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Redondo Beach Newsletter — December 15, 2025
📬 Brad Waller — District 1 Newsletter — December 15, 2025
Hello all & Happy Holidays,
It’s been a busy one! Dozens of you stopped me this week with thoughts on the King Harbor sign. Some loved the update, some didn't, and a few just wanted to talk through the tradeoffs. That's exactly how this should work — direct feedback, real conversations, no filter. The sign decision is made, but your input shapes how I weigh these calls moving forward.
Below is what happened this week, what's coming Tuesday at Council, and where you can plug in.
🏛️ City Council & Community Decisions
🔹 The King Harbor sign update moves forward. Last week the Council voted to repair and refresh the welcome sign at 190th and Catalina. We replaced the hand-painted sailboat with our trademarked city logo, updated the font for better readability, and changed what's listed underneath. I heard from dozens of residents — some in favor, many opposed. I spoke with as many of you as I could. The majority of people I talked to personally supported the changes, but I know this upset others who value the sign's history and nostalgia.
→ 💡 My take: I don't take decisions like this lightly. The sign needed structural repair, and we chose to modernize it while we were at it. I get that change is hard when it touches something people grew up with. I couldn't make everyone happy, and I'm sorry for that, but the choice was made thoughtfully with input from the designer who created our city logo and from many of you.
🔹 Tuesday's Council meeting (December 16, 6 pm) includes two major art discussions. First, we'll vote on commissioning "Gate Wave" — a 13-foot aluminum wave sculpture for Gateway Parkette at King Harbor. Artist Volkan Alkanoglu designed it back in 2011 for the transit center, but the project got delayed and relocated. The cost has climbed to $275,000 due to inflation and material increases over 13 years. Second, we'll discuss the Artesia Blvd Strategic Art Plan. The Cultural Arts Commission has been working with consultant LeBasse Projects to develop public art installations along Artesia between Inglewood and Aviation. These items show how we're using art to build identity in our neighborhoods and corridors.
→ 🎯 Why this matters: Public art isn't decoration — it's placemaking. "Gate Wave" will welcome people to King Harbor with something unique and memorable. The Artesia plan turns a commuter route into a destination where North Redondo residents want to spend time. Both projects require public investment, and I want to hear your take on whether the dollars match the benefit.
👉 View the City Council calendar
🎅 Community Highlights & Events
🔹 I got to play Santa last week — twice! First at the "Let It Snow" event at Seaside Lagoon, then Thursday and Friday riding the RBPD sleigh through District 1. We hit every neighborhood, and the turnout was incredible. Kids waited on curbs, families brought hot chocolate outside, and neighbors who've lived here for decades met folks who just moved in. This is community building at its simplest and best.
→ ⚡ If you snapped photos, please share them with me! I love seeing the neighborhoods through your lens.
🔹 Santa's sleigh runs through December 19. The Redondo Beach Police Officers Association brings Santa through different routes each night starting around 5 pm. Maps post daily on the city website. It's low-tech, it's loud, and it works. Officers donate their time, and families get a reason to step outside and connect with neighbors.
👉 View Santa sleigh routes and schedule
🔹 King Harbor Boat Parade drew big crowds Saturday, December 13. From the afternoon market at R/10 Social House to the evening parade of lit-up boats gliding through the harbor, the waterfront was packed. Families gathered at viewing spots between California Surf Club and Riviera Mexican Cantina, kids bounced in the inflatable house, and Santa made his rounds. These traditions anchor our December calendar, and they remind me why protecting and improving King Harbor matters so much.
🕎 This Week's Community Events
🔹 Giant Menorah Lighting — Tuesday, December 16, 5:30 pm at the Redondo Beach Civic Center (415 Diamond St). The South Bay Jewish Community Center hosts this Chanukah celebration with music, dancing, hot latkes, and doughnuts. It's a beautiful community tradition that brings families together to mark the holiday. Free and open to all.
👉 Learn more about the menorah lighting
On a more somber note: I must mention that my heart goes out to the Jewish community both here and abroad; anti-semitism and violence have no place in our community. I know that the people of Redondo Beach respect all faiths, cultures, and philosophies. During the holidays and always, we stand with peace and kindness.
📅 Looking Ahead
🔹 RBPD Blood Drive — Wednesday, January 7, 8am–6pm at Redondo Beach Public Library (Meeting Room A). Donate blood and you're entered to win a trip for two to the Super Bowl. RBPD runs this as part of the American Red Cross Battle of the Badges, and every donation helps. It's a small ask with real impact.
🥕 Weekly Markets
🔹 Farmers' Market by the Pier (Veterans Park) — Thursdays, 8am–1pm. 309 Esplanade.
🔹 Riviera Village Farmers Market — Sundays, 8:30am–1pm. Triangle Lot, 1801 S. Elena Ave.
📱 Access Redondo
Do you have a problem or need to report an issue to the city? Use the Access Redondo App.
This week is about decisions — some of them tough, some of them joyful. The King Harbor sign sparked real debate, and I appreciate everyone who reached out with their perspective. Tuesday's art agenda will shape what North Redondo and King Harbor look like for years, so if you've got thoughts on "Gate Wave" or the Artesia plan, send them my way before the meeting.
If you want to weigh in on Council business or just have a question about what's happening in District 1, reply to this email. I read every message, and your input makes me a better representative.
See you at Tuesday's meeting or around the neighborhood. Let’s continue to enjoy this festive season Redondo style.
