MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Jeff Byron
General Manager Of The Kettle
WHEN DID YOU FIRST JOIN THE KETTLE?
–I first started as GM at The Kettle in 1991. Ownership promoted me over from another restaurant they owned. I relocated from Torrance to Manhattan Beach, I was excited!
FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT “SECRET SAUCE” MAKES THE KETTLE WORK SO WELL?
–The Kettle has no “secret sauce,” we simply serve great food and do so enthusiastically. Running the restaurant has been challenging through the last couple of years but we’re still here and trying our best to put those years in the rearview mirror. We’re getting our Mojo back!
WHAT’S THE RECORD NUMBER OF THANKSGIVING DINNERS YOU’VE SERVED IN ONE YEAR?
–Two years ago we sold over 800 Thanksgiving dinners, 100% of them take-out. The state mandated a so-cal restaurant closure three days before thanksgiving leaving so many people hanging for the holiday. Our presale for turkey dinners doubled in two days. Having an empty restaurant freed up our staff to fill the orders and despite the last minute spike in orders, it went off without a hitch.
IF SOMEONE WANTS TO WORK AT THE KETTLE, WHAT QUALITIES DO THEY NEED TO POSSESS?
–The quality I look for the most in prospective employees is kindness. I love working with people who love working with people. Staffing has been a little more challenging recently, the last few years have left people a little weary of one another. I feel confident that we’ll get through this but it will take time.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
–My favorite movie all time, hmmm? How about Shawshank Redemption, Something About Mary, To Sir with Love, Pulp Fiction and all the early Star Wars movies to name a few. I could speak to the greatness of all of these movies and more…
WHERE WERE YOU ON THE NIGHT OF THE RECENT HORRIFIC SMASH-AND-GRAB ROBBERY IN DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN BEACH?
–The night of the smash and grab I was in San Antonio. One of my people texted me minutes after it happened and to be honest, I wasn’t shocked. I see tons of people come through the Kettle and at that time there was a lot of tension from a lot of people. The robbery was a brazen act and should serve as notice that we have to remain diligent in keeping Manhattan Beach safe for residents, visitors and staff.
www.thekettle.net
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Mike Simms, CEO of Simms Restaurants, which owns MB Post, Fishing with Dynamite and several other Manhattan Beach eateries, won the “Best of Manhattan” award from the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce at its annual 2022 gala.
THANKSGIVING IN MANHATTAN BEACH:
** “I am grateful for my wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends and neighbors. I am grateful to belong to the American Martyrs Church community. I am grateful to live in the Manhattan Beach community. I am grateful to live in California and the United States of America. I am grateful for good health for me, my family and all those that I know. I am grateful for my MB Rotary family. I am grateful for my Roundhouse Aquarium Board family. I am grateful for my El Camino College Foundation family. Most of all, I am grateful for all the blessings God has bestowed on me. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!” —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
** I am thankful that I ran for City Council! Win or lose, I Won! Knocking on doors, speaking with neighbors, listening to their concerns; I have learned so much … about what I don’t know, about my neighbors, about the town I call home! I have many new friends and a newfound respect for the place I love to live in! —- Rita Crabtree-Kampe, Manhattan Beach
** “I am grateful for all the hundreds of new people I met on the campaign trail this year. It can only be done every two years, effectively for six weeks if you are a candidate for office in Manhattan Beach. Honestly, I approached knocking on 2500 doors with some trepidation, given the political climate in our nation. The reality was that people were respectful and appreciative as soon as they knew I wasn’t a magazine salesman. In our town, no matter their point of view, my beach town neighbors were always receptive and said: “Good Luck,” regardless of their background or preconceived notion about my candidacy. It was uplifting, especially since 90-degree days were the norm. I didn’t expect that, but it was always rewarding to know most people were happy I rang their doorbell. I am the most famous Manhattan Beach “Ring Doorbell” candidate who lost 10 pounds.” —- Stewart Fournier, Manhattan Beach
** I am most grateful for the dedicated and committed City employees that work tirelessly in service to the City of Manhattan Beach. They make a positive impact on our community day-in and day-out, and make a difference. —- Bruce Moe, City Manager, Manhattan Beach
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
WOULD YOU FINGERPRINT YOUR CHILD IF THEIR SCHOOL GAVE YOU THE OPTION?
According to a sample of MB Weekly readers in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities, MB Weekly readers have spoken.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Students in Ms. Diana Sieker’s AP English Literature and Composition class at Mira Costa High School brought their class reading assignment to life. They read the absurdist play Rhinoceros for their Theatre of the Absurd unit. It’s a play about an entire French town slowly turning into rhinoceroses. They dressed up in absurd costumes and performed all three acts.
