PUBLIC SAFETY COMMENTARY BY
MB MAYOR STEVE NAPOLITANO:
Public safety is the first and highest priority for your City Council, City Manager, and Police Chief. Everything flows from how safe we are and how safe we feel – from the quality of life for our residents, to the success of our business community, to being a world class destination for visitors. Everyone in City government is dedicated to the safety of our community, and every member of our community has a role in keeping us safe.
Over the past couple of years, the City has ramped up our efforts to get more boots on the ground as far as personnel goes. These efforts include an expanded contract for more community service ambassadors in our commercial areas who act as crowd control and added eyes and ears for MBPD; hiring more police officers in a highly competitive job market; and adding license plate readers to catch the crooks as they come and go in our city. We’re also looking at the placement of cameras in a number of our public parks and gathering spots.
Since Chief Johnson joined the City of Manhattan Beach in early August, the Council has approved the over-hiring of five additional police officers and has increased foot, bike, and motor patrols throughout the city. Chief Johnson is currently reviewing MBPD’s staffing levels and I’m confident that she will make recommendations to the City Council to increase staffing should she feel it necessary. But we can never just rely on our officers alone. As I said, every member of our community has a role in keeping us safe, from joining their Neighborhood Watch, to “hardening the target” by keeping doors and windows locked and valuables out of sight in our vehicles, to reporting all incidents regardless of size to our police department. Cameras and alarms help too, especially alarms.
Safety is something none of us can take for granted. No, we actually don’t live in a bubble and the people that want to take things from us or do us harm use the idea that we’re a small town where “that kind of stuff doesn’t happen here” to do exactly that kind of stuff here. The best way to stop them is for all of us to work together – our City government, our Police Department, our residents and businesses – this is how we’ll stop and reduce crime in Manhattan Beach. As the Chief says, “If you see something, say something!”
https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/government/city-council
Vacancy On MBUSD School Board:
Trustee Jason Boxer has resigned from the Board of Trustees of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, effective January 12, 2023. Trustee Boxer intends to pursue higher educational studies. “I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have served on the MBUSD Board of Education. I will miss my fellow Board colleagues and the important discussions and decisions that have paved the way to support our students and staff,” said Boxer. “I look forward to continuing to be part of this community.” The District thanks Trustee Boxer for two years of service at MBUSD. A lifelong Manhattan Beach resident and alum of Manhattan Beach USD schools, Boxer was elected as an MBUSD Trustee in November 2020. The Board of Trustees will share more information on how they plan to fill the vacancy at their next regular meeting.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Dennis Jarvis
Owner & Creator of Spyder Surfboards
Q: HOW DID YOU CHOOSE MANHATTAN BEACH AS YOUR HOME AND HEADQUARTERS?
A: I have traveled the world several times over as a professional surfer. Through my travels I have never encountered anywhere like the South Bay. I have lived in the South Bay for most of my life and grew a great connection with the ocean because of that. I started a company called Spyder Surfboards in July of 1983 (yes been 40 years this year!). Our original location is on PCH in Hermosa Beach but my love for Manhattan goes deep. I was retiring as a pro and one of the last covers on Surfer magazine was taken from the north side of the Manhattan Beach Pier. Through the years I had always looked to be a part of the Manhattan culture and 6 years ago we opened a shop on Manhattan Avenue. The city was so welcoming that a few months ago, I decided to open an Art Gallery – Gallery 208 – on Manhattan Beach Blvd., just up from the Pier. Manhattan has been so welcoming to us as a brand that it only made sense to be here.
Q: WHEN DID YOU FIRST BEGIN YOUR LOVE OF SURFING?
A: I started surfing in the 7th Grade. I went to Adams Jr. High in Redondo Beach, I connected with a few really cool 8th graders that took me under their wing and it just became an addiction of sorts. I would stay at the beach all day long and my mom would have to come and tear me off the beach. I started to get better than the kids I was hanging out with pretty quick and they didn’t like that too much as the new kid was doing better than them. So I kinda got pushed out of the “gang” and became a solo-surfer. I honed my skills surfing the rights off Manhattan Beach Pier and learned how to respect the ocean. …
Q: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO OPEN AN ART GALLERY IN MANHATTAN BEACH:
A: I have been making art for most of my life. Most of the latest work has been on a commission basis. I have worked as a creative consultant on TV and feature film. I have even won several awards as a film maker. I have had some great mentors in my art career through this whole process, Phil Roberts and Rolland Berry, to name a few, but my talent is crafted from thousands and thousands of hours honing my skill set and bringing them into existence. I have not ever had a place that I could control how my art is received. Gallery 208 is that place. …
Q: WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE IN RUNNING YOUR NEW BUSINESS?
