Category Archives: Uncategorized

MB Weekly 02/22/2024

E-BIKE CRACKDOWN:
MB Police Issue 22 Citations & Warnings On E-Bikes As City Finally Toughens Up

In what many call long overdue action, MB Police targeted electric bike offenders recently, issuing 22 citations and warnings in a city-wide crackdown. With the popularity of e-bikes, authorities are finally stepping up enforcement to ensure safety and adherence to traffic rules. The citations, primarily for reckless riding and non-compliance with road regulations, signal a shift toward stricter measures for this burgeoning mode of transportation. Residents and officials applaud the initiative, emphasizing the need for responsible e-bike usage to maintain harmony on city streets. “This step, though small, is long, long, overdue. Watching the e-bike chaos principally involving reckless teenagers, especially in the downtown area, has been very troubling!” said Sonya S., a long-time downtown Manhattan Beach business owner.


Manhattan Beach Withdraws From Zero-Bail Lawsuit:

Manhattan Beach dropped its participation in a multi-city lawsuit against the recently implemented “zero-bail” rule in Los Angeles County. Manhattan Beach City Council ordered staff to focus on better public safety programs. Along with Los Angeles County cities, Manhattan Beach joined the lawsuit on October 17, 2023. Mayor Joe Franklin said the “decision to withdraw from the ‘zero-bail’ litigation reflects our dedication to continuously assess and improve our public safety policies, ensuring that our resources are consistently spent on the most effective and immediate efforts.” In October 2023, county police had to follow new protocols for non-violent felonies and misdemeanors that include release without bail for some offenses.


MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW PART ONE:

Mark Nicholas, Owner of MB Studios, Interview Part 01:
https://youtu.be/qf5krk2EvzQ


MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Brent Koehn

JOEY RESTAURANT

Q: WHAT’S YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY AT JOEY RESTAURANT?
A: My primary responsibility is providing iconic dining experiences for guests in our restaurants. That entails a number of things: people development & coaching, recruiting the right people to grow with us, keeping high standards for our menu and service, and supporting the team within our four walls.

Q: WHAT IS THE “SECRET SAUCE” THAT MAKES YOUR RESTAURANT SO SUCCESSFUL?
A: Genuine warmth and care from the whole team, I really want our guests to experience that during their experiences in our restaurants. We truly care. We want people to leave better than when they came in. JOEY Restaurants is also unique in the hospitality industry in the way that we develop and coach our people to be the best they can be. If we didn’t get it right, please tell us in the moment. We really do want to learn from it and fix it in the moment.

Q: WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB RUNNING A RESTAURANT POST-COVID?
A: Opening new restaurants is always an exciting but challenging endeavor. We opened JOEY Manhattan Beach in 2021, so you can imagine the extra challenges we experienced with recruitment, procurement, and adjusting to changing guidelines during that restaurant opening. We were humbled by how we were accepted with open arms and can’t thank the community enough for their support and patronage. We really are grateful. Three years later, we’re able to reflect and take pride in the ways we innovated, worked together and continued to improve our restaurants because of that challenge.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO EAT AT THE RESTAURANT?
A: It’s a popular answer at JOEY, but it’s hard to beat the Seared Salmon Sushi. It has Osaka pressed salmon that is fire torched, umami, and a touch of heat from serrano peppers on top. As you can tell, I’m pretty passionate about that one. LOL

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OTHER RESTAURANTS IN THE MANHATTAN BEACH AREA THAT YOU ENJOY?
A: Love & Salt, I enjoy their menu and Drinks, Fishing With Dynamite is always great and on a warm summer day, Shellbacks for happy hour, it’s hard to beat being close to the ocean.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Aries.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Wedding Crashers. It never gets old.

www.JoeyRestaurants.com


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Larry Kosmont (Manhattan Beach)

Chairman & CEO of Kosmont Companies

Around three weeks ago, I had a meeting scheduled with Bill Brand, and he canceled that morning. It’s not something he ever did, and I regret missing out on seeing Bill one more time. Over the years, I had come to look forward to our coffee meetups and the far-ranging chats we would inevitably have. As I reflect on it, Bill Brand’s life is the portrait of a prominent local leader who defines a commitment to achieving the “greater good.” Local communities aren’t typically given the gift of an individual who pursues a community agenda primarily unburdened by self-interest. Bill’s focus was unselfish, straightforward, and clear: preserve coastal resources, expand open space and coastal amenities for all, and pursue a quality of life for Redondo Beach, absent of development density that many consider overbearing and inequitable for a smaller coastal community. Simple enough? Not really. Land use and environmental preservation in California are political contact sports. It requires understanding complex legal and government processes and a substantive understanding of energy resources, habitat issues, and, yes, figuring out a myriad of confusing and even misleading state statutes that intentionally seek to erode local zoning control. It also requires a willingness to pursue changes in bureaucratic thinking and modifications to cumbersome and faceless state policies. You get many more “no’s” than yes in this universe of ambiguity, hidden agendas, and unbearable delays. Despite these odds, Bill remained an active champion of things green and a crusader for a local city to define and beneficially manage its destiny. He never wavered in pursuit of what he knew or believed to be better for Redondo. Intelligence, patience, strategy, and relentlessness. Those are the ingredients to persevere and are precisely the traits Bill embodied. Bill Brand is a significant part of why energy production will never happen again on the AES power plant site. Whether you agreed with Bill on open space or not, at his core, this was Bill, a passionate local leader who sacrificed personal gain for community health and prosperity. What a concept! We all need more of this. RIP Bill, you are already missed.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


