Archive for the ‘Letters to the Editor’ Category

Fear of dogs unwarranted
Dear ER:
Dogs have a place in our parks. The fear-mongering that was displayed by the majority of the council at last week’s Redondo Beach Council meeting on whether or not to allow dogs in Czuleger Park was pure theatre. 99.9 percent of owners are responsible about picking up after their dogs, be it on their neighbors’ lawns, at the designated dog park or on the side of the street. Dogs don’t generally spread disease. Otherwise, Hermosa and Manhattan residents and especially little children, would be keeling over left and right of dog-borne viruses. Join your neighbors to the north and west in the 21st Century.
Scott Berrum
Hermosa Beach

Freeze bars, not police
Dear ER:
Hermosa’s council has essentially set in concrete a police and fire department hiring freeze further below already understaffed levels (“Lean budget costs police positions”, ER Feb. 25, 2010). Incredibly, council decisions continue to be akin to handling a firetrap by adding combustibles while reducing the means to control the eventual fire.
Hermosa councils have foolishly permitted liquor-dispensing expansion while knowing the city’s been over concentrated in liquor selling for years, and that this added liquor selling and its associated visitor intensification, increases the need for costly fire, paramedic and police resources at a rate faster than any additional one cent city share of sales tax on each reported dollar of liquor-related sales.
The myth of huge sales tax revenue from Hermosa bars has been perpetuated for years. According to the city’s finance director, total sales tax revenue from all the bars and restaurants citywide, dispensing full liquor, is less than $1,300 a day. Meanwhile, public safety costs in Hermosa Beach have reached $50,000 per day.
When it comes to freezing further the already understaffed Hermosa Police and Fire departments, while there’s no freeze or moratorium even contemplated as to the number of liquor outlets or gross amount of liquor-selling occupancy permitted in city, Hermosa councils are continuing an official policy bordering on insanity. The focus should more-intelligently be on freezing and then reducing the 10 years of liquor and visitor intensification.
Howard Longacre
Hermosa Beach

Artful photographer
Dear ER:
Mary Patt Dorr was a wonderful woman and leader in the South Bay photography scene and a mentor to some, such as myself (South Bay photographer passes away, ER Feb. 25, 2010). I pray for her family on this sad loss, and am blessed to have known her. Her life lives on with her wonderful photography work
Jeni Kluge
Via web site comment

Artful teacher
Dear ER:
Julia Tedesco taught me art when I was young and I worked for her last summer at her summer camp. It’s so sad to hear she passed away (“Local artist passes away,” ER March 4, 2010). I am 17 and want to pursue a career in art, all thanks to Julia. She was the reason I found art. I wish I had more time to thank her. She was the most amazing art teacher in the world; I will miss her so much, and I’m so sorry she had to leave. But her memory lives on everywhere.
Alex Oetzell
Via web site comment

Mike’s blue ribbon
Dear ER:
In a time when public schools and small businesses alike are suffering financially, the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation salutes Mike Lacey, owner of Hermosa’s own Comedy & Magic Club, for generously donating 240 tickets to the HBEF’s 2nd “Mom’s Night Out” fundraiser. The sold out event featured fantastic talent, great food and raised over $7,200 for Hermosa’s public schools. Thanks to Mike, Andrew and the rest of the Comedy & Magic staff for their support of our public schools. We couldn’t maintain our blue ribbon status without the support of local businesses like yours.
Diana Allen and Donna Cunningham
HBEF Event Co-Chairs
Hermosa Beach

Write local, shop local
Dear ER:
On behalf of the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, I would like to thank Easy Reader for its recent articles about The Bottle Inn and the Comedy & Magic Club, two of the oldest and finest businesses in the South Bay. The paper’s support of our business community has never been more important, with a downturned economy and the construction underway on Upper Pier Avenue. It is important for the public to “Shop and Dine Locally” during the street improvements, and every day of the year to keep sales tax revenues flowing into the city’s General Fund. Please support your local shops, restaurants, and service providers to ensure that their establishments continue to thrive now and in the future. Their future is yours, too!
Carla Merriman
Executive Director
HB Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau

Scenes move on
Dear ER:
They kicked out the Westside Burrito connection in Bremerton, WA, too (“Wild in the Streets, ER/Beach Feb. 11, 2010). The reason we had so many places to play music there was the town was a ghost town. The civic economy was completely destroyed with the arrival of the mall (another great Seattle export).
Music tends to be pretty viral, so don’t get in a huff when the town becomes yuppieville. The scene will move on and start eating fresh meat somewhere else just down the road where the rent is cheap and there are burritos by the plenty. It will ache and people will bitch but that makes the tunes better in the end anyway.
Ryan
Via website comment

Sand dune is special
Dear ER:
Sand Dune Park provides an exercise experience like no other. That is why it’s so popular. Anybody who has climbed to the top of the hill and felt the ocean breeze on her or her face knows what we’re talking about. There may be issues of over use. There are many ways to fix this rather than giving up before we even try.
One of the goals of any public park is to become inviting enough to attract the public to enjoy the facilities. Everybody can agree that Sand Dune Park has been a big success. How can we even contemplate rewarding a vibrant and successful park by shutting it down? The city council should change whatever needs to be changed to deal with the issues to keep this vital park open to all users.
Closing down the hill for exercise is not like closing a quarter mile dirt track that can be built anywhere. This place is one of a kind and should be treated accordingly.
Mickey Fine
Manhattan Beach

Bike Patrol
Dear ER:
The stakes for cyclists riding in South Redondo have gone up. During this winter the already poor north/south bike path has been closed or obstructed much of the time, forcing many more cyclists to ride on surface streets with the traffic. There are growing conflicts with motorists and an aggressive police force. On Sunday my wife and I both received citations for riding through an intersection, in which I felt was a safe manner. We asked the officer if we must get off the bike at each stop sign he answered that the rules are the same for bikes and cars. I knew that but didn’t feel he answered my question. In the end, the city of Redondo must make safe corridors through the city for cyclists, as other South Bay Cities have done.
Jim Wilson
Redondo Beach

Council health care
Dear Editor,
The Hermosa Beach City Council balanced the city’s upcoming budget through a hiring freeze and other gimmicks. The Council is raiding its insurance fund to the tune of approximately $600,000, which, in my book is using “smoke and mirrors.” What’s astonishing about the Council’s actions is that at the same time that they are failing to hire three police officers they continue to squander tax dollars. The Council could save over $250,000 right away by eliminating health insurance for themselves, canceling their contract for a public relations consultant to help publicize the Pier Ave. construction project, forgoing hiring a consultant to advise the city on purchasing a new telephone system and postponing installing a new telephone system. I am sure that these expenditures are just the tip of the iceberg in wasteful spending by the city.
Fred Huebscher

Council shows guts
Dear ER:
I’d like to commend the Hermosa Beach City Council for making some very tough decisions in order to balance the city budget. They’ve shown a lot more guts than our state and federal representatives.

However, I must also agree with the Police Officers Union that public safety must be the top priority for city government. Hence, I would hope that the Council takes a very hard look at the rest of the city budget and restores the police officer positions as soon as possible. Everything outside of public safety should be zero based for the 2010-11 fiscal year. As other city positions become open, those funds should be channeled into the police and fire department personnel budgets whenever possible. Also, the schools must solve their own fiscal woes as long as the city must cut public safety funding. Remember, the things we felt were necessities during the boom are now luxuries during the recession. Unfortunately, I am afraid that the current economic conditions will drag on for many years.

Finally, I want to also commend School Board members Jack Burns and Carleen Beste for suggesting a way to raise funds that doesn’t involve increased taxes. Parking will definitely be a bigger issue on Pier Avenue and turning the school parking lots into valet parking is a good idea. But let’s take it further. Charge people who use or rent the gym for parking. Charge for parking during school functions. Free parking is not a constitutional right. Maybe it’ll get people to carpool or ride their bikes. We’ve just turned valet parking into a green initiative!
Lee Hennis
Via email

City business
Dear Editor,
Councilman Peter Tucker said at last Tuesdays City Council meeting that we need to run this place like a business. What a joke. If the city were run like a business the city would be cutting salaries for its employees, renegotiating contracts and eliminating frivolous expenditures. If the city were a publicly traded company, the shareholders would fire the board of directors for incompetence for refusing to be prudent in managing the city expenditures. Next year, we the shareholders, have a chance to fire a couple of the directors. I hope we do.
Martha Webb
Hermosa Beach

Rabid reviewer
Dear ER:
Bad reviews like this are more a reflection of the maladjusted individual who wrote it that than a real reflection of the theatrical work reviewed (“Bark! The Musical,” ER Feb. 25, 2010). We loved this show. Remarkable performances by all. Bravo to the Civic Light Opera South Bay for once again bringing the finest in entertainment and creativity to all of us.
Don White
Web site comment

Where’s Better Redondo’s better idea?
Dear ER:
Do you remember hearing the saying “Going nowhere fast?” Well that is what we are doing in Redondo Beach. As a city in need of tax dollars, service improvements and reasons for citizens and visitors alike to spend money here, we are paralyzed.

Many citizens want to vote on what doesn’t go into our harbor area. But they aren’t sure what they would vote for. This continues to change as each vision is introduced. It gets shot down without real review by the Building a Better Redondo Group. I respectfully ask that this group please create a realistic idea of what you do want that will build a better Redondo with a stronger tax base and more tourist spending.

Condos are not proposed in the current harbor development proposals. A big-box development is not proposed. What is on the table is to move forward and work as a community to find what mix of changes will give us the best of all possibilities — a lovely harbor that provides tax income and business livelihood that supports and enriched the community.

I don’t know what the best solution is, but I do know that a strict no growth policy will wither our community and education, and that services and property value will stagnate.
Barbara ramsey-Duke
Redondo Beach

The American way
Dear ER:
Here’s to BBR and the American Way! As a resident of Redondo Beach for 45 years, I have seen much development. As a teacher for 15 years and a caterer for 26 years, I feel I have seen a lot of changes. Little by little, there are fewer views to be had and more congestion of homes and traffic galore.

When I heard of Building a Better Redondo I jumped right in. I collected 250 petition signatures and donations from fellow neighbors who were most grateful that there is such a group. Obviously, for us to get this new measure voted in, Bill Brand is our (Guardian Angel) representative. I have always hoped that we would be heard and the council would not continue to allow all these large buildings. They do take away more public views, bring in more people (congestion) and traffic (smog). I used to believe that our city officials cared what we, the people, want. But sadly, we are all seeing that this is just not the case.

Hurray for you Councilman Pat Aust, I do hope you are on our side. I’ve also learned that talk is cheap and easy.
Reggie Lucero
Redondo Beach

Regal, and ravenous
Dear ER
Over the past few years crows or ravens have been coming to our South Bay beach cities, a sight I had not previously seen in the past 60-odd years that I have been living in this area (Wild Things, ER Feb. 18, 2010). They have been nesting in the tall trees and swooping down and snatching up pet food left outside on apartment and condo balconies.

When I was a child, every summer we would go to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. There is one memory of those happy days that I would like to forget — a gathering of ravens tearing apart the carcass of a young deer.