A: We had a very soft open mid-December to check flow through and ensure our space was designed properly before our GRAND opening January 20-21. However, if I were to guess what our biggest obstacle will be it is getting the word out about our Gallery. My slogan is “Gallery 208, revitalizing fine art in the South Bay” and we need to stick very close to that credo.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Of course, Point Break (the first one, obviously). I was a big part of that film. I would have pushed for a producer title if I knew how hard I was going to work on it. For nine months I had Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Anthony Keidis and the rest of the cast come to my house and I taught them how to act like they were surfers and how to actually surf. I also stepped in as a creative consultant as neither Kathryn Bigelow nor James Cameron had ever surfed! I was hired to design/create all but one surfboard in the film. Funny story is, I went in as an actor, I got one line (but that was later re-shot). … Just a quick note, in the film the surf shop is called SPYDER SURF and we used the end of Manhattan Pier as the location! Gallery 208 will be hosting a POINT BREAK weekend right before summer. I will have memorabilia and some behind the scene footage as well as the writer, Peter IIliff and some of the actors do a question answer and tell some great stories.
www.spydersurf.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Recently the Manhattan Beach Historical Society Museum closed temporarily. The team from @HistoryAssociates has begun their work to properly preserve, organize and digitize the collection so that it can be more accessible to all now and in the future.
Tapizôn Bar & Kitchen:
JANUARY 28TH, COME CELEBRATE OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH US!
www.tapizon.com
DO YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO TAKE A REALLY CLOSE LOOK AT MANHATTAN BEACH?
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Audrie Benjamin
Owner Of Manhattan Denim
“YES or NO” INTERVIEW
Have you ever met anyone famous?
–YES
Have you ever been to a film?
–YES
Have you ever met any famous sports stars?
–YES
Do you procrastinate a lot?
–YES
Do you think there’s such a thing as love at first sight?
–YES
Do you believe that the universe directs us in life?
–NO
Have you ever lost someone close to you?
–YES
www.manhattan-denim.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Steve Revel
In July, Zaid Khan, a 20-something engineer, recorded a TikTok of himself chatting over urban settings. Khan: “I recently learned about silent resigning, where you’re not abandoning your work but ceasing to go above and above.” “You still do your job, but you don’t subscribe to the hustle-culture idea that work is your life. Your worth isn’t based on your work.” The #quietquitting hashtag immediately gained traction, with many TikTokers responding. And so may explain why all businesses owners in Manhattan Beach complain about the non-existent work ethic of youth in today’s sad world.
Agree? Disagree? Send your comment (maximum 100 words) to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
MBPD Patrol Officers found a stolen car cruising around Manhattan Beach Blvd & Ardmore Ave. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver had other plans. After a tour of the South Bay, officers safely stopped the pursuit in Redondo Beach with a PIT maneuver. The driver was arrested & booked into the MBPD Jail for felony evading and possession of a stolen car + two felony warrants.
MB WEEKLY – CRIME AND MANHATTAN BEACH:
LA Prosecutor Pens Scathing Exit Letter
To Woke DA George Gascon
“Managerial Dumpster Fire”
A veteran Los Angeles County prosecutor scolded his boss, saying his progressive reforms and management style have alienated his colleagues and turned the nation’s largest district attorney’s office into a “managerial dumpster fire.” In a lengthy letter to District Attorney George Gascon and his top aides, prosecutor Mark Burnley aired a number of grievances on his last day with the office. Burnley said he has been with the DA’s office since 1999 and a prosecutor for 28 years.
Do you approve or disapprove of Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon: Send your comment (maximum 100 words) to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Financial Planner Phillip Cook
“WOULD YOU RATHER” INTERVIEW
WOULD YOU RATHER GO INTO THE PAST AND MEET YOUR ANCESTORS OR GO INTO THE FUTURE AND MEET YOUR GREAT-GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN?
–Neither
WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE MORE TIME OR MORE MONEY?
–Time. I’ve got enough money. The problem is I didn’t have “enough money” until later in life.
WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE A REWIND BUTTON OR A PAUSE BUTTON ON YOUR LIFE?
–Pause
WOULD YOU RATHER BE ABLE TO TALK WITH THE ANIMALS OR SPEAK ALL FOREIGN LANGUAGES?
–All foreign languages although I would like to know what our cat is thinking.
WOULD YOU RATHER WIN THE LOTTERY OR LIVE TWICE AS LONG?
–See 2 above.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Inspired by both Cabo San Lucas’ beautiful coast and Mexico City’s vibrant cosmopolitan neighborhoods, Esperanza’s thoughtful design blurs the lines between art and function. Masterfully designed by internationally renowned Islandic architect Gulla Jónsdóttir, Esperanza’s interiors reflect an elevated coastal ambiance that exaggerates the grandeur of a beach town villa. Chef Ray Alvarez oversees a menu featuring fresh interpretations of Sonoran cuisine while Head Mixologists John Fox and Kevin Williams developed Esperanza’s bar program to not only include delicious and playful cocktails, but the two have also created the largest tequila list and mezcal collection in the South Bay.
