City Council on 2026-05-12 6:00 PM - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER Meeting Time: 05-12-26 18:00
eComments Report
Meetings Meeting
Time
Agenda
Items
Comments Support Oppose Neutral
City Council on 2026-05-12 6:00 PM -
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
05-12-26
18:00
55 53 38 15 0
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City Council on 2026-05-12 6:00 PM - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 05-12-26 18:00
Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral
N.1. 26-0577 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO INCLUDE AN
LGBTQ-THEMED ART SCULPTURE IN THE ARTESIA BOULEVARD
STRATEGIC ART PLAN
PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF ON THE PROPOSED SCOPE OF
THE LGBTQ-THEMED ART PROJECT
53 38 15 0
Sentiments for All Agenda Items
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Overall Sentiment
Agenda Item: eComments for N.1. 26-0577 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE CULTURAL ARTS
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO INCLUDE AN LGBTQ-THEMED ART SCULPTURE IN THE ARTESIA BOULEVARD
STRATEGIC ART PLAN
PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF ON THE PROPOSED SCOPE OF THE LGBTQ-THEMED ART PROJECT Overall Sentiment
Brian Clark
Location:
Submitted At: 10:17pm 05-12-26
Thank you mayor and council for your efforts to include traditionally marginalized communities in public spaces and for your many very moving statements at tonight's meeting. It means a lot to be seen. This one piece of art may be a LGBTQ-themed statue, but through its existence it shows that all are welcomed and safe in Redondo Beach. In that way, the art is guaranteed to have the broad appeal many mentioned as a requirement of the installation.
Brian Clark (proud member of the Redondo Beach community and the gay community) Laura Dotson
Location:
Submitted At: 7:35pm 05-12-26
I look forward to seeing this sculpture every time I visit the library.
Laura MacMorran
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Submitted At: 7:04pm 05-12-26
Public art serves many purposes. A LGBTQ-themed art piece would convey that this community supports an individual's right to live his/her/their life to the fullest expression. I urge the City to move forward with this project.
Frank Hanzel
Location:
Submitted At: 6:17pm 05-12-26
LGBTQ people reflect the rich diversity of Los Angeles. Approximately 9% of adults in LA County identify as LGBTQ (according to the UCLA Williams Institute, 2024), approximately 665,000 LGBTQ adults. Applying this percentage to Redondo Beach's adult population (approx. 58,000 adults) would suggest an estimated 5,220 LGBTQ residents.
An LGBTQ-themed installation at the North Branch library could help commemorate meaningful local history.
Artesia Blvd was the first location of the South Bay Lesbian and Community Organization, Inc., the predecessor of today's South Bay LGBT Center. In addition, Redondo Beach was the first city in the South Bay to elect an LGBTQ person to serve as mayor.
Art in civic spaces can serve more than an aesthetic purpose. Many installations commemorate local history or marginalized voices, that can help residents feel a sense of belonging and representation in their own city.
Because they exist in public spaces, these installations can also draw attention and stimulate dialogue.
As a longtime city resident, I wholeheartedly encourage the City Council to proceed with the Cultural Arts Commission's recommendation.
Katie Conlon
Location:
Submitted At: 6:06pm 05-12-26
I am a North Redondo Beach resident, and I strongly support an LGBTQ-themed art scuplture on Artesia. I think it's a beautiful way to show a marginalized group that they are welcome and included. I know it would help my queer kid feel safer in his own community.
Laura Henriquez
Location:
Submitted At: 6:00pm 05-12-26
I strongly support the proposed LGBTQ+ art installation at the library. Libraries serve diverse communities, and public art should reflect that diversity. Supporting this installation demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, respect, and the celebration of the many voices that make up our community.
