Local News in Brief : Pier Emergency Declared

Gov. George Deukmejian has declared the second state of emergency in six months in Redondo Beach as the result of a May 27 fire that destroyed much of the city’s historic pier and caused $7-million damage.

The governor’s declaration is a prerequisite to the city qualifying for state disaster assistance funds and for a similar presidential declaration, City Manager Tim Casey said.

But the city will be eligible for state funds only if the fire, which apparently started in electrical wiring beneath a restaurant, is interpreted as a natural disaster, Casey said.

Deukmejian and President Reagan both declared a state of emergency in the area after a January storm that caused $17-million damage to the Redondo Beach waterfront.