Yes, the ravens are almost a regal bird – but it is the same kind of regal as a Genghis Khan. It would be a lot more pleasant to look forward to the Mourning Doves returning to our beach towns, wouldn’t it? I saw a pair yesterday for the first time in about two years.
Susie Pollard Frazee
Redondo Beach

Biblical interpretation
Dear ER:
The 8th Commandment is as interesting for what it doesn’t say as what it does. Specifically, it doesn’t say, “Thou shall not steal from the poor.” Not allowed to steal from anybody, including the rich. And while I appreciate Daniel Matson’s antipathy to rich oil companies (“Manhattan oil drilling proposal,” ER Letters Feb. 11, 2010), neither scriptures nor the laws of the nation or the state of California allow him, or us, to steal from rich, oil companies anymore than from the bag-lady. So while the courts have held that the City of Hermosa Beach can both be a “willing and able” partner in a contract to drill oil, and a force for the will of the people of Hermosa insisting on outlawing such drilling, exercising the former function doesn’t absolve the city of it’s breach of contract, and subsequent damage to it’s partner, when exercising the latter.

I also appreciate that while for many voters in Hermosa Beach Upton Sinclair is the last word on oil, [anti oil activist] Rosamond Fogg, and her ilk, have left the city a legacy of potential debt in the amount of $27,000 for every man, woman and child in the city. For my little family that comes to about $50,000. My wife and I would much rather spend the money educating our daughter instead of paying damages to MacPherson. For those who disagree that we should settle I ask you to contemplate what your life will be like when you not only never see a street paved again, but also are forced to give up our own police and fire departments because some court appointed receiver says that bankrupt Hermosa can’t afford them.
Sam Foster
Hermosa Beach

Mike’s blue ribbon
Dear ER
In a time when public schools and small businesses alike are suffering financially, the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation salutes Mike Lacey, owner of Hermosa’s own Comedy & Magic Club, for generously donating 240 tickets to the HBEF’s 2nd “Mom’s Night Out” fundraiser. The sold out event featured fantastic talent, great food and raised over $7,200 for Hermosa’s public schools. Thanks to Mike, Andrew and the rest of the Comedy & Magic staff for their support of our public schools. We couldn’t maintain our blue ribbon status without the support of local businesses like yours.
Diana Allen and Donna Cunningham
HBEF Event Co-Chairs
Hermosa Beach

Scenes move on
Dear ER:
They kicked out the Westside Burrito connection in Bremerton, WA, too (“Wild in the Streets, ER/Beach Feb. 11, 2010). The reason we had so many places to play music there was the town was a ghost town. The civic economy was completely destroyed with the arrival of the mall (another great Seattle export).

Music tends to be pretty viral, so don´t get in a huff when the town becomes yuppieville. The scene will move on and start eating fresh meat somewhere else just down the road where the rent is cheap and there´s burritos by the plenty. It will ache and people will bitch but that makes the tunes better in the end anyway.
Ryan
Via website comment

Sand dune is special
Dear Editor,
Sand Dune Park provides an exercise experience like no other. That is why it’s so popular. Anybody has climbed to the top of the hill and felt the ocean breeze on her or her face knows what we’re talking about.

There may be issues of over use. There are many ways to fix this rather than giving up before we even try.

One of the goals of any public park is to become inviting enough to attract the public to enjoy the facilities. Everybody can agree that Sand Dune park has been a big success. How can we even contemplate rewarding a vibrant and successful park by shutting it down? The city counsel should change whatever needs to be changed to deal with the issues to keep this vital park open to all users.

Closing down the hill for exercise is not like closing a quarter mile dirt track that can be built anywhere. This place is one of a kind and should be treated accordingly.
Mickey Fine
Manhattan Beach

Vote or sue
Dear ER:
Like most Redondo residents voting in the November 08 election, I voted for Measure DD because it gave me a vote on the increasing density in our city… democracy before development. In all, 17,412 of us voted for Measure DD, more than voted for any previous city candidate or issue. In contrast Mayor Gin received just 6,086 votes. Even if you combine ALL the votes for ALL five councilman AND the mayor, the combined council only received 10,684 votes. The vote for DD along with multiple city surveys reflect Redondo resident concern about overdevelopment.

Now our elected officials intend to ignore us by passing a massive harbor upzoning without the vote required by DD, which is now part of our City Charter. The Council hides behind a dubious legal smoke screen to justify this outrage. It’s bad enough that they have misled the public and coastal commission about the gridlock this will cause in our city. Now they are purposefully ignoring the will of the people.

Our Council has a moral obligation to follow the city charter and represent the will of their residents. I am disgusted by their blatant disregard of the law and their total lack of integrity. I call on all conscientious residents to attend the Council Meeting on February 16 and demand a vote.. But, more importantly, join me in donating to BBR’s lawsuit that will force the city to put this upzoning to a vote as required by the Charter. See www.buildingabetterredondo for details.
Alexander Starr
Redondo Beach

Litter writing campaign
Dear ER:
It is ironic that the Hermosa Beach City Council voted four to one to litter the streets with “do not litter” signs to be put on the lamp posts throughout the city for a few dollars. The visual pollution this causes will far exceed any clean up benefits that the signs will accomplish. Councilman Jeff Duclos should be commended for voting against this action and trying to convince his fellow council members to do the same. Can this decision be reversed?
Mordy Benjamin
Hermosa Beach

Felonious monk
Dear ER:
What is happening lately with the integrity of police officers? The people that we teach our children to look up to now seem to let us down more and more. I know, everyone says a few bad apples don’t make the whole department bad. We should be holding our police officers to the same standards or higher than we hold the everyday citizens to.
Last year a Torrance police sergeant was allegedly involved in a hit and run and said his judgment was impaired because of alcohol. Then we had the Redondo Beach police officer allegedly embezzled over $70,000 from his own police officer’s association.
Now we have a hit and run in Manhattan Beach involving an alleged off-duty Manhattan Beach police officer and possibly multiple other Manhattan Beach police involved in the cover up. I believe that the hit and run with injuries is a felony and the cover up is obstruction of justice, which is also a felony.
The problem that I have with all of these incidents is that according to the Law of the land we are supposed to have equal justice under the Law.
We as citizens in Manhattan Beach need to hold this whole mess up to the light and quit hiding the facts from the public. Any other citizen that was involved in a hit and run and the abandoned car was found, the police would go the home of the owner and arrest them. The next day their names would be in the newspaper. Why are these four treated any differently?
Name withheld by request
Manhattan Beach

Pictures, please
Dear ER:
As one of the many small business owners (Gum Tree Shop and Café, Pier Avenue) we are already being greatly affected by the street landscaping project. My husband Will and I are here everyday and, when we have customers, we are constantly being asked the same question: What is happening outside? We talk about the project in a positive manner every single day, all day. We have given our staff all the info we have about the project so that they can answer questions.
But people need visuals of what the project will be when completed. I have seen the renderings and they are beautiful. I know that people would love to see them too, and it will generate excitement for the locals to know what they have to look forward to in their new downtown.
I would like the city to produce a flyer that the local businesses could show to everyone who comes in their shops.
I would also liked a poster of the renderings and an explanation of the project to post in windows around downtown, ads in local newspapers and a big banner at Valley Drive and Pier Avenue, as is done for Fiesta Hermosa.
We opened in the midst of the recession just over a year ago, and the last couple of weeks have been the worst since opening. Other business owners are coming in to talk and commiserate with us, everyone down here is feeling it. I am getting calls daily from customers who are asking if they should bother coming down because they think there is no parking. Meanwhile I am staring at blocks full of empty parking spaces all day long.
Lori Ford
Hermosa Beach

Familiar ring, familiar sting
Dear ER:
Talk about falling off the bus and hittin’ your head. Hey James ‘B’…tell me, just where did I criticize ‘intellectuals’ or ‘artists?’ (“Familiar ring,” ER Letters Feb. 18, 2010). Your inflated sense of self-righteousness has clearly caused you to miss my point entirely, so permit me to school you. My beef is not with artists or intellectuals (I’m saving that diatribe for another day). It’s with “carpetbaggers from points east (who come) this way…trying to change our simple paradise into the same shit-holes they fled.”
And, yes, I’m ‘familiar’ with your ‘shit-holes’…been to ‘em. That’s precisely why I appreciate this place just the way it is. An, why’d you stop? You forgot to include Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin to the list of “despots” unlikely to find your ‘art’ or ‘intellect’ significant enough to warrant persecution…which is the real rub, ain’t it?
So you’ve read Camus, have you (or pulled a quote off the internet)? You should read Ray Devore: “A supercilious sense of victimization does not an artist or an intellectual make.”
Ray Devore
Manhattan Beach

Private practice makes perfect
Dear ER:
I am writing on behalf of Crystal Cove management in response to the Harbor Lights column “Private Beach,” written by Harry Munns (ER, Dec. 24, 2009).
The area in question is a private beach, as designated by property lines agreed to by the City of Redondo Beach, the State and Federal Government and is signposted appropriately. There is public access to the public beach immediately adjacent to this private beach. In no way is any member of the public hampered or barred from their public beach access rights.
Munns’ article makes a claim that is incorrect. Munns states, “No one in Redondo pays much attention to this warning in front of the popular breakwater surfing beach.” On the contrary, we find the majority of beach users are law abiding citizens who follow the signage direction and enter via the public access rather than trespassing across a designated private beach. Yes, a few individuals may choose to trespass and ignore the signage. When the management company is aware that trespass occurs the police are notified and respond appropriately. The management company is enforcing the deeded leasehold rights of a designated private beach and will continue to do so with vigilance.
In addition, we take issue with the quote from Sgt. Peter Grimm of Redondo Beach, “I’m fairly confident you won’t be arrested walking across that lot.” We have documented evidence that the police have been called numerous times regarding trespass and that they have confronted violators and conducted field interviews. Trespassers are subject to arrest and fines for violation the law. Sgt. Grimm’s job is to enforce the law rather than making “fairly confident” statements that could be misinterpreted by the general public.
Martin Ginsburg
Crystal Cove
Redondo Beach

Measure J report gets an ‘A’
Dear ER:
In November 2002, Hermosa Beach voters approved Bond Measure J that authorized the Hermosa Beach City School District (the District) to issue $13.6 million in general revenue bonds and to qualify for another $2.0 million of State funds. Thus, the District initially had $15.6 million for its school and classroom improvements and new construction.
As required by State law, the District appointed an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC) to inform the public concerning bond revenues to assure the funds are used for bond-approved items and not for teacher salaries, administrative costs, or operating expenses. Also, litigation expenses cannot be paid from bond funds.
The final Citizens’ Oversight Committee consisted of the following seven members: Sam Abrams, Chair – Senior Citizen Rep., Gary Wayland, Vice Chair – Business Orgn. Rep., Lisa Arnett – School Facilities Advisory Committee, Jim Caldwell – Taxpayer Orgn. Rep., Jim Hausle – Parent Rep., Kelly Kinnon – Member-at-Large, and Cindy Smet – Parent Teacher Orgn. Rep. The late Eleanor Lynn was also an original member.
The COC issued its Final Report on September 30, 2009, stating that the District was compliant with the requirements of California law – none of the bond funds had been used for prohibited purposes. The final independent auditors’ report (dated 6/30/09 – and all previous reports) indicated that the District was compliant with State requirements. A total of $15.8 million was expended from Bond funds.
Funding from all sources — the Bond issue, State-matching funds, bond sales premium, and interest from bond sales proceeds — totaled $18.8 million. The final expenditures for all work were $19.5 million. The District funded the difference, $0.7 million, from special reserves, developer fees, and other sources.
The District, Board, and Staff was very cooperative with the COC, sharing all construction planning data, all cost data (contract values), and all payment information. The District was, also, very helpful in providing administrative support to the COC.
Sam Abrams, Chair
Bond Measure J
Citizens’ Oversight Committee

