eComments — Redondo Beach City Council, October 15, 2024

City Council on 2024-10-15 6:00 PM - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER Meeting Time: 10-15-24 18:00
eComments Report
Meetings Meeting
Time
Agenda
Items
Comments Support Oppose Neutral
City Council on 2024-10-15 6:00 PM -

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
10-15-24
18:00
65 95 14 68 4
Sentiments for All Meetings
The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented will be shown.

Overall Sentiment
City Council on 2024-10-15 6:00 PM - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 10-15-24 18:00
Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral
F.1. 24-1686 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR - The Closed Session is authorized by the Government Code Section 54956.8.

AGENCY NEGOTIATOR:

Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Greg Kapovich, Waterfront & Economic Development Director PROPERTY:
230 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(a portion of APN: 7503-029-903)
NEGOTIATING PARTY:

John Warner - Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles, a non-profit corporation
UNDER NEGOTIATION:

Price and Term
3 0 2 1
H.16. 24-1564 APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH MARINE MAMMAL

CARE CENTER LOS ANGELES FOR MARINE MAMMAL RESCUE AND
RECOVERY SERVICES FOR AN ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $60,000 AND
THE TERM OCTOBER 15, 2024 TO OCTOBER 14, 2027
1 0 1 0
J.1. 24-1677 For eComments and Emails Received from the Public 1 0 0 0 L.1. 24-1685 CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER,
DISCUSS, AND RECEIVE PUBLIC INPUT ON UPDATES TO FIVE (5)

GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (LAND USE, OPEN SPACE &

CONSERVATION, NOISE, AND SAFETY), ASSOCIATED

AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY'S ZONING ORDINANCES AND LOCAL

COASTAL PROGRAM, AND CERTIFICATION OF THE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

DIRECT STAFF TO ANALYZE SETTING THE FLOOR AREA RATIO CAP FOR THE BEACH CITIES HEALTH DISTRICT PROPERTY AT 1.25 AS

PART OF THE GENERAL PLAN RELATED EIR
PROCEDURES:

1. Re-open the public hearing;

2. Take public testimony;

3. Give direction to staff; and

4. Continue the public hearing to October 29, 2024
53 10 35 3
N.3. 24-1687 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE CITY'S

DRAFT CANNABIS REGULATORY ORDINANCE

DIRECTION ON THE APPLICATION SCORING AND SELECTION

PROCESS SECTIONS OF THE ORDINANCE
37 4 30 0
Sentiments for All Agenda Items
The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented will be shown.

Overall Sentiment
Agenda Item: eComments for F.1. 24-1686 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR - The Closed Session is authorized by the Government Code Section 54956.8.

AGENCY NEGOTIATOR:

Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Greg Kapovich, Waterfront & Economic Development Director PROPERTY:
230 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(a portion of APN: 7503-029-903)
NEGOTIATING PARTY:

John Warner - Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles, a non-profit corporation UNDER NEGOTIATION:

Price and Term
Overall Sentiment
Michael Martin
Location:

Submitted At: 2:10pm 10-15-24
This is related to H16. If Redondo gives MMCC any sort of rent break, it should be considered Redondo's in-kind contribution to MMCC operation, not a contribution in addition to the $60k/yr they want from Redondo for operations under H16.

Mary Davis
Location:

Submitted At: 12:54pm 10-15-24
I am a long time resident of Redondo Beach. Funding for Beach Cities Health District’s life saving and life changing services should not be interfered with. The services provided by Beach Cities Health District are important and necessary to the senior citizen community. Prime examples would be when I needed temporary inhome care after being discharged from the hospital they came to the rescue. When I needed transportation to a doctor's appointment they came to the rescue. When I needed permanent in-home care with In-Home Support Services (IHSS) they came to the rescue. Before I knew I needed the LIFELINE service they came to the rescue.

I was wearing the emergency LIFELINE wristband when I developed a heart problem. I didn’t panic, have to look for a telephone, waste energy yelling for help hoping someone would hear me, or have an anxiety attack. I just pushed the wrist LIFELINE emergency button and the paramedics were there in less than 5 minutes. To interfere with Beach Cities Health District’s funding would be a disservice to all the citizens of The South Bay.

Parisa Kamgar
Location:

Submitted At: 12:32pm 10-15-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR
Agenda Item: eComments for H.16. 24-1564 APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH MARINE MAMMAL CARE CENTER LOS ANGELES FOR MARINE MAMMAL RESCUE AND RECOVERY SERVICES FOR AN ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $60,000 AND THE TERM OCTOBER 15, 2024 TO OCTOBER 14, 2027
Overall Sentiment
Michael Martin
Location:

Submitted At: 2:03pm 10-15-24
This item deserves some open discussion. For the record, I am in favor of marine mammals. However, just because the state grants dried up (and the county, federal government, and private charity all dropped the ball too) does not mean the city is automatically obligated. Especially when in closed session it is negotiating with the same organization for a lease (?) at Joe's crab shack location, in lieu of the sparkling educational edifice previously advertised. This is not an emergency, let the public scrutinize the overall deal.

Agenda Item: eComments for J.1. 24-1677 For eComments and Emails Received from the Public Overall Sentiment
Executive Director StopBCHD.com
Location:

Submitted At: 6:59pm 10-11-24
At the last Council Meeting, BCHD Board Member Vanessa Poster directly stated that the City Attorney had admonished the Planning Commissioners to stop "targeting" BCHD. I can find no record of such an occurrence as Poster stated. Further, I have found record of the 9/19/24 Planning Commission meeting that shows the Planning Director passing a message to the audience that the meeting is more general than just BCHD. That occurred immediately after CEO Bakaly spoke for 3 minutes on BCHD as the BCHD CEO in official capacity.

Therefore, all indications are that Board Member Poster deliberately misled the Council. Please initiate a formal investigation of the incident. As a public official under oath, Poster should be sanctioned at a minimum unless she provides evidence of her position.

Agenda Item: eComments for L.1. 24-1685 CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER, DISCUSS, AND RECEIVE PUBLIC INPUT ON UPDATES TO FIVE (5) GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (LAND USE, OPEN SPACE & CONSERVATION, NOISE, AND

SAFETY), ASSOCIATED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY'S ZONING ORDINANCES AND LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM, AND

CERTIFICATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

DIRECT STAFF TO ANALYZE SETTING THE FLOOR AREA RATIO CAP FOR THE BEACH CITIES HEALTH DISTRICT PROPERTY AT 1.25 AS PART OF THE GENERAL PLAN RELATED EIR
PROCEDURES:

1. Re-open the public hearing;

2. Take public testimony;

3. Give direction to staff; and

4. Continue the public hearing to October 29, 2024
Overall Sentiment
Liliana Moynan
Location:

Submitted At: 8:00pm 10-15-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR. As a student of Redondo Union High School, myself as well as many of my fellow peers rely heavily on BCHD resources, such as Allcove and the various other organizations that operate within the district. The FAR reduction would undoubtedly result in limitations on these vital resources that our community relies on, and I believe that this reduction would have a substantially negative impact on public health. This decision would ultimately be a massive step backwards and I strongly encourage reconsidering this measure.

