City Council on 2025-07-01 6:00 PM - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER Meeting Time: 07-01-25 18:00
eComments Report
Meetings Meeting
Time
Agenda
Items
Comments Support Oppose Neutral
City Council on 2025-07-01 6:00 PM -
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
07-01-25
18:00
67 83 6 66 2
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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 2025-07-01 6:00 PM - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 07-01-25 18:00
Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral
F.2. 25-0941 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING
LITIGATION - The Closed Session is authorized by the attorney-client privilege, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Name of case:
Estate of Jose Sosa, by and through his heir and successor in interest, N.R.; N.R., individually, by and through his Guardian Ad Litem, Michelle Rodriguez; Francisca Rodriguez, individually v. Redondo Beach Police Department, a public entity; City of Redondo Beach, a public entity; and Does 1-10, inclusive
Case Number: 2:25-cv-2547-PA-JPR
1 0 1 0
F.3. 25-0942 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING
LITIGATION - The Closed Session is authorized by the attorney-client privilege, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Name of case:
John Bell v. City of Redondo Beach, et al.
Case Number: 25-3578
1 0 0 0
H.6. 25-0880 APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF ONE NAUTILUS HD
RIDER SCRUBBER/SWEEPER VEHICLE FROM HAAKER EQUIPMENT
COMPANY, DBA TOTAL CLEAN EQUIPMENT, FOR USE BY THE
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR A TOTAL COST OF $86,868
1 0 1 0
H.11. 25-0865 ??APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE MEASURE R 20% BUS
OPERATIONS FUNDS, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2035?
1 1 0 0
H.14. 25-0960 APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH BEACHLIFE
FESTIVAL LLC FOR THE PROVISION OF SPECIFIED 2028 SUMMER
OLYMPICS MARKETING DELIVERABLES FOR A ONE-TIME COST OF
$40,000 AND THE TERM JULY 1, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026
4 0 3 1
J.1. 25-0927 For eComments and Emails Received from the Public 6 0 2 0 N.1. 25-0861 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON INITIATION OF
THE CITY'S COMMERCIAL RETAIL CANNABIS PERMIT APPLICATION
PROCESS
AUTHORIZE RELEASE OF THE CITY'S REQUEST FOR COMMERCIAL
RETAIL CANNABIS PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS AND DIRECT
STAFF TO PREPARE RESOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTING THE CITY'S
PROCESS INTEGRITY GUIDELINES POLICY AND SETTING THE
CITY'S CANNABIS APPLICATION/PROCESSING FEES
57 5 47 1
P.1. 25-0964 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION RELATED TO
UPDATES TO THE STRUCTURE OF CITY BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS, INCLUDING POTENTIAL ELIMINATION OF THE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION AND ADJUSTMENTS TO THE
COMPOSITION OF THE YOUTH COMMISSION
12 0 12 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.2. 25-0941 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - The Closed Session is authorized by the attorney-client privilege, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Name of case:
Estate of Jose Sosa, by and through his heir and successor in interest, N.R.; N.R., individually, by and through his Guardian Ad Litem, Michelle Rodriguez; Francisca Rodriguez, individually v. Redondo Beach Police Department, a public entity; City of Redondo Beach, a public entity; and Does 1-10, inclusive Case Number: 2:25-cv-2547-PA-JPR
Overall Sentiment
Verena ST
Location:
Submitted At: 8:07pm 06-30-25
I'm.against advancing with any cannabis related business and oppose allowing dispensaries in our town. I expect our representatives to honor the will of the people they represent.
Agenda Item: eComments for F.3. 25-0942 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - The Closed Session is authorized by the attorney-client privilege, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
Name of case:
John Bell v. City of Redondo Beach, et al.
Case Number: 25-3578
Overall Sentiment
Laura Diaz
Location:
Submitted At: 6:00pm 07-01-25
TESTING
Agenda Item: eComments for H.6. 25-0880 APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF ONE NAUTILUS HD RIDER SCRUBBER/SWEEPER
VEHICLE FROM HAAKER EQUIPMENT COMPANY, DBA TOTAL CLEAN EQUIPMENT, FOR USE BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR A TOTAL COST OF $86,868
Overall Sentiment
Darryl Boyd
Location:
Submitted At: 2:27pm 07-01-25
Big ticket item. I could sure think of much better uses for nearly $87K Agenda Item: eComments for H.11. 25-0865 ??APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE MEASURE R 20% BUS OPERATIONS FUNDS, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2035?
Overall Sentiment
Brianna Egan
Location:
Submitted At: 5:31pm 07-01-25
I'm glad to see our local taxes be reinvested in bus service and operations. Let's increase ridership by increasing service frequency and improving marketing of BCT routes, especially as an alternative to driving to the beaches/piers.
Agenda Item: eComments for H.14. 25-0960 APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH BEACHLIFE FESTIVAL LLC FOR THE PROVISION OF SPECIFIED 2028 SUMMER OLYMPICS MARKETING DELIVERABLES FOR A ONE-TIME COST OF $40,000 AND THE TERM JULY 1, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026
Overall Sentiment
Lepsa Smith
Location:
Submitted At: 6:25pm 07-01-25
Where was the RFP posted?
The RFP was posted on Mayor Light’s campaign website, where he solicited thousands of dollars from Beach Life vendors, principals such as Allen Sanford and Jeff Jones, and their associated businesses that held events for them, such as Beach Life Grotto.
Such a fitting name to bring us back to old Redondo: Beach Life Grotto, where backroom deals, political payoffs, and selling the city out are back en vogue in the Riviera Village, merely a few doors down from the Velvet Turtle.
The cronies would be proud of this contract: Beachlife signs a renewal license for their music festival, at increased prices, and this contract miraculously comes up for the exact amount of the increase in licensing costs.
The political payoff is reaping massive benefits: a $30,000 donation AFTER the election to the Mayor and Council, and this contact suddenly appears.
Redondo Beach is finally open for Business! Everyone, come down to the BeachLife grotto for a piece of the pie, bring your political checkbook, donate to your politician, and the city is yours.
This contract is a complete contradiction and illegal: the politicians are signing a contract that wasn’t properly posted, the scope is not outlined, and it has conflicts of interest at every This item is on the consent calendar, yet the City Council has -NEFER- had a meeting about this contract, given direction, or discussed it publicly.
This is a Brown Act Violation, through and through.
Good luck on your future lawsuits.
What happened to Redondo?
Brianna Egan
Location:
Submitted At: 5:36pm 07-01-25
Was the Redondo Beach Tourism Board included in this RFP process? It would seem that this group would be the best equipped to work on marketing efforts for the 2028 Summer Olympics as it pertains to Redondo Beach.
Darryl Boyd
Location:
Submitted At: 1:31pm 06-30-25
There are better uses for $40,000 Put it towards 500-600 N Prospect Ave. safety and noise barrier or a more complete landscape job on the median.
Mark Nelson
Location:
Submitted At: 12:35pm 06-30-25
Please provide the RFP (with scope of work and all responses) that was used for this $40K marketing decision.
