Redondo Beach, California
Redondo Beach is one of the three Beach Cities in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 63,261 at the 2000 census. The city is located in the South Bay region of the greater Los Angeles area.Redondo Beach was originally part of the 1784 Rancho San Pedro Spanish land grant that later became the South Redondo area. The city's territory has an unusual shape including an area along the beach (South Redondo Beach) and another strip inland from Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach (North Redondo Beach). The primary attractions include Municipal Pier and the sandy beach, popular with tourists and a variety of sports enthusiasts. The western terminus of the Metro Rail Green Line is in North Redondo Beach.
Lifestyle
Redondo Beach is the focus of many who want to be in the sun and near the ocean. Although a vibrant community in its own right, much of the Redondo Beach lifestyle is a blend of the neighborhoods, activities and people of the three Beach Cities of Southern California's South Bay. Like its sister cities of Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, Redondo's key lifestyle draw is the vast beach that links these three cities.
Beach lifestyle
A wide sand beach starts below the bluffs of Palos Verdes in the south (after Torrance Beach) and carries north to the Redondo Pier. A paved path, called The Strand runs from South Redondo north to Santa Monica. A typical day on this path will see thousands of people on foot, bicycle, skateboard, rollerblade, wheelchair and stroller enjoying the sun and surf. The continuous path is broken only by the massive Redondo Beach King Harbor Marina and Pier complex, where it veers away from water and onto dedicated lanes of surface streets for about a mile before again turning to the ocean in Hermosa Beach. Continuing north from Manhattan Beach, this path stretches well into Marina Del Rey and beyond with few breaks.Surfing is a key element of the South Bay lifestyle year-round; it is common to see locals catching waves on both Christmas and New Year's Day. Powerful winter storms in the Pacific ocean can turn typically placid and rolling South Bay waves into large and occasionally dangerous monsters, a natural draw for the local surfing population. Local wave heights in December 2005 were some of the largest on record and were reported to top 15 feet (4.6 m) to 20 feet (6.1 m) in some instances; at least one surfer required resuscitation when he was thrashed against the ocean bottom after trying a particularly large wave.Beach Volleyball is another important aspect of Redondo Beach's lifestyle. The wide and flat sand beaches provide the perfect venue for the sport and permanent poles and nets are placed and maintained by the city year-round. Professional tournaments managed by the AVP take place in neighboring Hermosa and Manhattan Beach. Redondo Beach is home to Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh and AVP Pro Casey Jennings.The Redondo Recreation Indoor Men's Volleyball League at Aviation Gym on Wednesday nights is one of the premier indoor recreational volleyball leagues in Southern California where one could play high level volleyball. Former college and professional volleyball athletes participate in this league year round in about four seasons per year.Currently Redondo Beach is growing in popularity to filming production. In 2006 'Medium' crews were seen shooting at a local coffee shop. Fox's The O.C. has also been seen filming at Redondo Union High School and local parks. Rob Schneider's The Hot Chick (2002) has a memorable scene when Schneider falls down a long row of benches at Redondo High's football field.