Maricela Guillermo
Location:

Submitted At: 6:25pm 10-15-24
We oppose the BCHD's spot FAR request of 1.25. Allowing the same FAR across the city, without considering the surrounding environment, only benefits the developer or landowner. I hope you will respect, study, and accept the Planning Commission's recommendations and listen to the residents. Please vote NO on Measure BC! Cirla Cole
Location:

Submitted At: 5:43pm 10-15-24
I oppose on Cannabis store in South and North Redondo Beach. Cannabis is harmaul to youth.

Kind regards, Cirla Cole
Christen Sussin
Location:

Submitted At: 5:06pm 10-15-24
I am also in favor of the expanded 1.25 FAR. BCHD has been a valuable resource for my family. My mother had exceptional care through their support programs, my mother-in-law uses the gym facilities regularly and I have enjoyed the volunteer run community groups as well as the outstanding Mental Health Courses offered. My job, working for a company that provides care to older adults, has also shown me first hand the positive impact on our clients and their caregivers. The additional green spaces and the larger FAR will help ensure that their wide range of exceptional services keep our community healthy and connected.

Sue Marshall
Location:

Submitted At: 5:04pm 10-15-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR. I am a Redondo Beach home owner, a senior, and a volunteer for a BCHD program that serves seniors. Our community is incredibly fortunate to have the valuable programs offered through BCHD. It would be a loss for many people if BCHD were forced to cut programs because of the proposed change to the FAR described in agenda item L1.

Julie Henderson
Location:

Submitted At: 4:08pm 10-15-24
I am a local homeowner and volunteer at BCHD, Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR. The BCHD older adult programs are extremely important to me and the people I volunteer for. These programs are on the top of the list of why I love living here and value my home. I've volunteered in other cities and I think our programs are special and help make our beach cities exceptional. I look forward to continuing to volunteer and eventually utilizing these programs as I age. Please do everything necessary to keep these valuable programs, Thank you! Executive Director StopBCHD.com
Location:

Submitted At: 4:03pm 10-15-24
We oppose a 1.25 FAR. Unless this is a SPOT UPZONING of BCHD, which is illegal, then all P/I sites will need to become 1.25 FAR. That should include schools, City land, BCHD, etc. That should result in 20-40 acres of new

1.25 FAR land, which will accommodate 1.5M to 3.0M sqft of development at max FAR.

Surely no EIR can find that we can sustain the traffic, emissions, visual blight, aesthetic damage, etc. from having up to 3 million sqft of FAR 1.25 in what will generally be roughly 0.5 FAR.

Hopefully the City isn't trying to stop a BCHD lawsuit, only to get a Citizen appeal and potential litigation for SPOT UPZONING on BCHD or damaging the City character and property values.

Niki Hoffmann
Location:

Submitted At: 3:55pm 10-15-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR. In fact, I find it preposterous when the City is considering an exception of 1.25 FAR for the renovation of its own properties. I support the staff recommendation that the City Council should direct staff tonight to prepare an analysis to evaluate the process of potentially updating the EIR to cover a 1.25 FAR at the BCHD site.

BCHD was a major factor and attraction to me when I moved to Redondo Beach eight years ago from another South Bay City. Since then, I have been a member of the Center for Health and Fitness and have benefited enormously from its plethora of services. I attend excellent classes, which not only keeps me physically fit and active; it also provides invaluable social and emotional benefits.

I also volunteer which provides a sense of purpose, commensurate with the Blue Zones mission. It also provides a sense of community that is vital—especially for older adults.

It would be unconscionable to curtail or terminate any of BCHD’s programs or activities which provide invaluable benefits to individuals of all ages.

Incidentally, I was at the Torrance UCLA cardiology department yesterday. Some of the technicians indicated they’ve had patients that raved about the benefits of BCHD’s CHF.

Maggie Healy
Location:

Submitted At: 3:51pm 10-15-24
I strongly oppose this Council's attempt to limit the BCHD FAR to .5 as a move born out of pettiness and cronyism. The majority of residents support the BCHD and its plans to improve services, facilities and open space. The BCHD is one of the most helpful and vibrant organizations we currently have in our City. So I ask this City Council: Can we have nothing nice?! The Council has no good reason to take such punitive action against an organization that once was, and should continue to be a partner agency. During the 30 years I worked in management at the City, we worked to keep good relationships with organizations that helped our residents. We worked to improve programs that help residents. Now, I just have to ask, what the heck is happening to our fair City? Where is the leadership?!

CHRIS AHEARN
Location:

Submitted At: 2:57pm 10-15-24
I oppose the lower FARs and support the 1.25. BCHD is an incredible resource that we are so lucky to have in Redondo Beach. Their plans for rebuilding and expanding will be assets to social, emotional, and financial life here. Their many social work and health programs are wonderful, thanks to gifted and hard working staff members. BCHD at 1.25 FAR is just as important as the ballot measures for facilities improvements for our police, fire, and schools. BCHD is an important part of my life as a homeowner here and my plans for the future. Please vote for the 1.25 FAR. Thank you
Michael Martin
Location:

Submitted At: 2:53pm 10-15-24
The proposed FAR of 1.25 for city hall, police, and fire is much higher than necessary. Reduce to 0.5.

Commercialization of public land is not automatically a valid public policy (or zoning) objective, however much the agency involved thirsts for money. Other money making schemes, such as grants, are appropriate mechanisms.

The proposed RCFE would contribute <10% of BCHD budget, by itself it is not existential.

The proposed allcove building lot is not zoned PI, the FAR discussion is irrelevant to that.

One size fits all zoning is not "fair", it is simplistic. Current PI zoning is subdivided into multiple areas, BCHD fits in P-CF, keep it there.

Height limits need to be specified also, not just FAR. Height directly affects the impact on neighborhoods.

Brenda OLeary
Location:

Submitted At: 2:22pm 10-15-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR.

After touring BCHD’s allcove recently, I’m so impressed by BCHD’s efforts to support mental health in our youth.

This is very important to our community since our youth are experiencing a mental health crisis with 1 in 5 teens seriously considering suicide.

I also support the addition of a new senior living facility to support the current 120 seniors living in Silverado as well as the rest of our community. Our seniors are the largest demographic in the South Bay and have helped build our community into what we are today. Now, as they age, they need our support. For-profit senior housing enhances a community, and seniors have the option of using their long-term care insurance to pay the monthly expenses. As our Boomer generation ages, it’s estimated we will need an additional one million senior housing units before the end of the decade. It’s nice to show support for our seniors close to home.

Sincerely,
Brenda O’Leary
Ann Hoover
Location:

Submitted At: 2:18pm 10-15-24
Regarding :

Floor to Area Ratio Cap for Beach Cities Health District Property (letter also attached in a word document)
What a relief to discover what BCHD offers to seniors.

After searching numerous agencies, BCHD stands out in the particular way they handle their outreach assistance to those who are stuck at home.

I’m in my late eighties and no longer drive due to chronic pain. I would often worry about having enough food for the week. It was a challenge and a gamble counting on weekly help with groceries. I never was able to find consistent help. Enter Rudy Diaz from BCHD; a kind and caring social worker who has changed my life.

