Page 6 September 21, 2017 EL SEGUNDO HERALD
Police Reports from page 2
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Kelly McDowell from front page
of four children—three boys and one girl—
and his parents were prominent writers. His
father, in fact, was a renowned journalist for
National Geographic. Of course, that piqued
my interest. Kelly made his way to Southern
California at the age of 21 in 1974 to study law
at UCLA. When I told him I too was a Bruin,
he quickly mentioned that he was an even a
bigger Stanford fan because he had earned his
undergrad degree (he studied economics and
political science) at that university. Ah well, it
least he didn’t root for the Trojans… And he
was also an ardent Washington Redskins fan
who no doubt would have enjoyed watching
his team beat the Rams this past Sunday.
Kelly said he moved to El Segundo in the
‘80s and was divorced, with a son named
Kelliston now lived on the East Coast. After
UCLA, he passed the bar and eventually went
on to specialize in business contract law, but he
had quite a unique resume growing up—with
an assortment of odd jobs, including a legendary
stint as a Stetson-wearing horse wrangler.
It all came full circle many years later when
Kelly had the opportunity to ride a horse down
Main Street during a local parade.
Kelly enjoyed the occasional movie, but
mainly old classics brimming with wit and
intelligence. His favorite was the 1949 British
black comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets
starring Alec Guinness (who later portrayed
Obi-Wan Kenobi). On the musical side, he was
especially fond of singer/songwriter John Prine.
In those days, Kelly was proud to proclaim
that he never watched any television. None.
For awhile, he didn’t even own a TV. But he
was a voracious reader and would pore through
books any chance he could—oftentimes late at
night because apparently sleep was overrated-
-especially with City matters calling at all hours.
During that first chat, we embarked on a
mini-history of American politics and discoursed
on the relative virtues of various US presidents—
even the obscure ones--and the evolution of
party lines over the years. I came to learn that
no topic fascinated him more, but this shouldn’t
have been a surprise. Coming from a family
of staunch Republicans with several colorful
ancestors who had run for various public offices
and/or served their party in key capacities,
Kelly was a self-proclaimed political junkie. His
near-obsession with the process of policymaking
fueled his desire to serve in El Segundo where
he felt he could truly make a difference--this
despite the prospect of minimal compensation
and the promise of long, grueling hours.
Over the next 12 years, Kelly’s enthusiasm
for that process never waned and yes, the hours
were indeed grueling and the pay was rather
slight. But he was exactly where he wanted to
be. He served three terms—the last six years
as Mayor—and took on virtually every Council
assignment imaginable along the way as well as
regional leadership positions for groups such as
the Independent Cities Association and South
Bay Council of Governments. He also found
time to write a weekly column for the Herald
while he was Mayor and proved that journalistic
talent did indeed run in the family. I spoke with
him often during this period and we hung out
in many of the same social circles. His responsibilities
grew exponentially when he was
appointed Mayor, and he seemed driven and
tireless in his stated quests to “put El Segundo
on the regional map” and “leave the community
in a better place” than when he started. He
believed he was successful in those endeavors.
I had another lengthy conversation with Kelly
in 2010 after he made the difficult decision not
to throw his “Stetson” into the ring for a fourth
time. By then, the mustache was long gone
and the grey hair had whitened (but it was all
still there, he was pleased to report). An avid
runner, Kelly rarely missed his daily two-mile
jog, even when it rained. But plodding along
on concrete for decades may have gotten the
Kelly McDowell. Photo by Michael Herbach.
best of him, as a bum knee towards the end
of his final Council term ultimately sidelined
him. Initial surgery did not correct the issue,
resulting in a patellar replacement and hampered
mobility. At this point, he realized it might be
time to think about retiring from local politics.
Letting go of his passion wasn’t easy, but
Kelly finally made peace with the decision
because he felt had accomplished what he had
initially set out to do. A few highlights of his
tenure included upgrading downtown, adding
several recreation facilities, opening Fire Station
#2, and winning the first-ever “most businessfriendly
city” Eddy award. He was most proud
of his front-and-center roles in retaining Los
Angeles Air Force Base and reaching agreement
on a legal settlement with the airport.
I lost touch with Kelly not long after he left
the Council, as did a number of people in the
community. He had slowly but surely disappeared
from the public eye after so many years
of being such a fixture at local establishments
and events. I heard through the grapevine that
he got married to Lisa Wood, who had run
for El Segundo City Clerk in 2012. The two
ultimately moved out of El Segundo to settle
in Gig Harbor, Washington. I hoped the change
of scenery would suit him.
Shoulder and back ailments also dogged Kelly
in his final years and he never fully recovered
from a post-operative infection that had nearly
killed him. When the sad news arrived that he
had passed away of natural causes on September
9, I immediately thought back to that bus trip
to the Getty that seems so long ago but will
never be forgotten. Just a couple of “newbies”
hoping to make a difference in town…
In addition to his wife and son, Kelly McDowell
is survived by his brothers Josh and Rob, his
sister Tina, and three step-grandchildren. •
Community Briefs
Extended Hours for Eagle Home Games
Celebrate! A Fireworks Spectacular
at El Segundo High School
Saturday, October 7
Concert in the Park 3 p.m.
Firework Spectacular 7:30 p.m.