Fête by Slay:

Delicious daily specials like this Pan Seared 10oz Pork Chop “Mujadara” … Lebanese dish of lentils, rice, caramelized onions. Seasoning has cumin, cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, and oregano.

www.FeteBySlay.com


NYSE Issues Infraction Warning For MB’s Fisker EV Startup:

Fisker, an electric vehicle startup, received a non-compliance notice from the New York Stock Exchange for its 30-day average stock price drop below $1. According to Fisker, the maker of the Ocean electric SUV, the notice will not result in instant delisting from the stock exchange. The company has six months to comply. The Manhattan Beach-based company is failing to deliver its EVs, and the non-compliance notice is the latest setback.


MB WEEKLY – MEET:
Meet Mindy

A Hermosa Beach Resident Since 2019

“YES or NO” QUESTIONS

Do you know who Richard Nixon is? NO
Have you ever texted while driving? YES
Have you ever seen The Rolling Stones live? YES
Do you generally kiss on the first date? YES, IF I LIKE THE GUY
Have you ever had breakfast for dinner at The Kettle? HELL, YES


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Michael Zislis

Owner of Zislis Group

Mayor Bill Brand was instrumental in building Shade Hotel Redondo Beach. Whenever I hit a roadblock, he was the person I would turn to. Without his help, I don’t know if Shade would have ever happened. He was a remarkable individual whose unwavering dedication brought the gift of enthusiasm and a profound commitment to conservation to the South Bay community. He worked closely with my mother-in-law and partner Damira Bacic on our essential environmental initiatives because we are right on the ocean. His legacy will endure, and the whole community will miss him deeply.

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MB WEEKLY – VIDEO SHORT:

Urban Plates Cakes Video Short:
https://youtube.com/shorts/OHJ-762m7uE?


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Name Withheld by Request (Manhattan Beach)

My best friend Emily (not her real name), living in the South Bay, navigates the complexities of her emotions. Married with young children, she found solace in the company of a friend, someone she shared with her husband. As the days unfolded, an unspoken connection seemed to weave between her and this older confidant. Torn between the duty of her marriage and the whispers of desire, Emily grappled with the uncertainty of his feelings. In the delicate dance of unspoken words, she questioned whether the shared moments were mere reflections of her longing or if, perhaps, he, too, harbored a silent yearning. One month later, after an afternoon of unplanned sex with the children at home and asleep, they decided never to speak again.

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Manhattan Beach Studios:

Manhattan Beach Studios has two of the most innovative stages for creatives of all walks of life. Located just minutes away from the beach, LAX, restaurants and more, it’s comfortable, equipped with a laid back vibe, and has tons of gear for your most serious photo and video production needs. It has customer service that’ll make your day as smooth as can be. “We have fun being a part of your success. From stage rentals to full production services, we can lend an experienced hand to those who are in need of anything at all. Just drop us a note. We help get you past the finish line.”

www.ManhattanBeachStudios.net


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Challah bread in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


Twice, Burglars Target Bevmo:

At 2:14 a.m. on February 1, two suspects broke through the front entrance of Bevmo, located at 1700 Rosecrans Avenue, using a baseball bat and a boulder, according to the police. When the police arrived responding to the burglary alarm, they spoke with the company’s manager. After attempting to enter the building but failing, the suspects took off in a black four-door vehicle. According to authorities, the same Bevmo was targeted once more on February 6 at roughly 2:49 a.m. Once more, the front door was broken, and the MBPD found that the suspects had broken it with sledgehammers. On this occasion, though, authorities say the suspects did break inside the building and take several bottles of alcohol.


MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:

MB Weekly is my go-to badass, fun, cool, quirky, and intriguing local digital read. Congratulations on consistently delivering a non-bullshit weekly publication. Your unique blend of content makes my week, offering a refreshing escape from the mundane. Having a publication that keeps it real and exciting is a pleasure. Keep up the excellent work, and thanks for being the highlight of my reading routine. —- Daisy D., Manhattan Beach


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

You may have seen many patrol cars at the Manhattan Village Shopping Center last night. We received reports of several juveniles concealing merchandise at a store and fleeing. Officers arrived quickly and attempted to detain them, but they scattered in all directions. Officers eventually detained five juveniles in various portions of the mall property and recovered nearly $1,000 of stolen clothing. Shoplifting doesn’t pay in Manhattan Beach.


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Dr. William H.

(Dr. H has practiced internal medicine for over 30 years, trained at UCLA, and lives in the South Bay.)

