“GET OUT OF THE WAY!”:
MB’S AMBASSADOR GRENELL BLASTS DEI DELAYS IN L.A. FIRE CLEANUP

Manhattan Beach resident Ambassador Rick Grenell delivered a fiery message to federal, state, and local leaders, demanding that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements not interfere with the urgent cleanup and rebuilding efforts after the devastating Los Angeles fires. “If we hear about specific instances, we’re going to highlight them. That bullshit can’t happen,” Grenell, representing the White House, said in a video during a tour of the Pacific Palisades with FEMA, the Army Corps, local and government officials, and neighbors. “We want people who can get here and remove things. I don’t care about the color of their skin, I don’t care if they’re in a wheelchair. We want people to be able to do the job and get it done, and not hold up because we have some sort of quota system. … If I hear of specifics, then we’re just going to have to highlight them and say, ‘Get out of the way.’”
Another Business Bids Farewell In Downtown Manhattan Beach – The Beehive Closes After 25 Years:

“To our incredible customers, thank you for your unwavering support, love and loyalty over the past 25 years. You’ve been part of our journey as The Beehive has grown and evolved alongside this amazing community. From our early days with the beloved Candy Wall and Paul Frank-filled shelves to becoming a place that feels like family, The Beehive has always been shaped by you,” the letter said on its social media. “… Our closure is due to ongoing construction needs, … We hope to see you soon before we close this chapter together and we would love to hear any of your favorite stories/memories over the last 25 years. With Love, The Beehive Team.” The Beehive is the latest business to close in downtown Manhattan Beach recently.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
City Councilman Joe Franklin
“YES or NO” Questions

Q: DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?
A: NO, but I believe people believe in ghosts.
Q: HAVE YOU READ ANY GOOD BOOKS LATELY?
A: I read two books a month – the City Council Agenda book.
Q: WOULD YOU EVER APPEAR ON A GAMESHOW?
A: YES, I appeared on “Sale of the Century” in my mid 20’s.
Q: ARE YOU A HARRY POTTER FAN?
A: Honestly, we tried to read the books to our kids at night after our busy days of work, dinner, baths etc. We invariably fell asleep.
Q: HAVE YOU EVER LIVED IN ANOTHER COUNTRY?
A: YES. My family lived in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico when I was ten years old. It got me excited for a life full of travel.
Q: DO YOU SPEAK MORE THAN ONE LANGUAGE?
A: YES. Spanish somewhat fluently. German, less fluently.
Q: DO YOU OWN BITCOIN?
A: NO.
Q: DO YOU BAKE?
A: YES. I make a mean Lemon Meringue Pie and Blueberry Pie. But I enjoy cooking more.
Q: HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN A ROAD TRIP?
A: YES, with the family. We drove to (Guadalajara mentioned above) from Long Island, NY among many other long road trips. I rode my bike across Arizona, north to south and through many countries in Europe.
Q: HAVE YOU EVER GOTTEN A SPEEDING TICKET?
A: I seem to remember one many, many years ago.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Manhattan Beach bartender at Brewco Sunday brunch.
MB WEEKLY – ASK THE FORMER MAYORS:

QUESTION: DO YOU BELIEVE THE CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH WOULD BENEFIT FROM CREATING A LOCAL DOGE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW AND SUGGEST WAYS TO REFORM OR ELIMINATE EXCESSIVE CITY SPENDING?
Russ Lesser: I believe that private industry is usually more efficient than government due to the fact that there is competition in private industry and there is not in government. I served on the Manhattan Beach city council from 1978-1986. During my tenure we always had a majority of business executives on the council. We basically were the DOGE committee of our time. Certain services should always be provided by the government, for example public safety, however we found the city doing things that private industry could do better. For example, we had a city run trash business. When we eliminated that department and contacted it out to a private trash company everyone’s monthly bill went down about 30%. Another example is we analyzed the cost of maintaining our parks, medium strips, etc. and when we eliminated that department and contracted it out to a private landscaping company the costs were reduced more than 50% and they did a better job because if they didn’t there were other landscaping companies wanting the work. I do believe that having individuals with private industry experience volunteering to serve to evaluate the costs of city services is a good idea.
Mark Burton: Yes. However, I don’t think there is the political will on Council to do so, nor would City staff support such an effort.
Bob Holmes: “No. The City Council is responsible for passing the City budget. This is done in open session. Prior to that, the Staff and Council hold public study sessions on the budget. Residents can learn about the budget at these sessions. Residents can offer their thoughts at these sessions. We do not need another board or commission to deal with our budget (which includes staffing).”
Rockefeller Breakfast:

