South Bay Forward

The City of Torrance is hiring a Public Works Director.

The city needs a forward-thinking leader in this role to move the city from car-oriented to multi-modal.

Please share! Let us know if you apply! www.governmentjobs.com/careers/torr... #publicworks #engineer #transportation

I like how I can look at these bikes and name exactly who they belong to @southbayforward.bsky.social 💗 🚲

California YIMBY is pleased to endorse Sara Deen for Assembly District 66!

@johnericksonwh.bsky.social (CA YIMBY, AHLA, and Streets for All endorsed candidate for SD-24) is hosting a social at Artesia Bar in North Redondo this week! Learn about his campaign and how he will be a champion for the South Bay on housing, transit, mobility, equality, and more.

Metro Board Governance Reform committee mtg starting in 5m. You can now join via phones (I'm on via phone).

Today at 1 pm! Listen and call in. We need Board Reform that prioritizes transit professionals and transit riders. boardagendas.metro.net/event/ad-hoc...

Some good early comments.

At the insurance part of the forum. Becerra's answer is pure garbage, claiming insurance companies were making money in CA and had no reason to leave.

The post threading was not perfect (oops) but never mind that, we’re happy to see this project go through. It’ll be a great addition to South Redondo. Thanks for following along with us!

Mayor calls the vote. Unanimous ayes. Redondo Beach will be getting new homes!

Mayor thanks the Planning Commission for their work and says “we wouldn’t be here without you.” Yes. That is how an appeal works

CM Behrendt seconds the motion

CM Waller acknowledges his constituents’ concerns and says “Sacramento is forcing our hands here and that is where my vote is coming from”

We don’t have a second on the motion yet….instead we have some assorted grumbling about state law from the dais, and acknowledgement of city staff’s professionalism.

One resident shouts “you are not representing your city sir!” and storms out.

Public hearing now closed, Obagi now speaks to say he was elected on an anti-density platform and cites his work in fighting development and laments state housing mandates. Urges people to push for state reps who will not force “towers” on Redondo. And now moves to grant the appeal.

Mayor refers back to @thewrongalex.bsky.social comment about speaking to other mayors about addressing the housing crisis and said his conversations were in fact about taking back local control

And that’s basically it! Now questions for staff. They asked whether Pearl or PCH is recommended for driveway. City traffic engineer recommends the slower Pearl St.

That was the only question! Applicant’s rebuttal boils down to “we worked with community in good faith, this is a project we’re proud of for the city.”

And now the applicant is brought back for more questions from council. First question - is eliminating the commercial floor possible?

Attorney- no, it supports the affordable units.

One more zoom speaker wants to have safety concerns addressed. Asks developer to make Pearl St. safer for pedestrians and “homeowners of the single family units.”

Summary of e-comments read in: 3 support, 3 oppose, 1 unstated

Seventh zoom: nearby resident speaking in support. More housing helps avoid people getting priced out, allows families to build lives here. Cites Trump’s comments about driving housing values up for current homeowners and challenges council not to take that path by building more.

Sixth zoom: local resident has been here for past 25 years, mother of 3, represents other families with small kids. “This is a dangerous and negligible [sic] project.” Asks if anyone has consulted with the fire department (they have).

Fifth zoom commenter complained about parking (at least she acknowledged it was first world problems).

Back to zoom: fourth commenter is confused about the zoning for this site. Compares setbacks and heights to other local unpopular developments. Wants to know how the Palos Verdes cities fight these sorts of developments. Thanks planning commissioners for denial.

One more in person commenter. Lived in Manhattan beach for 35 years and now Redondo for 14. He moved here because Manhattan Beach became too congested. “Don’t let this become Manhattan Beach.”

Third zoom commenter gripes about state law but appreciates Council’s concern for neighbors. Then goes on his usual griping about BCHD and FAR. But he does say don’t try fighting this, just approve it.

Second zoom comment: wants to get rid of commercial space, add a second driveway. Says we should have more housing for renters (true!)

Also raises concerns about declining student enrollment

Now Zoom commenters. @gspeng.bsky.social speaks on behalf of League of Women Voters. Refers to draft Housing Element requiring 2 parking spaces per unit regardless of size, and city told HCD it would review parking requirements by 2023 but hasn’t. Low income residents likely won’t have 2 cars

13th speaker is another neighbor. Refers to traffic study and issues with turning left from Pearl St into driveway. Worried about causing backups and collisions.

12th speaker repeats the Planning Commission’s argument about coastal access that the Coastal Commission rejected. Worries that state housing legislation can override local coastal protections.