Hopefully this was not what it appears in the "Legislation Text" which is a pair of directed request for proposals. At this point with the limited information in this decision package, I cannot support $40K spending when we borrowed millions from the pension fund to support an upside down budget for the year.
Agenda Item: eComments for J.1. 25-0927 For eComments and Emails Received from the Public Overall Sentiment
Amy Mensink-Boyd
Location:
Submitted At: 1:30pm 07-01-25
We need a wall on Prospect Avenue 500-600 block. The shubbery that was taken out without our knowledge was at least 3 ft. deep, which acted as some privacy, noise & safety protection. Now, there are small plants that were planted without our vote. Who knows how long it will take to grow? A combination of wall and tall tree plants is what’s needed.
Arnie Yuan
Location:
Submitted At: 12:32pm 07-01-25
These small plants in front of 500-600 block of North Prospect Ave have a low chance of survival and offer no noise reduction or privacy, which are major concerns for residents here.
We were never consulted about this.
Our community unanimously prefers a 6-foot sound barrier wall to address the significant noise from traffic and the nearby health district and provide much-needed privacy.
We urge a reconsideration of this project and a focus on solutions that actually meet our neighborhood's needs.
Louis Friedman
Location:
Submitted At: 11:09am 07-01-25
The new plantings of very small wax myrtles will take many years to provide any meaningful privacy, screening, or protection. While I understand the intention to use native plants, this decision ignored the practical impact on residents.
The city chose the smallest size available, claiming it would transplant better, when in reality it was clearly a costcutting measure. These tiny plants offer no safety buffer. Cars have rolled over the median in the past, and without a substantial hedge, there is nothing to help shield pedestrians or property from that risk.
In just the past few weeks, I’ve personally witnessed jaywalkers cutting straight through the new plantings, which only underscores that they provide no deterrent or barrier of any kind.
I urge the city to consider solutions that balance sustainability goals and budget constraints with the basic expectation that residents shouldn’t have to wait years to regain the privacy and protection that were lost.
Tom McGarry
Location:
Submitted At: 4:29pm 06-30-25
We need a 6 to 8 foot wall on the median on the frontage road of 500-600 block of North Prospect Ave to insure the safety and noise reduction for the residents.
Darryl Boyd
Location:
Submitted At: 1:42pm 06-30-25
City of Redondo Beach Code Section 4-24.301 defines acceptable noise levels during the day and the evening. 50 decibels during the day, 45 decibels at night in a Residential zone. The City of Redondo Beach is out of compliance with it's own noise ordinance at the 500-600 N Prospect block. The noise levels on the 500-600 N.
Prospect Ave. block range from 64.3 to 68.8 decibels, and as high as 85.2 decibels during afternoon drive time.
The City Of Redondo Beach has acknowledged this, has an obligation to remedy, yet has done nothing about it.
This is way above the acceptable levels of both LA County and the City of Redondo Beach. BCHD is a major contributor of noise with increased traffic, employee and patient/customer vehicles, and constant emergency vehicles in and out of there. The noise levels we have been forced to live with here are a Public Nuisance and totally unacceptable! The Residents here are tired of being ignored. What is your plan Mayor Light? City Council? Public Works?
Mark Nelson
Location:
Submitted At: 12:43pm 06-30-25
The PWSC and RBPW made a suboptimal decision regarding the 500-600 N Prospect frontage restriping. The RBPW proposed to preserve 1 of 68 on street parking spots WITHIN THE INTERSECTION of the frontage road.
That is 1.5% of the stock of parking on the street. The street has 2.5 on-street spots per house. The decision jeopardizes resident safety by continuing to allow a south facing 2000 to 6000 pound vehicle parked facing southbound - sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that illegal, southbound, wrong-way traffic is allowed.
The RBPW based its decision on flawed data.
1. RBPW conducted no analysis of parking. Even 2 minutes on Google Earth would show that there are 68 spots on the frontage and one is irrelevant.
2. RBPW stated that leaving a vehicle would reduce illegal u-turns. Currently, over 75% of u-turns occur with from one to four vehicles parked in the intersection facing south.
3. RBPW failed to consider the City's lack of enforcement of parking across driveways, especially in the intersection. This also sends a false signal that southbound traffic is allowed.
The City's lack of illegal parking enforcement and proposed plan provide an elevated risk level to residents, legal northbound traffic, and the many pedestrians and school children that use the one-way frontage back and forth to Parras and RUHS.
Agenda Item: eComments for N.1. 25-0861 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON INITIATION OF THE CITY'S COMMERCIAL
RETAIL CANNABIS PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS
AUTHORIZE RELEASE OF THE CITY'S REQUEST FOR COMMERCIAL RETAIL CANNABIS PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS
AND DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE RESOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTING THE CITY'S PROCESS INTEGRITY GUIDELINES POLICY
AND SETTING THE CITY'S CANNABIS APPLICATION/PROCESSING FEES Overall Sentiment
Cynthia Brackin
Location:
Submitted At: 5:21am 07-02-25
We do not need these in our city. If someone needs cannabis, there are plenty of dispensaries and delivery services. There is no reason to introduce these businesses to the Redondo Beach community, where our children will encounter them every day. Please oppose this.
Grace Peng
Location:
Submitted At: 9:13pm 07-01-25
I strongly support medical cannabis and voted to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal consumption. But, I do not support retail dispensaries for recreational cannabis.
I lived in Colorado when they legalized recreational cannabis and saw the rise in DUI. The data is clear. When cannabis is legal, poly-drug DUI and road deaths due to DUI increase. https://www.codot.gov/safety/impaireddriving/druggeddriving/data I get around our city primarily by ebike. I would be endangered by more cannabis use. We don't have protected bike lanes in the Artesia Corridor or anywhere in North Redondo Beach. I have to share the roads with drivers who could kill me at any time with an "oopsie". I do not want retail cannabis here in RB or anywhere Lepsa Smith
Location:
Submitted At: 7:53pm 07-01-25
THIS IS FANTASTIC!
Delivery of Cannabis is happening every day around us. The industry has invested in us, we can collect tax revenues, and reap the rewards of legalization.
By reading this report, the City has invested millions into this program, through eight years of multiple City Council’s and dozens and dozens of public input.
Regardless of your stance on legalization, the Federal Government is moving ahead. President Biden initiated the process and was more favorable to this industry than any prior Administration.
The number of Alcohol retail stores in Redondo Beach is at a record high. Yet, national sales are down. What are we doing to improve our business climate? We can regulate our business licenses, and our ability to have our City business processes, regulate them.
Those that are opposing this also support prohibition, which is the opposite of what this is. How did prohibition go for everyone?
Bring these activities out of the shadows, out of the corners of illicit deals. This is happening everywhere around us.
Adriana Hernandez
Location:
Submitted At: 6:31pm 07-01-25
I am opposed to retail cannabis; it normalizes and increases youth use.
Michael Spalding
Location:
Submitted At: 6:29pm 07-01-25
I am strongly opposed to this measure. Bringing retail cannabis to Redondo Beach is not something that will benefit quality of life in our community and it carries many risks for our young people.