Mary Simun
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Submitted At: 5:29pm 05-12-26
Thank you Honorable Mayor, Council members and Staff for all you do for the community. I am Mary Simun and I stand in full support of an LGBTQ+ themed sculpture at the North Branch RB Library. I apologize for not being able to attend in person tonight. As the President of the Friends of the RBPL, we believe that the library is the heart of a community, and we strive to make it a welcoming, inclusive and safe space for all peoples. We are one of a dwindling number of libraries with zero book bans, and the library offers and the Friends fund a variety of inclusive programs to welcome all people to our shared space. As the Education Director of the South Bay LGBTQ Center we welcome the expression of love for our marginalized community this sculpture will project. We are tired of people and laws trying to push us back into the closet. We are a significant percentage of the human population and we do not deserve to be hidden. We have people and families who come to the Center regularly expressing concerns and fears about being "out" in the public sphere, and this art installation will serve as a beacon of hope and a path forward for many of us in the community. I look forward to a group of us hopping a bus near the Center and journeying down Artesia Boulevard together to view the sculpture at the Library! I thank you all for your time and consideration in this matter, and for the opportunity to voice my overwhelming SUPPORT for this Art piece! Thank you again!
Jennifer Hall
Location:
Submitted At: 5:26pm 05-12-26
I support this project as recommended from the Cultural Arts Commission as a way to honor and recognize our LGBTQ+ community members. Publicly displayed art breaks down prejudices by making LGBTQ+ lives, stories, and love visible in the everyday city fabric and helps to disrupt harmful portrayals of gender and sexuality by offering diverse, authentic representations of the community. For LGBTQ+ youth and adults alike, public art can validate their identity, promote self-esteem and provide a sense of pride and community safety. Public art does not need to represent everyone to be valuable. Its purpose is to highlight a specific community that is often historically left out of the public narrative in this case. Representation in society is like a group photo; if a particular group is never invited into the frame, they become more vulnerable and less recognized as part of the community. Public art is at its best when it reflects the full, multifaceted nature of a community. Including LGBTQ+ art doesn't minimize the rest of the community; it completes the picture.
Janett Barbosa
Location:
Submitted At: 5:13pm 05-12-26
I support this project because I think it’s important for LGBTQ residents and families to feel welcomed and represented in our community. Public art should reflect the people who live here, and this seems like a positive way to show inclusion and support. To me, this is about kindness, visibility, and making Redondo Beach feel welcoming for everyone.
John Gleason
Location:
Submitted At: 4:46pm 05-12-26
I strongly support the City Council moving forward with the Cultural Arts Commission’s recommendation to include an LGBTQ-themed art sculpture as part of the Artesia Boulevard Strategic Art Plan. Public art serves as a reflection of a community's values, and dedicating a permanent installation near the North Branch Library would provide a meaningful space for representation and inclusion. The opposing commentary surrounding these efforts further strengthens my belief that artwork supportive, and reflective, of our fellow LGBTQ community members is vital and necessary.
Elizabeth Corte
Location:
Submitted At: 4:30pm 05-12-26
I am a lifelong South Bay resident and North Redondo homeowner with 3 children in the RBUSD. I am in strong support of the proposed Art Installation representing the LGBTQIA+ community. As a community we are welcoming and inviting, everyone should be able to feel that love and acceptance. Art is a beautiful way to bring people together!
J. Light
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Submitted At: 3:14pm 05-12-26
I've grown up in North Redondo, and the North Branch Library is my childhood library that I still frequent. And I think installing in this area an art piece celebrating the LGBTQ+ community is an amazing idea! As a queer, transgender young adult, it's very heartwarming to see the city I've grown up in standing up for its LGBTQ+ residents and commemorating the long legacy we've had in this area. I know I would've loved to see an art installation like this when I was a teenager in highschool, spending hours studying in the north branch library after school. It would've made me feel so seen and supported.
For people saying that acknowledging LGBTQ+ people isn't appropriate for children, I want you to think about the following: I'm sure your children know about hererosexual marriage— I know I had straight relationships pushed down my throat in almost every movie I watched as a kid. So why should gay relationships be any different? An explanation could be as simple as "People can marry someone of the same gender, and some people don't want to get married at all." Wow, easy! Not inappropriate in the slightest! As for being transgender and/or nonbinary? "Some people aren't a girl or boy. Some girls were born as boys. Some boys were born as girls." A simplistic explantation, but one that introduces the basic concepts well enough. Yes, these concepts might sound weird or bad to you, but there's nothing that makes them inherently inappropriate to children. Only your own biases do.