MB WEEKLY LIST:
People From Manhattan Beach
Athletes – Soccer
Bruce Arena: former head coach of the L.A. Galaxy
Bob Bradley: former head coach of the US Men’s National Soccer Team
Landon Donovan: former player for the Los Angeles Galaxy, U.S. National Team forward
Omar Gonzalez: former player for the Los Angeles Galaxy
Mia Hamm: former Olympic soccer player
Cobi Jones: former player for the Los Angeles Galaxy
MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
“What I appreciate about MB Weekly is that it isn’t partisan and angry like some other newsletters in town! At last.” —- Mallory M., Manhattan Beach
Physical Facts
Location: 19 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles on the southerly end of Santa Monica Bay
County: Los Angeles
Airport: 3 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport
City Area: 3.88 square miles
Beach: 2.1 miles of beachfront, 40 acres of recreational beach area in total
Pier: Manhattan Beach has a scenic 928-foot-long pier at the end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Fishing is permitted all year
Parks: There are 48 acres of major park land in Manhattan Beach, in addition to the 21 acre Manhattan Beach Parkway
Residential Area: 49.1%, or 1224 acres, of Manhattan Beach’s city wide land area is residential
Paved Streets: There are 120 miles of paved streets
Plumbing: The City has 18 miles of storm drains and 110 miles of sewers
Elevation: 120 feet above sea level
Rainfall: Average annual rainfall of 12.07 inches
Temperature: Average temperature ranges from 70º F in summer to 55º F in winter
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
DO YOUR NEIGHBORS LEASH THEIR DOGS?
Please share your reply 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)
MB WEEKLY – CORRECTION:
** In last week’s issue, a commentary by Mayor Steve Napolitano was identified as exclusive when it previously had been run a week earlier.
MB – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ** Broken Windows, Broken Business —- brokenwindowsbook.com
2. ** What do your kids know about American civics? Children are not being taught the basics of U.S. government or America’s founding documents. —- Leah H., Hermosa Beach
3. ** Andrew at Mercado restaurant is a great General Manager. —- Lindsey B., Manhattan Beach
4. ** I am a Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce member, and I feel confused by why they seemed enthused about trying to convince the community that there is not a serious and growing crime problem in the city. —- V.B. (Name withheld by request)
5. ** Reach for your dreams, work hard, and you will achieve them. Believe in a better tomorrow, and make a difference in the lives of others. – Wayne Powell, Former Manhattan Beach Mayor/Councilmember
6. ** I have noticed a pattern. When perpetually angry people disagree with something, they immediately scream, “misinformation!” Poor souls. —- Arnold J., Manhattan Beach
7. ** We all know people who don’t know much about history or anything else for that matter. And don’t care to know. If they cared, they would google. The easiest way to get information on the planet. Because so many folks are apathetic about the world around them, they make bad decisions. Two things drive faulty outcomes: emotion and stupidity. If you don’t know anything, you are stupid. However, emotion can cripple even the most astute person. —- Dr. Jennifer Harrell, Manhattan Beach
8. ** Join us every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Joslyn Center Manhattan Beach to practice public speaking. www.beachcities.toastmasters.com —- A.Z., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Our school system and culture are allowing adults to sexualize children. —- Ronald K., Hermosa Beach
10. ** We love Karen at Ralph’s in Manhattan Village. —- Hailey B., Manhattan Beach
11. ** To see why many of your recent historical statements are inaccurate, please see “Myth-busting Manhattan Beach!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fizSELf8VJ0&t=742s —- James R Gill, Founder, Manhattan Beach Pioneers
12 ** So terrible our South Bay is full of crimes, and few admit it. Denial? —- Loni A., Hermosa Beach
13 ** The Mediterranean diet has become the bedrock of heart-healthy eating, with well-studied health benefits including lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. —- Dr. William H., Manhattan Beach
14 ** Suspicious men in the rain advertising internet services but might be casing homes. —- G. Lansberg, Manhattan Beach
15 ** Do mild cases of COVID warrant treatment with an antiviral medication like Paxlovid? —- R.G., El Segundo
16 ** Mirroring a step taken by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on her first day in office last month, the county Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion proclaiming a local emergency on homelessness. This is only two years or perhaps more overdue! What the Hell took them so long? I know government is pathetically slow, but honest to God. —- Lance H., Manhattan Beach
17 ** Memo to the community: I would say most young people on e-bikes wear no helmets, stop at no stop signs, and frequently risk danger with no legal consequence. Its only a matter of time. —- Claire I., Manhattan Beah
18 ** A computer outage at the Federal Aviation Administration recently brought flights to a standstill across the U.S., with hundreds of delays quickly cascading through the system at airports nationwide. Are we living in a third-world country? —- David M., Manhattan Beach
19 ** YEAH! In-N-Out Burger is expanding to Tennessee, its eighth state. —- Melissa G., Manhattan Beach
20 ** The chicken parmesan at Slay’s Italian kitchen is superb! —- Jane F., Manhattan Beach
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