OPEN FOR BREAKFAST
EVERY DAY BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1OTH @ 9AM
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Name Withheld by Request

Last Friday, I brought two friends visiting from Minnesota downtown [Manhattan Beach], and what we saw was shocking. It felt like a lawless free-for-all – teenagers vaping and smoking in plain sight, with no concern about enforcement. Motorcyclists ran stop signs as if traffic laws were optional. It was chaos, and the lack of any visible police presence made it worse. Is this the image our city wants to project? Do city officials even visit downtown, or have they just given up on enforcing basic laws? We’re constantly told about initiatives to improve safety and quality of life, but where’s the follow-through? Downtown should feel welcoming and safe – not like the Wild West. It’s embarrassing to bring out-of-town guests to what’s supposed to be a vibrant, thriving area and have them witness this kind of disorder. City leaders, please step up and do better.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Nando Trattoria:

Elegant pasta dishes paired with the perfect glass of wine.
www.NandoTrattoria.com
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Liquid Courage Or Career Catastrophe? MB Weekly Readers Weigh In On Workplace Drinking

The results are in. MB Weekly readers have spoken on the divisive topic of drinking at work events. For most, the corporate holiday party is the annual green light to indulge: 35% said they’re okay with getting sloshed once a year, while 33% admitted a drink (or three) is the only way to survive the dreaded office bash. Another 22% relish the idea of sharing a drink with their co-workers. However, not everyone’s raising their glass. For 6%, the thought of workplace drinking is just awkward, and 4% called it flat-out inappropriate. Whether it’s sipping spirits or keeping things sober, MB Weekly readers highlight a clear truth: navigating office drinking is a mix of personal preference and professional peril. One thing’s certain – for some, holiday parties are less about good cheer and more about carefully steering clear… of HR.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Lido Bakery:

Home of the Most Extraordinary Wedding Cakes
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 – COMMENTARY:
by Cathy Cutler Hobart

CA Senator Scott Wiener is behind the housing density laws forcing 7-story apartment buildings (without adequate parking) into single-family neighborhoods like Manhattan Beach. Now, he’s back with SB 222, a proposal to let disaster victims sue the oil industry – ignoring real issues like poor forest management, underfunded fire departments, and skyrocketing insurance costs. California relies on affordable energy, but Wiener’s policies scapegoat the oil industry while driving up costs for everyone. It’s time to pay attention and hold our leaders accountable.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Hermosa Beach Keeps St. Paddy’s Parade Rolling:

The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce has planned its 29th annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade for Saturday, March 15, 2025. Pending stage announcers include Kaylna Astrinos, KCAL News/CBS Los Angeles, Sandra Endo, Morning Reporter FoxLA, and Rick Dickert, Weather Traffic and Breaking News. “Enjoy seeing some of your favorite local nonprofits, unique vehicles, cool brands and more in this eclectic and diverse celebration of St. Patrick’s Day,” according to the Chamber website. Music by South Bay Music Connection, Irish Dancing on Pier Plaza, and a Lucky Selfie Station under a rainbow and pot of gold.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Hailey B. (Hermosa Beach)

Being the adult child of an alcoholic is a complex, painful experience, one that often forces maturity far too early. My mother’s drinking was not just a habit – it was a force that shaped my childhood. I became her emotional caretaker, absorbing her co-dependency and managing her moods. Years of therapy have helped me heal, and now, I have built a loving and stable family of my own. For the sake of my children, we set boundaries. After 3 p.m., when alcohol takes over, we distance ourselves to shield them from the cruelty I endured. Now that I am pregnant, my mother expects to be in the delivery room – a moment that should be about support and joy, not stress and narcissism. I cannot risk her making this experience about herself. Protecting my peace and my child’s arrival is my priority. I owe it to myself to say no.
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MB WEEKLY – R.I.P.:
George Raymond Dvorsky

George Raymond Dvorsky, 76, of Manhattan Beach, passed away on January 19. Dvorsky was a father, husband, son, uncle, brother, and an active member of the men’s group at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Hermosa Beach.

Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
January 30, 2024 to February 05, 2025
- 762 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 9 ARRESTS
- 23 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 38 CRIME REPORTS FILED
Notable Events:
** On 1/30/25, at approximately 11:03 PM, officers were on a traffic stop on Sepulveda Boulevard north of Manhattan Beach Boulevard when they heard multiple gunshots coming from the residential area west of Sepulveda Boulevard. Simultaneously, dispatch received three separate calls reporting shots heard in the area of 1400 Elm Avenue and 1400 Oak Avenue. Officers, on foot, checked Pine Avenue, Elm Avenue, and Oak Avenue from Manhattan Beach Boulevard to 17th Street; no evidence of a shooting was located.
** On 1/30/25, at approximately 7:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of 8th Street regarding a residential burglary. The victims left their residence locked at approximately 6:45 p.m. When they returned at approximately 7:35 p.m., and while walking up to their residence, they observed two suspects exit the residence and enter a dark-colored SUV. The vehicle drove away, leaving the area. The victims entered the residence and found the bedrooms ransacked. The suspects propped a bench in the backyard, climbed to the second story, and smashed a glass door to make entry into the bedroom. The property loss is unknown at this time. This is an ongoing investigation.
** 1/31/25, officers received a phone call from a resident stating they found several shell casings in the roadway in the 1400 block of Oak Avenue. K9 Rio searched the area for additional evidence of the shooting. Damage from a possible bullet was discovered in a nearby construction site. Several homes in the area were checked for any injured victims, but no victims were located. Officers contacted several home and business owners, received statements, searched backyards, and requested video footage from the time of the shooting. CSI was conducted, and Detectives are investigating.
** On 2/1/25, a residential burglary occurred in the 1700 block of 6th Street. The victim returned home on 2/5/25 and discovered a living room window shattered and the house ransacked. The victim reviewed surveillance footage and observed that on 2/1/25 at approximately 7:46 p.m., four suspects smashed the living room window, entered the residence, and left the same way. The four suspects entered a white SUV and drove east on 6th Street. The items stolen were handbags and jewelry.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Name Withheld by Request (Manhattan Beach)

For those who still think D.E.I. is a fantastic, cool, progressive idea, perhaps consider the next time you enter an airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) has prioritized diversity over competency in a field where public safety is paramount. The FAA’s hiring initiative openly seeks candidates with severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric disorders, and other serious conditions for employment. While inclusivity is an admirable goal, the airline industry is not the place for ideological experiments at the expense of passenger safety. Air traffic control and aviation management require split-second decision-making, intense focus, and the ability to function under extreme pressure. Prioritizing hiring based on identity rather than merit and ability poses a direct risk to the millions of Americans who rely on air travel daily. No amount of politically motivated hiring should override the necessity of ensuring only the most capable individuals are entrusted with critical aviation responsibilities. Safety, not social engineering, must come first.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Mira Costa Honors 1,890 High Achievers With PTSA Breakfast:

Mira Costa High School social media celebrated and recognized “1,890 Honor Roll students and 104 staff members with a breakfast sponsored by PTSA … These students achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher in the Spring 2024 and/or Fall 2024 semesters. These students have demonstrated a strong commitment to their academic growth, and we couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments.” Another MCHS post honored the staff, “Equally deserving of recognition are the Costa staff who inspire, encourage, and support these students along their journeys. It was wonderful reading the messages that poured in from students, recognizing the Costa staff who made a positive difference in their educational journeys!”
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:

DO YOU DRINK OVER 4 CUPS OF COFFEE PER DAY?
Please share your comment 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)

