EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
WITH MB CITY COUNCILMAN
JOE FRANKLIN:
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE MOST RECENT ELECTION IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
–The biggest lesson I learned is that people really want to talk about the issues and that we need to find a way for all voices to be heard in a way that’s civil and transparent. Also, I’m constantly amazed at the selflessness of residents who actively volunteer on campaigns. One’s time is the most cherished thing in life and they willingly work to help their candidate. It’s the most humbling aspect of running for office.
FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM FACING MANHATTAN BEACH IN THE NEXT YEAR?
–Sacramento overreach in our local zoning.
WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
–Pisces.
WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN IN MANHATTAN BEACH IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS?
–Actually, it’s what has remained the same that pleases me the most – families choosing to raise their families in Manhattan Beach. They are doing it for the same reasons my wife Nancy and I had when we made the decision over 33 years ago to live here. Our own top-notch Fire and Police Department, great schools and terrific city services. Manhattan Beach is a wonderful place to retire as well.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
–Can’t just pick one, there are too many. I’ll list my top five in no particular order (it annoys Nancy that I will stop what I’m doing and watch these movies again and again – and incessantly quote from them as well. Not surprisingly, the same screenwriter wrote two each on my list:) Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Patton, The Godfather, The Princess Bride and Sleepless in Seattle. Also, for great satire and a message, Defending Your Life.
www.manhattanbeach.gov
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
The Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council named its students of the month at its November luncheon, (left to right) Isla Sellers (Robinson Elementary), Eve Prodromides (American Martyrs), Brent Torres (Mira Costa High School), Sandra Baxter-Nuzzi (Manhattan Beach Middle School), Naomi Abraham (Grand View Elementary), and Grayson Nugent (Robinson Elementary). Grand View Elementary student of the month Trussell Meyer is not pictured. Photo courtesy MBCC
MB WEEKLY – HERO’S CLUB:
LOCAL HERO’S FULL NAME:
Neptunian Woman’s Club Members
LOCAL HERO’S CITY:
Manhattan Beach
HOW DO YOU KNOW THE LOCAL HERO?
My fellow Neptunian friends.
WHAT DOES THE LOCAL HERO DO?
Since 1909, the organization has been a vital philanthropic force in our city and the greater South Bay Area. They provide community support both in participation and in-kind donations. The largest outreach is through scholarships at MCHS, ECC and occupational preparation programs.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW ABOUT THE LOCAL HERO?
We work hard to help make the community a happier place and we have fun – so join us please.
www.neptunians.org
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton
The only way to have a City Prosecutor who will file and prosecute the hundreds of misdemeanors committed each year in our community is to explore adopting a City Charter. It is the only path forward. The current District Attorney is adamant that he will not file or prosecute most misdemeanors committed in Manhattan Beach. Every year, hundreds of these crimes will be committed in our community without consequence. It is reasonable to expect that law and order may erode as the years pass. Worse yet, the natural result is for such crimes to be unreported since our residents and businesses know our police have been handcuffed. If the City adopted a City Charter, we could have our own City Prosecutor, independent from the District Attorney. Our City Prosecutor would be making the decisions on filing and prosecuting misdemeanor arrests in our community. A City Prosecutor would also be familiar with our community and its public safety needs in filing and prosecuting decisions. In other words, such decisions would be made in our best interests, not subject to the political machinations of L.A. County. Finally, a City Prosecutor would facilitate participation in the very effective Homeless Court Program, a restorative justice program that makes sense.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Emily Piemonte
Realtor
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING AND WORKING IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
–Working in MB for 38+ years living in MB for 17 years and in the South Bay for 40+ years.
WHAT MADE YOU SELECT MANHATTAN BEACH AS YOUR HOME BASE?
–The community and local schools.
WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE YOU’VE NOTICED IN THE CITY IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS?
–Development of Manhattan Village Mall, new homes and incredible restaurants in our little community.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
–It’s a Wonderful Life, it captures the true meaning of life and why you are here.
WHAT DO YOU PREDICT THE RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET IN MANHATTAN BEACH TO BE LIKE IN A YEAR?
–I predict the housing market will have a slight decrease and stabilize.
https://www.facebook.com/EmilyPiemonteRealEstate/
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
DO YOU EXPECT THE U.S. TO ENTER A RECESSION WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR?
According to a sample of MB Weekly readers in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities, MB Weekly readers have spoken.
Do you agree or disagree?: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
NANDO TRATTORIA:
Relax on Christmas Eve and Day by allowing Nando to prepare traditional Italian favorites for your holiday celebration.
- Lasagna (Serves 4×6 People) -$90
- Overnight Braised Short Ribs -$90
- Australian Lamb Chop (Serves 2) -$140
- Branzino Mediterranean (Serves 2) -$60
- Wild Caught Malibu Spiny Lobster -MP
- Caciucco Fish Stew (Feast of the Seven Fishes) -MP
Pick Ups Arranged for December 23rd at 5pm
www.nandotrattoria.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Suzanne Hadley
I am as confident as I have ever been that significant majorities of MB residents continue to support so many of the causes I have advocated for on your behalf: Strong public safety. Continued outdoor dining. Robust support of our small businesses. No on Highrose/Project Verandas. Keeping our fire department local, and no rollback of fire-union reforms. Fiscal responsibility at city hall. Supporting an alternative to L.A. district attorney George Gascon, who endangers our public safety.