Karan Millan
Location:
Submitted At: 2:02pm 05-12-26
I support this and was looking forward to seeing how it would be proposed. But I see that a council member decided to tip the scales and have it decided in the court of Facebook prior to this council meeting. This act was deliberate and, in my opinion, shameful. I guess the council member wanted to bring back a nice Wedge Issue for our city to focus on. Just like the good ol days.....:\ Jenner Hirata
Location:
Submitted At: 1:42pm 05-12-26
I fully support this. LGBTQIA+ representation is super important in ensuring queer people that they don’t have to live in fear just for who they are. Especially with today’s tense political climate with queer and transgender rights, any and all signs of queer acceptance can and will save lives.
Kelly Nielson
Location:
Submitted At: 12:53pm 05-12-26
I fully support the installation of this LGBTQ+ sculpture in Redondo Beach. Public art should reflect the people who live in and make up the community, and this project would go a long way to demonstrate belonging and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ residents. In a time where there is so much hate in the world, this installation would show support, kindness, and acceptance for an important part of our community that is truly in need of support. This type of inclusivity and acceptance is exactly what we want to be modeling for our kids. Personally, I want our LGBTQ+ community to feel safe, valued, and proud to live here in the South Bay, and I believe this project helps move the community in that direction.
Erik Orre
Location:
Submitted At: 12:47pm 05-12-26
The North Branch RB Library was dedicated to one of the finest Mayors in RB: David K Hayward who was mayor from 1977-1981. When the library was remodeled his name was removed. It would be ridiculous to honor a group of people at the same place we’ve dishonored someone's legacy who helped make the City of RB what it is today.
Anneke Blair
Location:
Submitted At: 12:19pm 05-12-26
I am writing to express my strong support for the Cultural Arts Commission’s recommendation to include an LGBTQ-themed sculpture near the North Branch Library as part of the Artesia Boulevard Strategic Art Plan.
I specifically want to address the public opposition that characterizes this project as divisive or suggests that the LGBTQ+ community is a separate interest group rather than a foundational part of this city. These claims ignore the reality of our community. LGBTQ+ residents have deep roots in Redondo Beach, contributing to our local identity as RUHS athletes, serving on city commissions, and acting as coaches and mentors to our youth and more.
Public art is meant to reflect the diversity of our 69,000 residents. Visibility through art is not an act of exclusion.
Instead, it is an acknowledgment of the citizens who already live, work, and serve here. Placing this sculpture at the library, which is a place of learning and community for everyone, is a fitting way to honor that history and legacy.
I urge the City Council to proceed with the Commission's recommendation and move forward with the necessary budget amendment to fund this project. Thank you for your commitment to making Redondo Beach an inclusive and welcoming home for all its residents.
Richard Luce
Location:
Submitted At: 11:58am 05-12-26
While I support the installation of public art, I oppose the use of public funds for installations that are specifically designed to single out a particular group. By definition those are intended to exclude other groups, which seems inconsistent with the use of public funds.
Tara Thompson
Location:
Submitted At: 11:34am 05-12-26
I oppose the installation of this statue on city property using our public art fund. As we can see from the discussion of residents, this is only creating division in our community. Surely the city can choose another theme from the abundance of art available. This does not feel inclusive as it does not represent our community as a whole. I think that has been made clear by the many valid voices of opposition. I also do not see a public library as an appropriate location for an LGBTQ themed statue. This would be a great addition on private property. I am not a bot, I am a NRB resident who frequents the North Branch Library with my child.
Cee-Cee Murphy
Location:
Submitted At: 11:19am 05-12-26
I oppose anything that singles out one demographic over another in this city. Perhaps choose something more generic like a wave, dolphin or sailboat - in neutral colors - that better represents Redondo Beach and is less controversial and divisive.
Kenneth Johnson
Location:
Submitted At: 11:07am 05-12-26
Here’s a draft that keeps it grounded in personal experience and focused on inclusion, belonging, and community rather than sounding overly scripted or ideological:
Mayor and Councilmembers,
I want to speak in strong support of moving forward with the LGBTQ-themed public art project as part of the Artesia Boulevard Strategic Art Plan. The proposal before you is not radical or inappropriate. It is a public acknowledgment that LGBTQ people are part of this community and always have been.
I have family members and loved ones who identify as LGBTQ. I have seen firsthand the anxiety, isolation, and fear that can come from wondering whether your own community accepts you or sees you as something to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, some of the comments opposing this project reinforce exactly why visible signs of inclusion still matter.
