The blog
Blog
Explainers, guides, and news about civic life in Redondo Beach. Written so anyone can follow along — no prior knowledge of local government required.
2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 and Redondo Beach: Watch Parties, Traffic, and What Residents Need to Know
June 9, 2026SoFi Stadium is eight miles away and the world is coming to the South Bay. Here's how the biggest sporting event on Earth will affect your city — from Seaside Lagoon watch parties to match-day traffic on the 405.
Guide · 8 min
Redondo Beach Sales Tax Explained: Why It's 10.25% and Where Your Money Goes
June 8, 2026The combined sales tax rate in Redondo Beach jumped to 10.25% in April 2025. Here's a breakdown of every layer — state, county, and city — and what the city actually keeps.
Explainer · 8 min
The AES Power Plant Site in Redondo Beach: What It Is, Who Owns It, and What Happens Next
June 7, 2026Fifty-one acres of prime waterfront land, a bankruptcy, six lawsuits, and a battle over the city's future — here's everything residents need to know about the AES site.
Explainer · 9 min
History of the Redondo Beach Pier: Seven Structures, 135 Years
June 6, 2026From an 1889 lumber wharf to the 70,000-square-foot concrete landmark that stands today — the full story of the seven piers built on Redondo Beach shores.
Explainer · 10 min
Redondo Beach Short-Term Rental Rules: Why Airbnb Is Banned and What Property Owners Need to Know
June 6, 2026Redondo Beach prohibits vacation rentals under 30 days — no permits, no exceptions. Here's how the ban works, how it's enforced, and what your options are.
Explainer · 8 min
Redondo Beach Water and Sewer Rates Explained: Who Bills You, What You Pay, and How to Save
June 5, 2026Your water comes from a private company, your sewer bill comes from the city, and a regional agency treats it all. Here's how the system works and what it costs.
Explainer · 9 min
How to Report a Problem in Redondo Beach: Potholes, Graffiti, Noise, and More
June 4, 2026A complete guide to every phone number, online portal, and city department you need — from broken streetlights to code enforcement complaints.
Guide · 8 min
How Zoning Works in Redondo Beach
June 3, 2026A plain-English guide to residential zones, commercial districts, development standards, and the Housing Element changes reshaping the city.
Explainer · 9 min
How to Build an ADU in Redondo Beach
June 3, 2026Everything homeowners need to know about accessory dwelling units — state law, local rules, size limits, permits, and costs.
Guide · 10 min
How to Start a Business in Redondo Beach
June 3, 2026A step-by-step guide to business licenses, zoning clearance, permits, and the resources the city offers to help you get started.
Guide · 9 min
How Code Enforcement Works in Redondo Beach
June 3, 2026How to report violations, what happens after you file a complaint, your rights as a property owner, and what the city actually enforces.
Explainer · 8 min
How Redondo Beach City Government Actually Works
June 3, 2026A beginner's guide to the council-manager system, city departments, commissions, and how decisions get made in Redondo Beach.
Explainer · 9 min
How to Get a Building Permit in Redondo Beach
June 3, 2026A homeowner's step-by-step guide to the permit process — from figuring out if you need one to passing final inspection.
Guide · 10 min
Redondo Beach's 7 City Commissions, Explained
June 3, 2026What they do, when they meet, and how to get a seat at the table — a complete guide to the advisory bodies that shape city policy.
Explainer · 8 min
Redondo Beach Property Taxes: How Your Bill Works, What You Pay, and Where the Money Goes
June 3, 2026Prop 13, assessed values, supplemental bills, and the $48.8 million question — a plain-English guide to property taxes in Redondo Beach.
Guide · 8 min
Redondo Beach Trash and Recycling: Bins, Schedules, and Rules Explained
June 2, 2026Everything residents need to know about curbside collection, recycling, green waste, bulky item pickups, and the new organics rules — plus what the city just approved for FY 2026-27 rates.
Guide · 7 min
Redondo Beach Parking: Rates, Permits, and Rules Explained
June 1, 2026Everything you need to know about parking at the pier, metered spots, residential permits, and street sweeping schedules in Redondo Beach — in one place.
Guide · 6 min
What Does the Redondo Beach City Council Actually Do?
May 31, 2026Five elected members, two meetings a month, and a $120 million budget. Here's how the body that runs Redondo Beach actually works — and where residents fit in.
Explainer · 6 min
The Redondo Beach 2027 Budget in Plain English
May 30, 2026Where the city's money comes from, where it goes, and why the choices made this summer will shape Redondo for years.
Explainer · 7 min
How to Attend (or Watch) a Redondo Beach City Council Meeting
May 29, 2026A step-by-step guide to showing up, speaking during public comment, or watching from home. No prior experience required.
Guide · 5 min
What's Happening with Redondo Beach's Waterfront Leases
May 28, 2026The city's harbor-area leases are up for renegotiation. What that means for the pier, the restaurants, and the public waterfront.
News · 6 min
Redondo Beach's Housing Plan: What It Means for Your Neighborhood
May 27, 2026State law requires Redondo to plan for 2,491 new homes by 2029. Here's what that actually looks like on the ground.
Explainer · 7 min
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
- What topics does this blog cover?
- We write about how Redondo Beach city government works, how to get involved as a resident, explainers on local issues like development and budgets, guides to public participation, and profiles of the people and places that make Redondo Beach unique.
- Is this an official city website?
- No. This is an independent civic information resource, not affiliated with the City of Redondo Beach government. We use publicly available data, official city documents, and open meeting records. For official city services, visit redondo.org.
- How can I get more involved in Redondo Beach city government?
- Great ways to get involved include attending City Council or commission meetings, speaking during public comment, applying for a commission seat, contacting your council member about issues you care about, subscribing to city meeting agendas, and voting in local elections.
- How can I stay updated on Redondo Beach news?
- Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates, follow us on social media, and sign up for the city's official notification system (Access Redondo). We also recommend attending council meetings in person or watching the live stream.