Neighborhoods
Redondo Beach is often divided into two logical North/South areas with 190th, Anita, and Herondo streets forming its east-west boundary line. South Redondo plays host to the pier and marina/harbor complex and directly borders active Hermosa Beach; life on the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) can be frenetic with restaurants and boating activities keeping people active and engaged at all times. Inland of PCH is largely residential.Bordering North/South Redondo at the Marina is a massive power plant, which has been the source of substantial political debate in the city over the last decade, largely centered over what to do with the land once the plant becomes inactive over the next 25 years (subject to change and compromise). This power plant sports a 586 ft (179 m) x 95 ft (29 m) whale mural by world-famous artist Wyland titled 'Gray Whale Migration'.The small business district near the pier and marina was revived in the 1990s by beachgoers and new residents wanted to sell beachwear and surfing accessories. That district was once focused on fishing and canning when the pier was used to transport fish-based foodstuffs and canned fish to American and Asian consumers, but that industry had an economic downfall in the 1970s and 1980s.South Redondo is a bit more on the gentrified, quiet side. Its wide streets, wide sand beaches and laid-back feel make it a prime destination for those seeking a 'bike to the grocery store' community. Several close-knit neighborhoods exist; South Broadway hosts street parties in the summer where children play on jumping gyms and the local Fire Department judges the best dessert contest while kids climb their pumper truck.North Redondo begins north of 190th Street. As a result of Redondo Beach's geography, North Redondo is primarily an inland experience as the beachfronts form most of Hermosa Beach and part of Manhattan Beach. While primarily residential, North Redondo contains some of the city's major industry and commercial space, including the inland aerospace and engineering firms that are part of Southern California's long space legacy. It is also home to the South Bay Galleria Shopping Center and a revitalized Artesia Boulevard. North Redondo is the home of the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, one of the South Bay's premier cultural facilities, and home to the Civic Light Opera of the South Bay Cities. North Redondo is home to nearly two-thirds of the children in Redondo Beach. Many original homes still stand in Redondo Beach neighborhoods, but these small Arts and Crafts style homes are quickly being bought, demolished and rebuilt to match the tastes of the modern, more affluent buyer that makes South Bay their home. Zoning allows properties within two to three blocks of the beach to be developed as large two to three-unit luxury townhomes; inland areas are more likely to have single-family homes. There is a citywide height limit of 32 ft (9.8 m) for new homes; unlike Manhattan Beach, Redondo allows rooftop living spaces and decks.Redondo Breakwall is a well known surf spot in the south bay.
Other activities
A revitalized downtown area affectionately termed 'Riviera Village' (named so after the Hollywood Riviera, which is the area it is in) provides locals an opportunity to eat, shop and commune in a quiet atmosphere. Since 2004 several new or newly renovated restaurants have made a positive impact on local options for an on-the-town experience. Downtown also supports a number of independent boutiques and shops specializing in clothing and fashion, as well as at least three wine-tasting galleries. This downtown area is in South Redondo west of PCH between Avenue I and Palos Verdes Blvd.The Marina, Harbor and Pier complexes are large, planned centers of activity that host Korean seafood restaurants, touristy bars, smaller shops and a games arcade. The pier is a common spot for anglers to cast for a local catch; many residents of inland Los Angeles drive to Redondo Beach to take advantage of the long and unique shape of this pier. The adjacent Marina, located just north of the Pier, is home to another half-dozen restaurants, a seafood shop, and a pub with almost 100 beers on tap. The large, monolithic concrete structures that make up the pier and harbor area stand in stark contrast to the venerable cozy feel of the rest of the South Bay's neighborhood-style street front architecture; the city continues to consider options for the area as new entertainment and dining chooses to locate in other areas of the Beach Cities.
Economy
According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:
Cost of living
The beach lifestyle comes at a price: According to public data from the Los Angeles Times, real estate prices increased almost 20% per year between 1999 and 2005. Properties within short walking distance of the ocean routinely sell for well over $1 million. Those with direct, unhindered views routinely ask in excess of $2 million. Money Magazine ranks communities in the area as some of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. The average three-bed, two-bath home costs about $1,000,000 in South Redondo as of 2006 and $875,000 in North Redondo. The 2007 'credit meltdown' has affected home values in the area to a lesser extent than the rest of Southern California.
Geography
Redondo Beach is located at 33°51′23″N 118°22′37″W / 33.85639°N 118.37694°W / 33.85639; -118.37694 (33.856514, -118.377081).According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.7 km² (6.4 mi²). 16.3 km² (6.3 mi²) of it is land and 0.4 km² (0.1 mi²) of it (2.18%) is water.Redondo Beach was originally part of the 1784 Rancho San Pedro Spanish land grant of the 43,000-acre (170 km2) Dominguez Rancho that later became the ten-mile (16 km) Ocean frontage of Rancho Sausal Redondo.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 63,261 people, 28,566 households, and 15,254 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,889.4/km² (10,065.4/mi²). There were 29,543 housing units at an average density of 1,816.3/km² (4,700.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 78.62% White, 9.10% Asian, 2.52% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.35% Pacific Islander, 4.37% from other races, and 4.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.47% of the population.There were 28,566 households out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.6% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.87.In the city the population was spread out with 18.8% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 43.1% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 101.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.8 males.According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $93,274, and the median income for a family was $108,753. Males had a median income of $56,796 versus $45,204 for females. The per capita income for the city was $38,305. About 4.0% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.
