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Redondo Beach Newsletter — March 22, 2026
📬 Brad Waller — District 1 Newsletter — March 23, 2026
Neighbors,
When dozens of students show up to a Council meeting and ask for a crossing guard at Ford and Aviation, and the city listens, that is local government working the way it should. It was one of several meaningful moments from a week that included a restored pond at Wilderness Park, new pickleball courts already filling up, a 30-year restaurant milestone, new businesses opening their doors, and a regional town hall that brought South Bay leaders together. Spring is officially here, and the energy in Redondo Beach matches it.
Here is what happened, what is coming, and why it matters.
🏛️ City Council Highlights (March 17)
🔹 Women's History Month and a well-deserved honor for Lila Omura. Tuesday's Council meeting opened by declaring March 2026 as Women's History Month in Redondo Beach and recognizing Lila Omura for receiving the LA County Commission for Women's "Woman of the Year" award. The kind of local recognition that lifts the whole community.
🔹 Crossing guard coming to Ford and Aviation after students spoke up. Dozens of students came to Tuesday's meeting to ask for a crossing guard at one of the busiest intersections near their school. Council heard them, and a guard should be in place right after Spring Break. When young residents show up and advocate for their own safety, we should move quickly. That is exactly what happened.
🔹 Mid-year budget: solid numbers and a look at real cost savings. The fiscal year 2025–26 mid-year review confirmed the city is in good financial shape. We are also exploring ways to reduce costs heading into next year, including potential changes to earthquake insurance coverage and our self-insured retention levels. Depending on the approach, savings could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars annually without reducing services. I take fiscal discipline seriously, and I am encouraged by the direction staff is taking.
🔹 User fee study: adjusting fees to reflect costs, without sudden jumps. Council reviewed a user fee study for the Community Development Department. The consensus: fees should align with what it actually costs to provide services, but we do not want dramatic increases, especially on items like appeals that residents depend on when navigating the planning process. Staff will bring back a refined proposal. I will be watching this closely.
🌿 Parks, Open Space & Environment
🔹 Wilderness Park Lower Pond restoration is complete. Thursday's ribbon cutting marked the finish of a project that has been on the horizon for months. This is one of the most special places in Redondo Beach, and every investment we make here shows. If you have not visited recently, it is worth the trip.
🔹 Alta Vista pickleball courts are officially open and already busy. Wednesday's ribbon cutting featured a "Pillars of Pickleball" matchup between our police officers and firefighters. These courts were a smart use of Prop 68 funding, and filling up fast confirms the demand was real.
→ 🏓 Coming soon: Both Chiefs will speak at the upcoming District 4 and 5 Community Meeting as part of the Pillars of Public Safety panel.
🔹 The Esplanade got its quarterly deep cleaning. Our Public Works team handled the full power wash and vacuum of the entire stretch. It is the kind of behind-the-scenes work that keeps one of our most visible public spaces looking its best. I serve on the board of Keep the Esplanade Beautiful because I believe protecting our coastline is part of the job. Shout-out to the crews who show up early and get it done right.
🔹 Save the date: Earth Day 2026 at Hopkins Wilderness Park, Saturday, April 18. The South Bay Parkland Conservancy is hosting a full day of activity booths, a nature walk, an educational seminar, live music, and a vegan lunch available for purchase. Local environmental groups and community organizations will be running booths throughout the day. This is exactly the kind of event Wilderness Park was made for.
💼 Economic Development & Local Business
🔹 Three ribbon cuttings in one week. Beyond the pickleball courts on Wednesday, we also welcomed Beyond Estates to Redondo Beach. They are bringing an all-in-one model combining real estate, interior design, and event planning under one roof. Innovative businesses choosing this city is exactly what I want to see. Welcome, Beyond Estates.
🔹 Mexican Riviera Restaurant celebrated 30 years. Three decades of great food, family, and being a staple in this community. Businesses like this are part of what gives Redondo Beach its character. Congratulations, and here is to many more.
🔹 Redondo Beach Grill is getting close to opening at the former Ragin Cajun location. I got a sneak preview, and the menu covers a lot of ground: burgers, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, plus some of the Cajun favorites people will recognize from the old spot. They even have a dog menu. Looking forward to seeing them open soon.
🔹 State of the City: tomorrow morning, Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 a.m. Sonesta Hotel ballroom. The annual address on where Redondo Beach stands and where we are headed. Worth setting the alarm.
👉 View State of the City event details
🔹 SBCCOG General Assembly: Thursday, March 26, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Westdrift in Manhattan Beach. The South Bay Cities Council of Governments' annual gathering brings together regional leaders on the issues that cross city lines. Redondo Beach's own Elizabeth Hause will be on a panel.
👉 View the SBCCOG General Assembly
🤝 Regional Collaboration
🔹 South Bay elected officials gathered Saturday for Assemblymember Muratsuchi's town hall. Representatives from Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Lomita, El Segundo, and Gardena came together to share perspectives and work toward solutions that benefit our entire region. The challenges we face do not stop at city borders, and collaboration across the South Bay makes all of us stronger.
🎓 Education & Youth
🔹 Summer camp fair at Alta Vista Park drew more than 30 camps. Local Anchor hosted the event Sunday, giving families a chance to connect directly with programs ahead of summer. If you missed it, check with Local Anchor for resources.
🔹 Cal Water College Scholarship: final deadline is this Thursday, March 26. If you know a college-bound student in Redondo Beach, please share this before the window closes.
👉 Apply for the Cal Water Scholarship
📅 Coming Up
🔹 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry: last one of the season, Friday, March 27, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 214 Ave I. Good food, good tradition, and the kind of gathering that makes a neighborhood feel like one.
🔹 ARTesia Public Art RFQ: open through Monday, March 30. Last week to get your qualifications in. Know a working artist? Share the opportunity.
👉 View the ARTesia project page
🔹 Springfest is less than a month away: April 16 to 19 at the Performing Arts Center. New this week: volunteers are needed for 4 to 5 hour shifts and will receive a free Springfest t-shirt and a drink ticket. Wristbands recently had a flash sale, but advance pricing is still available. Free admission, rides, live music, food trucks, a student entrepreneur showcase, and a BeachLife Battle of the Bands performance. This is the 44th year of a community tradition worth showing up for.
👉 Get Springfest details and wristbands
🥕 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.
State of the City is tomorrow morning. The Cal Water Scholarship and ARTesia RFQ both close this week. The last Fish Fry of the season is Friday. And Springfest still needs volunteers. If anything in this update raised a question or sparked something you want to share, hit reply. I read every message.
Thanks for staying connected.