For many people, especially young people, something as simple as a public art installation can communicate a powerful message: you belong here too. You are safe here. You do not have to hide who you are to be accepted by your neighbors.
I also think it is important to push back on the idea that acknowledging LGBTQ residents is somehow “political” or “divisive.” Public art reflects the history, culture, and people of a city. LGBTQ residents are already part of Redondo Beach. Their existence is not an ideology. Their presence in our community is not indoctrination.
The agenda report itself notes that the goal of the project is tied to creative placemaking, cultural visibility, and meaningful public spaces along the Artesia corridor. That is exactly what this project does. It tells LGBTQ residents, families, friends, and visitors that they are seen and welcomed in this city.
At the end of the day, this is not taking anything away from anyone else. It is simply choosing to make our public spaces more welcoming and reflective of the full community.
I encourage the Council to move forward with the Cultural Arts Commission recommendation and continue the process for an LGBTQ-themed installation near the North Branch Library.
Thank you.
Paul F
Location:
Submitted At: 10:58am 05-12-26
Dear Mayor Light and Members of the Redondo Beach City Council, Please reject the Cultural Arts Commission’s recommendation to include an LGBTQ-themed art sculpture in the Artesia Boulevard Strategic Art Plan and to direct staff away from advancing any publicly funded, identity-specific project of this nature.
Public art funded by Redondo Beach residents should serve the entire community, not allocate limited dollars to celebrate one particular group. The proposed sculpture, estimated at $32,500 is a clear example of prioritizing identity over broad public benefit.
This city is a diverse beach community of roughly 69,000 residents. Taxpayers and developers who contribute to the public art fund deserve art that resonates with shared community values—local history, the ocean, family life, and neighborhood pride—not art that spotlights sexual orientation or gender identity. When government uses public spaces and public money to elevate one group’s theme, it inherently signals that other residents’ views or priorities are secondary. That is not inclusive; it is divisive.
Public comments already reflect deep division: many residents see it as unnecessary identity politics. The city should prioritize pieces with universal appeal that every resident—regardless of background—can appreciate and be proud to share with their community.
Finally, The City of Redondo Beach pulled its online community survey on the proposed LGBTQ+-themed sculpture (launched mid-March 2026) after staff were alerted to the ability for respondents to submit multiple responses, which skewed the data; the survey was taken offline before its April 15 deadline, requiring all prior participants to resubmit via a revised version with safeguards.
I ask the Council to:
• Direct staff to remove the LGBTQ-themed sculpture from the Artesia Boulevard Strategic Art Plan. • Focus future public art on high-quality, broadly resonant projects that unite our community. • Consider private funding or donor-driven initiatives for any advocacy-themed art.
Redondo Beach deserves better than using scarce resources to divide us. Please prioritize fiscal responsibility and community development.
Tijen Loubert
Location:
Submitted At: 10:47am 05-12-26
I strongly support the effort to make our city more inclusive and art is a beautiful medium with which to do so.
Nothing about this is indoctrination, it is art and reflective of our community’s diversity. The scare tactics by those who oppose are ridiculous and unfounded.
Jen Pollick
Location:
Submitted At: 9:57am 05-12-26
I support the proposed LGBTQIA+ sculpture because I believe public art should reflect the diversity of the community it serves. To me, this is not about promoting sexuality, but about recognizing that LGBTQ residents are also part of Redondo Beach’s story.
Redondo Beach already has public art and memorials that honor local history, culture, and community identity.
This sculpture would simply add another perspective to that tradition of representation and belonging.
I also think the location near a public library is meaningful because libraries are spaces intended to welcome everyone. Supporting visibility for one group does not take recognition away from others, and I believe this project can contribute positively to the cultural character of the city.
Michael Ude
Location:
Submitted At: 9:40am 05-12-26
LGBTQ has become like a religion where they want to influence our children. We don't need this belief to be shoved down all our throats especially our vulnerable kids. No to any promotion of one particular group or community being singled out.