Nohealani Wunderlich
Location:
Submitted At: 6:27pm 07-01-25
I opposition to Agenda Item N.1. 25-0861 regarding the initiation and release of the City’s commercial retail cannabis permit application process.
While I understand the potential economic benefits that cannabis retail may offer, I urge the Council not to mistake procedural readiness for true community readiness.
We are being asked to authorize a process that could significantly reshape our city—without a comprehensive public dialogue around zoning impacts, community health, youth exposure, and equity for small businesses.
These are not just operational details—they are core to the long-term well-being and identity of our community.
This decision deserves more than administrative momentum. It deserves a thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive approach that reflects the values and concerns of the people who live here—not just those seeking permits.
I respectfully ask that you pause this process, hold deeper community forums, and ensure that any path forward is rooted not just in policy—but in shared responsibility and care for our city’s future.
Mahalo!
Brianna Egan
Location:
Submitted At: 6:17pm 07-01-25
This has been a yearslong process with many meetings and deliberations over guidelines and RFP criteria for commercial retail cannabis in the city. In the interim, the market has changed and research on the impact of cannabis legalization and retail cannabis on youth has been published. The literature is clear on the impacts of cannabis on the developing brain -- posing increased risk for development of mental health issues including anxiety and depression, an association with development of schizophrenia and psychosis, and impacts to cognition and academic performance. Youth who live in cities with retail cannabis are more likely to use cannabis and experience worse mental health.
I echo the concerns raised by many parents here. I think the retail cannabis ordinance needs to be revisited and perhaps a repeat vote of the electorate held in light of new data. It will be hard to go back on this decision after an RFP is issued.
Richie Reed
Location:
Submitted At: 6:15pm 07-01-25
Please consider the community. We don’t need cannabis stores here. Let’s think about the kids. Redondo beach is a wonderful town and community… let’s keep it that way and plan for the future in more creative ways. We can do it. Without cannabis stores. Thank you for your consideration Jennifer Egan-Spalding
Location:
Submitted At: 6:10pm 07-01-25
I strongly oppose retail cannabis in Redondo Beach. I have been a proud resident of this community for 46 years, and I love this city more than words can express. As the parent of two current Redondo Union students and one recent graduate, I am deeply concerned that cannabis storefronts send the wrong message to our youth by normalizing its use. I urge our city leaders to respect the values of our community and uphold the will of the voters.
Larry Bayless
Location:
Submitted At: 6:05pm 07-01-25
I strongly oppose the introduction of cannabis businesses in Redondo Beach. I am concerned about the impact that the normalization of cannabis could have on our youth. Additionally, as others have pointed out, the current state regulation is not working, cannabis sales are declining, taxes are not being paid by these businesses, and Redondo Beach residents have already overwhelmingly voted against cannabis in our city.
Tijen Loubert
Location:
Submitted At: 5:52pm 07-01-25
Please PAUSE all cannabis activity within the city of Redondo Beach and ban retail storefront dispensaries.
There have been numerous data-driven studies showing direct correlations between youth exposure and normalization from retail cannabis and an increase in likelihood of future usage. I encourage you to conduct a survey of all Redondo Beach residents or to put this issue on the ballot before opening up an RFP for store-front cannabis applications.
km mm
Location:
Submitted At: 5:40pm 07-01-25
I urge you to reject any proposals allowing retail cannabis dispensaries in [City Name]. Voters already said NO to Measure E, and many residents voiced strong opposition during the first reading—yet our feedback has been ignored.
Dispensaries pose serious risks to youth, increase public safety concerns, and threaten the family-friendly character of our neighborhoods. The supposed economic benefits do not outweigh the long-term costs to our community.
Please respect the will of the voters and the concerns of your constituents.
Susan Reuben
Location:
Submitted At: 5:39pm 07-01-25
I strongly oppose retail cannabis storefronts in Redondo Beach. I am concerned with the negative impact on the youth of our city and the normalization of cannabis on our city’s youth. If the council wishes to pursue this issue further, I would urge the city council to seek input from all Redondo Beach residents through a city-wide survey or a ballot measure. I concur with all the comments opposing this issue. Also, it is well known that the cannabis industry is failing. Cannabis store owners owe 1.3 billion dollars in taxes to the state of California. Bringing a failing industry to our city is a bad idea.
Wendy Vinzant
Location:
Submitted At: 5:33pm 07-01-25
I strongly oppose retail cannabis storefronts in Redondo Beach. I am concerned with the negative impact on the youth of our city and the normalization of cannabis on our city’s youth. If the council wishes to pursue this issue further, I would urge the city council to seek input from all Redondo Beach residents through a city-wide survey or a ballot measure.
Wei-Min Kuo
Location:
Submitted At: 5:24pm 07-01-25
I am writing to express my strong opposition to retail cannabis storefronts in Redondo Beach. As a resident and parent, I am deeply concerned about the long-term impact these businesses could have on our community.
Storefront dispensaries increase the risk of youth exposure to cannabis, bring additional traffic and safety concerns, and could alter the family-friendly nature of our city. While I understand that some may support regulated access for adults, placing cannabis shops in our neighborhoods—especially near schools, parks, and residential areas—is not the right move for Redondo. Our city should be focused on fostering safe, healthy environments for families and children, not opening the door to a retail industry that comes with well-documented risks. I urge the City Council to reject this proposal.
Winda Mak
Location:
Submitted At: 5:21pm 07-01-25
I strongly oppose retail cannabis storefronts in Redondo Beach. Allowing commercial cannabis activities threatens the character of our community and raises serious concerns about public safety, youth exposure, and overall quality of life. Increased access to cannabis could lead to higher crime rates, impaired driving incidents, and negative health impacts, especially among young people. Additionally, the presence of cannabis storefronts may deter families and tourists, potentially affecting local businesses and property values. Redondo Beach has long been a family-friendly, vibrant coastal city, and introducing retail cannabis establishments contradicts the community values that residents cherish. I urge the City Council to prioritize public safety and community wellbeing by rejecting these ordinances.
Jill Love
Location:
Submitted At: 5:14pm 07-01-25
My name is Jill Love, and I’m a resident of District 4 and oppose allowing permits for cannabis shops. My kids are students at Washington Elementary and Adams Middle School, and we often walk to school and other places like Blue Salt Fish Grill, Menchie’s, El Tarasco, Coffee Bean, and Rod’s. We also live within walking distance of the vape and liquor stores on Artesia. We would love to have a vibrant family-friendly commercial area that encourages us to spend our time and money right in our own neighborhood. Cannabis shops are the antithesis of what I want in my neighborhood. We already have plenty of vape stores and liquor stores within half a mile of my home. Knowing our city and its placement of less ideal establishments in North Redondo, a cannabis shop would likely end up in North Redondo, along with the others already here. We need more family-friendly shops that will make me proud to live and shop right here without having to explain the dangers of all these shops to my kids.
Please think of families in our community and do not allow these shops in our city.
