I am running for office because I have always been an citizen activist, starting in high school, through college and law school.  In 2012, I joined the No Power Plant movement in Redondo Beach to fight against California Energy Commissions approval of a new power plant to fight the retiring AES Power Plant in Redondo Beach that uses once-through cooling, resulting in warmer ocean waters that kill marine live.  In addition, the power plant pollutes directly into the most dense residential neighborhoods in the South Bay.

 On October 1 2013, I gave the following speech to the California Energy Commission:

 "I'm Zein Obagi, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak to the California Energy Commission. I am a former candidate for Congress and I probably will run again, but I first became involved in this issue after going door to door in Redondo Beach and realized that almost everybody from the Birkenstock-wearing to the suit-and-tie wearing resident was opposed to a new power plant coming into Redondo Beach.  That caught my attention. And I started to attend these City Council meetings. And I realize now that we're in front of the California Energy Commission that this state has an obligation as one of the most progressive in the country to lead the way when it comes to energy policy, and when it comes to health policy, at that.

And you have a very dense community here surrounding what is proposed to be a new polluting power plant that will pollute directly, due to the ocean winds, directly into the community. Once there was a need for this power plant to be on the coast because of ocean cooling. Now that's prohibited. As somebody said earlier, how come we care about the animals in the ocean but not the humans lining the power plant just on the other side?

The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. If this power plant was needed, AES would not have been operating its existing power plant at roughly five percent in the past. If you do a needs analysis, I'm sure you'll find what Mr. Wiggins said, that this power plant is not needed.

We want to talk about jobs. Of course a new power plant will bring jobs. So, too, will the bridge to nowhere in Alaska. We don't just dig holes to dig holes. If a new power plant isn't permitted, something else will be. Something else will come into being. And it will need plumbers; it will need framers; it will need roofers. You name it: electricians. These folks will still have a construction job to do in the area. And whatever is developed [it] will likely create more -- a greater number of sustainable jobs on the site.

Finally, we're at a new point in our cancer research. We're finding that the coding for cancer is starting to take place in pregnant women in the fetuses depending on how much carcinogens the pregnant [mothers] are exposed to. You know, the CEC is immune from liability, but does the CEC really want to have it on its conscience that it put a power plant into a densely populated area?

I love natural gas. I think it is one of the cleanest fossil fuels that exist. But does it really need to be right here where it pushes pollution directly into the community? I think not. And I think California can do better. So I urge you not to permit a new power plant in Redondo Beach."

I am running for local office now because my neighborhood needs a true leader, an activist who will be proactive and courageous in tackling our most significant problems.  Folks need to be educated about the social determinants of health; that is, aspects of our environment and society that affect human health and well being.  I view my role as a future council member to identify and raise awareness as to the environmental factors that harm us and the environment (air, water pollution, plastics, fossil fuel dependency), devise ways that we can minimize our impacts, and where we can, legislate so that our local impact on the environment is minimal with a goal of achieving a neutral carbon footprint.   

I am deeply honored to represent North Redondo Beach (District 4) on City Council. 

It’s campaign season, and I Respectfully Ask for Your Vote to Re-Elect me for a Second & Final Term as your City Councilmember. 

Thank you for your confidence, support and your vote. Please mail your ballot before March 2nd, 2021.  

You Spoke. I’m Listening.

As a 22-year resident on Vanderbilt Lane, I love Redondo and it has been good to me, my family, and my businesses.  Four years ago, I stepped up to serve District 4 and give back to our community.  Check out my Video Story: Serving On City Council for a brief look at getting elected and serving in office. It’s been quite an experience.

Redondo Beach is currently addressing multiple, once-in-lifetime opportunities and challenges: $900M Galleria Upgrades, Waterfront Project, AES Power plant and now the COVID-19 Pandemic and its significant budget impacts.  I rely on 15+ years of City engagement and volunteerism coupled with my experience as a Senior Executive and Management Consultant to make the best decisions on your behalf.

We do best when I hear from you.  Please speak up!

Together, we have made significant progress, but there is so much more to do.  Along with stop signs, potholes, and other routine items, I need your input and support to move these North Redondo Projects forward:

• North Redondo Bike Path – Artesia Landscaping and Extension to Inglewood
• Grants, Communications and Planning for Recycled Water in North Redondo
• Artesia Corridor General Plan Update, Signage and “New Look” guidelines
• $900M Galleria Plan Approval, Extending Bike Path to Galleria

Thank you for electing me as your District 4 City Council member. Your priorities are my priorities. I will listen to your ideas, address your concerns and always be present, prepared, and ready to fight for you. 

Together, we are doing great things!

Please stay healthy and safe.  

My Leadership Philosophy:  "It's amazing what can get done when you don't care who gets the credit."

Please the link below to see what momentum and accomplishments John Gran has created/completed for North Redondo.

John Gran's "Momentum" Mailer - 115 Things John has Initiated, Advocated, Approved and Funded for North Redondo.