BLUE FOLDER ITEM
Blue folder items are additional back up material to administrative reports and/or public comments received after the printing and distribution of the agenda packet for receive and file.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 15, 2026
N.1 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE SEASIDE
LAGOON REHABILITATION PROJECT
APPROVE THE FINAL PREPARATION AND SUBMITTAL OF A COASTAL
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA
COASTAL COMMISSION FOR THE SEASIDE LAGOON
REHABILITATION PROJECT AT 200 PORTOFINO WAY
APPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL EXEMPTION DECLARATION FOR
THE PROJECT
CONTACT: ELIZABETH HAUSE, WATERFRONT AND COMMUNITY
SERVICES DIRECTOR
• Letter from Harbor Commissioner Waryck and Public
Communications
September 15, 2026
Mayor Light and City Council Members,
The Harbor Commission respectfully encourages the City Council to consider the wave pool / ocean park concept presented to the Harbor Commission on 9/14/26, and any other ideas, which could serve as a significant anchor amenity in Seaside Lagoon.
The Council's strategic plan has a focus on economic development. Priority Area 1 is Economic Vitality, and Goal 1.1 is Enhancing the Waterfront.
An anchor amenity such as a wave pool offers the best path to increased attendance, increased operating hours, and increased operating seasons. This will provide a path to funding the planned future phases of lagoon amenities, which currently seem uncertain, likely even bringing them into the first phase of work.
As it stands today, Seaside Lagoon has had to close on weekdays during the normal summer season, due to staffing and budget issues.
We encourage the council to consider a greater vision for Seaside Lagoon.
Signed,
Harbor Commission
From: Amy Russell
To: James Light; Zein Obagi; CityClerk; Brad Waller
Subject: Approve Phase 1 for Seaside Lagoon
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026 5:28:02 PM
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Please reject any delay or redesign intended to accommodate a commercial wave pool. Move the publicly approved Phase 1 Seaside Lagoon project forward while addressing needed changes. Keep this public parkland accessible and affordable for everyone.
Public parkland and coastal access is not for sale. Thank you.
Amy Russell
[email protected]
From: Eleanor Manzano
To: Emily Bodkin
Cc: Khatirah Nazif
Subject: FW: Support for Local Landmark Designation of the Seaside Lagoon (Ordinance Section 10-4.201) Date: Monday, September 14, 2026 5:20:46 PM
Blue Folder for tomorrow….
From: Desiree Galassi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2026 5:15 PM
To: James Light <[email protected]>; Zein Obagi <[email protected]>; Scott Behrendt <[email protected]>; Paige Kaluderovic <[email protected]>; Chadwick B.
Castle <[email protected]>; Brad Waller <[email protected]> Cc: Eleanor Manzano <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Local Landmark Designation of the Seaside Lagoon (Ordinance Section 10-
4.201)
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Dear Mayor and Council,
Last week the Public Amenities Commission voted to award local landmark designation to Wilderness Park, in the first step towards National Landmark Designation. Commission members recognised the unique opportunity to protect this valuable and vulnerable resource for our city.
I am writing as a private citizen to formally request and support a Local Landmark Designation for the Seaside Lagoon under Section 10-4.201 of the Redondo Beach Preservation Ordinance.
At 64 years old (opened in 1962), this facility easily satisfies the City's 50-year age requirement and meets multiple criteria for historical, cultural, and engineering significance.
Securing this designation is not just about honouring our past—it is a critical legal shield. Local landmark status creates a mandatory review process that protects the Lagoon from outside entities or developers who might otherwise seek to inappropriately alter, build over, or permanently replace this irreplaceable public asset.
Only one criterion would be needed for designation but the Seaside Lagoon fulfills multiple of the local designation criteria under the following sections:
Criterion A (Cultural, Social, Economic, & Engineering History): The Lagoon was the crown jewel of Redondo Beach’s post-WWII harbour revitalisation project. It represents the critical milestone that transformed an industrial waterfront into the premier recreational King Harbor destination. It perfectly captures the optimistic, recreation-forward spirit of 1960s Southern California beach culture and provides a safe, affordable, and socioeconomically accessible "ocean experience" for all families.