At BCHD, they use an in-house match maker to fit your needs. I couldn't have picked a better match myself. My helper Ann, is warm and just a delight. She helps me weekly with groceries. Sometimes I go with her, or if I’m not feeling up to it, I send her a list. I never feel like a burden and the service allowed me to swallow my pride and accept that I needed regular help.

Most importantly, their service is beneficial to one's mental health and that value is incalculable. Beach Cities Health District addresses this country's lack of regard for their most vulnerable demographic: The elderly. This service is a beam of light!
One grateful octogenarian,
Annie Hoover
Redondo Beach 90277
Lisa Greenstone
Location:

Submitted At: 1:48pm 10-15-24
As a Hermosa Beach resident for 18 years, mother of 2 teenagers, and as a parent advocate of youth mental health and wellness serving on various wellness councils in the community, BCHD has proven to be a critical and necessary public facility in the South Bay.

I oppose the reduction in FAR from 1.25 to .50. The FAR for BCHD should align with other public buildings. Just as the fire department serves our needs in the crisis of a fire, BCHD is THE public community organization we call for a crisis in mental health.

Between countless methods of youth outreach to all of our South Bay schools, the professional liaisons they provide during crisis intervention, the safe campus/ treatment solutions Allcove creates (and so much more) there is no other exceptional public facility that even compares to support our families. Thankfully, the outreach of BCHD continues to grow in response to the changing landscape of need.

This arbitrary back-and-forth of FAR directly hinders such incredible and productive outreach to a community ASKING for the resources.

Another reduction in FAR (after BCHD has already met the 1.25 parameter) is targeted and displays a direct disregard for the health and wellness of our local community as a whole.

Lee Phillips
Location:

Submitted At: 12:59pm 10-15-24
Oppose
I support 0.50 FAR for Public Institutional land as recommended by the Planning Commission and oppose a high

1.25 FAR that would damage neighborhoods.

Lee Ann Farmer
Location:

Submitted At: 12:44pm 10-15-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR. I am a program provider for allcove, and have witnessed the tremendous impact they are having on our local youth. Allcove provides a safe space and a variety of services in one place, making it easy for at-risk youth to get the help they need. I live one block from BCHD, and am more than willing to endure a bit more noise and traffic if it means these services will continue.

Paula Dobin
Location:

Submitted At: 12:37pm 10-15-24
First, I must say the description of Agenda Item L.1 is quite confusing, as seen by the comments who OPPOSE a lower FAR but indicated support of of the Agenda item. I, like many others here, OPPOSE a lower FAR and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD and support the recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR. The FAR should be uniformly applied across all properties with a public or institutional (P) land use designation in the General Plan and/or zoned P-CF of which BCHD, the Police Department and City Annex are all a part. Otherwise, it seems arbitrary.

Having BCHD services in our community is a major attraction for families who want to live in an area that demonstrates how it cares for the community it serves. Access to the programs BCHD provides was one of the reasons why I decided to buy a house in Redondo. Their leadership and foresight provide preventative care services, as well as ongoing programs to support all age groups in the South Bay. When my mom lived in Manhattan Beach, she benefitted from BCHD’s volunteers and social services which kept her active in her community and brought great comfort to me and during Covid, I I was so impressed by their various efforts to provide solutions during a scary and difficult time, such as testing, vaccinations, and caring for our homebound seniors, that I became a volunteer myself and continue to do so. Everyone should be encouraging the growth and development of programs and institutions like BCHD, who are thoughtful and work to ensure ours is a community that strives to have us all thrive.

Traci Saruwatari
Location:

Submitted At: 12:24pm 10-15-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR. I am a coalition partner with AllCove at BCHD and we support all services that they provide. BCHD provides a comprehensive range of programs that help to set the foundation for the wellbeing of the community. Their services for the youth help to provide education and wellness programming that enhance the lives of the youth that they serve.

Ronson Chu
Location:

Submitted At: 12:20pm 10-15-24
My son and his friends are looking forward to using the ALLCove at BCHD. Additionally, BCHD has been a great asset to our communities when it comes to senior citizens and health care in general. I oppose the attempt to limit BCHD's use of the space. I support a 1.25 FAR for the BCHD property.

Linda Nutile
Location:

Submitted At: 11:17am 10-15-24
I support the city staff review of the BCHD design with a 1.25 FAR. I would like BCHD to submit a revised, smaller growth plan which substantially addresses the concerns community members have raised on this project. I would also love to see collaboration with the city since BCHD is designed to support the community, not fight with them or threaten to sue the city if they don't get their way. Maybe some sort of mediation is possible.

Angela Wilson
Location:

Submitted At: 9:42am 10-15-24
At South Bay Children's Health Center, we continue to stand in strong opposition to a 0.50 or 0.75 FAR for BCHD and fully support a uniform 1.25 FAR. A uniform 1.25 FAR ensures that public organizations like BCHD have the capacity to meet the evolving needs of our community, particularly in providing crucial health services.

Beyond mental health support, BCHD offers a comprehensive range of programs that serve as foundational pillars for the well-being of our community. Their services extend to preventive care, wellness programs, and essential health education, all of which are indispensable in fostering a resilient and healthy community. These programs not only improve individual lives but also enhance the collective well-being of our community, making it a more vibrant and supportive place for all.

Karen Skaff
Location:

Submitted At: 8:05am 10-15-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR.

As a lifetime resident of the South Bay, it makes no sense to cut the funding to organizations such as Beach Cities Health District. The variety of programs for residents of ALL ages is undeniably the best in Southern California. Seniors (my group) are able to access a well-equipped fitness facility at little or no cost (Silver Sneakers and other sponsors make this possible). Teens have access to programs to help steer them through the some of their most difficult challenges (remember peer pressure, questions you couldn't ask your parents, pimples??). I volunteered as a family planning counselor for 20 years at South Bay Free Clinic. Please believe me, I've heard more than my share! Don't let BCHD teen programs disappear! From personal experience, BCHD offered a "prehab" class for residents who planned to go through joint replacement surgery. This six-week program of well organized classes led by professionals (e.g., physical and occupational therapists and a registered dietitian to name just two) and strength training led by BCHD personal trainers made my rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery much less difficult. I still Jazzercise(R) five or six days a week, and credit BCHD with giving me a "leg up" to keep moving! Anyone reading this comment that doesn't understand how much BCHD does for ALL AGES needs to take a look at the BCHD website and marvel at the fabulous programs that COULD be cut. There is no better use of the Prospect Avenue property!
Stacy Straus
Location:

Submitted At: 7:29am 10-15-24
My family receives services at BCHC and would like to see the services continue if not expand. Specifically, Alcove. Mental health is health and having this service immediately accessible changed the trajectory for my daughter during a very vulnerable time. Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR.

Kari Chatterji
Location:

Submitted At: 6:33am 10-15-24
We need BCHD to continue its important work here in the BeachCities. Please stop getting in their way! I urge City Council to support and partner with BCHD rather than create challenges for them. In my world everyone appreciates and support their plans for the healthy living campus and depends on their services which spans multi generations. We need these services now more than ever.