Mikhail Lyuk
Location:
Submitted At: 9:34am 05-12-26
The library belongs to every resident of this city. That's exactly why it shouldn't be used to plant a permanent monument on one side of a contested cultural question. IT IS DIVISIVE, NOT INCLUSIVE. Books can hold many viewpoints at once. A bronze statue cannot. It speaks for the city - and it doesn't speak for all of us.
I also want straight answers the public hasn't gotten. Who is paying for this? Who approved the design? Was there a real public comment period, or was this decided behind closed doors? If the answer is the latter, that alone is reason to stop.
And let's be honest about precedent. The moment the city accepts one identity-based monument on library grounds, it has no principled basis to refuse the next one - from any group, for any cause. Either the lawn is open to everyone, or it shouldn't be open to this. Also, how deep do you want to go down the identity nonsense rabbit hole? There are already "MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+" acronyms are being used.
Stop the installation.
Devon Hollowood
Location:
Submitted At: 9:26am 05-12-26
As a resident of Redondo Beach, I strongly support this statue. Our LGBT community is wonderful, but as you can see by the other comments here, they continue to face both explicit and implicit bigotry. It would be a strong symbol of our city's values if we build a statue in honor and support of our LGBT populace, and in celebration of all that they have contributed to our community. The library, as a central public location in our community, seems like a perfect place to build it.
By the way, another commenter asked why we should erect a statue to the LGBT community, and not to women or to the indigenous population. I think those are both excellent ideas for our next statues! Davis Hunt
Location:
Submitted At: 9:19am 05-12-26
I am writing in strong support of the proposed sculpture. Art pieces such as this are a vital part of community and demonstrating that our community is an inclusive and welcome space. It's location near the North Branch Library would be excellent and ensure it is visible, not tucked away and ignored. In supporting this, our city is showing that every resident of Redondo Beach is valued and welcome. With LGBTQIA+ rights under scrutiny and attack at the federal level, it is more important than ever to show that all peoples who make up our community are welcome, celebrated, and embraced by our community. Ignoring this and choosing to give into the hateful and bigoted comments opposing this sculpture would be incredibly disappointing and show a lack of moral character from our city leadership. Please consider the long-term, positive impact of installing this sculpture and the message that your choice will send to vulnerable members of our community in supporting this.
Jay Dee
Location:
Submitted At: 9:12am 05-12-26
They are not pillars of our community and don’t deserve to be on display for they have done NOTHING to deserve this. Stop indoctrinating our children and keep the LBG alphabet warriors out of the South Bay! Christopher Truman
Location:
Submitted At: 9:11am 05-12-26
Strongly in support of this project. What a great community to celebrate and positions this area as a welcoming and positive place.
It is just a statue and will not have some hypothetical negative impact. Please don’t let the misplaced anger and negativity stop a great project like this!
Anna Duncan
Location:
Submitted At: 9:05am 05-12-26
I live in North Redondo near Artesia Boulevard and I frequently visit the North Branch library with my two young children. We are so excited for this LGBTQIA sculpture. This sculpture celebrates a vibrant, thriving community in our city and communicates that Redondo Beach is an inclusive, welcoming space for everyone. This sculpture represents the kind of city I want my children to grow up in, and the values we hold. Our family loves the rainbow lifeguard towers in Hermosa Beach and would be happy to see art celebrating this community even closer to home. I do not mean to speak on behalf of the LGBTQIA community, but we all know that this group has faced (and is still facing) a long history of discrimination, exclusion, denial of their identities, violence and more. I would be very disappointed in our city's leadership if it gives in to some of the hateful, fear-mongering and frankly bigoted comments I have seen online about this sculpture. It is important for our us to show support for the LGBTQIA community, and for us to celebrate, publicly and proudly, that all different people of various identities make our city beautiful.
Melissa Dechandt
Location:
Submitted At: 9:00am 05-12-26
Art is a universal medium that connects all people, and transcends race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs and cultural differences. It has the unique ability to connect and unify us all.
Huge kudos to the Public Arts Commission and their reccomendation for an LGBTQIA public art piece. In supporting this, our city leadership is showing that every resident is valued and that Redondo Beach an inclusive city. This is a beautiful and important message. Well done Redondo!! I fully support this.