The transformation of America’s medical system into a politically charged arena is a cause for significant concern, as evidenced by recent incidents at institutions like the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). The shift from a diverse professional background to an overwhelmingly “woke” dominance has sparked controversy and raised questions about the impact on patient care and the credibility of medical professionals. A disturbing incident at UCSF involved an Adjunct Assistant Professor making sweeping and baseless claims about the genetic predisposition of white people to psychopathy. Such inflammatory statements undermine the principles of evidence-based medicine and contribute to the politicization of healthcare. Similarly, the incident with Dr. Sherita Golden, a prominent figure at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, sending out an email requiring various identities to repent, including: (“white,” “able-bodied,” “heterosexual,” “cisgender,” “male,” “Christian,” “middle or owning-class,” “middle-aged,” and “English-speaking”) further highlights the infiltration of ideological agendas into medical institutions. As the medical profession becomes entangled with ideological activism, there is a risk of compromising its core mission – to provide unbiased and effective healthcare. The incidents at UCSF and Johns Hopkins underscore the need for a balanced and evidence-driven approach to medical education and practice, free from unwarranted politicization.

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** The Kettle’s general manager, Jeff Bryant, working out at The Bay Club in El Segundo.

** Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin having coffee to go at CBTL in Manhattan Village.

** Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Suzanne Hadley having lunch at Urban Plates in Manhattan Village.


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Sara Garcia (El Segundo)

We cannot simply put our faith in politicians to fix the deep-rooted issues that plague our great nation. Do elected officials matter? Absolutely. Should our representatives stand up for our cherished values and principles? Without a doubt. However, it’s essential to recognize that politicians cannot solve all the problems facing our country, no matter how well-intentioned. The late Andrew Breitbart wisely remarked, “Politics is downstream from culture.” This simple yet profound statement holds the key to understanding the direction in which our nation is headed.

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MB WEEKLY – A DIFFERENT VIEW:

Toasted bread in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Darby Winston

Walking through a grocery shop or pharmacy without encountering eye-catching labels that tout their health benefits is impossible. For instance, “prebiotic” sodas in the beverage section enhance “gut health.” You can find “medical-grade” serums, “probiotic” face creams, and “skin detoxing” procedures in the beauty section. For claims of “immunity support,” “hormone balance,” and “energy enhancement,” among other things, visit the supplements section. Marketers have used scientific-sounding jargon to promote goods for millennia. However, Timothy Caulfield, a research chair in health law and policy at the University of Alberta, said it is increasingly widespread. Mr. Caulfield created the word “scienceploitation” to describe how companies appropriate terminology from rapidly developing scientific fields to promote unproven goods.

Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Cool staircase in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:

“Two Baby Boomers Watch the Grammy Awards in Manhattan Beach.”


MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:

DID YOU OWN A VW BUS IN MANHATTAN BEACH BACK IN THE DAY?

Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.

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A CHANCE IN A LIFETIME IN A LIFETIME OF CHANCE:

Prominent award-winning Branding and P.R. firm seeks Video Intern (flexible hours). Approximately 15 – 20 hours a week. Excellent knowledge and opportunity. Must be smart, very reliable, very detail-oriented, resourceful, modestly tech-savvy and a self-starter. Benefits: Mentorship and leadership skills.

www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
Contact Amanda Kent:
Careers@BoundlessMediaUSA.com


1. ** I’m looking forward to our new Mayor, Joe Franklin, focusing on crime. For too long, I’ve heard the Chief talk about policing and police presence. From my experience in MB for 48 years, as much as I love our MBPD, I often wonder if they’re in the witness protection program. —- Fred T., Manhattan Beach

2. ** The county has 60 days to bring the facilities up to the state’s minimum standards or close indefinitely, which could leave L.A. County with hundreds of youth in custody and nowhere locally to hold them. Still think the woke Supervisors are doing a good job? —- Harlan G., Manhattan Beach

3. ** Shooting at Redondo Beach Pier – February 16, 2024 —- Jill T., Hermosa Beach

4. ** I heard Manhattan Village in the KNX radio news tonight. Teen shoplifting at Macy’s. —- Jon P., Manhattan Beach

5. ** Reading along, my eye caught what I thought was the dreaded D.E.I. propaganda. I quickly looked for the “junk” button. Still, I took a second to read the garbage that someone posted … I was SHOCKED when I read a counterargument in print – and another noting the glaring problems with the transgender rights movement in women’s sports, among other things. Here, here to Sara and Lucia. Wow. Sound, conservative, reason. I hope to see it continue. —- Brad F., Manhattan Beach

6. ** I love MB United. —- Juan R., Hermosa Beach

7. ** Who should make a child’s healthcare decisions? A bureaucrat or their parents? A court or their parents? An activist organization or their parents? —- Orlando B., Manhattan Beach

8. ** It was my first time at Hook and Plow in Manhattan Beach. Expensive. Nothing special. Disappointed. —- Gary M., Manhattan Beach

9. ** I love the Chicken Mushroom Marsala at Slay Italian. —- Deborah H., Manhattan Beach

10. ** You have a unique story to tell. We can help tell it (creatively and passionately) to the new world. —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com

11. ** Kudos on steroids to Arthur O. and his step-daughter Kelsey M. Her entrepreneurial spirit to turn thrift shopping into gold is why America is truly the best place on earth. She could have played the ‘victim’ card and looked for some misguided EBT government program; however, she dug deep, summoned her creative juices, and emerged as a winner. Not only that, but many of her customers got cool clothing they would never have found on their own. High time we taught our kids that life is not a guarantee … we all must turn opportunity into fruitfulness. —- Fred T., Manhattan Beach

12. ** GASCON out! How did we ever let this viper into public office? —- Garret R., Manhattan Beach