Rob parking to pay parachutes?
Dear ER:
Manhattan Beach is a great community. Its weakness is a continual failure to find excellence in its City Council and School Board Trustees. Jeopardize good teachers, use the children for an excuse, give unjustified raises, transfer large amounts of money from a failing city to a mismanaged school district, and give undeserved $195,000 golden parachutes… Parking fees were raised by 66 percent to bring in $550,000 to cover a $55,000 deficit. Why there is a deficit is criminal. Where is the estimated $1.375 million ($1.25/hour rate) going?
How long before the “free Xmas parking” tradition is eliminated to increase revenues? And who calculates the lost or destroyed local business taxes?
Please publish the unfunded, unsustainable Manhattan Beach future liabilities, such as pensions and retirement benefits. The public secures these entitlements while there is absolutely no parity between the public and private sector pension/retirement.
Donald A. Sellek
Manhattan Beach

Beach of contract
Dear ER:
I received an overwhelming number of positive responses about my solutions regarding Macpherson Oil vs. The City of Hermosa Beach. (Letters, ER Feb. 4, 2010). On the other hand, there were a couple critical responses that were very emotionally charged like the letter from Daniel Matson (ER Feb. 11, 2010). The unhinged personal attacks are really more of a reflection of the person making them and distracts from the subject matter at hand.
Matson and other critics missed my points entirely. My letter was not about “oil or oil drilling.” It was about a breach of “contract” and a possible solution to a decade old case. The subject matter of the contract be it oil, solar power or anything else, and how the breached occurred, really doesn’t matter. If Macpherson had a “valid contract” that was broken, then the company needs fair compensation, unless I (and so far the courts) are missing something entirely.
A contract is a binding legal agreement that is enforceable in a court of law or by binding arbitration. That is, a contract is an exchange of promises with a specific remedy for breach.
For a perspective, I would review the Pennzoil vs. Texaco judgment about a “handshake” agreement that rendered an $11.1 billion judgment:
In 1984 after Getty Oil was sold to Pennzoil in a handshake deal. Texaco made a higher offer, and the company was sold to Texaco. Pennzoil filed a lawsuit alleging tortious interference with this oral contract, which the court upheld and awarded $11.1 billion in damages.
Ironically, I am defending an oil company though I work with alternative energy, organics and sustainability, so my objectivity shouldn’t be questioned. Recently, I helped install the new solar powered, self-contained LED lighting system for Redondo Beach’s bike path; I helped establish the green business program for the City of Santa Monica; and I am currently working with the City of Torrance on a similar eco plan; so obviously I am not a shill for the oil company. However, the vilification of a family owned business is not responsible, in my opinion.
Matson mentions that he is tired of subsidizing the oil companies, big banks etc. and I concur. However this case has nothing to do with subsidizing. In fact, if Macpherson had a successful, eco-safe oil operation, the citizens of Hermosa Beach would be getting paid (in the form of tax revenues), which is the exact opposite of what Matson’s states.
Mark Machuszek
Editor’s note: Allowing the Macpherson Oil company to drill for oil is not a viable option for the city of Hermosa to avert the lawsuit. The courts have upheld Prop. E, making oil drilling in the city against the law.

Flower police
Dear ER:
I just finished reading the new water and landscape ordinances posted in your paper for Hermosa Beach. Four pages long of you “can’t” do this and you “must” do this. Government has now reached into our homes and businesses with massive regulations and costs even in this troubling economic environment. Telling us what kind of flowers we can plant is nonsense. And if you violate the law, a lien can be placed on your property according to Chapter 1.10 of the municipal code. This new ordinance is the most restrictive law ever passed by any city in the area. One newly elected councilman was even quoted saying, “Let’s get this done fast so we can be first.” This feel good proposal by politicians has not been thoroughly discussed with the community. We do not need to get this done fast so we can be first. We need public involvement and common sense. I’m not looking forward to the flower police looking over my fence any time soon.
Name withheld so I can keep my pansies

Kenny’s view
Dear ER:
I live on a “view” walk street and count my blessings as I look at the skyline. There are no buildings out there for about 7,000 miles (give or take a few). As I look to the west I see beautiful skies and, weather permitting, sometimes thunderous waves crashing.
A second look might make another viewer aware that there are also poles draped with numerous lines that go to the residences below. I consider this part of my view. If property owners are going to petition to have everything objectionable (to them) removed – perhaps sometime in the future it will be their home that is objectionable.
I have a small oil painting that I have treasured for over 60 years. The artist is Kenny Draper, a resident of Manhattan Beach in the 1950s. Russ Hickson displayed Draper’s paintings in his gallery. The artists’ second floor studio was on Manhattan Avenue with a view of the horizon to the west.
I fell in love with the painting, bought it and was allowed to pay for it in weekly installments. My family treasures it and in my will it is a gift to my niece, a Manhattan Beach resident since her teens.
My painting is titled “Rooftops of Manhattan” and looking toward the ocean it is just that – a thing of beauty in “blues” – rooftops with wires draped from pole to buildings – a work of art!
Evelyn Frey
Manhattan Beach

Familiar ring
Dear ER,
Having lived through more than two thirds of the 20th Century, I can testify that Ray Devore’s anti-intellectual, anti-artist sentiments, (“Outta heah,” ER letters, Feb. 11, 2010), though expressed vehemently, were expressed even more indelibly by despots of all stripes – from Franco to Pol Pot, Mao to Pinochet to Robt. Mugabe, etc.
Here, a quote from Camus applies: “It is not surprising that artist and intellectuals should have been the first victims of modern tyrannies, whether of the Right or of the Left.”
Fortunately, Devore’s clownish claim to be speaking for the entire South Bay is as empty as his pathetic posturing. Of course, Devore’s candor in acknowledging a familiarity with “shit-holes” is refreshing. It illuminates both the source and the substance of his thought processes.
James B. Kennedy
Redondo Beach

The jewel in hand
Dear ER:
I find it ironic that that Shane Michaels touts developing a new community in the last open space in Redondo as going green (“Go green, Redondo, ER letters Feb. 11, 2010). How can perhaps 400,000 sq. feet of development possibly represent going green, versus residents enjoying the existing open space and last remaining unobstructed view of our beautiful harbor? Shane’s goes on to say, “The residents of Redondo should come together to createour shining jewel along the sunny California Coast. The “shining jewel” already exists. It doesn’t need to be created. No obstructed views of our harbor, no 45-foot tall buildings, no traffic, no blight. In this case, less is more. Protect our harbor site from over-development. The sky isn’t falling like some people will lead you to believe.
Kathy McLeod
Via email

A deal’s a deal
Dear ER:
How ironic that it took a letter from a foreigner (Mark Machuszek of Manhattan Beach) to compel me to action (“Appologize, then drill,” ER Letters Feb. 4, 2010). Maschusek is right on. Macpherson Oil must be allowed to carry out its contractual agreement. Where I came from, a contract was sacrosanct and couldn’t be breached unilaterally.
As a retired engineer in the oil and gas industry I can assure you that new technology with slant drilling has brought about precision results. I fished in the Gulf of Mexico and we found that the red snapper loved the drilling rigs as it gave them protection from the bigger fish.
Let Hermosa Beach be green and bring us some much needed green.
Robert R. Park
Hermosa Beach

Biblical interpretation
Dear Editor:
The 8th Commandment is as interesting for what it doesn’t say as what it does. Specifically, it doesn’t say, “Thou shall not steal from the poor.” Not allowed to steal from anybody, including the rich. And while I appreciate Daniel Matson’s antipathy to rich oil companies (“Manhattan oil drilling proposal,” ER Letters Feb. 11, 2010), neither scriptures nor the laws of the nation or the state of California allow him, or us, to steal from rich, oil companies anymore than from the bag-lady. So while the courts have held that the City of Hermosa Beach can both be a “willing and able” partner in a contract to drill oil, and a force for the will of the people of Hermosa insisting on outlawing such drilling, exercising the former function doesn’t absolve the city of it’s breach of contract, and subsequent damage to it’s partner, when exercising the latter.
I also appreciate that while for many voters in Hermosa Beach Upton Sinclair is the last word on oil, [anti oil activist] Rosamond Fogg, and her ilk, have left the city a legacy of potential debt in the amount of $27,000 for every man, woman and child in the city. For my little family that comes to about $50,000. My wife and I would much rather spend the money educating our daughter instead of paying damages to MacPherson. For those who disagree that we should settle I ask you to contemplate what your life will be like when you not only never see a street paved again, but also are forced to give up our own police and fire departments because some court appointed receiver says that bankrupt Hermosa can’t afford them.
Sam Foster
Hermosa Beach, CA

The American way
Dear ER:
Here’s to BBR and the American Way As a resident of Redondo Beach for 45 years, I have seen much development. As a teacher for 15 years and a caterer for 26 years, I feel I have seen a lot of changes. Little by little, there are fewer views to be had and more congestion of homes and traffic galore.
When I heard of Building a Better Redondo I jumped right in. I collected 250 petition signatures and donations from fellow neighbors who were most grateful that there is such a group. Obviously, for us to get this new measure voted in, Bill Brand is our (Guardian Angel) representative. I have always hoped that we would be heard and the council would not continue to allow all these large buildings. They do take away more public views, bring in more people (congestion) and traffic (smog). I used to believe that our city officials cared what we, the people, want. But sadly, we are all seeing that this is just not the case.
Hurray for you Councilman Pat Aust, I do hope you are on our side. I’ve also learned that talk is cheap and easy.
Reggie Lucero
Redondo Beach

Scenes move on
Dear ER:
They kicked out the Westside Burrito connection in Bremerton, WA, too (“Wild in the Streets, ER/Beach Feb. 11, 2010). The reason we had so many places to play music there was the town was a ghost town. The civic economy was completely destroyed with the arrival of the mall (another great Seattle export).
Music tends to be pretty viral, so don´t get in a huff when the town becomes yuppieville. The scene will move on and start eating fresh meat somewhere else just down the road where the rent is cheap and there´s burritos by the plenty. It will ache and people will bitch but that makes the tunes better in the end anyway. Ryan
Via website comment

Outta heah
Dear ER:
I started your latest “Bondo” article, but couldn’t get past the first page (“Curtain calls,” ER Feb. 4, 2010). Who is this Jeryll Adler chick?
Hey, honey, we dig our “vast intellectual wasteland” just the way it is. Or was, until carpetbaggers from point east came this way in an “intellectual pursuit” of “an academic and entertainment environment,” trying to change our simple paradise into the same shit-holes they fled. The fact that this place engenders “a complete dearth of anything that appeals to (you)” is precisely why we live here.
Culturally speaking, what was the problem with New York, or even Santa Monica? As they say back where you came from, “Git outta heah.”
Ray Devore
Manhattan Beach

