Redondo Beach, CA

by Garth Meyer

Lawndale resident Jay Gould received a letter last week from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) stating an “anomaly” had been detected in a jet fuel pipeline under his backyard.

The 20-mile long pipeline runs from the Torrance Refinery to Los Angeles International Airport. The pipeline parallels train tracks, along Metro right of way.

Gould and his neighbors are outspoken opponents of a Metro proposal to extend the C-Line (Green Line) parallel to the train tracks between their Lawndale homes. They prefer the extension run down Hawthorne Boulevard.

Three weeks ago, Gould and his neighbors brought widespread media attention to evidence of a gravesite on the right of way in their neighborhood.

The Metro letter to Gould said that the pipeline anomaly “requires immediate inspection…” and that Gould could be financially responsible for work related to repairing the pipe beneath his yard.

“(Metro) expressly reserves all rights to maintain its right of way now and in the future,” it read. “Including to clear out any additional encroachments and to seek reimbursements of costs from the encroaching party.”

“I don’t want my stuff torn up. I’ve been telling the truth for years,” Gould said, referring to his opposition to the Green Line route, and to the headstones in his neighborhood.

“Now they’re attacking me, because I told the truth, and they don’t like the truth.”

Jose Ubaldo, Metro communications manager/media relations, said it is a coincidence that the pipeline anomaly was discovered shortly after Gould brought media attention to the headstones.

Ubaldo said ground-penetrating radar will be used to determine if there is a problem with the pipe, and if it needs to be repaired.

“Obviously, if there’s a danger to the public, we’re not going to stand in the way,” Gould’s attorney, Ernesto Aldover said. “(But) this is under Jay’s property and no one else’s? It sounds fishy. What is this anomaly? It feels like they want to rip up his property to make his life hell.”

The Metro letter does not identify the anomaly.

Following media attention to the potential gravesites, the Metro Board of directors — chaired by Karen Bass – announced a postponement in its decision on which route to select for the C-line extension.

Metro previously sued Gould, in 2016, for allegedly encroaching on its right of way with a paved patio, deck and retaining wall..

The case was dismissed “with prejudice,” at Metro’s request. (Cases dismissed “with prejudice” may not be refiled.)

Early mornings

On Monday, Oct. 16, Metro officials arrived at Gould’s property at 7 a.m. to survey the right of way (ROW).

Surveyors marked the right of way with an orange line drawn down the middle of Gould’s yard.

On Tuesday, Metro officials returned with a crew assigned to find the pipeline with ground-penetrating radar, and to inspect it.

Gould’s attorney, Erneso Aldover, convinced the Metro to postpone the inspection, pending further negotiations.

“We said, they could not do any excavation, and we will work with the pipe company (Torrance Logistics), for them to do the inspections and repairs only, and put it all back,” Aldover said.

Lawndale City Manager Sean Moore said Gould may indeed have to pay for the cost of tearing up his large patio if that becomes necessary.

“It’s Metro’s right-of-way. They’re a public entity so costs have to be recouped,” Moore said.

Burlington Northern — Santa Fe Railroad sold Metro the right of way in the 1990s.

City Manager Moore told the Easy Reader that, for decades, permission has been given to residents to encroach on the right of way.

Gould’s house, which he has lived in since 1973, is one of many in the neighborhood to have encroachments. A freight train track runs down the middle of the ROW each day.

Gathered in Jay Gould’s backyard Monday morning, awaiting the arrival of Metro officials, are an unidentified neighbor, nextdoor neighbor Joshua Standifer, Attorney Ernesto Aldover, Guild, Lawndale Councilmember Pat Kearney, Lawndale Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, andLawndale City Manager Sean More. Photo by Kevin Cody

On Tuesday, October 17, Metro Communications Manager Ubaldo issued the following statement:

On Sept. 28, Metro was notified by Torrance Logistics of an anomaly detected along their pipeline, which runs below ground within the Metro Right of Way located between 17oth Street and Artesia Boulevard in Lawndale.Torrance Logistics will coordinate inspection of the pipeline with Metro, and make any necessary repairs to ensure safety, and comply with local, state and federal guidelines.