Do the right thing and get behind and support our beloved BCHD. Let then develop and grow. They are not being at all unreasonable in their plans but frankly the city council is and I’m pretty disappointed at the lack of collaboration and forward thinking by our city council members.

Glenn McNutt
Location:

Submitted At: 6:20am 10-15-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR.

Robert Fortunato
Location:

Submitted At: 5:37am 10-15-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR.

I am a local resident who is helping the BCHD with sustainability and cost containment efforts for the Healthy Living Campus. We are bringing innovations, like all-electric construction vehicles and off site modular construction (and many others), to be sensitive to neighbors concerns and reduce localized pollution, noise and vibration. Any change to the FAR this late in the planning cycle is very costly, and if not applied uniformly appears arbitrary and punitive. Therefore, I support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD.

Thank you.

Jane Hyman
Location:

Submitted At: 10:49pm 10-14-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR.

As a long-time volunteer for the Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), starting when my children began kindergarten, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the positive impact BCHD has on our community. From programs like the walking school bus, nutrition education, and mindful eating, to gardening and healthy living initiatives, BCHD has played a vital role in promoting well-being for all of us.

Maintaining a uniform FAR of 1.25 for BCHD is crucial. It ensures they have the flexibility to continue adapting to the ever-changing health needs of our community. Reducing the FAR to .5 or even .75 would hinder their ability to serve us effectively. We must stand together to support BCHD and protect their ability to deliver essential health programs for the benefit of everyone in Redondo Beach and beyond.

Paige Lapen
Location:

Submitted At: 10:25pm 10-14-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR. BCHD stands out as a shining star in our community for its commitment to promoting community health through a wide range of services and initiatives that prioritize prevention and wellness. Their focus on education and outreach empowers individuals of all ages to take charge of their health, fostering a healthier community overall. Additionally, BCHD's collaborative approach engages local organizations and residents, ensuring that health resources are accessible and tailored to the community's unique needs. We should be encouraging the growth of this organization to ensure future generations continue to benefit.

Kathy Wunderli
Location:

Submitted At: 10:12pm 10-14-24
I am a Redondo Beach Resident and I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR. BCHD offers so many wonderful programs. I am especially impressed with the allcove program and have heard many powerful stories of how this program has positively impacted our youth. Any organization that can proactively support our children and young adults has my full support.

Arinna Shelby
Location:

Submitted At: 9:02pm 10-14-24
I am writing in support of the Beach Cities Health District’s Healthy Living Campus. The Planning Commission has proposed a 0.50 FAR for the property in the General Plan update while other City properties which have the same land use designation are allowed a 1.25 FAR. If this proposal is accepted, it would make it impossible for BCHD to provide much needed services for our community - a wellness center for our kids, a gym so people can maintain their fitness, a senior living facility for the rapidly expanding population that requires that level of care, a social work program for disabled and older adults, and a Blue Zones Project that promotes healthy aging.

Furthermore, if this proposal is accepted, BCHD will no longer be able to generate needed revenue through leases that support current programs and services. It seems fairly obvious that not only is the campus development on the chopping block, but BCHD itself is being hobbled in its ability to provide current services. Do NOT let this happen! BCHD supports physical health and mental well being throughout the lifespan in the Beach Cities. It has had resounding success in creating a model Blue Zones community. To treat this organization differently than other city properties is not only grossly unfair, it is downright malicious. The vast majority of South Bay residents support the work of BCHD. It is only a small but vocal minority who are trying to kill it. Please preserve this valuable community resource. Restore the 1.25 FAR. Thank you.

Lisa Falk
Location:

Submitted At: 8:50pm 10-14-24
I oppose spot zoning for BCHD's request for 1.25 FAR. As a homeowner and 35 year Redondo Beach resident, this is inappropriate for our neighborhood. BCHD's poor decision making includes the expansion of their allcove services across LA County without operating funds to provide those services to 250,000 12-25 year olds. BCHD's own market research reports show that their oversized assisted living facility will be 80% used by nonresidents - and the cost of care in their facility will be out of reach of most RB seniors at over $200K per year. The huge BCHD development, to provide services to non-taxpayers on our taxpayer owned land, is not right. Please preserve our neighborhood: uphold the lower FAR to maintain our current quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods!
Jeff Gaul
Location:

Submitted At: 8:19pm 10-14-24
Director Chatterji is right in giving youth a place to recreate in an otherwise busy and crowded environment.

People of all ages thrive when they are connected to their community, as community is liberation. Redondo Beach has 12,000 people per square mile, more than the City of Long Beach, and approximately the same population density as the City of Chicago. Keep the requested size of BCHD as there is extremely limited space in Central and North Redondo Beach to begin with and it is wise to give our communities the space they need to maintain their personal health. Thank you.

Randall BERLER
Location:

Submitted At: 8:09pm 10-14-24
We support directing the staff to analyze setting the FAR for BCHD at 1.25 and to treat the FAR for that site the same as proposed for the Civic Center. It should be understood that FAR limits are just one tool to ensure a project that provides for the important public benefits proposed by BCHD in a manner that mitigates impacts on the surrounding area. A design review process in combination with FAR can accomplish this without requiring too rigid an FAR.

I viewed the presentation on FAR at the recent Planning Commission public hearing and it was not helpful to the Planning Commission understanding how FAR works. Buildings with the same FAR can have huge differences in their visual impacts depending on size and shapes of properties, setbacks, heights, steps taken to reduce the appearance of bulk, and many other factors. The examples provided to the Planning Commission were not at all comparable to the BCHD property and made no attempt to show how the same FAR can look very different depending on the design. Perhaps staff needs to look at examples of public buildings in other communities that are on properties comparable to BCHD. Perhaps some outside experts could help with this analysis.

Charlotte Lazar-Morrison
Location:

Submitted At: 7:59pm 10-14-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR. BCHD offers very valuable services to the community that will be at risk if the

1.25 FAR is not adopted.

Wendy Vinzant
Location:

Submitted At: 7:29pm 10-14-24
I am a Redondo Beach resident and I oppose a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD.

Vish Chatterji
Location:

Submitted At: 7:13pm 10-14-24
Today, my wife led a meditation at allcove, the youth mental health center, created by BCHD. She led a group of kids that are going through disciplinary challenges through some deep relaxation exercises. Rather than suspending kids, allcove, partnering with our local school districts, provides a space and resources to help counsel and heal these kids within our community. I don't understand why we would try to limit the space available for such powerful community work to take place. BCHD's mission is "To optimize health for our Beach Cities community through innovative and inclusive programs, partnerships and spaces." We must ensure adequate "space" in order to have such community offerings continue. As we all know, real estate is a premium in the South Bay - we must have an FAR that better leverages land use to provide space for good work. Please keep it at 1.25. - Vish Chatterji, Former Director, Beach Cities Health District.

Steve Randall
Location:

Submitted At: 6:34pm 10-14-24
We support the staff properly analyzing (with outside help if warranted) a 1.25 FAR on the BCHD property and reporting back to the council their findings. Getting really peeved at the BCHD propaganda machine and their supporters implying BCHD won't exist if the FAR isn't increased. That's a bunch of hogwash they're not going away. Their emails and marketing are disingenuous which makes rational people wonder what else they're not being honest about. And that one Board member (don't remember her name) who spoke to council at the last meeting on the subject falsely said your Planning Commission was warned by your city attorney to not target BCHD. That never happened she should be ashamed of herself. We wanted to see where that occurred trying to do more research on this and found that didn't happen and BCHD was never even mentioned. She should apologize.

