To: PUBLIC AMENITIES COMMISSION
From: KELLY ORTA, DEPUTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
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RECEIVE AND FILE UPDATES FROM THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT RELATED TO HISTORICAL & PARKS AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES
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BACKGROUND
Parks and Recreation
The following items are provided as updates and general information regarding recreation and park-related items under the purview of the Public Amenities Commission (Commission):
Fall Classes, Camps, & Activities
Registration for fall classes, camps, and activities is ongoing. All activities can be viewed on the City’s website:
<https://www.redondo.org/departments/community_services/classes_and_activities/index.php>
Wilderness Pond Lower Pond Restoration Project
Restoration of the lower pond is continuing and is anticipated to be completed later this fall. The area surrounding the project site will be temporarily closed to the public.
Upcoming Events & Activities
• Story Time in the Park - enjoy a free, family-friendly story and activity for all ages on November 19 from 1:00 to 1:45pm at Wilderness Park.
• Holiday Tree Lighting - the 45th annual holiday tree lighting event will take place in front of City Hall on Tuesday, December 9 starting at 4:30pm. This free event is open for all ages and will include music and performances.
The following information is provided as updates following inquiries from the Commission regarding recreation and park-related projects and initiatives:
Historical Museum
The following items are provided as updates and general information regarding historic-related items under the purview of the Public Amenities Commission:
Facility Operations and Attendance (October 2025)
The museum was open on the following days: 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 23, 25, 26, and 29
The museum had a total guest count of 188 for the month.
General Updates
• On October 29, the Historical Museum and Morrell House, managed by the Redondo Beach Historical Society (RBHS), hosted a Halloween-themed day of activities including decorations, costume contest, and treats. Attached are photos from the event.
• Staff have completed a comprehensive inventory of the museum collection, including items stored at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center (RBPAC).
• Vast quantity of post cards and reproductions of post cards (a great many the contribution of Commission Chair Ron Maroko) are being sorted and filed in archival acid-free sleeves and organized into binders for public viewing and research.
• Continuing the development of a comprehensive list of items documented in accession records, but not yet located. Will likely need the assistance of the RBHS as some items in accession records are on display at Morrell House and need to be noted as “on loan”.
• Museum docents have continued replacing old, faded, and difficult to read labels on artifacts on display, using consistent fonts commonly used in museums to improve overall professionalism of current displays
• Museum docent Katrina Clugston has created a shadow box display that celebrates accomplishments of Mary Davies, a long time Redondo Beach Business owner (Portofino Hotel), runner, and auto racer.
• Staff is researching document conservators for two items of historical significance that require higher quality archival, including:
o Collage of congratulatory messages hand signed by all living Presidents of the United States at the time of Redondo Beach’s 100th birthday
o A recently found 1889 deed of sale of property from three of the daughters of Manuel Dominguez, to the Redondo Beach Company.
• Staff are investigating ways to attach more items to walls/ceiling to enable additional display space
• Two of the three budgeted Ito Family Open Space historical markers are currently being designed. Staff is awaiting final text from Chairperson Maroko for the third marker.
• The City has converted the museum’s track lighting to low/no UV-emitting LED lighting, which is important for protecting photos, paintings, and other vulnerable artifacts.
• The City has repaired the integral lighting in one of the display cases and continues analyzing the needs of additional display cases.
• The City has installed backlights behind the St. James Church stained glass windows, enhancing the display.
ATTACHMENTS
Historical Museum and Morrell House Halloween Event Photos