The inspection and repairs will involve removing land encroachments that have been previously built in the right of way and are blocking access to the pipeline.

“It feels like (Gould) is being targeted for showing the newscrews the gravestones,” attorney Aldover said.

“Over the years, Metro has always been out there. But I have not heard of them going onto a property before,” Lawndale City Manager Moore said.

He has worked for Lawndale since 2016.

“Hopefully they can get in there and fix the pipe without much damage or (displacement),” Moore said.

In February, Gould had a heart attack while addressing the Metro Board of Directors during a Lanedale town hall meeting. ER

The view through Jay Gould’s fence at the existing freight line track. Metro has proposed moving the tracks to one side of the right of way and adding two Green Line light rail tracks. Photo by Garth Meyer

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REDONDO BEACHS, CA — It's been two solid weeks since the cost of self-serve regular gasoline has risen in Los Angeles County, according to the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County dropped Friday for the 14th consecutive day, decreasing 3.6 cents to $5.845.

Near Redondo Beach, GasBuddy.com tracked the cheapest gas to a Costco Gas station located at 2640 Lomita Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard in the city of Torrance. In Redondo Beach, the cheapest fuel was at the Chevron at 3705 Inglewood Avenue and the 405 Freeway, selling at $5.59 per gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline.

The majority of Costco stations across Los Angeles County were selling at $ 4.99 per gallon of self-serve regular gasoline as of Friday morning.

Across Los Angeles, the average unleaded gasoline price has dropped 47 cents over the past 14 days, including 4 cents Thursday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The decreasing prices follow a run of 23 increases in 25 days, totaling 91.8 cents which boosted the average price to its highest amount since Oct. 11, 2022.

The average price is 23.8 cents less than one week ago and 41.2 cents lower than one year ago but 26.2 cents more than one month ago. It has dropped 64.9 cents since rising to a record $6.494 on Oct. 5, 2022.

The decreasing prices stem from Gov. Gavin Newsom sending a letter to the California Air Resources Board Sept. 28 directing it to allow refineries to begin making and distributing winter-blend gasoline, which is cheaper to produce.

Stations normally cannot start selling winter blend gas until Nov. 1.

"Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices did move up this week after the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel," said Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.

"But both oil prices and wholesale prices dropped in the last couple of days and today wholesale prices are at about the same level as in late June, when average gas prices were under $5 a gallon."

The national average price dropped for the 15th consecutive day and 23rd time in 25 days, decreasing 1.8 cents to $3.628. It has dropped 25.3 cents over the past 25 days, including 1.7 cents Thursday.

The national average price is 11.8 cents less than one week ago, 22 cents lower than one month ago and 28.5 cents below what it was one year ago. It has dropped $1.388 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.

The run of decreases follows an 11-day streak of increases totaling 7.8 cents.

City News Service, Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.

35th Annual Family Halloween Carnival

Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 - 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Manhattan Heights Park, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA

From Manhattan Beach Parks & Rec:

"Spend the evening with us and join in on the frightfully fun games, tricks and treats during our 35th Annual Family Halloween Carnival!

"Enjoy carnival games, costume contest and parade, Haunted House, cupcake walk, treats, refreshments, activities and more, perfect for ages 2 to 15.

"Bring out the entire family and get into the Halloween spirit.

"Children under the age of 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Most game booths are constructed by participants and staff in the REC Program and Teen Center.

"Events, attractions, and costs are subject to change without notice. Prizes while supplies last.

"Costume Contest and Parade: The parade takes place on the baseball field. Each group will line up behind the balloons and category so that staff can check you in. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in. We will begin at 3:00 PM sharp! We cannot wait for late arrivals. Prizes will be given immediately following the parade.

"Costume Categories

"Awards: Prizes will be awarded for 1st through 5th place, make sure you come dressed up and show off your costume.