Manhattan oil drilling proposal
Dear ER:
First off, Mark Machuszek, you live in MB, so when you vote in favor of approving speculative drilling in your beloved city, then maybe I’ll spend more than two minutes considering your lame argument before I completely take you to task on McPhearson oil’s bogus lawsuit (“Apologize, then drill,” ER letters Feb. 4, 2010). There was an excellent non partisan article in Easy Reader a few months back that detailed the ongoing battle between the oil speculators and the city of Hermosa Beach, dating back to the days of the Biltmore Hotel (which is something you’re probably scratching your transplant head over). Shell Oil footed the bill for a ballot initiative to drill. It was shot down by the residents in the ‘50s. They spent a lot of money on this, but it was at their own expense. McPhearson, 30-plus years later rolled the dice as well, but they did so through the city council rather than through a resident vote. The citizens rallied together and shut the project down. And sure, maybe these people were a bunch of tree hugging hippies, but regardless, it stated in the original contract, that the residents of Hermosa retained the right to overturn the allowances granted by the local government. Before I go any further, this proposed angle drilling technique, was from my understanding, a crapshoot at best, anyway. The oil company invested pocket change to aquire these drilling rights — they gambled and lost. Just like the the Big Banks who gambled on the housing market and sent us into the second Great Depression. I personally feel like greedy corporations who care only about themselves have taken enough of my hard earned tax dollars. McPhearson is no different. They gambled and lost — they can get their bailout from some other sucker. But not me….
Daniel Matson
Via website comment

Stand up for the chief
Dear ER:
I was saddened last week when Hermosa Beach Councilmember Howard Fishman and Mayor Pro Tem Peter Tucker placed an item on the agenda for the City Councils January 26 meeting that in essence reprimanded Police Chief Greg Savelli (“City sticks to guns with eatery,” ER Jan. 28, 2010). Fishman and Tucker attempted to get Police Chief Savelli to withdraw a letter that he had submitted two years ago to the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board asking that Il Bocaccio, which is now owned by the Ron and Greg Newman, be prevented from serving alcohol beyond midnight.
Fishman and Tucker’s placing this item on the City Council agenda amounted to a public reprimand of the chief. Luckily, their fellow Councilmembers had more sense and voted down Fishman and Tucker’s request.
I think our Chief is doing an outstanding job and I was appalled by the conduct of Fishman and Tucker. I urge all to contact Fishman and Tucker and express your displeasure with their conduct: kkfish@earthlink.net and peter@electpetertucker.com.
Fred Huebscher
Hermosa Beach

Dune potatoes
Dear ER:
The myth of this seemingly endless Manhattan Beach Sand Dune debate is that there actually is a debate to begin with. The majority of Manhattan Beach residents agree to solve the peak usage issue, but not at the expense of simply walking up and down the dune. During the past six months, numerous low-cost, and easy to implement ideas that allow recreational exercise by adults and children alike have been submitted. However, the Parks Department has indicated their new instructions are only to present plans to reopen the Dune not for people, but for vegetation. While Council Member Portia Cohen remains determined to capitulate to the close-the-dune minority, the other council members do not appear to be reflecting the majority opinion expressed at the Jan 19, 2010 City Council meeting.
Closing a section of a public park because recreational exercise has been too much of a success seems perverse considering that it is not exercise, but over-usage that is the actual problem. Heart disease, obesity, and diabetes continue to afflict our community and the Dune has proven it’s unique attraction to help manage these epidemics.
Additional myths of usage, costs, and environmental issues have replaced the actual facts and public comments made by Manhattan Beach’s department heads. The website, www.sanddunepark.com, continues to try its best to make these facts transparent as well as to encourage our city leaders to embrace recreational exercise.
Perhaps we are too naïve to think that facts and majority opinion still matter in local affairs, but they should.
Bill and Ana Hory
Manhattan Beach

Go green, Redondo
Dear ER:
Redondo Beach has the rare opportunity to create an outstanding community. This new community will be located near existing transit routes, adjacent to exiting bicycle networks, within walking distance of a number of diverse uses and existing housing, energy efficient, water efficient, and reduce storm water runoff. This new open and connected community will reduce vehicle miles travelled and provide a reduced parking footprint. By creating this community in the Harbor Area, the current residents of Redondo Beach will be proud to be part of establishing and maintaining our city’s survival.
The residents of this community need to seize the day and create this LEED Neighborhood Development certified community. It is inevitable that this area will be developed. If the current residents do not take this opportunity, future residents will.
But what will Redondo Beach look like then. Nearby cities have been recently classified as ‘blighted’ in order to ask for Federal hand outs. I believe that the time is now for the residents of Redondo Beach to come together as a team to create our shining jewel along the sunny California Coast.
Shane Michael, LEED AP
Redondo Beach

People’s history
Dear ER:
Recently, Redondo Councilman Steve Diels accused Building a Better Redondo of revisionist history — that we originally supported the harbor upzoning (“Council spars over harbor development,” ER Feb. 4, 2010). Diels relies on one statement in one email. He conveniently neglects that 90 percent of that same email called for an accurate impact analysis prior to finalization.
Compare that to the revisionist history of our Council: “Redondo Beach residents deserve a say in whether large-scale development takes place in our town to assure our continued quality of life.” Sounds like a BBR ad doesn’t it? This statement was signed by Mayor Mike Gin and Councilman Steve Aspel in their argument for City Measure EE.
Measure EE stated: The People of Redondo Beach should have the power to decide, after careful independent evaluation of certain major changes in allowable land use, whether those changes are justified. Then council members Aspel, Pat Aust, Diels, Gin and Matt Kilroy all voted to put Measure EE on the ballot, against the people’s measure, DD. Under EE, the harbor rezoning would have required a vote of the people. Why would those who created and voted for EE now deny residents their right to vote on the largest rezoning Redondo will see for some time?
A recent traffic study shows the harbor upzoning will create gridlock. As Measure DD and EE both say: residents should have the right to decide whether the benefits of the upzoning outweigh the gridlock it will create. Should the council ignore the charter requirement for a vote, residents must sue to force compliance. See www.buildingabetterredondo.org for how to contribute to this lawsuit.
Jim Light
President BBR
Redondo Beach

Diss-approval
Dear ER:
As a Redondo Beach resident, I always look forward to reporter Mark McDermott’s article on the latest happenings in my town. No other reporter in the South Bay gets it right more often. But he does make mistakes, and he made a doozy last week.
The Coastal Commission did not approve the zoning for our Harbor at the July 9, 2009 meeting. I was there. The second action they took was to deny the ‘implementation program,’ or zoning, as submitted. This was unanimous. Anyone who wants to see it can watch the archived streaming video at http://www.cal-span.org/cgi-bin/media.pl?folder=CCC .
They will also see where several of the commissioners requested that the motion that did pass be accompanied by the statement, “Nothing in this supercedes the city charter.”
This was to satisfy those of us who drove all the way to San Luis Obispo on a weekday to ensure the Commission was aware of the new City Charter that required a public vote locally before any zoning could be approved. Since the Coastal Commission denied this zoning, it can only become effective if the Council approves it, and then the Coastal Commission certifies it.
Now that our new city charter requires a public vote, once the council accepts the modifications and approves the zoning again, it should go before the voters for final approval before being sent back to the Coastal Commission for certification.
If the Redondo Beach City Council refuses to send it to the voters after approval, the citizens and Building a Better Redondo should file a lawsuit.
Melanie L. Cohen
Redondo Beach
Editor’s response: Easy Reader stands by its reporting of the Coastal Commission’s action. The July 8, 2010 California Coastal Commission agenda states, in regards to the Redondo Beach Coastal Zone, certification, “Approved with modifications.”)

Grown up hour
Dear ER:
I can’t believe the childish remarks from some of Redondo’s elected council members (“Council spars over harbor development,” ER Feb. 4, 2010). Council member Bill Brand is being targeted by his fellow council members because he believes the council should respect the law and put an overdeveloped project up to a vote of the people.
It does not matter whether one believes that Measure DD should have ever passed. Or if the project is overdeveloped. It now is a matter of respecting the law. Council member Brand is acting in just the way that I would have expected him to since we elected him last year in the first round.
The surprise is the unprofessional conduct of some of those who differ in their views. People should attend the council meeting of Feb. 16 and tell them to put it to a vote.
The cost of an election to put it to a vote is the price of democracy.
Dean Francois
Redondo Beach

The American way
Dear ER:
Here’s to BBR and the American Way As a resident of Redondo Beach for 45 years, I have seen much development. As a teacher for 15 years and a caterer for 26 years, I feel I have seen a lot of changes. Little by little, there are fewer views to be had and more congestion of homes and traffic galore.
When I heard of Building a Better Redondo I jumped right in. I collected 250 petition signatures and donations from fellow neighbors who were most grateful that there is such a group. Obviously, for us to get this new measure voted in, Bill Brand is our (Guardian Angel) representative. I have always hoped that we would be heard and the council would not continue to allow all these large buildings. They do take away more public views, bring in more people (congestion) and traffic (smog). I used to believe that our city officials cared what we, the people, want. But sadly, we are all seeing that this is just not the case.
Hurray for you Councilman Pat Aust, I do hope you are on our side. I’ve also learned that talk is cheap and easy.
Reggie Lucero
Redondo Beach

Scenes move on
Dear ER:
They kicked out the Westside Burrito connection in Bremerton, WA, too (“Wild in the Streets, ER/Beach Feb. 11, 2010). The reason we had so many places to play music there was the town was a ghost town. The civic economy was completely destroyed with the arrival of the mall (another great Seattle export).
Music tends to be pretty viral, so don´t get in a huff when the town becomes yuppieville. The scene will move on and start eating fresh meat somewhere else just down the road where the rent is cheap and there´s burritos by the plenty. It will ache and people will bitch but that makes the tunes better in the end anyway. Ryan
Via website comment

Sand dune is special
Dear Editor,
Sand Dune Park provides an exercise experience like no other. That is why it’s so popular. Anybody has climbed to the top of the hill and felt the ocean breeze on her or her face knows what we’re talking about.
There may be issues of over use. There are many ways to fix this rather than giving up before we even try.
One of the goals of any public park is to become inviting enough to attract the public to enjoy the facilities. Everybody can agree that Sand Dune park has been a big success. How can we even contemplate rewarding a vibrant and successful park by shutting it down? The city counsel should change whatever needs to be changed to deal with the issues to keep this vital park open to all users.
Closing down the hill for exercise is not like closing a quarter mile dirt track that can be built anywhere. This place is one of a kind and should be treated accordingly.
Mickey Fine
Manhattan Beach

Mozart to Jung
Dear ER,
I enjoyed “The virtual adventures of Sungha Jung” (ER Jan. 21, 2010). A 12-year-old master guitarist is a remarkable rarity, for which we must be grateful. That he is developing a career, with the wise and rich collaboration of Trace Bundy, is deserved and worthy of admiration.
The piece reminded me of another musical master whose birthday was celebrated last week, Jan. 27. At 12 Mozart was recognized throughout Europe as an astonishing performer, and accomplished composer. He had produced about 100 compositions in a wide variety of forms. And during that 13th year, in addition to composing his twelth symphony, he tackled one of the most complex and challenging forms of artistic expression – he composed an opera – “La Finta Semplice.”
I don’t know if our present virtuosos, Sungha Jung and Trace Bundy accept requests. But since they do Pachelbel’s Canon, I’d humbly suggest a two guitar arrangement of the “Queen of the Night” aria: “Hell’s vengeance seethes in my heart” from The Magic Flute.
JB Kennedy
Redondo Beach