Criterion C (Distinctive Style, Type, & Period of Construction): While most mid-century municipalities built standard concrete pools, Redondo Beach engineered a highly unusual, chlorinated, sand-bottom saltwater lagoon. Because the facility remains completely intact in its original 1963 location, footprint, and public function, it retains the high architectural and structural integrity required for landmarking.
Criterion E (Unique Location & Familiar Visual Feature): Situated prominently within King Harbor, the Lagoon’s unique physical layout and expansive sand-and-water footprint make it an established, defining visual landmark of our City.
The Urgency of Preservation: Shielding Against Development The primary threat to the Seaside Lagoon is land value. Waterfront parcels are highly sought after by commercial developers and outside agencies. Without local landmark designation, the Lagoon remains vulnerable to revisions, commercial re-zoning, or outside entities seeking to build over the sand and water. Landmark status locks in a necessary layer of municipal oversight, ensuring that any future proposals must respect its footprint and historical use. It guarantees the Lagoon remains a public park for generations, rather than a target for private development.
Conclusion
The Seaside Lagoon is a vital piece of our living heritage. It possesses immense, generational social value as the home of our local traditions, swim lessons, 4th of July viewings, and youth camps. I strongly urge the City Council to initiate and approve (or refer to the Public Amenities Commission ) landmark designation to honour our mid-century roots and permanently defend this space against outside development. It builds our city’s portfolio of historical assets, telling a story for generations to come.
Thank you for your time and continued service to our community.
Desirée Galassi
Resident of D4, and patron of waterfront amenities.
1 Emily Bodkin
From: Jenny McKay <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 11:11 AM
To: James Light; Brad Waller; Chadwick B. Castle; Scott Behrendt; Paige Kaluderovic; Zein Obagi Cc: CityClerk
Subject: Reject Privatization / Approve Seaside Lagoon Phase 1 CAUTION: Email is from an external source; Stop, Look, and Think before opening attachments or links.
Dear Mayor Light and Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote YES on advancing the approved Phase 1 modernization of Seaside Lagoon without delay.
Please reject any attempt to pause or derail this project for unvetted commercial wave pool concepts.
Seaside Lagoon sits on sovereign public trust tidelands protected by Coastal Act Section 30213. We must not sacrifice low-cost public recreation, free parkland, and our $8M+ state grant for private commercial interests.
Protect our public park and approve Phase 1 now.
Sincerely,
Jenny McKay (Portofino area boat owner)
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From: Leigh Wilson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 5:52 PM
To: [email protected]; James Light; Brad Waller; Paige Kaluderovic; Scott Behrendt; Chadwick B.
Castle
Cc: CityClerk
Subject: Please Don’t Privatize the Seaside Lagoon
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City Council Members and Mayor,
I urge you to carefully consider this last minute wave pool proposal, conveniently connected to a private business. It seems way too large for the space, with a relaƟvely narrow target audience, at a cost to users that is not affordable to most. If we can do that, we should revisit the swimming pool opƟon that was suggested early on, which would have a much wider and more meaningful use for residents. The people who say the Seaside Lagoon is not used must be the same people who say nobody ever goes to the Redondo Pier, or who say the Hermosa and ManhaƩan Piers are so much nicer (do they know there are no businesses on either of those piers?). I can never figure out those comments. When the Seaside Lagoon is open, it seems to be heavily used. It is rundown and neglected, for sure, but please don’t toss the baby out with the bath water! Please also carefully invesƟgate the sound issue with a proposed wave pool. Like many Redondo residents, we love to hear the sounds from the ocean: sea lions, waves, bell buoys, sea gulls, etc., from our home. It would be devastaƟng to have that overpowered by the mechanical sounds from a wave pool that most people don’t even use. Your consƟtuents would be furious. Not to menƟon, the opƟcs of this whole thing are terrible. I’m not completely convinced that there aren’t some enhancements that could be made in to the Seaside Lagoon plans, but not this. Maybe pause to ask yourselves, “What would Bill do?” I can’t believe it would be this! Thank you for your consideraƟon.