Darryl Leong, MD MPH
Location:

Submitted At: 6:29pm 10-14-24
The BCHD is a public health agency for Redondo Beach other nearby communities that has the sole mission: “ To optimize health for our Beach Cities community through innovative and inclusive programs, partnerships and spaces.” It has an excellent track record of providing programs and leadership in improving the health and wellbeing of all people in its district. As we know that our health is dependent on an ever changing environment, the BCHD needs to have the flexibility like any other public health agency to respond to health risks that will undoubtedly occur in the future. Politics should not inhibit the BCHD’s ability to function as our local public health agency to serve ALL residents, not just some residents of Redondo Beach. While the issue at hand is the size of the FAR for the BCHD, the real issue is the health of the community. For this reason, I support the FAR level needed by the BCHD.

Lisa Rodriguez
Location:

Submitted At: 6:24pm 10-14-24
I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR.

Please support the open space that the new campus will provide and the ability for this outdated structure to come into earthquake safe compliance and allow BCHD to continue serving the greater good and assisting our communities to thrive. Please support the 1.25 FAR that is allowable and equitable for all.

Mary Drummer
Location:

Submitted At: 6:17pm 10-14-24
I support a uniform FAR of 1.25 for all public institutions, which includes BCHD. I would have been sunk without the guidance of the social service department following my recent surgery! As a 19-year volunteer serving my neighbors of Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan Beach, I have seen countless lives impacted by the vision, planning and action of this agency across all ages in the spectrum of life. To place a FAR of .5-without being studied- or even .75- which would make it the only entity in the City's public institutions to be so-is not in the best interest of the 3 beach cities. It serves only the small special interest group trying to prevent it, whose argument for the designation is based on wholesale lies and disinformation to intentionally mislead their neighbors to serve their own twisted agenda. A uniform, fair designation of 1.25 is THE only solution.

Ron Werner
Location:

Submitted At: 6:11pm 10-14-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR. I am a senior and active member CHF member for over 3 decades. It is a valuable community that needs to be continued. By cutting the FAR the result will be an inadequate income on rented facilities to BCHD which will result in BCHD curtailing important services to the community.

Patty Ellis
Location:

Submitted At: 5:20pm 10-14-24
I am in favor of approving the 1.25 FAR Cap for BCHD Proposed General Plan. I am a 30+ year proud Hermosa Beach resident who has 1) children who attended public schools and benefitted from BCHD involvement directly within the school district 2) volunteered with BCHD when hosted the local vaccination sites during COVID 3) participated in numerous BCHD events in the community 4) referred BCHD and their services to numerous people when they reached out for help 5) been a mental health provider at allcove since it's opening their doors representing grief and loss support to 12-25 year olds and their families and 6) occupy office space in the 514 building. BCHD's growth IS NOT a frivilous WANT but a Community NEED for persons of all ages. Thank you.

Karan Millan
Location:

Submitted At: 4:13pm 10-14-24
Keep the same standard as the Police Department and City Annex, please set the FAR cap of 1.25 uniform across all properties with a public or institutional (P) land use designation in the General Plan and/or zoned P-CF of which BCHD is a part.

Eugenie Lewis
Location:

Submitted At: 12:47pm 10-14-24
As a mental health advocate, my goal is to assure that youth and people of all ages have accessible physical and mental health services in our South Bay community. I am a member of Service Area Advisory Team for SPA 8 with the LA County Department of Mental Health. In this role, I have learned about the tremendous need for mental health care services in our community.
allcove Beach Cities, which was opened by the Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) in 2022, answers this need of improving access to care and creating a welcoming environment for youth between the ages of 12 and 25. It offers a range of quality services, including mental health, physical health, substance use, peer support, family support and supportive education and employment services for the South Bay community. Services are free of charge, which is amazing at a time when the need is so great and access to mental health services is so limited.

As a community we are lucky to have such a great service! I salute BCHD for having the leadership and foresight to bring a model of preventative services to the South Bay. I urge people to support Measure BC, the General Obligation Bond on the November ballot. I also ask that the Redondo Beach City Council vote to maintain a 1.25 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for public institution use in the General Plan. This will enable BCHD to move forward with plans to renovate the campus and meet current seismic standards.

Eugenie Lewis, LCSW Redondo Beach
Pablo Orozco-Castro
Location:

Submitted At: 9:11am 10-14-24
I support the 1.25 FAR that would not damage neighborhoods, but instead would provided needed services to youth including LGBTQ+, students and case management services to our community. BCHD collaborates with many community partners to provide art programming with Indivisible Arts, and youth-led events. Less Space = Less capacity for providing much needed programming to support youth in our Redondo Beach Community with activities and mental health support.

Tammy Sugar
Location:

Submitted At: 9:16pm 10-13-24
I support 0.50 FAR for Public Institutional land as recommended by the Planning Commission and oppose a high

1.25 FAR that would damage neighborhoods.

El Puterbaugh
Location:

Submitted At: 3:26pm 10-13-24
I support BCHD.

Rafael McMaster
Location:

Submitted At: 1:31pm 10-13-24
The purposeful targeting of BCHD is deeply unjust - all public/institutions should have a uniform 1.25 FAR. What makes this more sad in my opinion - is that BCHD stands for all the things I want out of a community - Service, selflessness, community, compassion, connection. The vitriol and loud "fear-based" voices are drowning out the masses that support BCHD and benefit so greatly from their services. The spread of misinformation about BCHD is deeply troubling, and we have to ask ourselves - we as a society - do we want to align ourselves with fearbased negativity - or service-hearted community members who give their lives to help others? I've heard it said:
"Be the change we want to see in the world." As a community - who do we want to be? I deeply oppose the restriction and deeply support BCHD and their staff of heart-centered, kind, service-oriented community members.

Linda Buck
Location:

Submitted At: 12:45pm 10-13-24
I am a resident of Redondo Beach and have volunteered with BCHD for over 20 years. I have volunteered in the Center for Health and Fitness, the Livewell Program within RBUSD (morning exercises, garden, and nutrition lessons), the Blue Zone Project, and various community events and workshops. BCHD is the one of the most valuable resources available to our community. BCHD has been very innovative in the development of their programs. BCHD have formed many partnerships Let me quote the 2023 Gallup report:"The good health exhibited by many adults in the Beach Cities area is likely in part the result of efforts of the Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), which regularly organizes events and activities meant to enhance various aspects of wellbeing for local residents. Offerings range from mental health first aid training to social events to free healthy cooking and yoga classes. One important aspect of these efforts by the BCHD was sponsoring the involvement of the Blue Zones Project (BZP), which specializes in transforming the local culture of wellbeing through various means, including modifying the built structure -- such as adding bike paths -- and recruiting local businesses, restaurants, grocery stores and schools to participate in local initiatives. Since 2010, the BZP has had an ongoing presence in the community to help create a culture of wellbeing."
BCHD CANNOT continue to provide our community with the array and quality of services should the FAR be reduced. I believe that targeting BCHD in this way will negatively impact the wellbeing of everyone in the beach cities communities. Alcove has become a vital program meeting so many of our youth's mental health needs.BCHD has many partnerships within our communities and listens to and works with others to offer programs according to the beach cities community's' needs We need to support BCHD rather than put up barriers which do not enhance the success of their programs and the well being of our community. They need to have the same FAR given to other institutions, not unjustly lower it. FAR FOR ONE - FAR FOR ALL! Susan Brilliant
Location:

Submitted At: 6:17pm 10-12-24
I am a Redondo Beach resident who is concerned about the FAR (floor area ratio) issue in the General Plan. A reduction to 0.5 FAR for the Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) would be detrimental to the health of our community members because it would destroy the District’s plans to replace its outdated facility with a Healthy Living Campus. I support a uniform 1.25 FAR for all public/institutional uses.