Vote or sue
Dear ER:
Like most Redondo residents voting in the November 08 election, I voted for Measure DD because it gave me a vote on the increasing density in our city… democracy before development. In all, 17,412 of us voted for Measure DD, more than voted for any previous city candidate or issue. In contrast Mayor Gin received just 6,086 votes. Even if you combine ALL the votes for ALL five councilman AND the mayor, the combined council only received 10,684 votes. The vote for DD along with multiple city surveys reflect Redondo resident concern about overdevelopment.
Now our elected officials intend to ignore us by passing a massive harbor upzoning without the vote required by DD, which is now part of our City Charter. The Council hides behind a dubious legal smoke screen to justify this outrage. It’s bad enough that they have misled the public and coastal commission about the gridlock this will cause in our city. Now they are purposefully ignoring the will of the people.
Our Council has a moral obligation to follow the city charter and represent the will of their residents. I am disgusted by their blatant disregard of the law and their total lack of integrity. I call on all conscientious residents to attend the Council Meeting on February 16 and demand a vote.. But, more importantly, join me in donating to BBR’s lawsuit that will force the city to put this upzoning to a vote as required by the Charter. See www.buildingabetterredondo for details.
Alexander Starr
Redondo Beach

Mike’s blue ribbon
Dear ER
In a time when public schools and small businesses alike are suffering financially, the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation salutes Mike Lacey, owner of Hermosa’s own Comedy & Magic Club, for generously donating 240 tickets to the HBEF’s 2nd “Mom’s Night Out” fundraiser. The sold out event featured fantastic talent, great food and raised over $7,200 for Hermosa’s public schools. Thanks to Mike, Andrew and the rest of the Comedy & Magic staff for their support of our public schools. We couldn’t maintain our blue ribbon status without the support of local businesses like yours.
Diana Allen and Donna Cunningham
HBEF Event Co-Chairs
Hermosa Beach

False savings
Dear ER:
I see no benefit to closing a good program like Every Woman Counts if the reason is to close the state budget deficit. This is a great program, which provides mammograms to women. Why would we want to jeopardize something that helps them so much? Please get the word out that there are other ways of cutting the deficit.
Dan Esposito
Manhattana Beach

Character reference
Dear ER:
I work at a pet grooming salon in El Segundo, which Manhattan Beach Detective Sgt. Brian Brown frequents (“Officer of the Year,” ER Jan. 7, 2010). He always uses the self-service section to take care of the grooming needs of his dog “Buddy.” I know all of the clients – the four-legged ones and their two-legged companions – whether they come in the salon for full-service or self-service. What I noticed about Brian Brown is that there is a very healthy and strong bond between himself and his dog.
You can tell a lot about a person by looking at how he or she treats a dog. And by seeing how Brian Brown interacts with his dog, you can tell he is a good person. The key is to look at the dog’s reactions. The relationship between Brian and “Buddy” is of mutual respect, trust and devotion.
Now, that I know he is a police officer, I am not at all surprised that he was named “Officer of the Year,” and can only concur with Police Chief Rod Uyeda’s assessment that Brian Brown is a really nice guy and really humble. A person with such character and ethics is a true enrichment for any organization. How lucky is the Manhattan Beach Police Department to have one of them on their force.
Thomas Leske
El Segundo

To council or to court
Dear ER:
It seems the Redondo Beach City Council is about to steal our right to vote on big development in King Harbor. Last October, City Attorney Mike Webb stated to a packed City Hall that a proposed zoning ordinance — one that allows 3-story timeshares and 400,000 sq. ft. of new Harbor development — is already effective and does not require voter approval.
This flawed opinion is based on one sentence in the ordinance that implies it took effect in May 2008, when no public vote was required. But Webb’s opinion directly contradicts State law (Public Resources Code Section 30514), requiring Coastal Commission approval for the zoning ordinance to become effective.
Last July, the Coastal Commission actually denied such approval, and even now has not approved any amended ordinance. So it’s not yet effective, and our City Charter now requires voter approval for such an ordinance to become law.
As a lawyer and long-time resident, I fear that the Council will hide behind Webb’s incorrect opinion and deny us our legal right to vote on rezoning the Harbor. We deserve better.
Building a Better Redondo, www.buildingabetterredondo.org, is a local non-profit organization raising money to file suit if the Council ignores the law and fails to put this zoning change before the voters. I’ve donated to this cause; so have the Sierra Club and the Surfrider Foundation. I hope you will too.
Mail donations payable to Building a Better Redondo, 602 South Broadway, Unit B, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
Dave Wiggins
Redondo Beach

New testament to reason
Dear ER:
Hey, Fred Huebscher, get thee to thine King James Version. “Judge not, that ye not be judged…Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of they brother’s eye.” Or yours, for that matter.
The race thing aside, which is the beam in his eye, is he suggesting that getting into Yosemite to just visit, camp or use a cabin or the Ahwahnee Hotel for that matter, has nothing to do with the economic status or the geographical location of a potential visitor.
But all that aside, surely Huebscher knows that limitations put on the use of Sand Dune Park will apply to locals, folks from Iowa, and even those who might visit from China
I grow so weary of self-congratulatory bleeding-hearts who think themselves so much our moral betters.
David Wachtfogel
Manhattan Beach

Sand Dune walk
Dear ER:
The dune at Sand Dune Park has been closed for five months, and will be closed at least three more. At a recent city council meeting, dozens of residents spoke of how they enjoy walking the dune for exercise. Yet some city council members seem determined to ban “workouts / exercise” on the dune. This is being proposed under the guise of preventing the dune from being a “regional workout facility,” but in fact they would seek to ban adults from walking up the dune for any reason.
I’ve lived on the plateau atop the Manhattan Beach’s Sand Dune Park for eight years. Since then, my standard morning exercise has been jogging down the hill, running along the waterline, jogging back up Manhattan Beach Boulevard, then running along the Green Belt until arriving at the bottom of the dune, where I finish my morning by walking up the dune. I’ve never once run up the dune, it’s just too dang hard. Other times, I walk to the dune and climb it several times, where I happily chat with other Sand Dune Park visitors about the city, their health and the wonderful views. There have been problems at Sand Dune Park due to over usage and a few bad apples. The solution is to address the peak usage issues and to focus on the actions of the few bad actors. The solution isn’t to ban exercise in a public park and prevent thousands of residents from enjoying a park they enjoyed for decades.
I bike on The Strand, run on the Green Belt, stroll along the beach and climb the dune. None of those activities make those places a “workout facility.” What are parks for, if not exercise? I can walk on any street or sidewalk in the city. I can walk on the beach. I can walk on the strand, the Green Belt and in any public park. Are we ready to ban walking in Sand Dune Park?
Jacob Rome
Via web comments

Apologize, then drill
Dear ER:
It is inconceivable that the City of Hermosa Beach would have attempted to “vote away” someone’s property without just compensation. A contract is the basic principle of our economic system and it cannot be broken simply by popular opinion vote.
Hopefully as a child you learned that if you unjustly take something from someone, the first thing you must do is give it back and apologize, which is where the city of Hermosa Beach should start with its negotiations.
1. MacPherson had a contract to drill for oil, so reinstate the contact and let them drill in the most ecologically, safe manner possible and make them a welcome addition to the city, not an adversary. Their facility could become a showpiece of responsible drilling and a great, high value neighbor (see their website about their green initiative and donations to charities).
2. The City of Hermosa pays the oil company a much lower negotiated settlement (for its breach) plus all legal fees. The amount of the settlement could be negotiated by the fact that the 10 year legal delay has increased the value of the oil reserve by more than 300 percent (1992 average of $19 per barrel versus $80.00 today). Additionally, part of the settlement could be paid via a scaled licensing/tax rate which would keep the city solvent and allow MacPherson to set-up operation with lower cost prior to oil revenues.
3. The City, instead of facing bankruptcy, now has a new source of revenue ($1 million to $3 plus million annually) well into future. This solution rights a serious wrong, improves the cities finances, creates local energy, lessens the need to raise taxes (from the homeowners), implements state-of-the-art green drilling, and creates more jobs thus making this a win/win/win for all parties.
Some critics might complain, but unless they have a better solution, drive electric cars, love our imported oil (from unstable countries) and want to buy out the remaining MacPherson oil contract, the City of Hermosa should do what is legally and ethically correct.
The city’s security, credit/bond rating would rise (lowering the cost to borrow), and everything from the schools, police, fire, roads and other capital improvement would all improve (in a this very uncertain economic environment) while closing a chapter that should have never haven been written by the City of Hermosa Beach!
I would start the negotiations with a genuine, heart-felt apology!
Mark Machuszek
Manhattan Beach

Stand up for the chief
Dear ER:
I was saddened earlier this week when Hermosa Beach Councilmember Howard Fishman and Mayor Pro Tem Peter Tucker placed an item on the agenda for the City Councils January 26 meeting that in essence reprimanded Police Chief Greg Savelli (“City sticks to guns with eatery,” ER Jan. 28, 2010). Fishman and Tucker attempted to get Police Chief Savelli to withdraw a letter that he had submitted two years ago to the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board asking that Il Bocaccio, which is now owned by the Ron and Greg Newman, be prevented from serving alcohol beyond midnight.
Fishman and Tucker’s placing this item on the City Council agenda amounted to a public reprimand of the chief. Luckily, their fellow Councilmembers had more sense and voted down Fishman and Tucker’s request.
I think our Chief is doing an outstanding job and I was appalled by the conduct of Fishman and Tucker. I urge all to contact Fishman and Tucker and express your displeasure with their conduct: kkfish@earthlink.net and peter@electpetertucker.com.
Fred Huebscher
Hermosa Beach

Sand dune is special
Dear Editor,
Sand Dune park provides an exercise experience like no other. That is why it’s so popular. Anybody has climbed to the top of the hill and felt the ocean breeze on her or her face knows what we’re talking about.
There may be issues of over use. There are many ways to fix this rather than giving up before we even try.
One of the goals of any public park is to become inviting enough to attract the public to enjoy the facilities. Everybody can agree that Sand Dune park has been a big success. How can we even contemplate rewarding a vibrant and successful park by shutting it down? The city counsel should change whatever needs to be changed to deal with the issues to keep this vital park open to all users.
Closing down the hill for exercise is not like closing a quarter mile dirt track that can be built anywhere. This place is one of a kind and should be treated accordingly.
Mickey Fine
Manhattan Beach