Leigh Wilson Gasparovic - KPMG LLP
310-968-5052
Sent from my iPhone
1 Emily Bodkin
From: Mary Delehanty <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2026 2:51 PM
To: CityClerk
Cc: Paige Kaluderovic
Subject: Seaside Lagoon
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> GreeƟngs,
> I am unequivocally in favor of maintaining the Seaside Lagoon at its locaƟon. ( not a wave pool). The state water board loves the lagoon and stated that years ago when they gave Redondo a Ɵme schedule order to determine where the total suspended solids in the discharge were coming from.
>
> I was on our city “ water quality “ task force in 2005. A developer wanted to do a land swap to build a hotel on the site.
There was resistance- and the water board came to the council meeƟng staƟng their appreciaƟon of the lagoon and issuing a Ɵme schedule order. We had never taken core samples on the incoming water. It turns out, the ocean water is much cleaner when it leaves the lagoon than when it comes. But discharge is discharge when something leaves a pipe.
The standard of allowable discharge was lowered over the years causing our non compliance and fines paid out of the Ɵdelands funds.
>
> The state values the accessibility of the lagoon to all children and families- a safe, affordable day at the water together creaƟng memories.
>
> The $10,000,000 grant is to retrofit the lagoon. It is a dream come true for thousands of children. Why the consultant has used $2 million of $3.2 fee without a sand boƩom or depth is surprising but to torpedo this giŌ to explore a surf wave pool is wrong.
>
> It is too late and off topic. The coastal commission is the final word- the surf club should have goƩen assurances from them before distracƟng our consultants in case it’s an absolute “ no” from coastal commission and the state lands commission. In essence, it’s wasƟng Ɵme and grant money assuming they would be on board without checking with them first.
>
> There is plenty of salt water intrusion in tank 5 of the power plant- that would be a beƩer locaƟon for a wave pool if the surf club wants to fund one.
>
> The lagoon is special, hosƟng birthday parƟes and events, providing a safe ocean experience for our liƩle community members and their hard working families. Please protect its legacy. >
> And have the consultant focus on the harbor commission recommendaƟons. Let’s get the project done with the $10,000,000 grant!
> Thank you,
> Mary Delehanty
>
>
2 > Sent from my iPhone
From: Mark Nelson (Home Gmail)
To: James Light; Chadwick B. Castle; Brad Waller; Paige Kaluderovic; Zein Obagi; Scott Behrendt; CityClerk; Mike Witzansky; Joy Ford; Lisa Falk
Subject: Public Comment: RBCC - RBHC Record on Sea-Level Design Standard of Phase 1 Seaside Lagoon Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 12:57:33 PM
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The issue of submitting a CDP for Seaside Lagoon is not yet ripe. City Staff has failed in communications with the Commission. The Mayor has stated that he believed the design for Seaside Lagoon was 2050 compliant. The record shows that is not. When the record demonstrates a thoughtful analysis of the design year and the likely future costs of retrofit or maintenance, the Council will be able to move forward with public resources.
Based on a review of the Redondo Beach Harbor Commission meeting transcripts from August 25, 2026, and September 14, 2026:
Sea-Level Rise Projections Compliance
Seaside Lagoon Phase 1 Project: Not compliant. During the August 25, 2026 meeting, the project design team explicitly confirmed that the Phase 1 redesign was developed for current conditions rather than future sea-level rise projections. It was stated that adjusting the elevation to accommodate future sea-level rise would require raising the seawall/grade by two feet, which was not incorporated due to cost, geotechnical constraints, and structural impacts to surrounding amenities.