13. ** I hope Suzanne Hadley will run for City Council again. We miss her honest common sense. —- Lance H., Manhattan Beach

14. ** On March 5, vote “YES” for Measure MB to keep Manhattan Beach’s school parcel tax. This funding source must be maintained. Measure MB provides $2.5 million annually, supporting almost 20 teachers. —- William G., Manhattan Beach

15. ** Dr. Phil McGraw blasted authority figures this week for pushing children to become transgender, saying that they were causing long-term damage to the kids while also warning that social media is causing the issue to become a “social contagion.” —- Hillary K., Manhattan Beach (parent of three)

16. ** Anyone bent on self-destruction must eventually succeed. —- Lindsay W., Manhattan Beach

17. ** I love your Free MB Weekly Bulletin Board! —- Tara G., Manhattan Beach

18. ** Support Redondo Beach Pier shooting victims’ funerals. Teddy was a nice guy who tried his best with addiction. His family requests funeral aid. Your consideration is appreciated. —- Eva B., Hermosa Beach

19. ** D.E.I. Well I’ll be a son-of-a-gun. I had no idea this stood for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I was thinking of Dead End Institution. —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach

20. ** Manhattan Beach’s 70.6 [Health and Well-Being Index] Gallup score is the highest of more than 1,500 community scores since WBI measurement began in 2008. Manhattan Beach’s 2020 score of 70.4 was the previous record. Wow! —- Derrick V., Manhattan Beach

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MB Weekly Disclaimer: 1.) MB Weekly accepts no liability for the content of this email, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. MB Weekly is not associated with any commercial or political organization and is transmitted via the web for the sole benefit of its subscribers. 2.) Unfortunately, computer viruses can be transmitted via email.

MB Weekly Bonus Edition 02/18/2024

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Bre Kelleher, Co-owner of Hook & Plow in Downtown Manhattan Beach.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

A happy reader of MB Weekly.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Oscar, a kitchen team member from Tin Roof Bistro.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

An extraordinary house in El Porto Manhattan Beach.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Monica, a happy team member at Urban Plates in Manhattan Beach.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Kendal, a happy team member from Tin Roof Bistro.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Beautiful winter leaves in the Manhattan Village.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Kalista, a hostess from Tin Roof Bistro.


MB WEEKLY – READER RESPONSE:

SAFETY • CITY • CRIME • WOKE


** Forcing girls and women to shower and change clothing with biological males violates women and girls’ right to sexual and bodily privacy. The fact that there are men like Steve Fournier, who dismiss this violation, is exactly the reason why women fought for laws to protect our right to privacy. Still, the main issue is that competition between transgenders and women is unfair and inherently unequal because of the competitive advantage that nature confers upon biological males – including bone structure, heart size, lung capacity – which hormonal therapies cannot offset. As a result, women are unfairly victimized as school records are eclipsed, scholarships and state championships are lost, despite intense training and sacrifices, while coaches and club sponsors may now have strong incentives to actively recruit transgenders over women athletes. Fairness requires a further partitioning of athletic competition in which transgender women compete only against one another rather than against women. —- Lucia La Rosa (Manhattan Beach)

** More and more parents, teachers, and students are questioning the allocation of funds in higher education, highlighting the potential impact on students if Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) money were redirected. For instance, the salary of Virginia Tech’s top diversity official could fund nearly 13 full-ride scholarships. At Utah State University, the suggestion is to eliminate the D.E.I. czar position to pay for 14½ full rides. Expanding this argument, redirecting salaries and funding for all D.E.I. staff and programs at public universities could benefit many students. The University of Michigan, with 241 D.E.I. staff, is an example where resources could support over 1,700 students. Advocates argue for prioritizing affordable education over what they perceive as politicized indoctrination, sparking a broader debate on resource allocation in higher education. The time seems overdue to examine and abandon the slyly worded D.E.I. Industrial Complex. —- Sara Garcia (El Segundo)

Agree? Disagree? Send your comment to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Unusual toilets in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photos to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY – READER RESPONSE:

FINANCES

** In pursuing financial liberation, my step-daughter Kelsey M., a resourceful 26-year-old graduate from Manhattan Beach, discovered a unique approach to conquer her $80,000 college debt in three years. Armed with determination and an eye for opportunity, Kelsey delved into the world of second-hand shopping, scouring Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other thrift stores for hidden treasures. Her ability to identify vintage clothing appealing to online buyers became her ticket to financial freedom. Despite facing challenges securing a job in her field of zoology after graduating from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., Kelsey didn’t succumb to the obstacles. Instead, she embraced the unconventional path of reselling thrift finds on platforms like eBay. Amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic, she persevered, working as a secretary in a local hospital while steadily chipping away at her student loans. Kelsey’s story illustrates the power of resourcefulness and resilience, proving that sometimes, turning overlooked items into profit can pave the way to a debt-free future. —- Arthur O. (Manhattan Beach)

** Homebuyers hoped for more inventory after the holidays. Signs of it are emerging. Realtor.com reported more active listings in January and a shorter time on the market. Their prepandemic levels are still 40% below average. Market players say home purchases won’t return to normal unless mortgage rates fall. Low housing inventory by historical norms is limiting sales. Many homeowners bought or refinanced their mortgages when rates plummeted, and many don’t want to sell because of the cheap rates. Spring, the busiest home sales season, increases for-sale inventory, giving buyers more alternatives. Daryl Fairweather, Redfin’s chief economist, said homeowners who intended to sell last year but waited for mortgage rates to fall may not wait anymore. —- John McKillop