No doubt you are aware of the many programs BCHD provides to promote health and prevent diseases across the lifespan. One of the essential functions of BCHD that I want to highlight is to provide opportunities for social connection.

Why social connection is important. Researchers have documented substantial evidence that being socially connected significantly reduces the risk of premature mortality and that isolation significantly increases risk1.

Loneliness has been linked to numerous negative health consequences, such as a higher risk of developing dementia, depression, and heart disease. A U.S. Surgeon General report equated loneliness with smoking 15 cigarettes a day2. Social isolation influences a significant portion of the U.S. adult population and there is evidence the prevalence rates are increasing.3
Living alone, being unmarried, no participation in social groups, and fewer friends, increase the risk of loneliness.

In Redondo Beach, nearly one-third of residents live alone.4 BCHD promotes social engagement by bringing community members together for physical activity, intellectual stimulation, fun, and support. I have benefited from joining a Book Club, Yoga on the Beach, Purpose Workshops, and spending hundreds of hours with fellow volunteers, all connected to BCHD.

We need to increase the number of opportunities to connect with each other, not reduce. I urge you to support a uniform 1.25 FAR for all public/institutional uses, so BCHD can continue to provide these critical links.

References:
1 https://doi.org/101.1016/jacadv.2024.100890
2 https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf 3 https://doi.org/10.1093/ppar/prx030
4 https://scag.ca.gov/data-tools-local-profiles
Elyse Gura
Location:

Submitted At: 1:21pm 10-12-24
I’ve volunteered for BCHD and Blue Zones many times over the last decade. I know people who have benefited from training at the Center for Health and Fitness, from programs for seniors and the disabled, from Blue Zones Moais, from Silverado, and from Beach Cities programs for schools and students. I am one of many in my MB community who support the good work of the Healthy Living Campus.

However, one MB neighbor directed me to the BCHD Over-Development FB page.

Wow.

I was overwhelmed by issues ranging from executive salaries, developer contracts, health outcomes below expectations, the green space buffer, campus design, non-residents benefiting but only residents paying. I provide even a partial list of the issues on that FB page so that you know I read what was there.

That list is not inconsequential, but neither are the many positive outcomes from the services that BCHD enables.

Those outcomes must continue while also addressing reasonable resident issues.

The purpose of my comments is not to address any particular issue. Rather - I implore all parties – BCHD leadership, supporters and opponents – to commit to finding points of agreement, points of acceptable compromise, and ways of letting go of historical enmity.

Both BCHD and its opponents have to work together. They have to find a solution which recognizes that BCHD is a valuable asset to the wider community but must also be a good neighbor for the nearby community. BCHD will have to reconsider its wishes and opponents will have to reconsider objections. You have to find middle ground. You must work together on a solution because IF YOU DON’T make it work we all lose.

Mariam Butler
Location:

Submitted At: 11:41am 10-12-24
I’ve commented about it before and I’m going to comment again. Everyone must have the same floor area ratio.

Schools, BCHD, fire, police, etc. This purposeful targeting of beach cities health district is grotesque. They should sue if they are giving an unfairly smaller floor area ratio versus everyone else.

Marie Puterbaugh
Location:

Submitted At: 10:10am 10-12-24
FAR for one, FAR for all! BCHD and the schools both have contributed so much to Redondo and surrounding areas. They have proven track records of delivering and servant leadership. BCHD spends $1 million/year just to maintain the crumbling infrastructure and could ultimately generate more revenue for Redondo if allowed the SAME that fire/police and city are so generously allowing themselves. I truly believe BCHD is being targeted, in no small part b/c there is literally a website "Stop BCHD" is literally telling people to send them an email to "[email protected]" offering to file on behalf of whoever emails them an email saying "I support the Planning Commission's recommendation for a 0.5 FAR to general PI use...I do not support an increase to 1.25" - I believe the schools were thrown in to make it appear as it wasn't a direct target to BCHD.

Whatever city council gives itself and FD/PD, schools and BCHD should have the same. Why punish the two great institutions that have done so much good for Redondo? Agenda Item: eComments for N.3. 24-1687 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE CITY'S DRAFT CANNABIS

REGULATORY ORDINANCE

DIRECTION ON THE APPLICATION SCORING AND SELECTION PROCESS SECTIONS OF THE ORDINANCE Overall Sentiment
Maricela Guillermo
Location:

Submitted At: 6:13pm 10-15-24
Let's put our kids first. We also OPPOSE the sale of cannabis in Redondo Beach and the opening of ANY cannabis stores in the area. Delivery-only is the best option. Can we do something positive and healthy for our community? Can we compare how our city measures up to nearby cities regarding cannabis sales? Why does Redondo Beach have to be the 'chosen' one to provide services other cities don't, such as smoke shops, massage parlors, cannabis sales, senior housing, and more? Wendy Vinzant
Location:

Submitted At: 5:56pm 10-15-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the City Council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth.

I do not want Redondo Beach with our award-winning RDUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries. I respectfully request that Councilmembers Nehrenheim and Obagi recuse themselves from voting due to accepting monies from the cannabis industry.

Sheila Girardi
Location:

Submitted At: 5:42pm 10-15-24
We oppose the sale of cannabis in Redondo Beach and the opening of any cannabis stores in Redondo.

Cannabis is unhealthy, cannabis leads to harder drugs and do we really want to contribute to the moral decline of our society. If this is about more revenue for Redondo Beach, maybe you should look at the RB "public servants" salaries. Presently, they are greater than many of the salaries of one of the largest cities in the world, New York.

