[ Szerlip Champions Public Safety... ]

Szerlip champions public safety

In the most important election in Redondo Beach in many years — March 6 — it is clear the best candidate in District 3 is incumbent Councilman Donald Szerlip. Redondo Beach has no stronger supporter for public safety and strong police and fire departments.

Szerlip’s efforts have succeeded in the acquisition of a Mobile Command Center, a SWAT van, an armored emergency vehicle and computers in every fire engine that replace pens and note pads. Redondo Beach police and fire departments are now able to communicate with each other in every emergency situation, thanks to Szerlip’s hard work to improve our public safety. Szerlip’s opponent, the former Redondo Beach fire chief, does not have the endorsement of the firefighters in his former department. Can a candidate lead a city if he is unable to enjoy the backing of his former colleagues?

Szerlip has again earned the endorsement of the Redondo Beach Police Officers Association. There is not a more qualified candidate focused on the economic future of Redondo Beach than incumbent Szerlip. He leads the City Council in strategies to improve economic vitality in every area of the city. He is the beloved creator of the dog park and devoted resident who has overseen the resurfacing of every residential street in District 3. His leadership, knowledge and city experience have resulted in a balanced budget.

Szerlip, a true public servant, receives my support because he is devoted to Redondo Beach.

— JOHN R. POLLITT

Redondo Beach

Inconsistencies mar city’s reputation

After the home improvement ordeal I recently went through, I read with interest Sunday’s article “Political sign ban is bent in Gardena.”

Regarding Councilman Oscar Medrano’s statements, “Some rules are made to be broken. There’s not one of us who’s not guilty of it”: Good to hear that from people being endorsed by the Police Officers Association.

The notion that everyone is getting away with it so he (Medrano) should too is absurd, especially from a candidate for public office. Candidate Tasha Cerda stated “the incumbents were the first ones that went against the rules.” If they can’t follow the rules of an ordinance they voted on 5-0 just a few months ago, why should anyone follow the rules?

After the city threatened me with permit denials, I spent thousands of dollars in upgrades, permits and months of delays on things that had nothing to do with my project. The city was very difficult to work with. I later learned they only randomly enforce codes, only on those who cooperate and that many codes can’t be enforced because of “gray areas”.

Reading about Tin Sing withdrawing its attempt to reopen (“Parking law kills popular restaurant in Gardena,” Feb.14) because the city would not relax its codes about parking emphasizes the double standard the city officials are working with. The Tin Sing representative also stated that two architects and two potential buyers pulled out because of Gardena being so difficult to work with. I encountered contractors who refused to work in Gardena for the same reason.

Recently I wrote a letter to the mayor and council members concerning the problems I encountered with code enforcement, the fact that codes were not being uniformly/fairly applied and if indeed there were gray areas in the codes they need to be changed. I also brought to light issues regarding residential area parking problems that are not being addressed. I never received a response. I understand better now why. Maybe it would be easier if the council just sent me a list of the city codes and laws that are “made to be broken.”

— MARK HINDS

Gardena

District’s dirty secret: pricey hotels

If the Los Angeles Unified School District has money problems, then how does it pay for numerous meetings at high-priced hotels all over Los Angeles? LAUSD holds numerous meetings and actually buses kids to some of these hotels. Perhaps the administrators don’t like the dismal conditions of some of their own meeting space — their schools.

— WILLARD PERRY

Torrance

Alternative remedies a natural choice

I have to respond to the Feb. 12 article “Uprooting Tradition.” There is a good reason why so many of us spend millions of dollars each year on natural medicine. It is because it works. My family and I have used natural remedies for many years with great success. We haven’t gotten the flu or a major cold in at least five years.

There seems to be a concerted effort to discredit and dismiss natural remedies in the media lately. It is a very disturbing trend. Are our health freedoms the next thing to go?

— MARTIN MORISETTE

Torrance

Condos ill-suited for community

In response to Tanya Scotlan’s letter (“Ponte Vista — a matter of quality of life,” Feb. 5), I am against any development at this site until there can be access from Gaffey Street into the Ponte Vista development. I also feel that it should remain zoned R-1, as there are good reasons why this property was zoned R-1 and should stay that way.

I also take issue in regard to the concept that Ponte Vista will give many single parents the opportunity to purchase in this community. There is nothing wrong with finding a fixer-upper and trading up. You can be sure that Bob Bisno is not going to sell something for less than market value. I believe the condos he will be selling will be similarly priced as the current two-bedroom fixer- uppers, which can be remodeled as a family grows. As an investment, I would rather have a unique house than a fixed-sized condo when the time comes to sell.

In regard to the continuing issue about senior housing, a poll was taken at the seniors meeting at Peck Park a few months ago from a crowd of more than 100 seniors. The question was asked, “How many would be interested in living at Ponte Vista?” Only three people raised their hands.

Many people are unclear as to what senior housing means. It does not include assisted living, custodial care, nor residential care. The possible difference in the senior housing at Ponte Vista would be available transportation. Most seniors at this point in their lives already own a home, so it is not an issue about affordability. I don’t think Bob Bisno is interested in creating another “Leisure World,” as the senior housing would only be a small percent of the development.

— JOHN H. WINKLER JR.

San Pedro

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