Back on the schools

Dear ER:

Beach Cities Health District is asking taxpayers to approve a $30 million property tax bond.  They cite a heightened need to provide mental health services to our youth and that Redondo students are the number one consumer of the services. Should we take a step back and think why Redondo students might be the number one consumer of mental health services? Perhaps it is the fact that former School Superintendent Dr. Steven Keller and friends kept our students out of school the longest during COVID and our students have endured severe emotional distress from it? If RBUSD students are the main consumer of the allcove mental health services then BCHD should be asking RBUSD for the bulk of funding. However, BCHD cannot do that because RBUSD is asking residents for a $278 million property tax bond. Fun fact: did you know that 97% percent of the Beach Cities residents are insured and have access to mental health services even without allcove? I am not sure what problem BCHD is trying to solve.

BCHD cites wellness as their goal, but ignores the fact there are over 2,000 homes in its immediate vicinity and four schools that will endure years of construction pollution. This project will aggravate childhood asthma and students with chronic allergies will be impacted. BCHD has changed the purpose of their existence without asking taxpayers. Just say no to the Beach Cities Health District bond of $30 million in November!

Candace Allen Nafissi

Redondo Beach