Steve and Sheila Girardi
AC Co
Location:

Submitted At: 4:53pm 10-15-24
I hope our city council members and community members will put our kids first. If it’s good enough for PV, Manhattan, ES, and Hermosa, it’s good enough for Redondo. Delivery only method does not hinder access. If anything, it’s more convenient. Look at the facts:

Delivery-only still lets the city collect revenue. Medicinal delivery has been legal in every city since January of 2024. Our city has simply not passed a tax code and leaves that revenue on the table every month. How about we fix that first?
Second, the industry is financially not viable. It's triple taxed with state tax rates going up in 2025. The revenue that the state collects has a percentage going to tier 3 drug addiction/youth support etc..this is where that is at:

Proposition 64, which legalized cannabis in California, mandated that of the 15% cannabis excise tax rate monies collected, 60% would go to fund Tier 3 (drug prevention programs). In 2023, as cannabis tax revenue continued to decline, a minimum threshold for cannabis tax revenue was set at $670 million dollars (an estimate based on past revenues and current declining revenues). A $150 million dollars from the General Fund was set aside as an emergency backfill should the $670 threshold not be met in order that our state be able to continue to support Tier 3 recipients. The $150 million from the General Fund, designed to last for three years, was used up within 9 months. There is no proposed state solution to support Tier 3 recipients as cannabis revenue continues to decline monthly up and down the state.

Finally, the revenue that our city would collect, 3-5%, would have 1% going back to community development, which is typically monies decided upon by the industry going to places where they want to make inroads (chamber of commmerace etc...). Our D1 councilman proposed that the Riviera village fun runs be sponsored by cannabis companies this normalizes cannabis for youth and is unacceptable.

No funds in this ordinance are designated to go to any schools.

Let’s put our youth, especially those at most risk first, by sticking to a delivery-only method.

Lauren Carpenter
Location:

Submitted At: 4:31pm 10-15-24
Honorable Mayor, Esteemed Councilmembers and Staff,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on the City’s ongoing efforts to solidify a prudent path forward for retail cannabis in Redondo Beach.

To streamline Staff’s review efforts and to avoid redundancy, we are writing in support of the modifications included in the letter submitted by Adamant Law Group and its esteemed clients including The Artist Tree. While we are competitors in the market, we have come together in providing suggested revisions based on collective experience across most of the state’s merit-based licensing processes.

As one of California’s leading cannabis retailers, we believe strongly in the importance of a transparent, clear and merit-based applicant review process. Thank you again for your efforts to date to create such a process, and we hope you will seriously consider the modifications proposed by Ms. Caron. They represent proven best practices learned through experience in dozens of similar processes and we collectively believe they are the best path forward for Redondo Beach and its citizens.

Thank you,
Lauren Carpenter
Chief Executive Officer, Embarc
ivana postachian
Location:

Submitted At: 4:07pm 10-15-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the City Council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth.

I particularly feel offended that the City of Redondo Beach, after all other beach cities surrounding our community, rejected the approval of this type of business within their cities, are considering approving more cannabis dispensaries in our community.

It is already a shame to observe everyday groups of young individuals “hanging out” in front of the SandBox Cannabis Dispensary at the corner of Artesia and Phelan, North Redondo Beach. This is a shame for our city and community. This represents a risk to all our children and future generations.

Best regards,
Dennis McLean
Location:

Submitted At: 3:40pm 10-15-24
Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE a 0.50 and 0.75 FAR for BCHD and support a 1.25 uniform FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD. I SUPPORT the Staff recommendation to analyze a 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions in the EIR.

I’ve read the well written staff report authored by our Community Development Director, Marc Weiner. I agree with Director Wener’s recommendation: that the City Council direct staff to prepare an analysis to evaluate the process of potentially updating the EIR to cover a 1.25 FAR at the BCHD site.

I know a significant opposition to BC and its future Healthy Living Campus exists and I do understand why.

Unfortunately, it appears that many beach city residents don’t know that BC provides more than 40 programs serving the elderly, adolescents & young adults, who benefit from case management by skilled social workers who provide intervention and on-going services for those experiencing substance abuse, dementia and Alzheimer’s, grief, child obesity, medical trauma and chronic loneliness. Additionally, volunteers (including my wife) provide support services like companionship connection, walking companions, student tutoring and running errands for those homebound. Our neighbors of all ages can participate in a wide range of programs like AdventurePlex, LiveWell Kids, Center for Health & Fitness, allcove Beach Cities youth wellness center, viewing Screenagers, yoga, massage therapy, stretch classes and personal training.

Brandon Bentley
Location:

Submitted At: 3:37pm 10-15-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries.

Diane Pena
Location:

Submitted At: 3:23pm 10-15-24
I STRONGLY oppose the sale of cannabis in Redondo Beach. Studies have shown that the presence of cannabis retail can lead to an increase in crime rates in surrounding areas. I'm concerned for our community and especially our kids that attend Redondo Beach schools. Despite age restrictions- cannabis can still end up in the hands of minors. I agree with others who have commented here that the "normalizing" of cannabis shops sends a message to our youth that it is acceptable. We have family that are in law enforcement and it is well known that cannabis is a gateway drug. Many who use cannabis are more likely to try other, stronger drugs. Cannabis is linked to various health concerns including mental health disorders and addiction. I strongly advise that we prioritize our community's well being over the potential revenue. We don't want this around our kids, our family and our beloved community.

Pastora Cayuri
Location:

Submitted At: 2:37pm 10-15-24
I oppose the opening of two storefront cannabis shops in Redondo Beach.

I am a resident of Redondo Beach. My grand children attend RUHS and Adams Middle School.

I urge the city council and the mayor to pause all cannabis activity. The city should implement a "delivery only" model to prevent cannabis to become normalized among our youth in our community.

Emily Wahlund
Location:

Submitted At: 2:36pm 10-15-24
I am for normalizing cannabis use.

One of the big reasons it isn’t is because of stigma around it that dates back to the 1910 Mexican Revolution.

Long story short: marijuana was made into the boogeyman by the US government because it came from countries that weren’t predominately white.

Meanwhile, we normalized tobacco (vapes), alcohol, and prescription drugs – all which kill hundreds of thousands of people each year. Why? Because white people get rich off them (I’m looking at you Sackler family) It perplexes me that we’re still looking at cannabis as the boogeyman that we need to protect our children from.

What about the 2 gun incidents last year at Redondo Union? If we want to really talk about protecting our children, let’s talk about that-- not the drug that modern research shows to have real medical benefits.

I understand that folks want to "protect our children." I'm a mom, I want to protect my children, too. However, I don't see the direct correlation between cannabis storefronts and the safety of my children. What I do see is that they could bring in a load of tax dollars -- which could go to schools! Emily Wahlund
Location:

Submitted At: 2:36pm 10-15-24
I am for normalizing cannabis use.

One of the big reasons it isn’t is because of stigma around it that dates back to the 1910 Mexican Revolution.

Long story short: marijuana was made into the boogeyman by the US government because it came from countries that weren’t predominately white.

Submitted At: 2:16pm 10-15-24
I oppose the opening of two storefront cannabis shops in Redondo Beach.

I am the mother of a RUHS student and an Adams Middle School student. Recently the RBUSD had the honor to be named “Best School District in the Los Angeles Area! As a parent, I am part of that success like every single parent in the RBUSD community. We feel very proud.

I support delivery-only model like our sister cities Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. which will bring the same amount of revenue to the city without the liabilities and most importantly it does not directly impact our youth.

Sharon Koay
Location:

Submitted At: 2:14pm 10-15-24
I oppose the two storefronts for cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place. The city should implement the sale to a "delivery only" model/option to prevent cannabis/marijuana to become normalized among our youths in the neighborhood.