MC Guerry
Location:
Submitted At: 8:49am 05-12-26
I support this art sculpture. I am a frequent user of that area. My child loves that library. That farmers market is now my favorite. I have a friend who lives in the Montecito. My child's other parent lives on Blossom. I travel through there several times a week on various modes (car, bus, ebike). With what is happening at the federal government, we need to fight back against the bigotry and disinformation that is spreading in this country. We need to commemorate the fights that happened in the past, so we are better prepared for the fights that are to come. I ask you to install this art sculpture.
Philip Lantz
Location:
Submitted At: 8:48am 05-12-26
I am writing in strong support of the proposed LGBTQ-themed art sculpture as part of the Artesia Boulevard Strategic Art Plan.
Public art is not just decoration—it tells the story of who we are as a community and who we choose to include.
Redondo Beach has long been a place associated with freedom, creativity, and belonging, and this project is an opportunity to ensure that those values extend to everyone. Local gathering spaces along Artesia Boulevard have served as important informal hubs where LGBTQ residents can feel safe and welcomed. Community members have specifically identified this corridor as meaningful to LGBTQ life in Redondo Beach, reinforcing why it is an appropriate and thoughtful location for this project. This project is not about prioritizing one group over another—it is about acknowledging that LGBTQ residents have always been part of Redondo Beach, even when their stories were less visible. Representation in public spaces sends a simple but powerful message: you belong here. I ask that the council consider the positive long-term impact of creating visible spaces that celebrate diversity of all kinds for Redondo Beach and the greater South Bay.
Margarita Ch
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Submitted At: 8:28am 05-12-26
Not every person and child needs to constantly see lgbtq+ themes near libraries. Children are a vulnerable population and are too young to be exposed to sensuality related themes.
Stuart McNaught
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Submitted At: 7:37am 05-12-26
I support installation of this sculpture because it announces to all that we are an inclusive community.
Theresa Masse
Location:
Submitted At: 6:50am 05-12-26
I'm sure we can all remember the mile long fb list of comments where Mayor Jim Light went off, very immaturely IMO, on anyone who opposed "without even seeing the artwork first." He didn't have the ability to comprehend why people could be opposed to something they hadn't seen yet. People took the survey, the survey was compromised supposedly and promised to be fixed and put back up, which to my knowledge never happened.
This seems to be dishonest on the part of the Mayor at the very least. I've now changed my position from neutral to opposed, NOT because I don't support the LGBTQ community, (I want to make that fully clear), but because this "artwork" looks like my 4 year old colored it in a coloring book in his preschool and someone decided to turn it into a sculpture. I spent my college years in art school and I know we have a plethora of artists and designers in this city who could not only turn this sculpture into something tasteful, but something more inclusive that the community as a whole would love to see. In the fb post that I'd mention before, I had mentioned that if it were truly about being inclusive, why not create ART that was inclusive of everyone MADE BY everyone. What popped into my mind right away was a community mosaic maybe across the sidewalk, crosswalk or on a city building that families could come and see and be proud of that they helped to make once it was finished. I know the money for this piece has to be used for art itself, and as an art instructor art is subjective, but there are also MUCH better ways to make this look less tacky or like a dog toy from 5 below. I would place a large amount of money that whomever designed this, did not graduate from an art college. I'm opposing this for the fact that it needs to go back to the drawing board and it needs to be redone by working artists, collaboratively with the community in mind. Not, make a dolphin and throw a rainbow on it. That's what preschooler would come up with.
Brooks Johnson
Location:
Submitted At: 11:39pm 05-11-26
This is a beacon of light for our community, we need more projects like this. I’m very proud and excited to see this project succeed and grow harmony in this challenging time in our lives.
I fully support the LGBTQ community and wish for more projects like this. Art is a core foundation in our culture and this is without a doubt essential to our community. LGBTQ has been ridiculed by false narratives that only bring out more hate, harm and violence towards our LGBTQ American people. I support this bringing us closer together as one people that deserve protection and love.
The opposition to this is a disgrace to of false information to control in harming our neighbors, families, schools and communities. Hypocrites of loving thy neighbor to malicious intent and cruelty without remorse or compassion. Shaming what is the start of hope and love when our families need it the most.
The LGBTQ community deserves to show art. We deserve diversity in our community to connect, not divide. I support the LGBTQ community being a part of our culture and future to a better tomorrow.