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Breakfast in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photos to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY:

“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”

South Bay’s Largest Digital Publication

Join your neighbors, friends and associates in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
Sign up for free:

www.MBWeekly.net


A CHANCE IN A LIFETIME IN A LIFETIME OF CHANCE:

Prominent award-winning Branding and P.R. firm seeks Video Intern (flexible hours). Approximately 15 – 20 hours a week. Excellent knowledge and opportunity. Must be smart, very reliable, very detail-oriented, resourceful, modestly tech-savvy and a self-starter. Benefits: Mentorship and leadership skills.

www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
Contact Amanda Kent:
Careers@BoundlessMediaUSA.com


MB – BULLETIN BOARD:


1. ** Most recently, “Woke Kindergarten” made national headlines when this for-profit company received $250,000 in federal funds to help improve test scores for some of the country’s lowest-performing schools. “Woke Kindergarten” includes offerings like, “So You Made It to a Protest! A Sensory Guide for Kids,” “FREE PALESTINE: A Visual History Instazine for Kids,” and “Lil’ Comrade Convos: POWER.” After two years, students’ scores are reportedly worse. WHY ARE WE NOT SURPRISED?! —- Abby M., Manhattan Beach (Former Teacher & Elementary School Principal)

2. ** I had my Toyota Corolla’s Catalytic Converter stolen in front of my house in the heavy rain a few days ago. When I heard them cutting, I saw four individuals with hoodies jump in the car and go on Blossom Lane/Voorhees Avenue in less than a minute. I had already filed a police report, but there was no word. —- Lisa V., Hermosa Beach

3. ** We live on 135 & Lemoli and have homeless, thieves, and teens stealing into cars and peeking into apartments. We called the police, but they did little. —- Angie E., Hawthorne

4. ** Don’t forget to pay your taxes by April 15. Million illegal aliens are depending on you. —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach

5. ** The owner of Oceanview Liquor on Manhattan Ave and 33rd St. said they were robbed at gunpoint last weekend. Police confirmed this for the second time in a month. —- Anita R., Hermosa Beach

6. ** Ten years after California passed landmark legislation to reduce plastic bag use, the tonnage of discarded bags has skyrocketed. What happened? —- Emily H., Manhattan Beach

7. ** A child was killed and a second person hospitalized after a hit-and-run crash in Gardena Sunday morning, February 11, authorities said. The two were walking in a crosswalk at Marine and Budlong Avenues about 10:30 a.m. when they were hit by a vehicle turning right from eastbound Marine to northbound Budlong, Sgt. Daniel Guzzo said. —- Editor’s Note

8. ** Did you know that L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell sponsored the bill banning state money for homeless programs that require assistance or sobriety? —- Grover A., Manhattan Beach

9. ** Door to Door Cleaners is unreasonably expensive. Request your itemized bill for the last few months and comparison shop with another local dry cleaner. You may be as surprised as I was. —- Adam G., Manhattan Beach

10. ** IF GASCON WINS, WE ONLY HAVE OURSELVES TO BLAME. I’m a Democrat but face it, the Democrats are splitting the vote, and by doing that, they’re handing the win to Gascon. It’s not just me saying that. It’s all over the internet. I’m voting for Nathan Hochman. —- Claudia R., Manhattan Beach

11. ** More younger Americans are shunning alcohol while embracing cannabis, ketamine, and psychedelics. —- Dr. Willam H., Manhattan Beach

12. ** If Joe Biden is unfit to stand trial, he’s unfit to be president. It’s that simple. —- Darla H., Manhattan Beach

13. ** Three males on Sepulveda at 1 AM tried to stop my car and the one next to me. Two men emerged in the middle of the road when returning from work. We quickly fled and called 911. MB Police reported a struggle and possible gun possession. Beware and lock your car! Sepulveda, Marine —- Donald M., Manhattan Beach

14. ** I just wanted to say how grateful I am to live in such an outstanding community. I lost my wallet on the green belt by Live Oak Park Thursday while bringing my youngest one to his tennis class. A good Samaritan found my wallet, went through the trouble of bringing it down to the Police station (who later contacted me), and all the cards and cash were still inside. I think this goes a long way to demonstrate the outstanding citizens in this Community. I am very thankful. —- Glen F., Manhattan Beach

15. ** Elections 2024: Public safety top concern in Torrance City Council elections. Duh? —- Don D., Manhattan Beach

16. Legendary sports broadcaster Bob Costas has voiced strong opposition against the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, saying that it is a matter of “common sense.” —- Megan T., Manhattan Beach

17. Chick-fil-A – Don’t blame them for price hikes. If room here allowed I could draw a map that shows the cost impact created by elected officials. —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach

18. Every time the minimum wage has been raised, prices go up accordingly. And the number of jobs shrinks. Some win short-term with higher pay, while others lose their jobs. Notice all the kiosks popping up at McDonald’s lately? Not to mention the $6+ Big Mac, formerly under $3 not so long ago. Then, union wages tied to the minimum salary grow accordingly … prompting more inflation. Market forces, not the government, should dictate wages. —- Fred T., Manhattan Beach