MB WEEKLY LIST:
People From Manhattan Beach
On-Air Personalities and Writers
Erin Andrews: TV sports reporter and co-host of Dancing with the Stars
Jenn Brown: ESPN reporter
Colin Cowherd: Host of Fox Sports Talk show The Herd
John Ireland: play-by-play broadcaster for Los Angeles Lakers and radio personality
J.D. Roth: reality TV host (Endurance)
Maria Sansone: television personality and host (Good Day LA)
Trace Gallagher: anchor and correspondent, Fox News Channel
Ryen Russillo: Ringer podcast and television writer
Michele Tafoya: sportscaster
MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
“I just moved to Manhattan Beach last summer and discovered your MB Weekly several weeks ago. It’s got a fresh, spunky attitude that I find refreshing and intriguing. Congratulations. BTW, I love the new video!” —- Melanie Morris, Manhattan Beach
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT NOTES:
By Darby Winston
Tapizôn
Tapizôn, a unique Brazilian restaurant in El Segundo, was born from a special and unique bond, a friendship that transcends borders and unites cultures. The Tropi-Cali experience is where Brazilian & American flavors fuse in food and spirits. Their mission is to bring an exciting new adventure that connects people and embraces the arts. Definitely worth a visit.
www.Tapizon.com
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Michael Zislis
Owner Of Zislis Group
Zislis Group owner, Michael Zislis, a native of Palos Verdes, California, was only 13 years old when he brewed his first beer for a science experiment at school. By the time he was an economics major at the University of Southern California, he was a master brewer. Possessing an insatiable entrepreneurial spirit, Zislis opened a brewery fabrication company and started building breweries all over the world. Zislis parlayed his brewing experience into opening several successful restaurants, including Brewco, Rock &Brews, and Rock’N Fish.
www.zislisgroup.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Nicole Anderson-James, owner of Elemental SuperFood, is joined by her daughter Elle in preparing product for shipment at her warehouse in Torrance. Anderson-James, who raised Elle as a single mother, would make small batches from her kitchen in Manhattan Beach, where she lived for almost 25 years before moving to Palos Verdes Estates. She did that for a couple of years until the operation grew too big for her house.
Michael Greenberg – President, Co-Founder, Skechers
Michael Greenberg is a 30-year veteran of the footwear industry. He has played a vital role in its growth – from the first Skechers store lease in 1994 to the brand’s expansion across Asia. Greenberg also founded the Skechers Foundation and the annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, which has raised over $17 million for children with special needs and education. Beyond Skechers, Greenberg also helped found The Friendship Foundation, a non-profit mentoring organization, and The Harrison Greenberg Memorial Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to restoring and protecting Manhattan Beach’s Roundhouse Aquarium in honor of his son, Harrison Greenberg.
MB WEEKLY – HISTORY:
L to R: Dale Velzy, Hap Jacobs, Bill Meistrell and Bev Morgan at the original Dive N Surf Shop in 1954.
J. Purkey Films:
https://www.instagram.com/j.purkeyfilms/
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“Everyone in Manhattan Beach says that we should get our money out of crypto, but it looks like someone beat us to it.”
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT AT WHICH RESTAURANT IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
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)
Correction To “20 Obscure And Interesting Facts About Manhattan Beach”:
–There’s no factual evidence that Manhattan Beach was used as a Native American burial ground. Former Historical Society President Gary McAulay discusses this and the Waikiki sand legend in a myth-busting presentation he did for the MB Pioneers. View It Here
–Manhattan Beach was first known as Potencia. “Shore Acres” was just the name of the railroad station at today’s Manhattan Beach Blvd. and Valley/Ardmore.
–The story of the coin-flip appears to be folklore too. It was John A. Merrill (not Stewart) and his Manhattan Beach Company who purchased land in September 1901 from the Potencia Townsite Company – not Peck. Peck would buy later from Merrill.
–In 1912, Manhattan Beach was the official name recognized by the state of California. Postmaster Virgil Wahlberg petitioned to have the “Beach” added to the postal name in 1927.
–There is no evidence that George Peck set aside land for African Americans. Please see pages 56-57 of the Bruce’s Beach History Report.
–The Bruce’s Beach History report also says (pages 65-66) that while the Klan was active in Southern California, there’s no definitive evidence that it was the Klan who harassed the Black landowners.
The Manhattan Beach Historical Society is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 (except for holidays), and by appointment. We welcome everyone to Join Us.