Proposed SanfordWAVE Project: Not determined/unvetted. In the September 14, 2026 meeting, Alan Sanford stated that his proposed concept "would build for 2050 C levels". However, commissioners and public speakers noted that the SanfordWAVE proposal was purely a preliminary concept that had not undergone official engineering, environmental, or California Coastal Commission review to verify compliance.
Design Year Sea-Level Represented
Seaside Lagoon Phase 1 Project: The design team explicitly stated that the facility is designed "for now" (current sea level / current high tide lines) rather than future projection years. Commissioners noted that it fails to meet both the 2050 state guidelines and the 2100 projections.
Proposed SanfordWAVE Project: Representation was made that the concept is intended to be designed for 2050 sea-level rise projections.
From: Mary Delehanty
To: CityClerk
Subject: Referral to strategic plan-wave pool- please stay on course - Lagoon City Council Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026 6:00:24 PM
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> Greetings,
>
> Knowing the concept of the wave pool has not been before or received approval from the state lands commission or the coastal commission , it is truly a moot point regardless of the large new number of pool enthusiasts. >
> Before delaying repair to the lagoon, it is our duty to complete the repair for the continued function of the lagoon.
It benefits thousands of families., has been vetted thru meetings and has a rare grant. >
> If the public/private partnership for a wave pool is vetted and approved-then the eir’s and necessary studies can take place-possibly taking 2 years or more.. It might not ever be allowed in a tidelands community. It might be okay in a different location.
>
> Please refer it for further review-but do not destroy or jeopardize the regional lagoon because of a concept. >
> Thank you ,
>
> Mary Delehanty
From: C HENDERSON
To: James Light; Brad Waller; Chadwick B. Castle; Scott Behrendt; Paige Kaluderovic; Zein Obagi Cc: CityClerk
Subject: Reject “Pay to Surf” / Approve Seaside Lagoon Phase 1 Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026 2:26:13 PM
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Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote yes on advancing the approved Phase 1 modernization of the Seaside Lagoon and reject the “Pay to Surf” commercial concepts that privatize our waterfront.
Seaside Lagoon sits on sovereign public trust tidelands protected by the California Coastal Act which explicitly prioritizes low-cost recreation. We must not sacrifice affordable family swimming and our free off-season parkland for exclusive commercial interests.
Please protect our public park and approve Phase 1 now.
Respectfully,
Carol Henderson
District 2
210 The Village, Unit 302
Redondo Beach
Sent from my iPad
From: Karen Montgomery
To: James Light; Zein Obagi; CityClerk
Subject: Seaside Lagoon - Let"s approve the Phase 1 implementation plan for modernization Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 2:27:16 PM
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Mayor Light, Z. Obagi and CIty Clerk:
Please include in Blue Folder Items
Please approve Phase 1 plan for the Seaside Lagoon.
The Harbor Amenities commission researched, held forums for public input, and came up with a 3 phased plan that the City was aware of.
So many years dedicated to planning the upgrade should be completed.
With the limitation of city funds, it seems a costly set back to put city staff resources onto a major project of accepting new proposals.
This takes time away for the cities ability to work with the commission on the unapproved changes due to budget concerns.
The cost will only increase for Phased implementation plan and the sooner we move forward, the sooner the city will be relieved of the enormous yearly fines we pay each year.
We also must use the $10M of funds already approved for Seaside Lagoon. Seems we will lose that grant if we open the door to the very long process of reviewing new proposals.
New proposals would set us back for years to review, define, educate &re-design, gain various approvals. Add to that the city processes that need to take place as the development process is followed, and worked on in the years ahead. All before any necessary modernization to Seaside lagoon.
I supported “Rescue our Waterfront” in response to the Center Cal 2012 proposal, to protect our harbor from over development. CenterCal proposed a “mall by the sea”, with a 100 yr lease, incomplete EIRs, a “cookie cutter” model that was pushed through to benefit a few and ruin the area for the rest of us.