19. This leadership failure is on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. Safety is poor. This problem is old. Vote out incumbents. Go for a change. —- Andi B., Manhattan Beach

20. If I am not mistaken, there are still two Republicans running in the primaries. Why aren’t they both getting attention in the press? How can there be competition when one of the competitors is excluded? —- Paul W., Manhattan Beach

Comment / Hire / Share / Promote / Barter / Discuss
The MB Weekly Free Bulletin Board is your place to communicate for free with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach. Send your message (maximum 50 words) to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

MB Weekly 02/15/2024

PARENTAL RIGHTS PREVAIL:
MB Weekly Reader Poll Reveals 74% Support for Opting Out of Controversial School Subjects

In a local revelation, a recent MB Weekly Reader Poll exposes a strong consensus among readers, with an overwhelming 74% asserting that parents should have the authority to opt their children out of public school subjects deemed immoral or morally objectionable. The poll, conducted by www.MBWeekly.net, breaks the norm for political issues, highlighting a rare unity in opinion. A substantial majority of respondents emphasized the need for parental autonomy, particularly in matters related to curriculum on gender and sexuality. The poll underscores a societal call for ensuring age-appropriate education. As discussions around education policies intensify, this resounding support for parental rights may shape the ongoing discourse on the intersection of personal values and public school curricula.

Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin Responds To Lack Of Police Presence Downtown:

“Following is an example of a recent Directed Enforcement Detail conducted by our Manhattan Beach Police Department. Expect to see more of this type of enforcement effort in other areas of the City. On Friday, February 2, 2024, the Manhattan Beach Police Department Traffic Section conducted a directed enforcement detail from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The primary focus areas were Mira Costa High School, Manhattan Beach Middle School, 6th Street & Valley/Ardmore Avenue, and the Sepulveda and Aviation corridors. The objective of the detail was to address problem areas through enforcement and education to promote safety in the community and compliance with traffic regulations. The detail resulted in sixty-nine citations or warning citations, including twenty-two specifically related to e-bikes. The Traffic Lieutenant and Sergeant coordinated the detail and involved the Traffic Team and Patrol Bureau members.” —- Joe Franklin (Manhattan Beach Mayor)


MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Ingo Schultz

Vista Sotheby’s International Realty

“YES or NO” INTERVIEW

Q: DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A RISK-TAKER?
A: YES, Alpha

Q: DO YOU TRUST PEOPLE EASILY?
A: YES, surround yourself with good people

Q: WOULD YOU TRY EATING AN EXOTIC DELICACY LIKE INSECTS OR SNAKES?
A: YES, explore

Q: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A SUPERNATURAL OR PARANORMAL EXPERIENCE?
A: NO

Q: HAVE YOU EVER GONE SKINNY-DIPPING?
A: NO

Q: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE?
A: NO, thankfully

www.SothebysRealty.com


LoveMB Foundation To Focus On New Pool:

At a recent Manhattan Beach City Council meeting, the LoveMB Foundation was born as “a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established to receive tax-exempt donations from individuals, business enterprises and other interested parties in order to promote, enhance and preserve activities, programs, facilities, parks, and open spaces for the enjoyment, appreciation, and improved quality of life of Manhattan Beach community members.” The nonprofit could also possibly fund activities within the City like art installations and concerts in the park, but the main focus was on a new community pool.


Nando Trattoria:

Welcome to Nando Trattoria. Originating from Sicily, Nando’s food tells the story of tradition and taste through Italian Cuisine. Get ready to indulge in authentic Italian flavors and an unforgettable environment.

www.NandoTrattoria.com


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by John McKillop

The Distinguished Speaker Series created in Manhattan Beach is a jewel of intellectual enrichment and cultural exploration. Nestled in the heart of our community, this series transforms the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center into a haven of wisdom and thought-provoking discussions. Attending these extraordinary evenings is like embarking on enlightenment as renowned speakers grace the stage, sharing their insights on various topics. The meticulously curated lineup offers diverse perspectives, stimulating conversations long after the event concludes. The atmosphere is electric with intellectual curiosity, and the community spirit is palpable. From thought leaders to cultural icons, each speaker leaves an indelible mark on the audience, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us. The Distinguished Speaker Series is a testament to the power of ideas, creating a space where Manhattan Beach residents can come together to celebrate knowledge, culture, and the joy of shared learning.

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MB WEEKLY – MEET:
Meet 11-Year-Old Henry

“EITHER / OR” – FOOD

Soup or Steak? STEAK
French Toast or Pancakes? PANCAKES
Spaghetti or Chicken? SPAGHETTI
Water or Soda? SODA
Hamburgers or Hot Dogs? HOT DOGS


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Clay Tobias (Manhattan Beach)

The decision by states in half the country to hike their minimum wage could send the price of fast-food staples like a McDonald’s Big Mac soaring to $15 in those states, according to an economic analyst. Brandon Arnold, executive vice president of the fiscally conservative think tank the National Taxpayers Union, pointed to California’s decision to mandate that employees at fast food restaurants be paid at least $20 an hour as a troubling sign. Companies are either going to have to raise prices or start to reduce those labor costs.

