Council complex

Dear ER:

My sincere thanks to the hundreds and hundreds of residents who have given their time to talk with me and share their concerns, questions, and appreciation as I have gone door to door over the past months. It takes a tremendous amount of time to keep up with everything going on in our city, time that I know very few have to spare in their lives.

In my various roles in the city, one of the skills I have relied on is the ability to take very complex topics and boil them down to their basic aspects. Always asking what this means to the typical resident, how it might affect their lives, and understanding that those answers may be different for different people.

That is what it takes to move us forward in the right ways, taking the time to bring all of the different aspects and viewpoints together to create the best solutions to all of the issues we face as a city. Doing so is a full time job, one that I have enjoyed over the last decade and look forward to continuing with your support.  

Rolf Curtis Strutzenberg

Redondo Beach

Editor’s note: Strutzenberg is a candidate for the District 1 Redondo Beach City Council seat in the March 4 election.

A proud cobbler

Dear ER:

“Leadership is not about being in charge, it is about taking care of those in your charge.”

I became a member of the Redondo Beach Public Safety Commission in 2023 and became its chair in 2024. During the whole time, a name with the adjective servant leader and champion for the entire city and the commissions attached kept coming to my attention. I did my due diligence, by attending his town halls, observing during city council meetings, and while at times landing the plane proved a challenge, a love for the community he served and a command of both legacy and future city challenges was always evident.

Not only was he ready to identify the challenges and offer a perspective (popular or unpopular the perspective may have been), a combination of one or two solutions coupled with an openness to outside perspectives was always his first pivot. I’m told the difference between knowledge and wisdom is knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is never putting a tomato in a fruit salad.

That said, I proudly endorse Nils Nehrenheim to be the next Mayor of Redondo Beach. I’m excited to work with a leader who not only is transparent in the decisions being made but inclusive in the discussions regarding the choices. I’m confident in Nehrenheim’s ability to anchor us to the best of us. While he may not always get it right or do it right, my endorsement lives largely in my belief that excellence is measured by one’s commitment to the work.

I ask but one thing — worry not about big shoes to fill. Be a proud cobbler of your own. Great leaders are not born, they’re made. I and many others for sure have your six.

Austin Carmichael

Redondo Beach

Support for Nils Nehrenheim

I wholeheartedly support Nils Nehrenheim as my no. 1 choice for Mayor of Redondo Beach.

For eight continuous years as a twice-elected councilmember, Nils has been an incredible force for positive change, accomplishing many critical improvements including:

1. Effecting city charter change for good governance;

2. Record city revenue growth bolstering our financial stability;

3. Streamlined online permit processes minimizing red tape;

4. Keeping Redondo Beach in the forefront with county and state officials;

5. Advocating for the Metro C-line, Hawthorne-Elevated option;

6. Enhancing our waterfront experience with the King Harbor Amenities plan;

7. Securing $2 million for crucial improvements to Artesia Boulevard;

8. Modernizing Riviera Village and Pier with new lighting and pavers;

9. Fast-tracking new bike path lanes;

10. Saved us $100 million in pension debt, ensuring a sustainable financial future… and so much more!

    
    

Nils is the visionary leader we need as we approach the monumental opportunities presented by the 2028 Olympics and 2026 World Cup. His ability to see over the horizon and effectively communicate this vision to both local residents and statewide stakeholders will position Redondo as a prime destination for visitors and participants alike.

Nils’ ethics and character shine through in his grassroots campaign — he declines endorsements or donations from City employees and contractors, ensuring he is solely accountable to the people. I’m proud to vote for Nils Nehrenheim and invite you to join me! Together we can continue this positive momentum and have fun along the way!

–Leslie Campeggi, Redondo Beach