer, and a veteran city clerk were sworn in Tuesday night following farewell comments from termed-out councilmembers Laura Emdee and Christian Horvath.
Treasurer Steve Diels, who did not seek reelection, was also saluted in a night that included an earlier reception.
“It has been a real, unique pleasure to be of service,” Horvath said, as part of his remarks.
Emdee, wearing a shirt that read, “Work Hard And Be Nice,” talked about how “government can take a step back and try again,” citing an experiment with traffic circles in Redondo Beach.
She spoke of how she sees the city today.
“Look up, Redondo, the sky is a beautiful blue,” she said. “… The antidote to anger is gratitude.”
She made reference to some recent controversy during her time on the council.
“A person’s gender or the sound of their voice should not become a topic of consideration,” Emdee said.
She closed on a quote from newly-retired Redondo Beach schools’ superintendent Steven Keller.
“Be hard on the problem and soft on the people,” she said.
Horvath and Emdee left the council row and took a seat in the audience. New councilmembers Paige Kaluderovic and Scott Behrendt came forward to be sworn in.
“I have big shoes to fill and I’m ready to do the work,” said Kaluderovic, who replaces Horvath in District Three.
Behrendt will take over for Emdee in District Five.
“My number one goal is to ensure the city stays a safe, clean, nice place to live, and everything flows from that,” he said.
Behrendt took the oath with his wife, and two sons at his side, Kaluderovic with her husband and two daughters.
City Clerk Eleanor Manzano, before swearing in the new elected officials, was sworn in herself to a fifth term. New city treasurer Eugene Solomon was also sworn in. ER