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MB WEEKLY – A SIGN OF THE TIMES:

A funny sign in Redondo Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Bob Holmes (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)

Over the last couple of months, I have conducted my own informal survey. I have asked folks if they feel safer now with George Gascon as District Attorney or if they feel safer three years ago before George Gascon became District Attorney. No one felt safer after three years of Gascon, and no one I spoke with – Democrat, Independent, or Republican – plans to vote for him in March. I recommend Nathan Hochman. He is a former U.S. Assistant Attorney General, federal prosecutor, and Los Angeles City Ethics Commission President. As an Assistant Attorney General, he supervised over 350 attorneys. Hochman is an experienced courtroom prosecutor, having tried cases ranging from narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and public corruption to environmental crimes. Perhaps even more important than his impressive courtroom prosecutorial experience is that he supervised over 350 attorneys. The best candidate can manage a large, complex department, and Hochman checks that box.

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Lido Bakery:

Home of the Most Extraordinary Wedding Cakes

Lido Bakery first opened its doors 2003. Ernesto Valenzuela started Lido Bakery with his mother, Evelinda, with the dream of bringing back what had become a rarity: the neighborhood bakery. Inspired by a sense of commitment to our community, Lido Bakery offers a full range of baked goods – each carefully crafted with the finest natural ingredients. “We also bake in a little bit of love with every bite!”

www.LidoBakery.com


MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:

I feel compelled to express my delight in perusing the MB Weekly Free Bulletin Board. It is nothing short of a captivating journey, oscillating between profound opinions and whimsical rantings. The diversity of perspectives showcased on your free Board is a testament to the vibrant community that engages with it. Navigating through the postings is like embarking on a wild ride. In a world often dominated by curated content and filtered narratives, your free Bulletin Board stands out as a refreshing testament to your readers’ raw and unfiltered expressions. It’s not just a board; it’s a dynamic reflection of the community’s collective consciousness. Kudos to fostering a space where diverse voices can find a home, creating a platform that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. —- Jonathan J. B. (Manhattan Beach)


MB WEEKLY:

“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”

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www.MBWeekly.net


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Name Withheld By Request (Manhattan Beach)

I confess to being a sick hoarder. In the quiet corners of my cluttered existence, I find solace surrounded by the remnants of a life well-lived. Each item, a tangible memory, holds me captive in a web of nostalgia. But as the piles grow, so does the weight on my conscience. The world may see chaos, but I see a museum of moments, a testament to a fear of forgetting. What is wrong with me, I ponder, as I navigate through the labyrinth of possessions that tell the story of my journey. The realization dawns like a clearing storm; it’s not the possessions that define me but the experiences etched into my soul. The time has come to shed the excess, liberate myself from the shackles of accumulation, and rediscover the freedom that simplicity brings. In this journey of decluttering, I unearth not just space but the essence of my being, learning that true richness lies not in what we amass but in what we release.

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MB WEEKLY – LENS:

The wind blows a plastic bag around the beach near the Manhattan Beach Pier on August 21, 2008, in Manhattan Beach, California. A new bill in California aims to ban all plastic bags at groceries and retail locations by 2026.


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lory Barra

Recently, in front of our (temporary) house on the Strand, there was a group of boys & girls absolutely out of control. They look like first-year students or 8th-graders. They were on big tire e-bikes, riding & crashing into each other, vaping, fighting, screaming & throwing up in the bushes in our yard. One girl was so drunk she couldn’t even walk. (See pix) Two boys were throwing firecrackers & rocks into our pool. When I went out on the balcony to ask them to stop, they weren’t in the least bit fazed. They just mouthed off to me & brazenly stayed there waving at me until they were good & ready to leave. Wow, just Wow! Someone else called the police on them before I had the chance. I was told these kids call themselves The RPK. (Redondo Pier Killers) There was a group of about 20 of them on the Strand last night & if this was 1 of your kids, I think you should check in with them on their public behavior. I have teenage kids myself & they were horrified at their peer’s behavior.

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MB WEEKLY – A DIFFERENT VIEW:

A neck in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


** Councilman David Lesser attending the Liz Cheney distinguished lecture series at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lucia La Rosa (Manhattan Beach)

The L.A. Times frames this campaign as a binary choice between keeping Gascón “in place” to reform the criminal system or going back to past “unjust policies.” This is a false premise. Gascon is an obstacle to reform because his policies have made the community so unsafe to justify whoever wants to return to the past. He is a toxic public pariah who is jeopardizing true reform. If we want to move forward while restoring safety and legality, we need a different leader who has the support of Deputy District Attorneys and the trust of crime victims.

Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – R.I.P.:

Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand, seen at Relay for Life in 2022, died Friday, February 9. He was 65. Brand got State 4 lung cancer in 2019.


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Darby Winston

In the past two years, Chick-fil-A has increased prices by 21% as Americans grapple with significant inflation. According to a food business blog called Food Truck Empire, referenced by Newsweek, the chicken manufacturer would boost prices by 15% in 2022. With more than 3,000 outlets, the US network increased menu prices by an additional 6% in January 2023. Disappointing!

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MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:

“How your House is seen in Manhattan Beach.”


MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:

WHAT IS YOUR BEST DECLUTTERING TIP?

Please share your best decluttering tips with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.