"Carnival Bracelets:

"Each child participating in the Halloween Carnival is recommended to purchase a bracelet. The bracelets include unlimited use of:

"If you do not want to purchase a bracelet. Carnival activities range from 50 cents to $1.00. Tickets can be purchased at the information booth in 50 cent increments.

"Activities and Events (prices subject to change)

"Information Booth: Bracelets will be sold at the Information Booth only. Cash or card accepted.

"For more information or to volunteer for this event, contact David Ibarra at (310) 802-5419 or via email."

MORE INFO HERE

--Image via Renee Schiavone/Patch

BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Terreno Realty Corporation (NYSE:TRNO), an acquirer, owner and operator of industrial real estate in six major coastal U.S. markets, acquired an industrial property located in Redondo Beach, California on October 10, 2023 for a purchase price of approximately $45.7 million.

The property consists of one industrial transshipment building containing approximately 67,000 square feet and one industrial flex building containing approximately 45,000 square feet on 6.7 acres. The property is at 2411 Santa Fe Avenue, west of Interstate 405 between Los Angeles International Airport and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, provides 23 dock-high and one grade-level loading positions and parking for 200 cars. The property is 100% leased to two tenants and the estimated stabilized cap rate is 5.3%.

Estimated stabilized cap rates are calculated as annualized cash basis net operating income stabilized to market occupancy (generally 95%) divided by total acquisition cost. Total acquisition cost includes the initial purchase price, the effects of marking assumed debt to market, buyer’s due diligence and closing costs, estimated near-term capital expenditures and leasing costs necessary to achieve stabilization.

Terreno Realty Corporation acquires, owns and operates industrial real estate in six major coastal U.S. markets: Los Angeles, Northern New Jersey/New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

Additional information about Terreno Realty Corporation is available on the company’s web site at www.terreno.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. We caution investors that forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs and on assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. When used, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “project,” “result,” “should,” “will,” “seek,” “target,” “see,” “likely,” “position,” “opportunity,” “outlook,” “potential,” “enthusiastic,” “future” and similar expressions which do not relate solely to historical matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance, which may be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties, and factors that are beyond our control, including risks related to our ability to meet our estimated forecasts related to stabilized cap rates, and those risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and our other public filings. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past forward-looking statements, which are based on results and trends at the time they are made, to anticipate future results or trends.

Tropical Storm Hilary pummeled Los Angeles County over the weekend, see how many inches of rain Redondo Beach saw during the storm.

REDONDO BEACH, CA — The first tropical storm to hit the county since 1939 pummeled Los Angeles over the weekend, breaking rainfall total records and straining utility systems.

Redondo Beach saw nearly nonstop rain over the weekend as Tropical Storm Hilary moved into Southern California, making way for drier skies ahead according to the National Weather Service. Over the last three days, Redondo Beach got a total of 2.47 inches of rain according to NWS.

Most of LA County’s coastline saw between two and four inches of rain over the last three days. The San Fernando Valley saw between three to four inches of rain while downtown LA saw just under three inches.

Mount Wilson in the San Gabriel Mountains logged the most amount of rainfall in the last three days according to NWS with 8.56 inches fallen.

NWS reported that virtually all daily rainfall records were broken on Sunday. Even before the day concluded, NWS officials said August rainfall records were set in Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Find out what's happening in Redondo Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This recent storm brought a variety of dramatic weather conditions throughout the county, including a magnitude 5.1 earthquake that rattled much of LA. Residents of Catalina Island were also advised to evacuate as a precaution and were provided shelter in Long Beach, according to the city's Mayor Rex Richardson.

Many cities in the county experienced outages, with thousands of customers having been without power as systems were tested.

Following the downpour, Los Angeles County beaches were put under a health advisory as high levels of bacteria are expected for at least 72 hours after significant rainfall.

“Bacteria levels can increase significantly during and after rainstorms, as contaminants within the runoff enters the ocean,” according to the LA County Department of Public Health. “Elevated bacteria levels in ocean water may cause illness, especially in children and the elderly.”

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