Mai Truong
Location:

Submitted At: 1:50pm 10-15-24
I have 2 school aged children in RB, and I strongly opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries. Please protect the children and vote NO! on storefront dispensaries. We don’t need and don’t want dispensaries in our beautiful city!
Melissa Dechandt
Location:

Submitted At: 12:46pm 10-15-24
Please take the responsible action and:

1. PAUSE all cannabis ordinance activity until the safety of products released for sale is co formed by the CA State Department of Cannabis Conttrol.

2. Implement a delivery only model as a win-win compromise; the city collects tax revenue (that is has been leaving uncollected since January of 2024), residents have safe access and the cannabis distributors are able to quickly respond to safety issues as needed.

3. Direct city staff to research any of the many cities that are using a delivery-only model to determine potential revenue.

4. Respectfully, council members Obagi and Nehrenheim must revise themselves; they have taken monies from the cannabis industry and ethically should not vote on any ordinance invilvibg potential cannabis operators who have provided funds to them.

While CA residents voted in favor of Prop 64 legalizing cannabis, NO Redondo Beach resident has voted on storefront dispensaries in Redondo Beach..the current cannabis ordinance is being driven by our city council and seemingly countless cannabis operators eager to do business with our city. El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Palos Verdes have all said NO to storefront dispensaries. Let's not be the only outlier in our beautiful city with its award-winning, destination school district. Thank you.

Carolina Schwalbach
Location:

Submitted At: 12:46pm 10-15-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries. There is good reason the other beach cities voted no.

Amy Huh
Location:

Submitted At: 12:27pm 10-15-24
Please pause all cannabis ordinance efforts until safe product testing is confirmed and consider a “delivery-only” option. Please collect data from other cities that have had a delivery-only model in place. I request that councilmembers Zein Obagi and Nils Nehrenheim abstain from voting as they have accepted monies from the cannabis industry.

Paul Furie
Location:

Submitted At: 12:20pm 10-15-24
I oppose the opening of two storefront cannabis shops in Redondo Beach.

I am the father of 2 students in the RBUSD. I do not want Redondo Beach, with an award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries. Having high visibility storefronts where our children frequently pass will normalize the idea of using cannabis for our children, and make it more likely that they will engage in illegal drug use.

As an alternative, I support delivery-only model like Hermosa Beach, which will bring revenue to the city without a direct impact to our children.

Jill Klausen
Location:

Submitted At: 12:15pm 10-15-24
I am strongly in favor of regulations for cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach. Citizens already approved opening two dispensaries, so enacting strong regulation is critical to keeping them safe for our community.

Jiyun Nam
Location:

Submitted At: 11:57am 10-15-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries.

Flora Guevara
Location:

Submitted At: 11:38am 10-15-24
I urge the City Council to oppose this. We don't want marijuana use to be normalized among our youth. This will give easier access to the youth which should not be allowed. Please say no! Adriana Hernandez
Location:

Submitted At: 10:34am 10-15-24
urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries.

Katherine Schryver-Stahly
Location:

Submitted At: 10:29am 10-15-24
Other beach cities use a delivery-only cannabis model and we should too. Storefront dispensaries will send the wrong message to our youth.

Paige Brunt
Location:

Submitted At: 10:09am 10-15-24
I strongly oppose cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries.

Tamika My
Location:

Submitted At: 10:02am 10-15-24
Being a resident and parent of 2 school age children in RBUSD, I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I Do Not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD "best school district in Los Angeles" to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries.

Jolee Bentley
Location:

Submitted At: 9:57am 10-15-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe
product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for
our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only
beach city with storefront dispensaries.
tugce garrett
Location:

Submitted At: 8:40am 10-15-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries.

OUR KIDS DESERVE BETTER!!! PLEASE PROTECT THEM!!!
Kari Chatterji
Location:

Submitted At: 6:39am 10-15-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries.

Please protect our kids! This doesn’t need to be right in their face, but you know what should be a flourishing health district and mental health services! Kids are full of anxiety and stress and they need tools for dealing with the tension of life rather than temptation to just take a hit and numb it all.

Winda Mak
Location:

Submitted At: 11:12pm 10-14-24
I am strongly opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach due to concerns about the safety, health and long-term impact on our community. My son and I have experienced the effects of such dispensaries. While we were initially open-minded about the medical necessity of cannabis, we were concerned about the impact it had on surrounding businesses. A few years ago, a new cannabis dispensary moved into the shop next to my son's karate dojo in Torrance. Even though their stores were separated by a wall, the smell of cannabis would sift through the cracks. It created an unhealthy environment for the children. The karate sensei even had to block off the door closest to the dispensary due to the presence of questionable individuals frequenting the dispensary. We need to prioritize the well-being and safety of our children over the potential economic benefits of cannabis businesses.

Susan Reuben
Location:

Submitted At: 11:01pm 10-14-24
I oppose the opening of two storefront cannabis shops in Redondo Beach.

I am the mother of a RUHS student and an Adams Middle School student. Recently the RBUSD had the honor to be named “Best School District in the Los Angeles Area! I am, as a parent, part of that success like every single parent in the RBUSD community. We feel very proud. What message is the city council and mayor sending to our children as authorities and parents themselves, working to normalize the use of cannabis in our youth. I strongly
ask the council to stop any further discussions about opening the storefront shops because is damaging the most important part of our community, our children.

I support delivery-only model like our sister cities Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. which will bring the same amount of revenue to the city
without the liabilities and most importantly it does not directly impact our youth.

Camvy Tsurui
Location:

Submitted At: 9:15pm 10-14-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to stop all cannabis activities until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth.

Shari Strulson
Location:

Submitted At: 9:03pm 10-14-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries.

Christina Rizzoni
Location:

Submitted At: 8:35pm 10-14-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to pause all cannabis activity until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award-winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries.

Irene Yamazaki
Location:

Submitted At: 6:46pm 10-13-24
I oppose the opening of two storefront cannabis shops in Redondo Beach.

I am the mother of 2 students at Adams Middle School. I do not want Redondo Beach with an award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries.

I support delivery-only model like the cities of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach, which will bring the same amount of revenue to the city without a direct impact to our youth.

Elena Drozdova
Location:

Submitted At: 1:26pm 10-13-24
I am opposed to cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach and urge the city council to stop all cannabis activities until safe product testing is in place, followed by implementing a delivery-only model to prevent the normalization of cannabis use for our youth. I do not want Redondo Beach with our award winning RBUSD “best school district in Los Angeles” to be the only beach city with storefront dispensaries.

Jimena Cabrera
Location:

Submitted At: 7:36am 10-13-24
I oppose the opening of two storefront cannabis shops in Redondo Beach.

We feel very proud. What message is the
city council and mayor sending to our children as authorities and parents themselves, working to normalize the use of cannabis in our youth. I strongly
ask the council to stop any further discussions about opening the storefront shops because is damaging the most important part of our community, our children.

I support delivery-only model like our sister cities Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. which will bring the same amount of revenue to the city
without the liabilities and most importantly it does not directly impact our youth.

Redondo Beach City CouncilOctober 15, 2024

Redondo Beach City Council
October 15, 2024