The City of El Segundo Recreation & Parks
Department is proud to present Celebrate! A
Fireworks Spectacular, celebrating 100 years of
El Segundo at El Segundo High School located
at 640 Main Street. This new and exciting
event tells the story of El Segundo’s 100-year
history in snapshots. The show is set to an
original orchestral score and features massive
pyrotechnics, colorful lighting, dazzling special
effects, and immersive animations projected
onto the El Segundo High School bell tower.
Come out early and enjoy our free Concert in
the Park at Library Park that begins at 3 p.m.
and ends at 7 p.m. There will be free open seating
throughout Library Park for the show. Do
not miss the chance to buy individual tickets
for seating in the VIP Reserved Area for premium
viewing. VIP ticketholders will get an
opportunity to enjoy the concert and fireworks
spectacular up close. Reserved tables, which
can accommodate parties for up to 10 people,
are also available for purchase. Visit www.
ElSegundo100.org. If you would like more information
or directions, please call (310) 524-2700.
– Source: El Segundo Recreation & Parks •
Coldstone Creamery co-partnering with
Blimpie, America’s Sub Shop, is offering
NEW extended hours during the El Segundo
Eagles Home Games. During their extended
hours, they will be open until 10:30 PM. to
allow patrons to come and enjoy a tasty treat
or delicious sub sandwich. They are located
at 130 E. Grand Avenue, one block from
Rec. Park. Bring the family and show your
Eagle pride! – Source: Coldstone/Blimpie
Unknown suspect(s) smeared feces on the
victim’s vehicle.
One male adult was arrested at 1330 hours
from Torrance PD for domestic violence,
stalking with a restraining ordered issued
and attempt robbery.
A vehicle theft occurred between 2230 hours
on 09/07/17 and 0230 hours on 09/08/17 in
the 200 block of Lomita Street. Taken was
2004 GMC Sierra truck.
A battery report was taken at 1418 hours
from the 300 block of Concord Street. Known
suspect punched the victim multiple times
causing injury.
One male adult was arrested at 2221 hours
from the 300 block of Maryland Street for
public intoxication.
One male adult was arrested at 2221 hours
from the 300 block of Maryland Street for
public intoxication.
Saturday, September 9
One male adult was arrested at 0210 hours
from Vista Del Mar and Grand Avenue for
possession of a controlled substance.
A stolen vehicle recovery report was taken
at 0324 hours from the 700 block of South
Douglas Street. Recovered was a 2014 Acura
RDX that was reported stolen out of LAPD
(Pacific Division) on 08/06/17.
A vandalism report was taken at 0838
hours from the 100 block of West Imperial
Avenue. Suspect pushed a display over causing
damage at a business.
A missing person was located at 0933 hours
in the 600 block of Illinois Court. Located
was a female adult that was reported missing
out of Redondo Beach PD.
A traffic accident (without injuries) occurred
at 1327 hours at Grand Avenue and Whiting
Street, vehicle versus vehicle.
A vehicle theft report was taken at 1733 hours
from the 1600 block of West Palm Avenue.
Taken was a 2015 Toyota Tacoma truck.
Sunday, September 10
A burglary (auto) report was taken at 0818
hours from the 300 block of Bungalow Drive.
Taken were restaurant gift cards, miscellaneous
merchandise, and reading glasses.
A petty theft report was taken at 1033 hours
from the 900 block of Virginia Street.
Unknown suspect(s) took a bag, miscellaneous
keys, and phone chargers from the victim’s
unlocked vehicle.
One female adult was arrested at 1230
hours from the 400 block of West Imperial
Avenue for suspicion of burglary.
A burglary (auto) report was taken at 1314
hours from the 600 block of Whiting Street.
Taken was U.S. currency and CDs.
A carjacking report was taken at 1926
hours from the 1200 block of East Imperial
Avenue, taken was a 2013 Audi A4.
Monday, September 11
A stolen vehicle was recovered at 0217
hours from LAPD 77th Division. Recovered
was a 2013 Audi A4.
A burglary (auto) report was taken at 1333
hours from the 1900 block of East Mariposa
Avenue. Unknown suspect(s) left a box of
ammunition in the vehicle.
An identity theft report was taken at 1348
hours from the 900 block of North Sepulveda
Boulevard.
A stolen vehicle was recovered at 1407
hours from the 300 block of Penn Street.
Recovered was a 2010 Jeep Liberty.
A grand theft report was taken at 1539
hours from the 2100 block of East Park Place.
Unknown suspect(s) took multiple laptops.
A grand theft report was taken at 1952
hours from the 700 block of South Sepulveda
Boulevard. Unknown suspect stole multiple
miscellaneous items and dropped them as
she fled on foot.
Tuesday, September 12
One male adult was arrested at 0839 hours
from the 2300 block of East Rosecrans Avenue
for one outstanding ESPD felony warrant.
A found property report was taken at 1446
hours from the 400 block of Sheldon Street.
Found was a blue bicycle.
A found property report was taken at 1735
hours from Maple Avenue and Eucalyptus
Drive. Found was a Costco card and a
credit card
Wednesday, September 13
A kidnapping report was taken at 0147
hours from Grand Avenue and Standard Street.
A burglary report was taken at 0846 hours
from the 400 block of Washington Street.
Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s
residence.
A lewd conduct report was taken at 0913
hours from the 700 block of Indiana Court. •