Send Your reply To: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


A CHANCE IN A LIFETIME IN A LIFETIME OF CHANCE:

Prominent award-winning Branding and P.R. firm seeks Video Intern (flexible hours). Approximately 15 – 20 hours a week. Excellent knowledge and opportunity. Must be smart, very reliable, very detail-oriented, resourceful, modestly tech-savvy and a self-starter. Benefits: Mentorship and leadership skills.

www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
Contact Amanda Kent:
Careers@BoundlessMediaUSA.com


1. ** Students are failing. Test scores and grades continue to plummet nationwide. Why? America’s K-12 education system is often more concerned with pushing radical activism on students rather than teaching what needs to be taught. —- Emma T., Manhattan Beach

2. ** How did our universities become hotbeds of hate? —- Oliver M., Manhattan Beach

3. ** As cynical as you think you are about Washington, you probably aren’t even halfway where you should be after all that’s happened the past three years. I know. Trust me. —- Rod T., Manhattan Beach

4. ** Honest to God, I can’t believe The Kettle is 50 years old. I remember when the damn thing began. —- Bobby B., Manhattan Beach

5. ** Whenever I see a resume with “pronouns” listed next to the applicant’s name, I immediately throw the resume out – a troublemaker in the making! —- Wendi Z., Manhattan Beach

6. ** A bronze plaque at Bruce’s Beach Park was stolen as part of a wave of bronze from graves and monuments across Los Angeles, according to the Manhattan Beach Police Department. —- Jessica C., Manhattan Beach

7. ** Basically, I hate the taste of Girl Scout cookies, and if I never eat another one again for the rest of my life I won’t be disappointed. —- Luca F., Manhattan Beach

8. ** I thought Carl Weathers was sexy. Please don’t tell my wife. —- Leo P., Manhattan Beach

9. ** I am sick to my stomach. Puking sick. My grandchild just got a “massive” tattoo of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on his rear end. —- Stella G., Manhattan Beach

10. ** So, I agree that tipping has gotten out of hand. You get the stink eye if you don’t give 20% at a restaurant, even if this service is bad. Let’s get back to reality. Don’t expect what you shouldn’t. —- Ed M., Manhattan Beach

11. ** Food for Thought: Remember when people were concerned about lithium cell phone battery radiation? Wrap your head around the idea that if you are driving a Tesla, your passengers are sitting on top of a lithium battery approximately the size of a 400-pound tuna. —- Abigail B., Manhattan Beach

12. ** Neighbors! Be careful – I drove 1.2 miles in MB and saw two drivers blow stop signs. —- Louis R., Manhattan Beach

13. ** Airbnbs turn residential neighborhoods into a series of Motel 8s filled with people who don’t care about the property they are staying in or respect their neighbors. Ashleigh Danker (30-year MB resident and owner-occupier of a two-on-a-lot unit where the other owner uses their unit as an STR). —- Michael S., Manhattan Beach

14. ** CVS has the longest and stupidest customer receipts ever! —- Chet S., Manhattan Beach

15. ** For six years I worked at a hospital that said all teenagers with gender dysphoria must be affirmed. I quit my job to blow the whistle. —- Tammi P., Manhattan Beach

16. ** Chin Chin in El Segundo closed last Friday, January 26, 2024. —- Blair W., El Segundo

17. ** This year, the Super Bowl will play two (2) national anthems. The first will be the regular national anthem, and the second will be a separate African American national anthem. It is hard to believe, but it is true. I will never watch another Super Bowl game in my life until this madness is stopped! —- Hank Y., Manhattan Beach

18. ** LAPD announced that in 2023, 25,825 cars were stolen. This is a 64% spike over the number of vehicles taken in the pre-pandemic year of 2019 & the highest number in almost 20 years. —- Darcy L., Manhattan Beach

19. ** I voted City Councilman, Steve Napolitano for Superior Court Judge Office No. 39. —- Lance H., Manhattan Beach

20. ** If you are sick and tired of brazen crime, vote for Nathan Hochman for District Attorney. —- Fern G., Manhattan Beach and a Democrat

21. ** Can someone please explain why Stewart Fournier has a psychological need to comment on every local issue imaginable? —- Grace M., Manhattan Beach

22. ** A Redondo Beach woman was arrested for felony DUI by the Hermosa Beach Police Department, after her car, headed northbound on Aviation Blvd., swerved southbound, causing a five-car collision on Tuesday, January 30. —- Editor’s Note

23. ** Amidst the country’s many looming challenges, there is also great cause for celebration. More and more people are waking up to the truth. The deceitful agendas of legacy media, the political elite, and their cronies in Big Tech and Big Pharma are being exposed. —- Donald D., Manhattan Beach

24. ** I got takeout at El Tarasco (El Segundo Location on Main); when I walked in, I saw signs that said under new management and not the familiar faces I was accustomed to. Food tasted different, and some items were missing ingredients. —- Kim L., Manhattan Beach

25. ** Last week, “Bob H” criticized Mark Burton for opposing the sewer/stormwater assessment increase measure, implying he was a loser and saying that the measure passed by “a decent margin”. I found Mark’s argument thoughtful and knowledgeable, and the margin miniscule. You must be tired from carrying Russ’ water, Bob. —- Paul B, Manhattan Beach


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