Week in Review: Harbor Debate, Ted Stevens and Teen Unemployment

Debate over the future of the Harbor and the AES power plant dominated the week's news, with opposing sides sounding off on Patch. The economy also grabbed the spotlight: Local officials touted the success of L.A. County's "10,000 jobs" program, through which Redondo Beach has hired 19 employees, while retailers fretted about slow back-to-school sales. And teen employment? Not so great. 

Sunday

Local Glamour columnist Constance Dunn talked with Reiki master Lucia Galante Johnson about the ancient Japanese art of stress reduction.

Monday

Money's nice, but it won't guarantee a longer life. Emily Henry reported on the correlation between affluence and longevity in the Beach Cities.  Resident Zach Floyd sang the praises of Scotty's and the pier. And speaking of money, how has the summer job market been for Redondo teens? Not so good, Angelica Truong and Colleen Viana report.   

Tuesday

Harry Muns contends that the view from Harbor Drive isn't all that -- and he shot a video to make his case. Reader Jim Light took issue. Psychotherapist Bill McCoy likes the stress-free environment in Redondo. 

Wednesday

Joe Galliani grabbed a cup of coffee with AES Southland President Eric Pendergraft and discussed the future of the AES power plant in Redondo. Later in the day, he reported on an accident involving father-and-son motorcyclists; traffic backed up at Harbor Drive and Herondo St. but thankfully the duo sustained only minor injuries. Patch visited the city's Performing Arts Center as the Redondo Beach Art Group busily set up its annual Power of Art show.  As for back to school sales? Jenna Zwang reported that local retailers are doing their best to entice shoppers, but so far cash registers haven't been humming.   

Thursday

South Bay Tea Party is getting ready for its Aug. 22 convention at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Joe Sorrentino explains how it grew so fast. Michelle Veale Borden recounts how Mommy Groups saved her life in her column, Redondo Mom. Redondo Union High School is flying its flag at half-mast in honor of one of its most famous alums, the late Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens. 

Friday

Wave Rider Tori MacLennan laments the fact that her kids haven't fallen in love with the ocean yet. South Bay officials called a press conference to talk about the success of L.A. County's "10,000 jobs" program -- and the need for it to continue. Marcus Bockman filed a video report on the Blue Breeze Band concert at the pier -- suffice it to say the crowd found its groove. Sponsor AVP suspended operations less than a week before the 50th anniversary Manhattan Beach Open was to open; Patch is investigating the fallout in the Beach Cities.

Saturday

Determined to be green on her vacation, Vanessa Poster decided to drive to Vegas in her compressed natural gas vehicle. It required a lot of planning -- and still she worried -- but Poster made it back without any hitches. Wondering when the new North Branch Library will open? Book the date: Sept. 28. Construction's running slightly behind, but the $6.4 million project is coming in under budget. And Jacqueline Howard reports that Redondo police joined Hermosa's manhunt for suspected house burglars; by the end of the 3-hour search, six suspects were arrested.