Mozart to Jung
Dear ER,
I enjoyed “The virtual adventures of Sungha Jung” (ER Jan. 21, 2010). A 12-year-old master guitarist is a remarkable rarity, for which we must be grateful. That he is developing a career, with the wise and rich collaboration of Trace Bundy, is deserved and worthy of admiration.
The piece reminded me of another musical master whose birthday was celebrated last week, Jan. 27. At 12 Mozart was recognized throughout Europe as an astonishing performer, and accomplished composer. He had produced about 100 compositions in a wide variety of forms. And during that 13th year, in addition to composing his twelth symphony, he tackled one of the most complex and challenging forms of artistic expression – he composed an opera – “La Finta Semplice.”
I don’t know if our present virtuosos, Sungha Jung and Trace Bundy accept requests. But since they do Pachelbel’s Canon, I’d humbly suggest a two guitar arrangement of the “Queen of the Night” aria: “Hell’s vengeance seethes in my heart” from The Magic Flute.
JB Kennedy
Redondo Beach

Vote or sue
Dear ER:
Like most Redondo residents voting in the November 08 election, I voted for Measure DD because it gave me a vote on the increasing density in our city… democracy before development. In all, 17,412 of us voted for Measure DD, more than voted for any previous city candidate or issue. In contrast Mayor Gin received just 6,086 votes. Even if you combine ALL the votes for ALL five councilman AND the mayor, the combined council only received 10,684 votes. The vote for DD along with multiple city surveys reflect Redondo resident concern about overdevelopment.
Now our elected officials intend to ignore us by passing a massive harbor upzoning without the vote required by DD, which is now part of our City Charter. The Council hides behind a dubious legal smoke screen to justify this outrage. It’s bad enough that they have misled the public and coastal commission about the gridlock this will cause in our city. Now they are purposefully ignoring the will of the people.
Our Council has a moral obligation to follow the city charter and represent the will of their residents. I am disgusted by their blatant disregard of the law and their total lack of integrity. I call on all conscientious residents to attend the Council Meeting on February 16 and demand a vote.. But, more importantly, join me in donating to BBR’s lawsuit that will force the city to put this upzoning to a vote as required by the Charter. See www.buildingabetterredondo for details.
Alexander Starr
Redondo Beach

Mike’s blue ribbon
Dear ER
In a time when public schools and small businesses alike are suffering financially, the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation salutes Mike Lacey, owner of Hermosa’s own Comedy & Magic Club, for generously donating 240 tickets to the HBEF’s 2nd “Mom’s Night Out” fundraiser. The sold out event featured fantastic talent, great food and raised over $7,200 for Hermosa’s public schools. Thanks to Mike, Andrew and the rest of the Comedy & Magic staff for their support of our public schools. We couldn’t maintain our blue ribbon status without the support of local businesses like yours.
Diana Allen and Donna Cunningham
HBEF Event Co-Chairs
Hermosa Beach

False savings
Dear ER:
I see no benefit to closing a good program like Every Woman Counts if the reason is to close the state budget deficit. This is a great program, which provides mammograms to women. Why would we want to jeopardize something that helps them so much? Please get the word out that there are other ways of cutting the deficit.
Dan Esposito
Manhattana Beach

 Haiti connection

Dear ER:

I have read “Ariana’s Dream” story to my third grade students, not without tears. and they are inspired to send cards and words of love to all of you (ER Jan. 21, 2010). Not only is your story inspirational and touching, but an important reminder to us all that we are interconnected to each other. This is a good time to remember that we are all God’s children and each of us is responsible for and to each other. God bless each and every one of you and may God’s grace be with you.

Cathy Teitelbaum

Via web comment

First hand knowledge

Dear ER:

I know the Maison de Lumiere orphanage well, and I want to commend you on this article (“Ariana’s dream,” ER Jan. 21, 2010). It is an excellent and engaging account, and the photos are superb. You point toward something I have found to be true — when you experience God’s love as vividly as it shines at MDL, you are never the same.

David Beck

Web comment

Pay as you play

Dear ER:

Most of the Hermosa Beach School Board, except for Ray Waters, seem to at least partially get it.  No new taxes or fees, particularly for something that should be a low priority like recreational equipment. All the other ”miniscule” assessments and fees currently add over 10 percent to my property tax bill.  Charge higher fees when renting out the facilities; or privatize.  Kids and those who want to rent the facilities can bring there own recreational equipment.

Lee  Hennis

Hermosa Beach

Harbor wars

Dear ER:

On February 16, the Redondo Beach City Council will make their final assault on our waterfront that began with the Heart of the City plan nine years ago.

There are already 920,000 square feet of development in the pier and King Harbor area. The City will soon give its final approval to allowing another 400,000 square feet, raising the height limit and allowing 3-story timeshares. All this in the face of a City-funded traffic study that shows this area is going to be gridlocked as a result — a study City staff failed to share with the Coastal Commission last July.

Measure DD, which passed overwhelmingly over a year ago with the largest voter turnout in Redondo history, amended the City Charter to require voter approval before the above zoning could go into effect.  The then, entire City Council at the time opposed this measure, so it should surprise no one that they are now trying to circumvent its effects.

There is nothing left to do but to sue the City when it violates its own Charter.  If you live in Redondo, or anywhere in the South Bay for that matter, and don’t want to suffer the view and traffic impacts of this upzoning, mail a donation to Building a Better Redondo (www.buildingabetterredondo.org) at 602 South Broadway Unit B, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

If many give a little, and the suit is successful, this plan will face the voters – not just a few Council members. 

Bill Brand, Councilmember

Redondo Beach

Holiday spirit

Dear ER:

On behalf of the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club, we’d like to express our appreciation to the South Bay community for your ongoing support of our Annual Christmas Tree Lot. We directly the  contribute the proceeds to organizations such as the Hermosa Valley and View Schools, the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation and the Mira Costa and Redondo Beach High Schools.  

We also provide college scholarships to graduating seniors who have financial need and an interest in community service. We serve the youth through the Sunshine Kids; Children’s Miracle Network; HB Little League and Project Touch. We sponsor youth organizations that teach leadership and service to others including the RBUHS Key Club, HB Aktion Club, Parras Middle School, Hermosa Valley School, Builders Clubs and the El Camino Circle “K” Club. We contribute to other non-profit organizations including Guide Dogs for the Blind, Canine Companions, Literacy Council, Richstone Family Center and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event.

We also want to acknowledge the City of Hermosa Beach for their continued support of our Tree Lot Fundraiser, now in our 24th year. We look forward to seeing you next holiday season. If you’d like to learn more about us, please join us for lunch any Wednesday at noon at the Kiwanis Hall.

Mickey McRae, President

Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club

Holiday by any other name

Dear ER:

How many people actually knew the notice “Ceremonies and Observances” referred to adding two holiday’s to the calendar of school days for the Redondo Union School District (“Jewish holidays added to school calendar,” ER Jan. 14, 2010)?

No parent I spoke to knew it was going to happen and we were upset to hear this was going to be voted on. How can a religious group of with around two percent of the student population speak for teachers and force around 98 percent of the remaining students to take the day off? This calculates to less than one student per classroom. Who will pay to watch the 8,000 remaining children who should be in school?  No teacher spoke saying attendance was a problem in his or her classroom for those days. Where is the separation of Church and State? 

Most teachers see it as adding two more (unpaid) days to the length of the work year.  Teachers don’t work a 40 hour week … they work a 283 day year, with many of those days being 10-12 hours long. Teachers who live in another school district, and have children who attend school on a different schedule than they teach are paying for child care while they’re working, and their children are in school when they are off.

The impact of this change strikes many people in many different ways. There is no evidence adding two Jewish holidays will improve the bottom line for the school district.  The consolidation of non-student days that was initiated last year, was supposed to be a pilot, which was supposed to be closely tracked to ensure that there was a real cost benefit.  To date, there has been no data provided to prove that it works.

Every parent and teacher needs to contact the school board and ask the school board to reverse the decision to add two Jewish Holidays to the calendar.

Name withheld by request

Redondo Beach

Sand Dune walk

Dear ER:

The dune at Sand Dune Park has been closed for 5 months, and will be closed at least 3 more. At a recent city council meeting, dozens of residents spoke of how they enjoy walking the dune for exercise. Yet some city council members seem determined to ban “workouts / exercise” on the dune. This is being proposed under the guise of preventing the dune from being a “regional workout facility,” but in fact they would seek to ban adults from walking up the dune for any reason.

I’ve lived on the plateau atop the Manhattan Beach’s Sand Dune Park for eight years. Since then, my standard morning exercise has been jogging down the hill, running along the waterline, jogging back up Manhattan Beach Boulevard, then running along the Green Belt until arriving at the bottom of the dune, where I finish my morning by walking up the dune. I’ve never once run up the dune, it’s just too dang hard. Other times, I walk to the dune and climb it several times, where I happily chat with other Sand Dune Park visitors about the city, their health and the wonderful views. There have been problems at Sand Dune Park due to over usage and a few bad apples. The solution is to address the peak usage issues and to focus on the actions of the few bad actors. The solution isn’t to ban exercise in a public park and prevent thousands of residents from enjoying a park they enjoyed for decades.

I bike on The Strand, run on the Green Belt, stroll along the beach and climb the dune. None of those activities make those places a “workout facility.” What are parks for, if not exercise? I can walk on any street or sidewalk in the city. I can walk on the beach. I can walk on the strand, the Green Belt and in any public park. Are we ready to ban walking in Sand Dune Park?

Jacob Rome

Via web comments

 Apologize, then drill

Dear ER:

 It is inconceivable that the City of Hermosa Beach would have attempted to “vote away” someone’s property without just compensation. A contract is the basic principle of our economic system and it cannot be broken simply by popular opinion vote. 

 Hopefully as a child you learned that if you unjustly take something from someone, the first thing you must do is give it back and apologize, which is where the city of Hermosa Beach should start with its negotiations.

 1. MacPherson had a contract to drill for oil, so reinstate the contact and let them drill in the most ecologically, safe manner possible and make them a welcome addition to the city, not an adversary. Their facility could become a showpiece of responsible drilling and a great, high value neighbor (see their website about their green initiative and donations to charities). 

 2. The City of Hermosa pays the oil company a much lower negotiated settlement (for its breach) plus all legal fees. The amount of the settlement could be negotiated by the fact that the 10 year legal delay has increased the value of the oil reserve by more than 300 percent (1992 average of $19 per barrel versus $80.00 today). Additionally, part of the settlement could be paid via a scaled licensing/tax rate which would keep the city solvent and allow MacPherson to set-up operation with lower cost prior to oil revenues.

 3. The City, instead of facing bankruptcy, now has a new source of revenue ($1 million to $3 plus million annually) well into future. This solution rights a serious wrong, improves the cities finances, creates local energy, lessens the need to raise taxes (from the homeowners), implements state-of-the-art green drilling, and creates more jobs thus making this a win/win/win for all parties. 

Some critics might complain, but unless they have a better solution, drive electric cars, love our imported oil (from unstable countries) and want to buy out the remaining MacPherson oil contract, the City of Hermosa should do what is legally and ethically correct.

 The city’s security, credit/bond rating would rise (lowering the cost to borrow), and everything from the schools, police, fire, roads and other capital improvement would all improve (in a this very uncertain economic environment) while closing a chapter that should have never haven been written by the City of Hermosa Beach!

 I would start the negotiations with a genuine, heart-felt apology!