Diversity
Before the beach city housing boom in the 1990s, Redondo Beach's population mirrored much of older communities around Los Angeles. Redondo Beach had generally large numbers of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (esp. Hawaiians and Samoans) for cities with an excess of 50,000 residents. The city has a sizable Native American community, due to the fact that numerous participants in the Bureau of Indian Affairs' relocation programs chose the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Nearby is the El Nido section, briefly was a Chicano area before the 1970s.[citation needed]In the early 1900s, the developing community attracted immigrants, often fishermen and maritime workers of Dutch, Greek, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish descent, whom used to have neighborhoods on the city's southern end known as 'Clifton' (the county area was incorporated into Redondo Beach in 1976). The community also had its share of Asian American and Latino (Mexican or other Latin American) residents. African Americans encountered few problems on moving into the mixed-race community, especially after the 1950s.
Local government
According to the city’s most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city’s various funds had $109.5 million in Revenues, $106.8 million in expenditures, $283.1 million in total assets, $66.3 million in total liabilities, and $79.5 million in cash and investments.The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:The Beach Cities Health District, one of 78 California Health Districts, is located in Redondo Beach. Created in 1955, as South Bay Hospital, to provide health and wellness services to the residents of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach. The District took on its current name in 1993. In 2002, Beach Cities Health District opened AdventurePlex, a Manhattan Beach fitness facility for youth and their families of the three beach cities. AdventurePlex has mazes, tunnels, outdoor rock climbing walls, complex ropes courses, and an indoor gymnasium.
County and federal representation
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Torrance Health Center in Harbor Gateway, Los Angeles, near Torrance and serving Redondo Beach.The United States Postal Service operates the Redondo Beach Post Office at 1201 North Catalina Avenue, the Redondo Beach Station #2 Post Office at 1715 Via El Prado, the North Redondo Beach Post Office at 2215 Artesia Boulevard, and the Galleria Post Office at Suite 377D at 1815 Hawthorne Boulevard.
Politics
In the state legislature Redondo Beach is located in the 28th Senate District, represented by Democrat Jenny Oropeza, and in the 53rd Assembly District, represented by Democrat Ted Lieu. Federally, Redondo Beach is located in California's 36th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of D +11 and is represented by Democrat Jane Harman. The current mayor of the city is Mike Gin, a Chinese-American moderate Republican.In the 2008 presidential election Barack Obama won 59% of the vote and John McCain won 37% of the vote.
Education
The Redondo Beach Unified School District serves the city. Redondo Union High School is the zoned high school.
Famous residents
Thehardcore punkbandBlack Flagis from Redondo, Manhattan and Hermosa Beach.
Adult-filmActressTraci Lords(born 1968) attendedRedondo Union High School
The contemporary artistAllan McCollum(born 1944) grew up in Redondo Beach, and graduated fromAviation High School.
Edwin Mattison McMillan(1907–91), US atomic scientist and Nobel Prize winner was born in Redondo Beach
Judith Resnik, second American woman in space, killed in the Challenger disaster.
ActressDemi Moore(born 1962) attendedRedondo Union High Schoolfor one year under her real name Demetria Guynes but moved to attendFairfax High Schoolwhere she dropped out to be an actress
The Smothers Brothers(Tom, born 1937; Dick, born 1939) grew up in Redondo Beach and graduated fromRedondo Union High School
Japanese American writerHisaye Yamamoto(born 1921) was born in Redondo Beach.
NBABasketball player and coachPaul Westphal(born 1950) grew up in Redondo Beach, and attendedAviation High School.
Ron Kovic(born 1946), the anti-war activist, veteran and writer who was paralyzed in the Vietnam War. He is best known as the author of the memoir Born on the Fourth of July, which was made into an Academy Award–winning movie directed by Oliver Stone, with Tom Cruise playing Kovic. He currently is a resident here.
Los Angeles Lakers'Pau Gasol,Ron ArtestandShannon Brownreside in Redondo Beach.
Simeon Moses and Matt Radmanovich from Season 2 ofThe Pickup Artistare from Redondo Beach.