Citizens who collected signatures for Measure C to be placed on the ballot stated that they favored a slow-growth model to prevent overdevelopment and to preserve views and recreational options in the harbor, and the measure was designed to limit projects like Center Cals.
The CA Coastal Commission voted in approval of Measure C in 2018.
What many forget is not only were the lawsuits costly, they also stalled the ability to move forward with new builds and slow growth revitalization of our harbor area.
We all want to see our harbor thrive and come alive and the plans for the necessary upgrades, which would eliminate hundreds of thousands of dollars in yearly fines we pay require immediate approval.
Thank you.
K.C. Montgomery
Redondo Beach resident (most my life), homeowner.
--
Karen
Prepared for public discussion • September 14–15, 2026 • Verify regulatory/grant conditions before changing construction schedule
SEASIDE LAGOON
DESIGN IT ONCE • FUND IT ONCE • CLOSE IT ONCE • BUILD IT ONCE CITY COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
REQUESTED COUNCIL DIRECTION
Before advancing the current reduced design toward construction, direct staff to return promptly with a regulatory, grant, fundraising and comprehensive-project analysis. Preserve useful design/permitting work while the City determines whether a post-LA28, fully funded build is feasible.
Should the next 50 years of Seaside Lagoon be defined by the money available today — or by the facility Redondo can realistically fund over the next two years?
KEY FACT WHY IT MATTERS
~$31.1M City’s 2024 estimate for the complete redesign. $10M State appropriation for Seaside Lagoon rehabilitation, plus City funding already committed. $7.9M Approximate remaining project funding cited in the current staff discussion as design was reduced to fit available funds.
2028 LA28 creates both a schedule risk and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the waterfront. 2029 City’s current Lagoon water-quality monitoring contract runs through April 16, 2029 — a reason to obtain a definitive regulatory answer on 2027–28 operation.
Proposed path: fund first, then build once
• 2026–2028: complete the work needed to define and entitle the comprehensive vision; establish a City-approved fundraising framework; pursue $20–30M in additional commitments.
• Operate the existing Lagoon through summer 2028 only if the Water Board, health requirements, physical water supply and other regulators allow it.
• Use LA28 as a fundraising and visibility opportunity instead of accepting the risk of a major waterfront construction schedule racing an Olympic deadline.
• After summer 2028: close once and construct the complete, fully funded project — aquatic recreation, family amenities, improved concessions, event/programming opportunities and modern closed-loop infrastructure.
FUNDRAISING TARGET
Test a $20–30M outside-funding campaign combining major corporate partners, philanthropy/foundations, additional public funding, eligible Quimby funds, amenity sponsors, community giving and appropriate operator capital.
Before construction, ask staff for four answers
• 1. REGULATORY — Can Seaside Lagoon lawfully and safely operate in 2027 and 2028, and on what exact conditions? • 2. GRANT — Does delaying construction until after summer 2028 affect the $10M State grant or other committed funds? Obtain/confirm the controlling executed grant terms.
• 3. FUNDRAISING — What approvals and City/nonprofit agreement are needed for corporate sponsorship, philanthropy, donor recognition and a $20–30M capital campaign?
• 4. COMPLETE BUILD — What would the comprehensive project cost today, what approvals/design work can be preserved, and what schedule would support a fall-2028 start?
SET A DEADLINE
This is not an open-ended pause. Set milestones and a 2028 funding decision date. If the comprehensive campaign does not produce sufficient commitments, Council retains the ability to proceed with a smaller project.
Primary City sources: Oct. 15, 2024 Seaside Lagoon staff report (File 24-1679); Apr. 16, 2024 EcoKai water-quality monitoring agreement (File 24- 0585); FY 2026–27 City budget; Sept. 2026 Council/Harbor Commission agenda materials. Figures should be updated if staff presents newer numbers.