 Mark Machuszek

Manhattan Beach

A squirrely community
Dear ER:
Since the article about the squirrel wars was published (“Neighbors embroiled in squirrel quarrel,” ER Jan. 7, 2010), we have received numerous calls, emails, and hand written notes from friends, family, neighbors and people from the community we didn’t even know. People have been leaving bags of peanuts at our doorstep. One rather large bag had the following note attached, “A gift from the Irena Street Squirrels to the Spencer Street Gang. Hang in there! Bon Appetit.”
One woman called and asked if I could send an angry pack of squirrels over to destroy her ex-husbands house. Another lady suggested I change my last name from Horrell to Sqorrell. Normally I would have found that funny, except the suggestion came from my Mother.
Two women apparently concerned about potential indecent exposure by the squirrels were kind enough to provide squirrel underpants. That’s right, little Tighty Whiteys for squirrels. I have attached a photo in case you don’t believe it. They explained, “The poor little things don’t even know that they are naked!” These women feel my neighbors might be more accepting of the squirrels if they were wearing underwear. Your article caught the eye of a prominent attorney. In the event a lawsuit is filed, the attorney has offered his services free of charge. It’s good to know we have a hometown newspaper featuring articles that generate so many random acts of kindness and support. Thanks again to the community and to the Easy Reader.
Jay Horrell
Redondo Beach

State of the schools
Dear ER:
I am a parent of three students in public schools in the South Bay, one at Hermosa Valley and two at Mira Costa High School. My daughters have been fortunate to attend these schools, each the beneficiary of incredible community support. Local fundraising efforts consistently aim to fill the gap between the funds provided by the state budget and the cost of maintaining schools of which we are all justifiably proud.
In elementary school, parents are involved in the daily activities of the schools and their financial support follows that commitment. By high school parental involvement changes, but financial support remains crucial. The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation granted over $1 million to Mira Costa High School for the 2009-10 school year, an amount greater than the total donations received from parents of students at that school. MBEF grants to MCHS support important programs such as the College and Career Center, educational advisors as well as funding for classroom teachers.
This last year has been hard on just about everyone, but it is still important to step up and contribute, especially in light of declining support from the State. Give what you can: continue to support your elementary and middle schools through the HBEF and parent teacher organizations, but also step up and support Mira Costa High School through your contribution to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation.
Jennifer Rosenfeld
Hermosa Beach,

Home is where the heart is
Dear ER:
I do not live in Manhattan Beach anymore, but grew up all over the South Bay area and now reside in Illinois. Everytime I come here, I am amazed at all the history of these neighborhoods that has been lost. And now Sand Dune park. We have so many memories from childhoods sliding down, and crossing through the paths to get to the ocean. It was a pretty site on the way to another beautiful destination, our beaches. I have lived at the bottom of Sand Dune park and above it as well. I am opposed to the loss of this beautiful park, which also harbors many beautiful parrots who have made their homes there as well. What will happen to them? Please leave the park. I hope the next time I come to Los Angeles, I will still get to visit “Sand Dune Park,” and I am sure there are others who grew up here who want it to still be here when they come as well!
Toni Gray
EasyReaderNews web comment

You can never go home again
Dear ER:
In the early ‘80s, I lived right up the street from Sand Dune Park. It was a wonderful, quiet neighborhood. I have been amazed at the insanity that has managed to take hold of Sand Dune Park over the recent years. While I enjoyed climbing the dune to get my legs in shape for ski season, I would rather see the dune closed permanently. I can find other ways to get in shape. It is not right to subject the tax-paying residents of that area to the constant barrage of noise, traffic, and headaches caused by the crowds now descending on the park. No one I know would want that mess in their backyard.
Options to control parking or attendance will only cost the city money, will likely be impossible to enforce, and will not improve the quality of life for the local residents. There are many other options for people who want exercise, and there are many other options for people who want to go to a park. While we are fortunate to live in Manhattan Beach, it is not our duty or obligation to provide workout facilities to the general population of Los Angeles. Just leave it closed.
Terry Watson
Manhattan Beach, CA

Thinkin’ in the rain
Dear ER:
Started my walk in the rain but now the sun is shining, the world is a glisten, the wind is stirring up earth aromas so absent most of the time. Part of my walk took me to the base of the Dune. Just stood at its base for a while and looked at, looked hard at it. Thought back to what it used to look like.
My friends, the Dune is broken. Rather than gracefully curved from top to bottom, from one side to the other, it is now broken into a variety of disjointed planes. The top precipice looks over an area that is seriously tilted (looking from the top) down to right, looking much like so many old folks whose spines have betrayed them. The Dune itself looks something like someone watching TV seriously slumped down in his La-Z-Boy. The bottom of the dune, were its plane extended, would fill most of the semi-circular enclosure which, years ago, did not exist. Where the sign at the base of the Dune is now situated used to be where the volleyball court stood when the park was dedicated.
The Dune has a very bad case of scoliosis and is caving in on itself. It is broken and were you to re-open it in anything remotely close to its present condition you would guarantee its destruction, perhaps beyond redemption. It once was a beautiful young thing. It has now been beaten into ugliness.
My arguments of late about closing the Dune had to do with the effect its unconscionable use has had on the neighborhood. I now sense a sadness about the Dune itself and the face it presents to its viewers. It users don’t much care what it looks like. We should. That’s why some folks think that certain large areas of the desert and mountains should be declared wilderness areas and not filled with roads and motorcycle runs and ski machines. Just let it alone for its own sake.
And yet I am willing to see a reconstructed Dune used by children as a play and romp area. But adults can take their pleasures elsewhere.
David Wachtfogel
Manhattan Beach

Sand Dune opportunity costs
Dear ER:
I am amazed by Bill Hory’s unethical suggestion that Manhattan Beach Mayor Mitch Ward should make decisions for the City based on his supposed personal aspirations to represent a more broad constituency (“Save Sand Dune Park,” Letters, ER Jan. 21, 2010. Mayor Ward is man of integrity who would never do so. But more broadly, Hory’s comment reinforces my conclusion that those few who advocate that this City spend huge dollars during this recession — the worst since the Great depression — to create each month a man-made river of sand so that non-residents may have their “preferred free workout,” are not grappling with priorities, any of the opposing points, or even reality. They just want what they want. How many teachers could Manhattan Beach hire if the City just left the dune alone, without the monthly cost of sand relocation, park workers, and police presence necessary to create this dune-workout-facility for these duners in a neighborhood wholly unequipped for this use? A little knowledge, context and perspective go a long way. Hory’s letter lacks each.
Mark Kemple
EasyReaderNews web comment

Sand Dune funds not fungible
Dear ER:
First off, Mark Kemple must be unaware of the very large amount of money provided to Manhattan Beach Park & Recreation by Los Angeles County in a grant “to maintain and operate in perpetuity property developed, rehabilitated or restored”. A significant portion of that grant was used on the dune at Sand Dune Park. South Bay residents are clearly part of Los Angeles County and therefore those residents have a legitimate financial interest in that park. Actions taken by Mayor Ward most certainly reflect his commitment to an obligation to them. A suggestion by letter writer Bill. Hory for South Bay residents to hold Mayor Ward accountable is totally ethical and appropriate, even if Mayor Ward had no further political aspirations.
Second, the money spent at Sand Dune Park has never been shown to be disproportionate compared to that spent at the other major Manhattan Beach parks. Even so, the answer to the question “How many teachers could Manhattan Beach hire” if any monies were saved by dune closure is exactly zero. The Manhattan Beach School District is an entirely separate and distinct entity from the Manhattan Beach City government. Any savings from park operations would not belong to the school district.
Third, the park workers are there whether the dune is open or not and the police get paid whether they are on a call or not. So the extra cost for that is zero. As far as the sand replenishment cost, how does that compare to the analogous event of mowing at Polliwog Park. How does it compare to the millions of kilowatt-hours of electricity used to provide park night lighting? The reasonableness of the maintenance costs at Sand Dune Park can’t be determined without such context.
Finally, I find it ironic that residents who chose to live in the Sand Dune Park neighborhood, that is just a few hundred yards from the noisy and toxic spewing El Segundo oil refinery, would complain about the noise and smog from some sand replenishment trucks six or seven times a year.
Don Trucker
EasyReaderNews web comment

Save Sand Dune Park
Dear ER:
On Tuesday, January 19, the Manhattan Beach City Council will decide the fate of the Sand Dune. As operator of the SandDunePark.com website, I have received literally hundreds of emails in support of keeping the Sand Dune open for recreational purposes. Perhaps most surprising, I have been heartened to learn just how many people value the Dune as a very important part of their lives and their family’s lives. 
While many are residents from neighboring cities, it seems reasonable that Manhattan Beach City Council should also value these voices. Yes, City Council should prioritize what their most organized constituents want, but these voices from neighboring cities should also be taken into consideration as we all continue to frequent their parks, festivals, and shops, as well
Those who support reopening the Sand Dune have offered many ideas to reduce the resident’s primary complaints and these should be given a chance. 
All of our local parks and recreational areas have experienced similar growth in usage, but none have been completely shut down.
Mitch Ward, the mayor of Manhattan Beach, is the only member to publicly support the permanent closure of the Dune. With due respect to Mayor Ward, I find it a bit disingenuous to ignore the overwhelming number of South Bay residents who want to keep the Dune open when he  may one day be soliciting their votes to become South Bay’s Congressional Representative for the 53rd district.
I encourage all to attend the January 19 meeting to lend support and witness for yourself if the Manhattan Beach City Council does the right thing for our entire community and keeps the Dune open, or succumbs to local pressure that represents less than five percent of the population of Manhattan Beach.
Bill Hory
Manhattan Beach

Health tax
Dear ER:
This weekend, while walking along the bike path, I passed no fewer than four boot camp/rah-rah/fire-hose/bouncy-shoe fitness groups. Seriously, every 200 yards along the beach from Burnout down to Avenue C stairs, there was a group of people listening to a loud, overly enthusiastic leader who was putting them through their paces. Mix that in with the beach photographers, and you have a less than enjoyable experience. I understand the draw for these companies, but when they interfere with everyone else’s usage, there is an issue.
I hope the City of Redondo Beach is receiving permit fees from these groups. At least that way the City and I receive the benefit of a healthier budget to improve my community.
Mickie Walters
Redondo Beach

You don’t know what you’ve got
Dear ER:
For all the talk about Manhattan Beach being a green city we were surprised to hear that our city council members had approved the removal of over 90 trees along Highland, with little to no citizen input, in order to “create a theme,” and to replace them with palms like those downtown and in North Manhattan Beach (although we have recently learned that North Manhattan will be putting in New Zealand Christmas trees).
The current carrot woods provide shade and natural cooling in the summer. They also give us some privacy from our three story neighbors across the street, who look down on our home. The palms will provide no such benefits. During the recent storms we noticed countless palm fronds on roads and in yards. Who will be responsible for the property damage from their debris?
Previously, we had questioned the Public Works Director about the city allowing a developer to remove three Carrot wood trees and replace them with two Queen Palms.  We were given the following list of reasons for replacing the established, mature trees with new palms:
The carrot wood trees obstruct trash trucks, street sweepers, and delivery trucks.
The city requires homeowners to maintain the street trees in front of their homes at their own expense (including the purchase of a $60 trimming permit!).  When there is a problem with low hanging branches, homeowners are notified. If they do not trim the tree, the city has it done and the homeowner is billed for the cost. 
The current tree canopy obstructs ocean views.
If you walk down Highland you will see that ocean views are not obstructed by the trees, they are obstructed by three story homes.  None of the existing trees are taller than any second story homes.
The current tree has a shallow root system that damages sidewalks.
We have not had any issue with the roots damaging the sidewalk (nor has our neighbor who owns the two properties to the north of us). We would like to know how often the city actually goes out to replace sidewalks that are being uprooted.  We walk along Highland frequently and damage to the sidewalks is minimal and certainly not enough to warrant the removal of over 90 trees.
We can understand replacing the trees in North Manhattan, in an effort to revitalize the shopping district, but to have over 90 additional trees replaced just to “create a theme” between North Manhattan and Downtown, seems wasteful and definitely not green.
Pete and Julie Grasso
Manhattan Beach