MusicianDamon Edgeof the bandChromelived and died in his Redondo Beach apartment in1995.
Professional SkateboardersJereme Rogersresides in Redondo Beach.
Greg Bishop, guitarist and founder of theChristian MetalbandX-Sinner, currently lives here.
In the media
Redondo Beach is the subject of aPatti Smithsong of thesame nameon her 1975 albumHorses. It was covered byMorrisseyin 2004 and released as a single in 2005.
Redondo Beach is mentioned in the song 'Surfin' USA' byThe Beach Boys.
The Edison Power Plant is the filming location ofBritney Spearsmusic video '(You Drive Me) Crazy'.
The Redondo Fun Factory, down on the Redondo Beach International Boardwalk, is the filming location ofBoys Like Girlsof their single 'Love Drunk'
The popular television showThe O.C.used the beach and pier as a key filming location.
The television showDexterhas been filming at the Redondo Pier. (2009)
The television show24uses the AES powerplant in filming many scenes.
The television showCSI:Miamihas been filmed in Redondo Beach.
Three seasons of the television seriesRiptidewere filmed in King Harbor.
Disney'sEven Stevensused to film its mall episodes at Redondo Beach'sThe Galleria. They also used Aviation's track field for its outside gym scenes.
The '90s television showCalifornia Dreamsis set in Redondo Beach.
A first season episode ofStar Trek: The Original Seriescalled 'Operation: Annihilate!' had scenes of the planet Deneva, which were filmed at the TRW headquarters in this town.
TruTV's showSpeedershas made a few appearances in Redondo Beach.
In theSouth Parkepisode 'Crippled Summer', the character Towelie is sent to a Rehab Clinic, the Ocean View Terrace, in nearbyRancho Palos Verdes.
Parts of the moviePoint Breakwere filmed in Redondo Beach (e.g., the gas-station fire-explosion scene took place at the intersection of Beryl and Catalina, and the foot chase passed the famous 'Dive N' Surf 'shop).
Redondo Beach is the destination of the road-tripping family in the 2006 movieLittle Miss Sunshine, althoughVentura, CAstood in for Redondo Beach at the end of the film.
Men at WorkstarringCharlie SheenandEmilio Estevezwas filmed in Redondo Beach, which went by the pseudonym 'Las Playas.'
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's Endwas filmed off the coast of Redondo Beach. It starsJohnny DeppandOrlando Bloom. TheBlack Pearl, a cursed sea vessel, was moored in the harbor for several weeks in 2006.
John Travolta's characterVincent Vegain the moviePulp Fictionlives in Redondo Beach.
The eponymous race inThe Cannonball Runended in Redondo Beach.
The beach scene inBig Momma's House 2was filmed in Redondo Beach and the pier.
Redondo Beach is home of the fictional Bird of Paradise Motel in the 1990 filmThe Two JakesstarringJack Nicholson.
Parts of the 1988 movie,Tequila Sunrise, were filmed in Redondo Beach, specifically, on the Esplanade. Kurt Russell is depicted wearing an RUHS (Redondo Union High School) senior ring.
The Hot Chick(2002) starringRob Schneiderused theRedondo Union High Schoolfootball stadium during the scene where Schneider is pushed down the stadium's bleachers by co-starAnna Faris.
In the movie1408, starring John Cusack, the beach scene is set at Hermosa Pier and Redondo Beach.
EasyReaderNews.comis the online home of theEasy Reader
SouthBayEvents.comis the major online reference for Redondo Beach. Local activities, events and businesses are showcased and updated daily.
Sister cities
Hermosa Beach, Ca
Manhattan Beach, Ca
Trivia
Vince Neilof the rock bandMötley Crüewas involved in a drunk driving accident on the Esplanade on December1984, that killedRazzle(Nicholas Dingley), the drummer ofHanoi Rocks.
Chuck Norrisopened a Martial Arts studio in Redondo Beach before his career in acting.
The City Council designated the Goodyear blimp as the Official City Bird in November 1983.
Redondo Beach was thespring traininghome of theBoston Red Soxin 1911.
The Hit Tv Show of the same name was based in Redondo Beach and shot in several well known locations
