Hello Everyone,

Thursday, July 21st, 7-9 p.m., at the 'new' HT Grill on the corner of Catalina Avenue and Avenue I (they moved across the street), the President of the PV/South Bay chapter of the Audubon Society, Martin Byhower, will give a talk and slide-show presentation of the migratory and local seabirds that will benefit from a restored wetland on the site of the AES power plant. According to many experts, including Mr. Byhower, 20 or so acres of restored wetlands at this site would create a much needed stopover for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. Here is a beautiful photo of a local godwit that would also benefit.

Here is a link to their local Audubon chapter.

http://www.lmconsult.com/pvaudubon/index-f.html

Martin will also recount a few tales of intrigue and horror from the days when he worked as a an abalone aquaculturist at the old Edison plant on this site.

The new HT Grill (1701 South Catalina Avenue) has a side room for fundraising and special events. They have generously offered it for FREE to the South Bay Parkland Conservancy to hold this special event. The event is free, and everyone can purchase any food or drink that is normally offered as well. Hope you can make it. It will be a lot of fun!

The City Council must approve the Planning Commission recommendation made on June 16th to re-establish the zoning in much of the Heart of the City area. They will in all likelihood do this at their next meeting on Tuesday, July 19th at 6:30 p.m. Here is a link to the public notice.

http://www.redondo.org/depts/city_clerk/public_notices.asp

The one remaining problem is that they are leaving in place the Heart of the City zoning west of Harbor Drive and east of Catalina. This allows for 16-55 residential units per acre, which the citizens found so objectionable 3 years ago and forced two referendums. There have been a variety of reasons offered-up by staff why they are leaving these areas with a zoning that is so clearly out of touch with the residents. The building moratorium expires on September 1st. though, so it is important that the City have a zoning ordinance that is consistent with the General Plan by this time. I'll send out a reminder the weekend before the meeting for anyone who wants to attend.

Finally, the City of Redondo Beach will be selecting new Commissioners for all of the 10 Commissions they have - including the Recreation and Parks Commission. They meet once a month and are staffed by citizens only. This can be a great way to influence the direction and priorities of our City, and we need more open space advocates in city hall. Here is a link to a description of the Commissions. An application form is available at the bottom of the menu on the left-hand side of the page.

http://www.redondo.org/depts/boards_n_commissions/default.asp

The Mayor makes the selections, which are approved by the City Council. The deadline for applying is July 21st, and the interviews will be on August 9th. Please give it some consideration.

Thanks for your interest and support!

Bill Brand

President

South Bay Parkland Conservancy

PO Box 7000-408

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

310-809-4405