If it sounds like a duck

Much ado was made about the definition of "mall" and "lifestyle center" at last night's Council farce.  After the debacle a spokesperson for Galleria Mall gave me a "Dictionary of Shopping Center Terms".  So right from the start we know they agree this is some type of "shopping center" though they refuse to use those words.

So I opened the dictionary to see the definition of "mall":
"The most common configuration for regional and superregional centers, often referred to as "shopping malls" or simply as "malls".  The walkway or "mall" is typically enclosed, climate controlled and lighted, flanked on one or  both sides by stores and restaurants, with various entrances from the parking areas on the perimeter of the center." 

Hmmm, other than it not being enclosed (which the definition concedes is not required), sounds a lot like the CenterCal project to me. But they want us to call it a "lifestyle center". So I looked that up:

"Typically contains upscale national-chain specialty stores with dining and entertainment in an open-air setting.  It can be anchorless or anchored by one or two large-format upscale specialty store, a grouping of highly branded stores and/or a cinema."

The woman who gave me this dictionary had read this to Council.  And I agree we can call the proposed mall a "lifestyle center".  But what is interesting to note, the woman neglected to read the "national chain" part of the definition.  That is revealing.

While CenterCal tries to paint that  this shopping center/mall/lifestyle center will embrace our heritage, history and local flavor, what we are going to get is a cookie cutter conglomeration of national chains.  Even CenterCal's CEO slipped in his presentation.  When demonstrating how he would incorporate beloved local businesses like "Naja's", he called his reborn mall-version "Naja's Bistro". 

Here's a huge newsflash, love it or hate it, Naja's is no "bistro". 

And that goes to the heart of the debate.  CenterCal's version of our waterfront sucks the "Redondo" out of Redondo Beach and replaces it with national chain stores and restaurants and place names that are familiar but bear little resemblance to their quirky, and unique namesakes that give our town and harbor their unique local, quaint seaside village appeal. 

And I am not the only one to draw this conclusion.  I don't normally see eye-to-eye with former Councilman Bob Pinzler, but his opinion column shows that on this issue, we are singing the same tune:  http://www.easyreadernews.com/76195/local-government-10/

Our Council is selling out Redondo's soul for a paltry $2.4M per year net positive cash flow.  The Council's vote last night made their path clear.  While we have time to wait for the environmental analysis, the handwriting on the wall is clear.  I fear history is repeating itself as the Council ignores residents yet again.  And like Heart of the City, residents will have to take it upon themselves to intervene to save the soul of our town.