Mariko Fair
Location:
Submitted At: 4:56pm 07-01-25
I strongly oppose retail cannabis shops in Redondo Beach. Our city has over 10,000 school-aged children within 6-square miles, and we do not want these shops visible and accessible within our small city limits. If the issue is revenue, then stop making it so difficult for small businesses to succeed on Artesia and throughout North Redondo especially. Make it easier for more restaurants and (non-cannabis, non-liquor) stores to thrive and grow.
Please stop treating North Redondo like the evil stepsister of South Redondo. Make decisions that are truly in the best interest of our entire community.
Maricela Guillermo
Location:
Submitted At: 4:07pm 07-01-25
We STRONGLY oppose any retail storefront cannabis in our town. Please PROTECT OUR YOUTH. We request and urge you, as our elected representatives, to listen to the voices of the people. The majority of Redondo Beach residents have clearly expressed their opposition to retail cannabis stores in our community. It is your responsibility to ensure that the views of your constituents are respected. If there is any doubt about the public’s opinion, the only democratic and fair course of action is to allow the voters to decide through a ballot initiative.
Why would any of you, or any resident, oppose that idea? This is about democracy and representative governance.
While proponents often highlight the potential tax revenue from cannabis sales, the reality may not align with those promises. Many cities that have legalized cannabis stores have found that the financial benefits were not as significant as projected, and the additional costs for law enforcement and regulation can outweigh the revenue. It is critical that the council carefully weigh these potential pitfalls. What are the unintended costs (e.g., law enforcement, public health, public safety, traffic, etc.) that the city WOULD incur on an annual basis if retail cannabis stores are allowed?
DON'T IGNORE US! THIS IS A MATTER OF TRUST!
Tamika Myers
Location:
Submitted At: 3:44pm 07-01-25
I strongly oppose retail storefront dispensaries in Redondo Beach. I have school aged children and we should prioritize health and safety first. I strongly believe and there are studies that prove the benefits do not outweigh the risks of youth mental health, as well as the lung and heart health of everyone. We do not want normalize the use of cannabis amongst our youth. I have lived in this community for almost 20 years and a storefront dispensary will absolutely will negatively impact our youth and the community as a whole. I believe most residents do not want this to happen, please take into consideration the people who actually matter and who will be directly affected by this. Put this on the ballot if possible and give the residents a fair shot to speak on what goes on in their communities. Again, I oppose store dispensaries in Redondo Beach.
Rick McQuillin
Location:
Submitted At: 3:24pm 07-01-25
Please hold on any RFQs/RFPs for weed shops on ARTesia or anywhere in north Redondo Beach.
I’m working hard to activate ARTesia. I’m afraid of what legal weed will do to the boulevard and community. For example, I wonder about the two swim schools. Will a parent choose to send their child to a swim school with a weed shop on the street, or just go to Begg pool? And if the pools close, what will become of those specialized properties? Fill in the pools?
I know it’s taken the city a long time to craft the ordinance. But let’s please avoid the “sunk costs” fallacy in finance, also called “don’t cry over spilled milk”: No matter how much time and energy and expense you’ve spent on something, that’s over, and the only question that matters is “what’s the best thing to do now”? I look at it this way: we’re lucky it took a long time. Because we’ve all learned so much more about weed over the last five years, and the news is all bad (some below). We have dodged a bullet. If you’d made the decision more hastily, we’d be in a world of misery in 2025 and trying to get out of it, like Pueblo, CO. It might work in resort towns, but not in places with working, aspiring families. Maybe you instinctively moved slowly, and it turns out your instincts were excellent.
If nothing else, please pause. Let’s see what we can do to improve the boulevard. My goal will be to get more revenues from healthy, positive, family, growth, and aspirational businesses than we can from weed stores.
Some past articles:
The Rise and Fall of the ‘Napa Valley of Cannabis’ (Pueblo, CO):
https://www.wsj.com/us-news/marijuana-weed-economy-colorado-puebloa8b89091?st=RDbWh3&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink A Times series on the fallout of legal pot in California - Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-09-08/a-series-on-the-fallout-of-legal-weed-in-california Elton John: Legalization of Weed is 'One of the Greatest Mistakes' Ever https://variety.com/2024/music/news/elton-john-legalization-of-marijuana-greatest-mistakes-of-all-time1236246690/ Lara Duke
Location:
Submitted At: 2:11pm 07-01-25
I support Retail Cannabis in Redondo Beach.
The City Council needs to move forward on the Cannabis store question. This has all been such a time and money kill. There seems to be endless time spent on where they should go. But at some point you just need to pull the trigger. I don't think liquor store placements were given this much air time, yet alcohol is the real gateway drug. All the parents sweating their kids smoking a joint (whether legal or not) are probably the same ones drinking a six pack of beer or a bottle of wine every night. Further the "kid card" is played way too often, when the shops will be screening anyway to make sure it's an adult buying the product. In the meantime, by not moving on legal cannabis shops, the city is denying adults the convenience of a local shop (and there would only be two shops), denying the city the tax revenue it would generate, and also fueling the black market by their inaction.
Rebecca Zino
Location:
Submitted At: 1:40pm 07-01-25
I oppose retail cannabis shops in Redondo Beach. I am concerned with the negative impact on the youth of our city and the normalization of cannabis to our city’s youth. If the council does want to pursue this issue further I would urge the city council to seek input from all of the Redondo Beach residents through a city wide survey or ballot measure.
Nicole Bayless
Location:
Submitted At: 1:37pm 07-01-25
I am against any retail cannabis stores in Redondo Beach. Our children do not need the normalization of cannabis. New studies have determined there are negative effects, including psychological effects, from cannabis use. I have consistently voted against retail cannabis in Redondo. Please respect my vote and the votes of others who voted similarly.
Elizabeth Corte
Location:
Submitted At: 11:40am 07-01-25
I am a life long resident of the South Bay and homeowner in Redondo Beach with 3 children in RBUSD. I strongly oppose all retail cannabis in Redondo Beach.
Rachel Lonsdale
Location:
Submitted At: 11:33am 07-01-25
I strongly oppose. Please consider the youth of our city and do not allow retail cannabis shops.
Marie Puterbaugh
Location:
Submitted At: 11:29am 07-01-25
Personally, I don't think we should entertain opening a retail cannabis store at this time. I believe there are enough smoke shops on Artesia and drugs are easy enough to get. I want to be clear however, if Council succeeds in tougher regulation of the existing shops, I will welcome a more highly regulated retail cannabis dispensary in the future. I am not opposed to retail cannabis entirely, I just feel like we have them already with the smoke shops as they are not properly regulated. I would like to see proper regulation of the smoke shops first to "prove" that a retail cannabis dispensary would not be a problem. I just don't think now is the time to do this and would suggest city council work on regulating what we have now and revisit a dispensary at a later date.
Nate Mahan
Location:
Submitted At: 11:22am 07-01-25
Dear Council,
I strongly support retail cannabis initiatives in our community. All of these arguments about retail cannabis “affecting our impressionable youth” are baseless and misguided. The harder you try to keep something from youth the more you spark their curiosity, and given the ease of access outside our community you are just pushing the youth to pursue these endeavors in increasingly risky manner.