Junior high memories
Dear ER:
I attended Pier Avenue Junior High School while growing up in Hermosa Beach. I remember Mr. Boston as a commanding yet kind man who oversaw an incredible faculty that, as I remember, included Mrs. Wilson, Miss White, Mrs. Nelson, Mr. Manuel, Mr. Anton and, of course, who could forget Mr. Dana (“Boston was principal of Pier Ave. Junior High”). Thank you Mr. Boston for all of your kind, diligent, professional and compassionate years as a principal and educator.
Tony Alftfeld
Pacific Grove
Editor’s note: Alftfeld is a former Hermosa Beach police officer

Holiday pay
Dear ER:
 Michael Ude is missing the big financial picture in his letter regarding the Redondo Beach School District deciding if Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur should be on the school calendar (“Religious holiday holiday,” ER letters Jan. 7, 2010). Last year, on September 28, 207 students were absent, costing RBUSD more than $7,500.
RBUSD takes off December 25th for a winter break holiday, not a Christmas holy day, because there would be too many absences to conduct school on that day.
By taking Rosh Hashanah and/or Yom Kippur off the RBUSD would save thousands of dollars. The kids do not “get these days off” since there would still be 180 days of school. Just like in Manhattan, Hermosa, LAUSD and thousands of other school districts across the country, a day is added to the beginning or end of the school calendar, thus equaling 180 days.
Ude also failed to notice there is now a “ski week” in February, not because everyone goes skiing, but because it became too costly for the district to take off those two Mondays in a row for Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays.
Any educator will tell you that having summer break does not help our children learn and is a reflection of a farmer’s calendar. Since I don¹t know too many farmers in our community, perhaps our school calendar should reflect the people living in our community.
By the way, if more than 200 children went to private schools, as Ude suggests they do, that would cost RBUSD in excess of $1.4 million dollars a year.
Linda Hatakeyama
Redondo Beach

Good holidays
Dear Editor:
Please tell Michael Ude to get his facts straight (“Religious holiday holiday”, ER Letters Jan. 7, 2010). No matter what the Redondo School District call breaks – winter break, spring break, holiday break — make no mistake about it…school districts created breaks because of this fact: missing money due to missing kids.
As for lawsuits — the school district shouldn’t be vulnerable to one, because I’m assuming they’ll be smart enough to simply call it a teacher in-service day, or whatever other label they have — floating holiday, perhaps, which is literally what Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah are.
As for other holidays having to be honored if we honor Jewish holidays (Good Friday comes to mind), Ude can rest assured that if enough children start missing on that day, or it becomes significant enough, either financially or to the community, there will indeed be some sort of “holiday/teacher in-service” that would be added to the calendar. Because when all is said and done, really (kinda sadly), our education system is a business with the children being the product. If we aren’t producing enough product on any given day, the factory is shut down for that day.
Lastly, for Ude to suggest that Jewish families reimburse the schools for when our children miss because we are observant, religious and choose to worship in these United States how we see fit — well, that is the most ridiculous, out-of-line comment I’ve heard in a long time. Or that we should attend private school? I might consider it, if there was a Jewish K-12 school locally, assuming I could afford the exorbitant amount it would cost. However, it’s a moot point since there are not any K-12 Jewish day schools here in the South Bay. 
Whether or not the RBUSD school board decides to have a non-school day that falls on Yom Kippur/Rosh Hashanah each year makes no difference to me. Since we live in America with freedom of religion, my family will continue to observe our holiest of days by attending services, not school — and no, I will not be reimbursing the school district for my two children’s absences.
Erika Snow Robinson
Redondo Beach

Dolan out the cash

Dear Editor,

Although I do not live in Manhattan Beach, as a taxpayer in this state I am outraged that the Manhattan Beach City Council would give away $195,000 to former City Manager Geoff Dolan because the city failed to give Dolan adequate notice of his dismissal. If Dolan was doing a good job, why would they ask him to leave? And if he was not doing his job, why wont the City Council reveal the reason for his departure? I call upon the City Council to either publicly state the reasons for their asking Dolan to leave or each contribute approx. $40,000 to cover the cost of this ridiculous gift of public funds. Hopefully, voters will remember this incident this June when Councilmember Mitch Ward is seeking election to the State Assembly and next year when Councilmember Portia Cohen seeks re-election.

Fred Huebscher

Hermosa Beach

A true fisherwoman

Dear Editor,

It is with a sad heart that I read about our “City of Redondo” (“City of Redondo gone forever,” ER Dec. 24, 2009). I’ve lived in Redondo for many years and as a supporter/member of the Redondo Historical Society, feel that we have lost a great piece of our Local History.

I too caught my first fish on this boat while out with friends on the great Pacific, but the best memory I have is of Doris Peters, the greatest woman alive.

Once, I got it in my head that I would like to cook in the galley on the “City of Redondo.” I asked Doris if she would give me a try. Doris agreed and I embarked upon the most enlightening experience of my life. I thought: I love people, I love the sea, I love cookin’ Burgers — what a perfect job for me on the weekend. Well, I thought I could do it, being of “Hearty peasant stock” and a willing heart, so I showed up eagerly very early in the morning.

Much to my dismay, I could not hold a candle to Doris. She effortlessly lifted all those cases of beer and provisions to stock the galley. I found I was such a wimpy lightweight compared to her that I was virtually a hindrance.

Then she asked me to bait a hook, and I was very sad that I put the hook right through the eye of the poor little sardine. I tried believe me, but when the day was over and she sweetly told me, “BB I don’t think you can handle it,” I agreed wholeheartedly. I was floored that she paid me for the whole day anyway.

I should have been the one to pay her for the opportunity to be in her presence. I remember when “She” went down in the storm and was so thrilled to see the “City” resurrected. Thank you Doris. I will always think of you fondly with the greatest of respect and admiration.

Belinda Beard Ajili

Redondo Beach

New Brand of politician

Dear ER:

In a recent letter to the editor, Florence Swiger wrote in support of Bill Brand “a Councilman who actually does what he says he’ll do”.

It seems the folks we send to Washington, Sacramento and yes, the City Hall in Redondo Beach, all too often lose their way and quickly forget how they got where they are. They seem to forget they were sent to these little wood paneled offices as our representatives and as watchdogs to address our concerns of “how things have been handled up till now”, and we are looking to them as managers and to protect our interests.

Instead, once settled into their cozy seats on the dais many begin to morph into true politicians. Changing into “team players” who “now understand” and begin agreeing to concessions and/or conceiving of, or signing on to little quick fixes and short term patch jobs to “address the current shortfall”. When taken to task for their apparent stray from course all too often we hear those insightful words “You need too understand . . .” What our elected officials don’t “understand” is that we did “understand” when we voted them into office and back then they seemed too “understand” too.

Bill Brand (at least to this point) is simply a man of his word who is carrying through with the promises he made when he was going door to door asking for votes. He seems to have a finger on the pulse of the citizens of Redondo Beach and understands that those he represents don’t want another scheme, a bunch of new hotel rooms, condos, or paved over park space to “fix the problem”. They still want what they wanted when they elected him . . . honesty and conscientious management of our beautiful city.

Alex Bannerman

Redondo Beach

Swimming success

Dear ER:

I am so proud of Manhattan Beach Police Officer Brian Brown (“Police officer saves drowning woman,” ER Dec. 24, 2009). He went beyond the call of duty, risking his own life to save these two women. Bravo to Officer Brian Brown. Please congratulate him for me.

Juanita Graham

Los Angeles

Kitty hater

Dear ER:

The Peter Zippi Fund is a small cat and kitten rescue charity in Hermosa Beach. Many folks in the South Bay know us, as we have placed thousands of pets in homes here since 1977, when Dr. Alice Villalobos began the group.

Many will recognize us just from having seen the big yellow “KITTENS” sign in front of VCA Coast Animal Hospital on Pacific Coast Highway in Hermosa Beach. This sign has created so many happy unions of people and cats by simply catching the eye of passers-by.

Slightly before Thanksgiving, one or more mean-spirited persons stole our sign. We were puzzled, as it had to be ripped from the backing, and could not be used for anything afterward. We spent several hundred dollars that otherwise would go to the medical care and shelter of abandoned and abused homeless cats and kittens to replace the sign. On Friday, the first day of the year, the new sign was again ripped down and stolen in the night by some malicious coward.

If any reader has seen either sign (bright yellow with black lettering), please let us or the Hermosa Beach Police Department know..

The sign will be replaced. This time, security measures will be in place to protect it, or at least to identify the persons who would steal from homeless kittens.

Leslie Neff, Executive Director

The Peter Zippi Memorial Fund for Animals

Hermosa Beach

Religious holiday holiday

Dear ER:

On January 12, the Redondo Beach School Board will decide if the Jewish holidays Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be considered as the next public school holiday. In my opinion, if this happens, all religious holidays need to be honored. If not, giving favoritism to one religion will open the door to expensive lawsuits. If any new holiday passes, who will pay all the teachers, faculty, janitors, etc? Our kids can’t afford additional days off. Education is more important. Christmas break is now called winter holiday break. Easter break is now called spring break. Now they want to add Judaism and possibly other religious or personal holidays? Will our kids ever go to school? Be sure to let the Redondo Board of Education know adding holidays from only one religion is discrimination and no one can afford additional days off.

If students need to take a religious holiday, they should pay the school directly for the lost day. Private school is another option if one feels religion is more important. Please attend the meeting in the Board Room of the Redondo Beach Unified School District, 1401 Inglewood Avenue, Redondo Beach. Open session starts at 6:30 pm

Michael Ude

Redondo Beach

Un-cuff the cops

Dear ER:

When is the Hermosa Beach Police Department going to be allowed to do it’s job without pinhead bureaucrats, lawyers and bleating business owners crying about obstruction of their profitability on Pier Plaza. The official policy seems to be to not interrupt the flow of mayhem and drunks into our neighborhoods. On Saturday night my friend and longtime local was beaten and robbed on his way home along The Strand about midnight. This attack was so heinous and brutal he nearly lost sight in one of his eyes.

Every day in this town I witness public drunkenness, urinating in public, loud profane screaming, and all manner of public lewdness. No other police force in the South Bay has a similar reputation for leniency towards criminals. Pull your heads out of the sand people and see that your town has gone to hell. Just like in the ‘60s when we outlawed motorcycle parking, we now must eliminate skateboarding at the plaza to dispose of these tattooed, drug addled louts. Stand up for yourselves Hermosans, or you’ll be the next victim.

Paul Chapman

Hermosa Beach