We’re also happy to answer any historical questions you might have to: historian@manhattanbeachhistorical.org
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Correction to last week’s newsletter: A photo of M.B. Post Chef de cuisine Jose Perez was mistakenly used in place of the photo for M.B. Post Chef David LeFevre (above) who is also managing Partner of Manhattan Beach Post, Fishing With Dynamite, The Arthur J, Local LA Catering and RYLA in Hermosa Beach.
MB – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ** I meet a woman who runs a safe house for those who are released from jail, homeless, etc., and other issues in life – eye opener – it’s located in south central L.A. – they need clothes and shoes for these people who have nothing. She has a lot of empathy and a good sense of humor – the place is very strict-in house rules and teaches them chores, etc. So there is hope out there. —- Kathleen Nyhus
2. ** Why has Easy Reader reporter Mark McDermott not been fired? He no longer has any credibility, nor does EasyReader. There are times when a retraction and apology aren’t remotely sufficient, and this is clearly one of those times. The one-sidedness of “Troubled Trifecta” was bad enough. But printing right before the election, with no time to address errors and no attempt by a local paper to contact local people, when making negative, potentially libelous assertions? And then, lo and behold, mistakes were made. Sorry, an apology isn’t sufficient for this level of journalistic malpractice. —- TJ Judson, Manhattan Beach
3. ** Please be leery of Hermosa Beach Massage Envy. Do not get the monthly membership service or let them anywhere near your credit card. —- Marita Kakuk, Redondo Beach
4. ** I like the steak at Slay Steak and Fish better than Fleming’s. —- Andee B., Manhattan Beach
5. ** If you feel like MBUSD is not following the rules laid down by the state, county, city, or school board, call Alison Saros at 310-341-3466. She is a local attorney who would quickly know if the district is doing something wrong or illegal. —- Phillip C., Manhattan Beach
6. ** My teenage daughter had knee surgery last week. One of her teachers stopped by our house with an envelope containing candy and homemade cards from classmates for her. That made my daughter happy to know they all care about her. The teacher went out of her way to do that for my daughter. —- Carla F., Manhattan Beah
7. ** Is it just me, or do we have a sexy Mayor in Manhattan Beach? —- Sandi P., Manhattan Beach
8. ** American public schools need to begin teaching about the struggle between good and evil which defines the Judeo-Christian philosophy upon which the U.S. Constitution is based. No religion is needed. Just a belief in right and wrong and why evil must be aggressively rejected by a just society. —- Darin H., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Welcome, Amy Howorth and David Lesser, to the Manhattan Beach City Council. —- Andrea E., Manhattan Beach
10. ** BEWARE! Thieves at Trader Joe’s on Rosecrans. I was at Trader Joe’s last night around 5 PM shopping, and someone stole my phone and wallet out of my cart when my back was turned. I have been able to track my phone still, and they have been all around Manhattan Beach today at Bristol Farms, CVS, Office Depot, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Trader Joe’s on Rosecrans again. —- Abby Irving, Manhattan Beach
11. ** The start of the most wonderful time of the year! Two hours of free parking from now through Christmas. It’s a sign to come downtown. —- Linda S., Manhattan Beach
12. ** Rotarian Scott Yanofsky may be one of Manhattan Beach’s most giving citizens without being a major philanthropist. Every week of the year on Thursday and Friday, Scott picks up day old-bread from Gelson’s and delivers it to the Alano Club in Hermosa Beach. And, once a week he buys coffee and bagels for MBs first responder’s. —- Dr. Chris Ullman, Manhattan Beach
13. ** A young kid walked up my driveway around 4:50 PM and took two photos of my car. Dressed in a black, black backpack, white earbuds in the left ear. My first thought was possibly scouting for vehicles that are candidates for catalytic converter rip-offs. —- Chris Burkey, Manhattan Beach
14. ** If I see one more post in NextDoor about a dog, I will honestly puke! —- Sarah G., Manhattan Beach
15. ** Huh? It is not e-bikes. It is parents/adults who provide e-bikes to KIDS/CHILDREN. Someone under the age of 16, with no MOTORCYCLE (which is essentially what e-bikes are) experience who are riding around in. —- Dawn Portner, Manhattan Beach
16. ** SOUTH BAY SPANISH is getting students ready for Finals. Contact Cecilia Grosso at 310-200-3216 —- Cecilia G., Manhattan Beach
17. ** Christmas tree drop off and pick up $40. Email: loganquigg@gmail.com Two local teenagers from the South Bay, Logan & Jake. —- Logan Q., Manhattan Beach
18. ** The endodontist at Pacific Blue Dental comes once a month, and he is amazing. Their number is 310-676-4746. —- Abby Waddell
19. ** MBSAFE works to address the consequences of homelessness in Manhattan Beach and the beach cities. Today consider a donation to MBSAFE. Your donation helps a person to break the cycle, leave the street, and be empowered in a new life. You help change – and even save – lives. —- Rita Crabtree, Manhattan Beach
20. ** I’d like to recommend an electrician who problem-solved my electrical issue where others could not. He has years of experience and lives in Redondo. His price was so fair. His name is Bryan, his #310.529.5677 —- Christine Quilty, Redondo Beach
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