The community plan here should be simple and has been tried and true. To control something, legalize it and put regulations in place. Take your cut of the taxes and dedicate that to educating youth about the dangers of cannabis if you want, there will be plenty of funds for D.A.R.E. campaigns. But to say that you are protecting the youth by not allowing it in your community completely overlooks the ease of access, and forfeits the ability control and regulate. Not to mention forfeiting the financial benefits of tax revenue.
Right now there are plenty of people using cannabis in our community and that isn’t going to stop. The only thing that you achieve by preventing retail cannabis, is throwing away the money and control that you could have in service of misguided efforts to shelter and protect our youth. It’s parent’s responsibility to speak with and educate their children on the use of these completely legal substances, not the city council’s. This is clearly evidenced by the retail sale of alcohol and tobacco in our community, which are equally dangerous to our “impressionable youth.”
Finally, look to all of the other places in our great nation that have legalized retail cannabis with success, and focus on how you will use the resources gained to benefit our community and quality of life for all citizens. I support retail cannabis.
Thank you!
Jimena Cabrera
Location:
Submitted At: 11:08am 07-01-25
I strongly oppose retail cannabis stores in our community. I concur with all the comments opposing this issue.
Also, it is well known that the cannabis industry is failing. Cannabis store owners owe 1.3 billion dollars in taxes to the state of California. Bringing a failing industry to our city is a bad idea.
Karine Nelson
Location:
Submitted At: 10:04am 07-01-25
Dear Council,
I strongly oppose retail cannabis in Redondo Beach. Opening legal retail cannabis does not guarantee that illegal cannabis activity will seize to exist within our city limits. It does however guarantee a normalcy and acceptance of a constant cannabis store- front presence within our city. For the sake of our youth and our family-friendly and safe community, I do not want our city to normalize the use of cannabis.
In order for a business to survive, we all know that it must advertise. Certainly, this marketing will reach our community and will therefore also reach the impressionable, young minds within our community.
I understand that some adult residents and especially the senior residents expressed a wish to use cannabis within our city and I respect their choice. They can already have it legally and safely delivered to their homes. We voted for our city to collect tax revenue from the sale of delivered cannabis. The majority of our voters also rejected opening store front cannabis in Redondo Beach.
Currently, our Redondo Beach community enjoys a reputation of being a family friendly city. Let's keep our familyfriendly and safe community and please not replace it with a destination for cannabis tourism.
The voters and city councils of our neighboring beach communities rejected retail cannabis within their city limits.
If Redondo Beach allows store-front cannabis, I am concerned that the tourism we'll attract will have a specific intent of seeking cannabis by the sea. Let's please not encourage this reason to travel to our city and keep our family-friendly destination. I strongly oppose opening retail cannabis within Redondo Beach city limits.
Paul Furie
Location:
Submitted At: 8:20am 07-01-25
I strongly oppose the opening of retail cannabis stores in Redondo Beach. I believe it would help normalize cannabis use among our impressionable youth. Residents that choose to lawfully purchase cannabis could still do so through the mail, or take a short drive to a nearby town. The city council had the opportunity to shut this down months ago, but instead is dragging out this unpopular issue as long as possible and seems to be presenting a public "comment" moment for each step of this process. Let's move on.
Pastora Cayuri
Location:
Submitted At: 7:59am 07-01-25
I strongly oppose the opening of cannabis retail stores in Redondo Beach. As a grandmother of two high school children at Redondo Union, I ask the council members to uphold the wishes of the residents and stop all retail cannabis activity in our beautiful city.
Amy Gammill
Location:
Submitted At: 7:58am 07-01-25
Subject: Opposition to Retail Cannabis in Redondo Beach Dear Honorable City Council Members,
I am writing as a concerned resident to express my strong opposition to the introduction of retail cannabis businesses in Redondo Beach.
The majority of residents have made it clear that they do not support retail cannabis in our city. Whether through public comment, community meetings, or survey data, it is evident that the people of Redondo Beach are not in favor of this change.
As our elected representatives, it is your duty to uphold the will of the community you serve. Allowing retail cannabis against the clear wishes of the majority would undermine the trust between residents and city leadership.
Redondo Beach is a family-oriented, coastal community that prides itself on safety, quality of life, and responsible development. Retail cannabis does not align with these values and poses unnecessary risks to our neighborhoods.
I urge you to listen to your constituents and reject any efforts to approve or expand retail cannabis operations in Redondo Beach
Aida Shaw
Location:
Submitted At: 12:21am 07-01-25
I oppose the opening of dispensaries in our beautiful city. I just came back from Colorado where it is difficult to get away from the stink everywhere you go!
Joanna Edwards
Location:
Submitted At: 10:47pm 06-30-25
I oppose having retail cannabis stores in our city. The will of the people is clear on this issue. There are plenty of stores in nearby cities for those who choose to buy cannabis. Just go a few blocks down the road and you’ll find plenty of shops to buy from. No need to have them here. Plus, tax revenues are down 73% from their height in 2020, with cannabis operators currently averaging only $69,950.74 per license with back taxes of more than $300 million owed. For these reasons and so many more,
Deb Turner
Location:
Submitted At: 10:43pm 06-30-25
I fully oppose this and am against cannabis retail. I urge our elected officials of Redondo Beach to take the residents & your neighbors into consideration and pause/stop this. The people of Redondo Beach have spoken and made it clear that we are opposed to this in our city.
Ellaine Sumner
Location:
Submitted At: 9:49pm 06-30-25
I oppose opening storefront cannabis dispensaries in our city. Please listen to RB residents and protect our children.
Irene Yamazaki
Location:
Submitted At: 9:47pm 06-30-25
I oppose opening storefront cannabis dispensaries in our city. Please listen to RB residents and protect our children.
Sheila Sluk
Location:
Submitted At: 9:46pm 06-30-25
I oppose cannabis retail in Redondo Beach. This is not a positive developmental direction or aligned with how we should be growing the character of our community. Please pause any action and survey residents or allow them to vote and have a say in this important, city changing decision. ivana postachian
Location:
Submitted At: 9:45pm 06-30-25
I am urging the city council to pause in all cannabis activity within the city of Redondo Beach and to ban retail storefront dispensaries. I encourage you to conduct a survey of all Redondo Beach residents or to put this issue on the ballot.
1. Public Health Crisis: There is an ongoing, unresolved failure by the CA Dept of Cannabis Congrol to ensure that commercial cannabis supplies are safe for consumers. The ongoing regulatory failures, corruption, falsification of laboratory testing results and contaminant concerns (pesticides, fentanyl, heavy metals) are yet to be resolved.
2. Storefront Dispensaries Normalize and Increase Youth Cannabis Use: Per the CA Dept of Public Health, retail cannabis dispensaries increase youth use by 26%, normalize youth cannabis use and negatively impact youth mental health.
Stephanni Bacher
Location:
Submitted At: 8:55pm 06-30-25
I am urging the city council to pause in all cannabis activity within the city of Redondo Beach and to ban retail storefront dispensaries. I encourage you to conduct a survey of all Redondo Beach residents or to put this issue on the ballot.
