Council: Name Air Force Base Building After John Parsons

The Redondo Beach City Council wants a building at the Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo named after former Councilman John Parsons, who died in August.

Parsons was an instrumental figure in the retention of the air force base during the last two rounds of military base closures, as well as a public figure throughout the South Bay. At a reception following his funeral, some suggested naming the base after him.

"My thought was, we might not be able to get the whole base named after him, but at least we can get something," Mayor Steve Aspel, who was a childhood friend of Parsons', told the council Tuesday night.

Aspel joked that maybe the federal government could name the cafeteria after Parsons, seeing that he was "a big guy."

Aspel also told councilmen that he had spoken with other mayors about the proposal. They advised him to send a letter to other cities requesting that those councils join a resolution advocating the recognition of Parsons' at the base.

Ultimately, the Redondo Beach City Council directed city staff to prepare two letters—one for the federal government and one for surrounding cities—in support of naming a building at the base after Parsons.

Also in Parsons' honor, a small plaque will be placed on the podium in the Redondo Beach City Council Chambers, Aspel said.