Fire Study Information & Thoughts

Here are my thoughts on the Fire Study that was performed over the past year. The intention was to evaluate whether contracting with LA County Fire Services could potentially save the City of Redondo Beach any money without a reduction in services. As I have previously stated… I did not find any compelling information in the costs provided by LA County to relinquish our local control. In April, I voted no against a Phase 2 process with LA County. Three of my colleagues chose to move forward.

Last month, the item came back to the Council on consent to approve the funds necessary to move into Phase 2. I pulled the item so I could again vote no. One of my colleagues also pulled the item and then explained to the council and public that he had spent the past months doing a deeper dive, and reached a similar conclusion. The Phase 2 item did not pass that evening. This councilmember has now been served with an Intent to Recall notice, and it appears (based on comments made in this article) that once we reach the 6-month threshold of being duly elected to a second term, I will also be served with a similar action. As this unfolds – I will also post my thoughts on any recall effort.

This council has been unified over the past 2-4 years in ensuring our public safety is a priority. Past budgets reflect this as does the fact that over 60% of our General Fund obligations are dedicated for Public Safety.

CM Gran has a detailed post on his reasons for changing his mind. Here is a link to an extensive explanation including the information that was presented to the entire council: https://www.johngran.com/la-county-fire-quote-by-the-numbers/