Linda Rosenfeld
Location:
Submitted At: 8:10pm 06-30-25
I am writing to support retail cannabis in Redondo Beach. I believe it is safe for our community, it will bring much needed tax revenue, and provide local residents with alternative medicine other than pharmaceutical drugs.
Verena ST
Location:
Submitted At: 8:09pm 06-30-25
I'm against advancing with any cannabis related business and oppose allowing dispensaries in our town. I expect our representatives to honor the will of the people they represent.
Debra Koven
Location:
Submitted At: 7:48pm 06-30-25
I urge the city council to pause in all cannabis activity within the city of Redondo Beach and to ban retail storefront dispensaries. I encourage you to conduct a survey of all Redondo Beach residents so their opinions can be considered. In the alternative, put this issue on the ballot.
Liz Koutures
Location:
Submitted At: 7:36pm 06-30-25
Strongly oppose!
Maureen Conway
Location:
Submitted At: 7:09pm 06-30-25
I support the dispensary in the south bay as a long time resident Anneke Blair
Location:
Submitted At: 5:33pm 06-30-25
I request an immediate pause on all cannabis activity and a ban on retail storefront dispensaries. I urge you to survey residents or put this issue directly on the ballot.
Ongoing public health risks exist due to the state's failure to ensure safe cannabis products, with concerns about contaminants and falsified testing. Retail dispensaries increase youth cannabis use by 26%, normalize it, and harm youth mental health.
The will of Redondo Beach residents is clear: 75% voted against retail cannabis in 2022 via Measure E, and public opposition remains strong. Financially, cannabis revenues are significantly declining, with large revenue drops reported statewide and decreasing tax revenues for licensees.
AC Co
Location:
Submitted At: 5:06pm 06-30-25
No means no - No to retail cannabis shops in RB. Delivery only to keep our kids safe.
1._ _Data from the group at UCSF that clearly linked retail cannabis storefronts with poorer youth mental health issues and increased youth use and normalization
2._ _Data from the UCSF group showing that smoking cannabis or ingesting edibles have the same negative effects in lung and heart health that smoking tobacco does, although via a different pathway. The impact of these on our youth will be devastating and we are only just beginning to see the effects.
3._ _Data from the City of LA Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) issued a report stating that tax revenues per licensee are down 73% from their height in 2020, with cannabis operators currently averaging $69,950.74 per license.
Cee-Cee Murphy
Location:
Submitted At: 4:57pm 06-30-25
Please follow the lead of our neighboring Beach Cities. No cannabis dispensaries in our neighborhoods. There are better ways of generating revenue.
Nikki Vasquez
Location:
Submitted At: 4:55pm 06-30-25
I am a long time resident with two children In the redondo school system. I have sent in several comments and spoken at several council meetings. The residents have overwhelmingly spoken up about this! We do not want this. Find other ways to make revenue. We are a beautiful city - please keep it that way! Rogerio Barros Silva
Location:
Submitted At: 4:49pm 06-30-25
19 years resident of Redondo Beach.
I strongly oppose to the legalization of cannabis business in Redondo Beach and urge the City Council to say NO to the lincenses for cannabis business in our community! Mariam Butler
Location:
Submitted At: 4:25pm 06-30-25
I want to emphasize that residents of District 4, as well as those in District 5, do not want to see more unwanted businesses, particularly cannabis dispensaries, in our neighborhoods. This sentiment is clearly reflected in a community poll conducted by Councilmember Behrendt months ago. At all meetings, where cannabis is discussed, the super majority of residents have commented, called in and attended the council meetings saying NO.
Why is this such a concern? The safety of our children is at risk. The introduction of cannabis dispensaries in our area would negatively impact our schools and our youth.
While we cannot prevent liquor stores, we do have the ability to prevent cannabis dispensaries. Redondo does not need more undesirable businesses. To prioritize the safety and well-being of our children, I urge the council to vote against allowing any cannabis dispensaries in RB.
I have spoken up many times saying we need to increase sales revenue in the city. We can so this by focusing on the mall and attracting desirable businesses to our city. Dispensaries are not the way.
Steve Randall
Location:
Submitted At: 3:14pm 06-30-25
Don't we need the revenue? Would be disingenuous to keep screaming about that and not allow a legal business in town.
Anna Luke-Jones
Location:
Submitted At: 12:43pm 06-30-25
As a resident, property owner, parent of RBUSD students, local government employee in the South Bay, and advocate for the beautiful City of Redondo Beach, I urge the City Council to discontinue all efforts toward bringing any cannabis activity/business to Redondo Beach. Cannabis dispensaries, regardless of the restrictions, are not the answer to fiscal troubles. How can Redondo Beach uphold a reputation as a Blue Zone while moving in this direction? I'm so disappointed that this initiative has come this far. There are nearly 1,500 dispensaries in LA County - one thousand five hundred!!!! What is the real reason for introducing it to Redondo Beach? There is no crisis regarding access to cannabis for those who want it. Certainly, with the 15 existing smoke shops in town, there are enough gateway drug opportunities for those who want it. Just thinking about the insane amount of staff time that has gone into this initiative when it could have been spent on projects that improve the lives of Redondo Beach residents makes me incredibly sad and disappointed. The Artesia corridor and Perry Park have reputations of being seedy, druggie hangouts. It's disturbing that this initiative is being considered.
The City's park bathrooms have keypad entry. I've personally found a used condom and wrapper on the grass near the Perry Park playground. There are no soap dispensers in the bathrooms at Perry Park - the thousands of visits from children who utilize the bathrooms during Little League, basketball practice, birthday parties and playdates can't wash their hands or use the bathroom without memorizing the keypad entry code. Who needs soap and a safe bathroom when the kiddos will be able to buy pot after they graduate from Redondo Union? Of all the reputations to pursue, the gateway drug city of the South Bay? The priorities are completely off kilter.
Please, do not pursue this measure. The money isn't worth it.
Karen Reed
Location:
Submitted At: 9:52am 06-30-25
This RFP should not be released due to the fact that the residents of the City do not want retail cannabis in Redondo Beach. When Measure E was defeated, I think a lot of people incorrectly assumed that we wouldn't have retail cannabis in our little beach side city. What they didn't understand is it just meant we wouldn't have THREE stores. Now the City Council is trying to move forward with an RFP to allow TWO stores here. This would make Redondo Beach the only city in the South Bay with legal retail cannabis. El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach have all upheld their bans on retail cannabis. While the City is looking for revenue generation, retail cannabis is not the answer. In the first quarter of 2025, cannabis revenue saw a decline of 11%.
Why are we focusing on businesses that will not bring long term revenue and rejuvenation to our City? Redondo is the largest beachfront city in the South Bay. Businesses and revenue should be booming in comparison to our neighbors. Yet, the City is full of missed opportunities - our pier is in disrepair, Artesia Blvd is failing, empty store fronts along PCH, and South Bay galleria isn't even safe after dark. Allowing retail cannabis is not the answer for bringing revenue to the City. It will drive other businesses away. The City Council should focus on a larger plan to revitalize the areas within the City which could be points of interest but have instead become pass throughs.