EXPERIENCE MANHATTAN BEACH UP CLOSE:
Invite your friends, neighbors and associates to sign up for free: www.MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Rabbi Yossi Mintz of The Friendship Foundation, which matches special needs students with their classmates for friendship. For more about the program: FriendshipFoundation.com
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Ravi
“YES OR NO” INTERVIEW
Have you ever made any of your parents cry?
– MANY TIMES I AM SURE
Do you usually follow your brain more than the heart?
–HEART ALL THE WAY
Are you usually friends with your ex?
–OFTEN
Have you ever written someone a love poem?
–YES. A BAD ONE, BUT YES
Have you fallen in love at first sight?
–YES
Have you ever been put behind bars?
–NO
Have you ever fallen asleep at school or work?
–YES
Have you ever run away from your house?
–NO
To be featured in “The Faces of Manhattan Beach,” send your photograph to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Urban Plates:
Ditch your pots and pans! Our Thanksgiving family meal comes hot & ready to eat, so you can leave the cooking to us. Click below to pre-order!
https://urbanplates.com/thanksgiving/
MB WEEKLY – IN THE SOUTH BAY:
** A rape victim in California has shared a harrowing image of her facial injuries after she was assaulted by a homeless man who had been released from jail just a few hours earlier. Marissa Young, 44, of Torrance, was walking her dogs about 1 a.m. July 31 when she was attacked by Darrell Waters, 46, who was arrested days earlier on a misdemeanor charge of unlawful possession of a dagger according to police. The homeless man was released on his own recognizance about 12 hours before the brutal assault, according to the report.
** Redondo Beach Councilman Zein Obagi, Jr. survived an attempt to oust him. Obagi, the District 4 councilman, defeated a recall attempt, with 72% of voters rejecting it. A measure that would have allowed up to three cannabis dispensaries in Redondo Beach also overwhelmingly failed, with 75% opposed, according to final results from Redondo’s October 19 special election.
** Folk singer Mary McCaslin died October 2 in Hemet, Calif. at age 75. Known for her mountain-ballad versions of pop and rock songs of the ‘60s and ‘70s, such as the Who’s “Pinball Wizard” and The Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” McCaslin’s own songs told of the Old West, her most notable album “Way Out West” released in 1974. She was born in Indianapolis at a home for unwed mothers, adopted and grew up in Redondo Beach. McCaslin played banjo and ukulele, self-taught, and played guitar with a distinguished type of open tuning. She died at her home of progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disease.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Kim Libby (Hermosa Beach) and Ann Maceachern (Manhattan Beach).
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Kathleen Terry
Facilitator Leadership Manhattan Beach
President of Participative Management Systems
Are you an optimist?
–YES
Did your parents get divorced?
–NO
Do you think that people are basically good?
–YES
Do you have any phobias?
–NO
Is there anyone in your life that you just can’t say no to?
–YES, my son
Has anyone ever accused you of being too nice?
–NO
Do you think that karma is a real thing?
–YES
Do you have any close friends of the opposite gender?
–MANY
Do you believe in soulmates?
–NO
Have you smoked at least one cigarette in the last year?
–NO
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Veteran Financial Planner Dave Harris (Manhattan Beach).
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
By Darby Winston
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
In a time when many people are craving the security, traditionalism, and enjoyment from days long past, they would be very well served visiting Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Nestled in El Segundo, this traditional-styled steakhouse hits all the right notes. With leather bound booths, rich wood furnishings, and an expertly trained staff that are both knowledgeable and welcoming, Fleming’s knocks it out of the park with their aged meat selection and traditional sides like fluffy baked potatoes, creamed spinach, and onion rings. Also strong is their alternate menu selections, which includes Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass and Roasted Portobello and Cauliflower Steak, to name a few. And, whatever you do, please save some room for a thick slice of carrot cake … which is by all counts, the BEST carrot cake in town!
Food: A • Service: A • Value: A
www.flemingssteakhouse.com
Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Russ Lesser with Tiffany Lynne Wright and school board candidate Christy Taylor Barnes at Neptunian Woman’s Club in Manhattan Beach celebrating Russ Lesser’s birthday.
