Local News in Brief : Ferry Service Wins Approval

Ferryboat service to Santa Catalina Island from Redondo Beach’s King Harbor is expected to begin this summer.

The Redondo Beach City Council gave Catalina Channel Express Inc. a conditional use permit this week, overriding the veto of Mayor Barbara J. Doerr. Doerr said that she, too, wants the service, but does not believe there is enough parking for shuttle passengers.

Last week, the state Public Utilities Commission lifted a stay it had imposed last September on the Redondo-to-Catalina service. The commission approved the service last June, but issued the stay three months later after Steve Kofahl--who unsuccessfully tried to establish a similar service four years ago--appealed.

Redondo Beach will be the northernmost point operating ferry service to Catalina. Ferryboats now leave from San Pedro, Long Beach and Newport Beach. Catalina Express will move either a 149-passenger or a 60-passenger boat from San Pedro to King Harbor. During the summer, Catalina Express plans at least one trip a day from King Harbor to Avalon and possibly two trips a week to Twin Harbors, said Greg Bombard, vice president and general manager. The company has permission from the city and the Public Utilities Commission to expand to two trips a day from King Harbor year-round.

Catalina Express must renovate docking facilities, build restrooms and put in floating docks before the service begins, Bombard said.

Round-trip tickets will cost $30, and the trip will take two hours each way, he said. Catalina Express’ trips to Avalon from San Pedro cost $25 round trip and take 1 1/2 hours each way.