Problems With Library Story

In answer to your story about me (Times, Oct. 20), it needs to be understood that any earthquake in June, 1991, or prior, did not create the damaged appearance of the library’s west wall as was depicted in the article. It showed me looking at the crude work done by the city of Redondo Beach, which removed the stucco and a few bricks by chipping away to expose any possible hidden damage. This resulted in the wall appearing to be much more damaged. This was suggested by the city’s insurance adjuster, John S. Rickerby Co., which did not find any significant damage and wished to be sure that beneath the very minor cracks on the stucco surface there wasn’t anything more serious. The adjuster’s Sept. 16, 1991, report concluded that “none of the cracking noted has structural significance and cosmetic repairs will be adequate.”

Redondo’s building official requested a second opinion from another of the insurance adjuster’s engineering consultants. The second opinion report of Sept. 23, 1991, concluded that the library required $8,000 to $10,000 in earthquake repairs, but that the city could not file for damages under its earthquake insurance policy because the repairs would amount to less than the $25,000 deductible. Redondo Beach officials spent $65,000 for this job and denied public discussion of this item and others on the consent calendar that night.

In addition to the misleading depiction of oversized cracks in the library’s west wall, the next items in the article I’d like to dispel are the ideas that I am alone and purely self-motivated. This is not true. Without concern for and help from the many people who feel as I feel, I simply could not go on, nor would I have gotten this far, nor would I have tried. Some supporters do get discouraged and fall to the side, but other new supporters do arrive fresh on the scene.

The question is, can we wake up and act soon enough so as not to permit the ones in government to rob our heritage? Hopefully we can and will! Those wishing to help may call (310) 379-6385.

SAL PRINCIOTTA JR.

Redondo Beach

Seaside Library Park Coalition

Editor’s note: Princiotta’s letter was accompanied by the signatures of about 50 supporters.