Redondo Beach

Once the home of Native Americans, Redondo Beach was part of the Rancho San Pedro grant from the King of Spain to the Dominguez family. The Santa Fe Railway came to Redondo Beach in 1888. In 1890 a state engineer discovered a deep water ocean canyon that led to the Redondo shore.  The first seaport in Los Angeles County soon developed, and steamships brought in oil and lumber.  Also in 1890 the Hotel Redondo was built, an important tourist destination.  It featured an 18 hole golf course, lush landscaping, tennis courts and 225 luxurious rooms with ocean views. It was located where the Redondo Library sits today.  The city incorporated in 1892, using the name of nearby Rancho Sausal Redondo, the Ranch of the Round Clump of Willows. Accordiing to Southern 'California's Seacost, Then and Now by Howard Gregory, by 1905 electric trains were making 80 round trips a day to Los Angeles.  The trip took only 45 minutes and was 50 cents one way.  Real estate promoters would give free trips to anyone who would visit the Redondo Villa Tract.  A lot cost $90, $4 down and $4 per month, with no interest or taxes.  After the turn of the century the seaport declined with the growth San Pedro Harbor.  As has happened in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach has struggled with piers and breakwaters that have needed to be repaired or replaced.  The city has excellent beaches and a marina called King Harbor, named after Representative Cecil R. King, a Democratic congressman who pushed for its completion.  Redondo Beach had a population of 63,261 in 2000.

City Website: www.redondo.org

Chamber Website: www.redondochamber.org