Keep the Esplanade Beautiful Hosts Annual Community Mixer

Redondo Beach, CA – October 23, 2025

Keep the Esplanade Beautiful Hosts Annual Community Mixer

Keep the Esplanade Beautiful (KEB), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Redondo Beach Esplanade and community engagement, held its Annual Community Mixer on October 22. For over 13 years, KEB has led Esplanade cleanups and community collaborations focused on maintaining this ‘Jewel of South Bay.’

The evening featured the premiere of KEB’s first musical video, written and produced by Steve Morris, a retired corporate ad executive known for his award-winning Adidas Olympic campaign. The lighthearted but meaningful video addressed Esplanade issues and featured local musicians Brent George and Fritz Lewak. Watch here: Facebook Reel.

KEB recognized Paul Hennessey as Donor of the Year for his continued generosity in donating the Napa Room at HT Grill and appetizers for the Annual Mixers. The Public Works Employee of the Year awards were presented to Adrian Godinez Jr. and Robert Lindo for their exceptional efforts in maintaining the Esplanade. West Basin Water District General Manager E.J. Caldwell presented KEB with a Certificate of Recognition.

The money raised will be used on various projects as KEB prepares for the many additional visitors expected on the Esplanade during the World Cup ’26, Super Bowl ’27, and Olympics ’28.

Attendees included Jessalyn Waldron, Deputy for Supervisor Holly Mitchell, City Councilmembers Brad Waller (D1) and Chad Castle (D2), City Attorney Joy Ford, Public Works Deputy Director Mike Klein, Cultural Arts Commission Chair Kristina Christian-Kelly, Public Amenities Commissioner E.J. Caldwell, NRBBA President Mickey Johnson, former Mayors Mike Gin and Steve Aspel, and many others.

KEB sponsors include: Athens Services, Wicker, Wicker & Admans LLP, Mr. J’s Academy, MDS MedSpa, Village Runner, Andy’s Termites, West Coast Escrow, and HT Grill.

A special thanks to all who donated auction and raffle items, and to the hardworking Mixer Committee led by Chair Brandi Cordon Rawashdeh, with Tiffany Aguirre, Gidget Cato, Cathy Cesarz, Stella Chow, Susan Gravan, Lisa Happee, Eileen Peaper Krock, Sonia Rolland, Beth Svihra, and Melinda Vendelland.

The current KEB Board includes:  President – Lisa Happee-Cates; Treasurer – Trish Gervais; Secretary – Mariam Pashtoonwar Butler; Marketing Chair – Steve Morris; Sweeps Chair – Eliza Cambay; Mixer Chair – Brandi Cordon Rawashdeh; and Scholarship Chair – Tiffany Aguirre.

Kim D. West Photography donated his time to document the evening.

Thank you to all who made this a successful event.

The next 1^st Saturday Sweep is November 1 at 9 AM; meet at the Esplanade and Ave I. Join your neighbors and friends to Keep the Esplanade Beautiful!!!!

Contact:

Lisa Happee-Cates

president@keeptheesplanadebeautiful.org