Manhattan Beach Makes Space For Pickleball Players:
Manhattan Beach pickleball players won’t have to fight for spaces to play as the City announced four new courts will be dedicated to the sport. The courts will be at Manhattan Beach Middle School and will be open from 8 a.m. until dusk, the city said. “Combining elements of tennis, racquetball, and badminton, pickleball is fun for all ages and is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country,” said Mayor Steve Napolitano. “Due to its popularity, the demand to play often exceeds available court space in Manhattan Beach, so when the opportunity arose to replace the MBMS paddleball courts with pickleball courts, the City made the investment to resurface the courts. Through our ongoing partnership with the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, the City and MBUSD are looking forward to bringing the community additional opportunities to enjoy the many benefits of pickleball.” The four courts are public and designated by skill level for open play. Two courts will be available on a first-come-first-served basis with a one-hour limit per group. The courts will be free to use during a pilot program that goes until the end of the year.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Recently a group of 3 subjects attempted to pass a fake $100 bill at a local convenience store. An alert MBPD officer spotted the getaway vehicle leaving the area and stopped them. In the car, officers located a modified shotgun, shotgun ammo, narcotics, narcotic paraphernalia … and … the fake bill. All three were arrested on various charges and warrants.
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“A visit to the eye doctor in Manhattan Beach?”
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
DO YOU DISLIKE CASHLESS BUSINESSES?
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
MB – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ** Think about this. There’s probably a lot of dogs and cats in Manhattan Beach that need glasses. —- Lowell M., Manhattan Beach
2. ** We need protection real bad, especially at this time in history. I had heard of Manhattan Beach, California, 60 years ago as being like King Arthur’s Avalon, a storybook place by the sea. Now today, trouble and crime. I recall Rosecrans Avenue of the Gaslamp area 30 years ago having open gardens and driveways; now that neighborhood is all walled up from Sepulveda to Highland. I appreciate the good work the Neighborhood Watch is doing and the MBPD. —- Max Schaller, Manhattan Beach
3. ** Lawn-mower parents were even more overly involved … making “helicopter parents look mild in comparison.” … Today, teachers say, some parents have taken even that to extremes. —- Dr. Sally R., Manhattan Beach
4. ** Sausal in El Segundo is an adequate Mexican restaurant with high prices and poor service. —- Jackie K., Manhattan Beach
5. ** Complexity deserves clarity. —- www.LBNExaminer.com
6. ** MB Weekly reader question: Do you think the average dog is a nicer person than the average person? Send your reply to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
7. ** The Highrose “Dragon” was slayed! A grassroots group of MB residents, known as “Chill The Build”, were relentless in their efforts to bring down this “Dragon”. Chill’s efforts may have saved our low profile character. —- Mark Burton
8. ** Free piano in good condition Manhattan Beach. The only request is you use professional movers as hardwood floors and 2 sections of stairs involved. Call (562)706-2900
9. ** Killing the Highrose project was a community effort, for sure – Rick Ralph, co-founder of ChillTheBuild.com
10. ** Meghan Markle is an idiot. —- Grace K., Manhattan Beach
11. ** We must waste a lot of paper sending mail to dead people. —- Henry Z., Manhattan Beach
12. ** Opening up Cash App, Venmo, etc. to find money you forgot about is the new finding money in the pocket of your jeans. —- Sarah P., Manhattan Beach
13. ** You’ve probably set multiple world records for things no one’s keeping track of in your lifetime. —- Dr. C.S., Manhattan Beach
14. ** If you watch horror movies, you may need a Designated Horror Friend. Trust me. —- Monroe F., Manhattan Beach
15. ** Congratulations to MB Weekly. Finally, an independent, unbiased news and information source for Manhattan Beach. —- Dr. Thomas P., Manhattan Beach
16. ** I love The Kettle, but the Chicken Piccata is tough as shoe leather. —- Darcy H., Manhattan Beach
17. ** Stressed about the economy? Mr. Biden is not concerned because, in his opinion, the economy is “strong as hell.” Hell being the key word. —- Arielle K., Manhattan Beach
18. ** Without question Eric Garcetti will go down as the worst mayor in L.A. history! His smug, laughing face on the cover of Los Angeles magazine in November is enough to make even his own family puke. —- David and Barbara T., Manhattan Beach
19. ** Sadly, I predict Smashburger in Manhattan village will be out of business in the next six months. Though the food is fine, I’ve never seen a solitary person in there, and the staff reminds me of the people rejected by McDonald’s. —- Tina M., Manhattan Beach
20. ** Doxing is the act of revealing personal information about someone online, such as their name, residence, etc. That information is then circulated to the public – without the victim’s permission. It is a malicious act, used against people with the purpose to discredit and create a negative public opinion about the target. It is both immoral and disgraceful —- Hailey R., Manhattan Beach
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