Rancho Palos Verdes honors founder Ken Daida with public remembrance

Friends, family and city leaders gathered in Rancho Palos Verdes to remember Kenneth J. Daida, the longtime civic leader credited by speakers for helping incorporate the city and preserve its coastline.

Douglas Stern, who introduced himself and said he had previously served in council chairs, told the assembled crowd: "Ken Daida was a fabulous person." The event included slide presentations, family photos and readings of a resolution presented on behalf of state Sen. Ben Allen honoring Daida's public service.

Speakers described Daida's early life as a New Jersey native who worked his way through college, his work in avionics and aerospace engineering, and his decades of local service. A presenter at the event noted Daida "pioneered a lot of the flight simulators that are out there to this day," citing his contributions to training and experimental avionics.

City staff and volunteers also emphasized Daida's influence on planning documents and local institutions. A city staff member said the "goals report" Daida helped implement remains part of new-hire orientation and the foundation of the city's general plan.

The remembrance concluded with officials noting Daida's role directing efforts to preserve open space and craft local policy in the decades after incorporation; the host, Maria Serrao, closed the program with thanks and a broadcast sign-off.