Erika Knox
Location:
Submitted At: 11:18pm 05-11-26
I strongly support the LGBTQ themed art installation in North Redondo, and I cannot think of a better place for it.
The historical significance of this street coupled with the purpose of a library makes this a beautiful location for the celebration and recognition of the LGBTQ community. People of all ages will be able to not only see themselves reflected in the community, but also, those who are less informed about the historical significance of the area will be able to learn about what this street and neighborhood has meant to so many. It will be a piece of history to be proud of.
Jayne Weigley
Location:
Submitted At: 10:09pm 05-11-26
I firmly support the inclusion of an LGBTQ-Themed art scuplture to commemorate what is already an historically queer neighborhood. In a time when many municipalities recoil over baseless fear-mongering, this decision to approve would uphold several of Redondo Beach's stated core values: Integrity, Ethics, and Accountability in standing by a marginalized community that has helped, and continues to shape this city's warm & welcoming culture; Excellence in setting a higher standard for yourself and your neighbors; and Teamwork as added attention to this business corridor would elevate art, education, and commerce. Such a sculpture, in this arterial & vital location, would be a beacon for future generations that Redondo Beach is a safe community for diverse families & friends to live in harmony.
Amy Huh
Location:
Submitted At: 9:38pm 05-11-26
I support this LGBTQ+ themed art project for Redondo Beach.
Nainsi Skiba
Location:
Submitted At: 8:44pm 05-11-26
If the Council and other leaders/officials are determined to go forward with this LGBTQ statue despite dissenting reactions from our residents, and without the promised second survey, then perhaps it would serve everyone for the statue to be erected in the new garden outside the City Hall offices amid the lovely new native plants -- so they can admire it every day, instead of inflicting it on library-goers, children, and families. Or install it at the Main Library close to City Hall so they can go and visit it from time to time.
Emily Aquino
Location:
Submitted At: 7:17pm 05-11-26
Public art should reflect the full diversity, history, and values of the community it serves. A thoughtfully designed piece near the North Branch Library would not only beautify the area, but also communicate that Redondo Beach is a city that values inclusion, visibility, and belonging for all residents.
Sarah Leinen
Location:
Submitted At: 6:50pm 05-11-26
I’m writing in strong support of the proposed LGBTQIA+ public art installation under Agenda Item N.1 regarding the Artesia Boulevard Strategic Art Plan. This project is an opportunity to recognize and preserve an important part of Redondo Beach’s documented history while continuing the City’s investment in public art.
The proposed location is historically meaningful. The Artesia corridor has long served as a gathering place for the LGBTQIA+ community in the South Bay. It was the original location of the South Bay LGBTQ Center, founded in 1989 by community members—many connected to the aerospace industry—who needed a safe place to gather during a time when being openly LGBTQIA+ could still threaten careers due to the lingering effects of the Lavender Scare.
The Center was located between the Dolphin Bar and J.R. Briens, forming a small but meaningful community corridor. At one time, multiple LGBTQIA+ establishments existed in this area. Today, Artesia Bar—formerly the Dolphin Bar—remains the only LGBTQIA+ bar in the South Bay and has been part of the community for more than 50 years.
This installation is not about nightlife or politics. It is about acknowledging local history. At the time, the only consistent LGBTQIA+-accessible spaces were bars and clubs, so the Center provided a smoke-free place to gather without the expectation to drink.
This project is grant-funded for public art on Artesia Boulevard, has gone through the Arts Commission process, and must be located on city property—the North Library being the logical location given the described history and funding constraints. It does not take away from other priorities.
Some may question the library location. Libraries are places for learning and community history. This installation will not contain adult content; it simply reflects that LGBTQIA+ people are part of this community.
This project is one piece of a broader effort to recognize Redondo Beach’s diverse history. I respectfully urge Council to support it. Thank you.