1. ** Heads up, Northwest Torrance neighbors! About a week ago, I posted about a coyote sighting, and last night around 11:45 pm, I saw three large coyotes on my street near 190th and Firmona. One emerged from the commercial nursery, followed by two more. One returned to the nursery, but the other two disappeared into the darkness. Please be extra vigilant and keep your pets indoors and safe, especially at night, if you live in this area. —- Name Withheld by Request
2. ** For weeks, an elderly man has been camping every night at the bus stop on the northwest corner of Sepulveda & Rosecrans. He leaves each morning, returning at night with heaps of belongings. Is this Manhattan Beach or El Segundo’s jurisdiction? Either way, where are the city officials? Do something! —- Chris K.
3. ** Regarding Steve Napolitano’s commentary: “Just Move The Residential Overlay District,” the Manhattan Beach residents and neighbors have not been powerless against Sacramento and the YIMBY lobbyists and litigants. The statewide political action committee Our Neighborhood Voices (founded by the late Redondo Mayor Bill Brand) has a ballot measure to change the California constitution prohibiting the state government from overriding local residential land-use decisions and restoring local authority over housing. More information: https://ourneighborhoodvoices.com/. It’s expensive to mount a statewide campaign, and this can only succeed with your support. —- Rob G.
4. ** One controller was handling two assignments at the time of the crash. Overall, the FAA is 3,000 controllers short. ‘Thank you’ Mayor Pete & Biden. —- Fred T.
5. ** Starbucks has become nothing more than an expensive-to-go coffee shop with great lighting. —- Taylor N.
6. ** Torrance has appointed longtime city employee Ian Dailey as its new finance director, effective Feb. 9. Dailey, who previously served as assistant finance director and deputy city manager since December 2023, brings years of experience to the role. His salary details were not immediately available. —- Editor’s Note
7. ** I love Legos. —- Claude D.
8. ** Almost every American adult has seen The Godfather. As the second Trump administration unfolds, I suspect many can’t help but draw parallels to its themes – power, loyalty, and the art of the deal. The game is never over in politics, like in the Corleone family. —- Bruce M.
9. ** Lee Phillips raises an important issue here. Where’s the high-rise blowback from our esteemed City Councilpersons? Didn’t we elect them to keep Manhattan Beach “Manhattan Beach”. Inquiring minds? —- Fred T.
10. ** Here a clue for you: Nobody Cares About Your 17-Paragraph Political Facebook Rant. —- Ali P.
11. ** Confess time. I am one of those total losers who still has one of those cars that starts with a key. —- Adam S.
12. ** What’s with the drones in Redondo Beach? I keep seeing them launched from Alta Vista Elementary at night, flying over houses. Are these police surveillance or criminals scouting for valuables? It’s been happening for months. Is anyone else noticing this? Feels unsettling. Who’s behind it? —- Michelle B.
13. ** Is there a small gym in Manhattan Beach? MB Weekly is looking to do a feature on a small gym in Manhattan Beach. Any suggestions?: —- MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
14. ** The best thrift store in the South Bay? Atomic Junk in Redondo Beach! “The cutest little thrift store ever,” packed with unique finds from vintage to modern – genuinely eclectic! Whether you’re treasure hunting or browsing, this gem is a must-visit. —- Jasmine D.
15. ** What’s something that once felt like a given…but now feels like a joke? —- Frank G.
16. ** I’m writing from a hotel restaurant, eavesdropping on a weird date. He: “wears his heart on his sleeve” and loves soccer. She: loves Billy Joel, believes in performance. They’re talking in circles, but they’re trying. I guess we all are. —- Anne E.
17. ** In the last month, my wife and I have seen several groups of coyotes running westbound down 2nd Street and up our neighbor’s driveway in the direction of the house behind us at 1218 2nd Street. As you may know, the area south of our home at 1216 2nd Street has a great deal of wildlife, and we think the coyotes may have a home there. —- Mark B.
18. ** This is the disgraceful result in the highest-taxed county of the highest-taxed state: LA County’s Probation Department is so broken it’s begging law enforcement to do its job! What exactly are taxpayers funding? Bureaucratic failure at its peak – zero accountability, total incompetence, and criminals roaming free. California insanity is on full display. —- Jordan Y.
19. ** Week after week, I read about the outrageous salaries we pay in Manhattan Beach, and it’s beyond absurd! Enough is enough. We desperately need our own M.B. DOGE Committee – Demand Oversight of Government Excess – to stop this madness. It’s a long past time before real accountability. —- Dr. S.B.
20. ** There should be a gym where the membership fee is extremely high at the beginning of the month, but you earn money back every day you go and work out for at least an hour. —- Oscar L.
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