Melissa Dechandt
Location:
Submitted At: 12:11am 06-30-25
I am urging the city council to pause in all cannabis activity within the city of Redondo Beach and to ban retail storefront dispensaries. I encourage you to conduct a survey of all Redondo Beach residents or to put this issue on the ballot.
1. Public Health Crisis: There is an ongoing, unresolved failure by the CA Dept of Cannabis Congrol to ensure that commercial cannabis supplies are safe for consumers. The ongoing regulatory failures, corruption, falsification of laboratory testing results and contaminant concerns (pesticides, fentanyl, heavy metals) are yet to be resolved.
2. Storefront Dispensaries Normalize and Increase Youth Cannabis Use: Per the CA Dept of Public Health, retail cannabis dispensaries increase youth use by 26%, normalize youth cannabis use and negatively impact youth mental health.
3. Will of Redondo Beach Residents: In 2022, 75% of Redondo Beach voters said “no” to the repeal of the city ban on non-medical marijuana businesses and to three storefront cannabis dispensaries and the repeal of the city ban on non-medical marijuana businesses via Measure E. Over the last nine months, residents have consistently indicated that they do not want retail cannabis in Redondo Beach.
4. Declining Cannabis Revenues: The largest revenue drop in the history of CA’s legal cannabis was reported, with an 11% drop from 2024 to 2025. The LA Dept of Cannabis Regulation issued a report stating that tax revenues per licensee are down 73% from their height in 2020, with cannabis operators currently averaging only $69,950.74 per license with back taxes of more than $300 million owed.
Beth Kebschull
Location:
Submitted At: 1:37pm 06-29-25
Firstly, thank you, Council Members, and thank you, City Staff, for your excellent work this year creating a Conditional Use Permit process for smoke shops in Redondo Beach. This process will finally allow the city to limit the number of new smoke shops and require existing shops to meet requirements regarding their appearance and business practices, improving the safety and visual appeal of our commercial districts.
Regarding marijuana dispensaries, I and my neighbors have always hoped to avoid having dispensaries in the city. The only good argument we have heard in favor of dispensaries was that they might help us curb the illegal sale of marijuana through unlicensed smoke shops. But now, with smoke shops better regulated, there is no longer a reason to have licensed marijuana dispensaries in our community. Those who need marijuana products for medical conditions can purchase it elsewhere or have it delivered. Dispensaries are just undesirable. The Administrative Report on this agenda item states, "The City of Redondo Beach has complete discretion in deciding whether to invite applications for commercial retail cannabis permits." I urge the city council to use its discretion to DECLINE to invite applications for retail cannabis permits. Again, thank you for your work.
Agenda Item: eComments for P.1. 25-0964 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION RELATED TO UPDATES TO THE STRUCTURE
OF CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, INCLUDING POTENTIAL ELIMINATION OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION AND
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE YOUTH COMMISSION
Overall Sentiment
Grace Peng
Location:
Submitted At: 9:22pm 07-01-25
I strongly oppose the elimination of the Public Safety Commission. The Police and Fire Depts are the largest items in our city budgets and they benefit from independent citizen oversight. Also, I strongly believe that these commissions should be free of political interference and retaliation.
I also oppose decreasing the number of adult advisors on the Youth Commission. I agree with Brianna Egan's suggestion that we could stipulate that 1 of the advisors is a young adult.
Lepsa Smith
Location:
Submitted At: 7:07pm 07-01-25
I’ll make this simple:
Redondo Beach Police Department Union President, Robert Carlborg, while on duty does the following:
First recent incident:
Post a heinous anti-gay picture while on duty, in uniform. City Response: Send him to a few hours of “sensitivity training”.
-Case No: LA-CE-1638-M Date Filed: 04/17/2023 PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD How much will this cost us?
Second recent incident:
““If you want to stay in [the] canine unit, I can push you down the stairs or kick you in the stomach.” -Washington Post
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/09/13/daryn-glenn-lawsuit-canine/ How much will this cost us? So far, the potential costs are $2,000,000, plus attorney fees.
City of Redondo Beach Response: THE OFFICER NEEDS A MENTAL HEALTH EXAMINATION. https://www.ourweekly.com/2023/10/18/former-black-redondo-beach-officer-sues-emotional-distress/ RBPD SHOOTS UNARMED RESIDENT OF REDONDO BEACH:
““Based on this evidence, a reasonable jury could find that the City has indeed failed to adequately train its officers,” wrote the court. “
“Both parties agree that after Luke Carlson was shot, he “did not resist at all.”” https://easyreadernews.com/court-rules-against-city-redondo-police-shooting-case-heads-toward-trial/ Total cost: $1,800,000
RB FIRE Department lawsuit
Jason Johnson Vs. City of Redondo Beach settlement: $1,900,000 African American Trainee sues for discrimination against the City due to harassment while being a trainee. How many African Americans are the Fire Department? Zero. Zip. Zilch.
How many Women? One (recently).
This can be summed up as the Mayor, Council, and City Staff want to do what they want and whatever they want.
They do not care about Public Safety, they care about what they want. The Public Safety Commission should be the Bond Oversight Committee: I elected Austin Carmichael, Anneke Blair, and Gilbert M Escontrias.
Lastly, the City hired a law firm that specializes in Mental Health, HIPAA specifically. This was under the failed proposal by the City Attorney to open the City of Redondo Beach Mental Health for Homeless initiative. Go ask them for an opinion; clearly, the City Attorney can’t give an opinion.
Maricela Guillermo
Location:
Submitted At: 6:04pm 07-01-25
As a resident, I find it deeply troubling to read the title of Item P1, especially in the context of ongoing concerns within our community, such as the impact of the BeachLife Festival on our Police and Fire departments, the potential release of a cannabis RFP despite widespread community opposition, homelessness, short-term rentals, and other issues coming before the City Council. The Public Safety Commission (PSC) was established as a platform for residents to report and be heard on public safety issues impacting quality of life within our community.
While I appreciate that the City’s public safety departments have implemented a number of proactive community engagement programs that routinely facilitate public dialogue and feedback, residents are not simply seeking dialogue. We are looking for concrete actions to address the issues affecting our quality of life.
Both Chiefs have expressed concerns that substantive discussions of operational issues during Public Safety Commission meetings could inadvertently place the City at risk of violating state and federal laws. In response, I believe it would be beneficial for the Chiefs to provide an in-service to the commissioners on sensitive and confidential topics, as well as establish a clear referral process to the appropriate city departments. Additionally, a list of topics that cannot be publicly discussed in an open meeting should be provided. This would help clarify the limitations of the PSC and allow for more focused discussions.
The request from the Chiefs to eliminate the PSC is outrageous and warrants investigation by the appropriate parties. As government employees, we are all subject to public scrutiny, including the operations of the Fire and Police departments. How can the Chiefs have the audacity to suggest that we "provide other opportunities for current commissioners to serve in more efficient and productive ways"? These commissioners are here to serve the residents, and if both departments are operating as they should, no concerns should exist regarding the PSC’s work.
Brianna Egan
Location:
Submitted At: 5:49pm 07-01-25
I oppose the proposed elimination of the Public Safety Commission. The commission plays an important oversight role and is composed of active and engaged Redondo Beach residents who engage in productive discussions around public safety from a wide range of perspectives, including police, fire, EMS, and traffic safety.