Mandy Hosta
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Submitted At: 6:28pm 05-11-26
Opposition to this issue is being slammed as hateful or close-minded, but the truth is that society is collectively sick of having lgbtq++++ pushed down our throats. Just a tiny percentage of the populace is truly gay. Kids in schools are being indoctrinated and taught to question their sexuality at a vulnerable age, purposely. Part of the Marxist agenda is destruction of the family unit, and the peer-pressure to question normalcy is a step towards preventing the eventual normal coupling of humans. This social agenda, along with the endocrine disruptors and estrogen mimickers, glyphosate, and other chemicals added to our manufactured foods, in our water, and as aerial sprays will devastate many children. Why not place a statue of a gang banger or Satan? These likely have a comparable number supporting them as an lgbt+++++ statue. Woke = Broke, Redondo.
Rachel Shekar
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Submitted At: 6:10pm 05-11-26
Public art has the power to validate the identities of residents who have historically been marginalized. By approving art that celebrates LGBTQ identity, the City Council sends a clear message that the city is a safe, welcoming, and affirming place for everyone. This visibility is crucial for LGBTQ youth and residents, providing a sense of belonging and pride that can improve overall community cohesion and mental well-being.
Jen Grace
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Submitted At: 5:49pm 05-11-26
I oppose this art project. City art shouldn't have anything to do with someone's sexual preference. Can we focus on the important things, like the safety of our children. They do not need to be subjected to these things.
Linda Marr
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Submitted At: 5:16pm 05-11-26
I'm just not sure why the LGBTQ community? Why not women? Why not children? Why not American Indians whose land this originally was? How does this connect to NR? I agree with whoever said, why a statue at all? A rainbow would be nicer if that's the group you want to go with. But again, not sure why this particular group at this particular time. As someone who's been in the entertainment business since I was 18, this just smacks of political woke and not sincerity. Really hate that you asked our community who we felt, then took down the survey because the negative responses were supposedly bots, then you never put a survey back up. I"m not against something to support LGBTQ but why is this the first group NR is supporting? I really feel this needs more input.
Mariam Butler
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Submitted At: 4:37pm 05-11-26
First, there is some incorrect information where people are stating taxpayer dollars will go toward the art installation. The the art fund is money that is dedicated toward art based on a percentage of new builds that go up in RB and is called the John Parsons art fund. That money can only be used for art and that’s where the funds will come for the art installation.
Second, the Artesia bar has long been a place where people of the LGBTQIA+ can go and feel safe being themselves. That area is a perfect place for our community to create an art installation to promote inclusivity. I personally like the idea of a rainbow crosswalk from Artesia Bar to the library. I think it would be a beautiful representation. Either way, I support our city installing art that would demonstrate to the community that all are welcome here.
Jessie Kano
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Submitted At: 3:08pm 05-11-26
In a time when LGBTQ people are facing rising levels of marginalization, discrimination, and even violence, public art demonstrates that they are supported by our community. This installation will not only celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ community but also send a clear message: You are valued and you belong in Redondo Beach.
Kari Chatterji
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Submitted At: 1:57pm 05-11-26
I absolutely support this project! I love any initiative where we focus on inclusion and community. The Artesia bar is an important and positive establishment which is a part of our RB story. It seems like a win-win to add art and expression plus support to so many families and people who reside in our neighborhood and live in our community. I’m proud of RB for this effort and I can’t wait to see the end result.
Marie Puterbaugh
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Submitted At: 11:17am 05-11-26
I grew up in a small town in NJ during the 1980s. I remember walking the halls of our high school when a group of teenagers yelled slurs at the two boys who were part of the LGBTQ community. I will never forget those boys crying as classmates verbally humiliated and degraded them. I swore I would leave that small town and live in places that celebrated diversity. To those with the objection that LGBTQ-themed art is threatening to children, I would ask, how? Do those who object think those in the LGBTQ community are 'perverts' and that somehow, being part of that community makes one a 'predator' to kids? Statistically LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in the child welfare system, often due to family rejection, abuse, or neglect related to their identity. These youth face higher risks of homelessness, instability, and poor mental health outcomes while in care. It seems to me, based on this, this is more about ensuring we communicate to those in this community Redondo is a safe place. One way to do that is through art, which is a cost effective and positive way to get the message out. I 100% support LGBTQ+ art in my neighborhood.
David Waldner
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Submitted At: 5:18pm 05-08-26
Very poorly written report on this issue. Strongly opposed to spending over $360,000 in local taxpayer funds for any art installation. If the project were to be funded by private grant funds and donors with no cost to the City, I would not be opposed.