Employees in the police department and fire department are some of our highest paid employees in the city. It's important to have a commission to provide transparency around public safety activities, where funding is going, and offer a forum to ask questions. The nature of this item seems politicized and unnecessary. If changes need to be made to protect confidentiality, let's find solutions and adopt protocols, rather than dissolving the commission entirely.
With regards to changes on the Youth Commission, I have been very glad to see students become engaged and involved in the Youth Commission. I think the 2-year terms makes sense, bringing commissioners more in line with terms for other commissions. I do not support the reduction of adult members from 3 to 1. I would encourage instead to outline 1-2 positions for Young Adults ages 18-35, who have overlapping interests with youth and can help mentor youth members on the commission. This would help to build generational gaps and provide an opportunity for young people in college or post-college to be involved in local government. km mm
Location:
Submitted At: 5:32pm 07-01-25
I strongly oppose the proposed elimination of the Public Safety Commission under item P.1 (25-0964). While legal and efficiency considerations are important, dissolving this body poses a real risk of reducing transparency and limiting residents' ability to directly influence public safety decisions. Any restructuring must strengthen, not weaken, community participation and oversight. We must not sacrifice public input in the name of administrative streamlining.
Alex Fineman
Location:
Submitted At: 4:40pm 07-01-25
I am a resident of District 3 and I am opposed to the elimination of the Public Safety Commission. The sudden appearance of this agenda item, and the lack of transparency and public discussion around the reasons for eliminating the Commission are extremely concerning. If the Police and Fire Chiefs are indeed concerned about the risk of the Commission’s role as a public advisory body, perhaps the City could review any of the many similar Public Safety Commissions in cities around Los Angeles County to determine how they manage laws relating to confidentiality.
Absent such a review, the abrupt elimination of the Public Safety Commission appears capricious at best and retaliatory at worst. In either case, it does not advance the best interests of the City to eliminate the “citizens’ voice in public safety affairs.”
Steve Randall
Location:
Submitted At: 3:19pm 06-30-25
If you have a problem with meeting content of the public safety commission, that's on the city who does the agenda. Only put things on there that wouldn't delve into forbidden sensitive areas. If you have a problem with commissioners code of conduct, that's on the Council to discuss and first try to remedy, then remove a commissioner if you're not satisfied. A police officer usually presides with this commission to keep them on topic.
If your officer can't do that correctly, pick another one who can. If a commissioner doesn't abide by the agenda and the commission rules, remove them. Why is this even on the agenda to discuss based on a meeting two chiefs had with the mayor about this commission? Doesn't pass the smell test. Those chiefs report to the city manager, not the mayor who shouldn't be meeting directly with staff on these kind of topics. The council has one direct report and that's the city manager. Opposed to eliminating the public safety commission. Everyone has a job with changing responsibilities for various reasons but that's not a reason to disband this commission. Looks like someone is reaching very far into the "Phony Justification Bucket" on this. As far as the Youth Commission, good to see more involvement again from students but let's face it, this is just another "certificate to put on their resume" for students now like all the other meaningless awards the city and the chamber and all the other clubs in town bestow on people for showing up but not really doing anything.
Pastora Cayuri
Location:
Submitted At: 8:31am 06-30-25
I am firmly opposed to the dissolution of the Public Safety Commission.
Jimena Cabrera
Location:
Submitted At: 8:28am 06-30-25
I firmly object to the proposed dissolution of the Public Safety Commission. Strengthening this vital body should be the priority, as it serves a critical role in safeguarding the interests of Redondo Beach residents. Those advocating for its dissolution do not have the welfare of the community at heart.
Melissa Dechandt
Location:
Submitted At: 12:14am 06-30-25
I am opposed to dismantling this commission. As someone who has seen the impact of their efforts via street signage and limiting commercial trucks on Palos Verdes Boulevard after a years of resident complaints and no action by the city council, this commission facilitated meetings and solutions. I believe that their role and tasks are important to our city.
Austin Carmichael
Location:
Submitted At: 1:35pm 06-28-25
The Mayor has somehow convinced the City Clerk and City Council that the Public Safety Commission is interfering in city operations and are HIPAA law violators. A little on both of those - our involvement in city operations brought forth our first female fire fighter since 2014 in 2024. Our involvement in city operations yielded movement for the Prospect Corridor Community as well as our Biking community with the lovely bike lanes curbing some of the traffic safety concerns. Our "HIPAA violations" were pushing for a robust Mental Health Program for our entire First Responder Community and their families. This was ahead of the January Fires where among all of the report outs, we heard one fire fighter issue a heartfelt apology for not being able to do more to the impacted community members who attended that meeting. Rather than penalize this Public Safety Commission, we could have had that in place for them as we were pushing for this back in 2024. This is a smokescreen for us as a Commission exposing and reporting waste, fraud, and abuse of government funds ($14M), specifically raised for our enhanced response to homelessness that no one can credibly tell us the public where it went. I have to believe they have consulted lawyers on this but don't think they're gonna get around this very bright line of retaliation as well as we are the only Commission who unanimously and publicly endorsed Nils for Mayor. The Mayor has loose lips and has told way too many people of his retaliatory plans which I am sure will come to light during the forthcoming investigation. The thing about retaliation is timing. Unclear why the City, with us being in a deficit, would expose us to this risk in order to avoid - having the Public Safety Commission be a quazzi oversight commission for the rollout of the fire department retro fits among other things. OH and if you watch the most recent Public Safety Commission Meeting, you'll see that we sent a request to be a part of a subcommittee re: The Crossing Guard issue. Looking at the agenda for 07.01.25, you'll see that is up for consideration, but with a finite number of members. That said, I will run for District 5 City Council next cycle Nainsi Skiba
Location:
Submitted At: 11:38am 06-28-25
I am also a member of the Public Safety Commission, which is a necessary one as it pertains to public safety, quality of life, homelessness, and transparency in the city of Redondo. The majority of its members are deeply concerned about these issues and serving the residents faithfully and consistently. I've heard a rumor aiming to justify dissolving the commission, which claims "we do not accomplish anything" and "never bring anything to the Council." This is rhetoric aimed to justify eliminating a body which is there to serve in an advisory manner to the City Council and which also provides information and transparency on behalf of our residents. We have made numerous suggestions/attempted referrals to staff or Council, yet were informed by the PD Liaison that he "has too much on his plate and does not have time to process those referrals at this time." This has occurred on numerous occasions over a period of months, causing delays and inaction through no fault of the Commission members. Our Commission has one member who is a retired 40-year LAPD detective/supervisor and two investigators. Detectives and investigators ask questions, look for answers, compile information, and seek resolution of issues. You could not hope to find more dedicated Commissioners for Redondo and our residents.
The Public Safety Commission has existed since 1996. Why suddenly would there be a drive to dissolve it? To close down public safety discussions, an informed Redondo public, knowledge and information ? Has a possible law suit been hinted at? I urge the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager to come to the aid of this Commission and to help us to keep it viable and productive. The fact is we care. A LOT.