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This Month Kicks off Graduation Season, Celebrations for Mom and Dad, and Vacation Planning for MB Weekly Neighbors. Make your Comments Part of the Conversation.
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Skechers Laces Up For Wall Street Exit In $9.4 Billion Buyout:
Manhattan Beach-based footwear giant Skechers is stepping off the public market runway, announcing a $9.4-billion deal to go private. New York powerhouse 3G Capital will acquire the company in a transaction expected to close in the third quarter. The move follows Skechers’ recent hesitation to issue full-year financial guidance, citing global trade uncertainties. With over three decades of bold branding and billions in sales, Skechers’ shift away from Wall Street signals a new era – one perhaps with more agility, less scrutiny, and a tighter corporate fit. Industry watchers are lacing up to see what’s next.
Loyola HS Student Loses Life To DUI Driver:
A 33-year-old Los Angeles woman, Jenia Resha Belt, was arrested early Sunday, May 4, after allegedly striking and killing a pedestrian while driving under the influence in Manhattan Beach. The crash happened around 12:30 a.m. in the 100 South block of Sepulveda Boulevard. “It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Braun Levi ‘25 tragically lost his life in a vehicular accident Saturday night. Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy and inspiration to everyone he touched,” Loyola High School posted on the student’s death. “As the Varsity tennis team captain for three years, Braun was a true leader and student athlete, serving as a member of the Student Council, a senior Big Brother, Kairos retreat leader and volleyball team manager.”
Manhattan Beach Charts Future In 2025 State Of The City Address:
At the 2025 State of the City address held Tuesday, April 29, at American Martyrs Church’s O’Donnell Hall, Manhattan Beach officials reflected on a year of challenges, growth, and resilience. Mayor Amy Howorth opened by honoring victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires, noting the city’s compassion by referencing the 200 displaced families who found shelter in Manhattan Beach and the 200-plus students absorbed into local schools. The mayor highlighted the transition in City Council leadership, with newcomers Nina Tarnay and Steve Charelian – former finance director – replacing longtime public servants Steve Napolitano and Richard Montgomery, who served a combined four decades. City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian, who rose through the ranks of the city’s community development department, was also spotlighted following her appointment after Bruce Moe’s retirement. Infrastructure, education, and public safety were emphasized, as was the city’s ongoing challenge with state housing mandates. Howorth reaffirmed Manhattan Beach’s advocacy for local control and praised efforts alongside state Sen. Ben Allen’s office to introduce new housing legislation.
Rotary Club Hosts Biggest Night Of The Year At Comedy & Magic Club:
The Rotary Club of Manhattan Beach lit up The Comedy and Magic Club with its biggest annual fundraiser, Magic in Giving, drawing a packed house for a night of laughs, generosity, and community spirit. Proceeds will power next years’ service projects and fund life-changing scholarships for local students. The evening featured top-tier comedy, heartfelt stories, and a high-energy after-party at Playa Hermosa. With hashtags like #MagicInGiving trending locally, the event proved once again that when Manhattan Beach gives, it gives big – and with a smile.
https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2530
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
David Denitz
(Principal, Gateway Business Properties)
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
A: Backgammon.
Q: WHICH WORD WOULD YOU USE IF YOU COULD ONLY USE ONE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?
A: Grace.
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE INTELLIGENCE OVER LOOKS?
A: Looks.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT IN GRADE SCHOOL?
A: Switching classes with my identical twin brother and getting caught.
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER STAY IN OR GO OUT ON A FRIDAY NIGHT?
A: Friday night is party night. I’m going out.
www.GatewayBP.com
BRUXIE – Kids Eat Free:
Kids 12 & under Eat Free the month of May
at Bruxie on Rosecrans with purchase of an entree
Monday – Friday 4pm to Close – Dine in only
www.Bruxie.com
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
4% Watch “Wheel of Fortune” Weekly
A recent MB Weekly reader poll revealed that only 4% of respondents watch the popular game show “Wheel of Fortune” at least once a week. Despite its long-standing presence on television, the show appears to have a modest weekly viewership among readers of MB Weekly. The poll highlights shifting entertainment preferences, with many opting for streaming services and on-demand content over traditional TV programs. “Wheel of Fortune” remains a beloved classic, yet its regular audience appears to be dwindling in the face of modern viewing habits.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Tim Hagerman (Host of Behind The Line Podcast)
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, honoring federal, state, and local peace officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. On May 15, four Manhattan Beach Police Officers will be among the 26,950 peace officers remembered for making the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.
- Officer Charles Grau was the first Manhattan Beach officer killed in the line of duty. On September 11, 1952, he died after suffering a stroke linked to a head injury sustained during a domestic violence call.
- Officer Richard Timothy Giles lost his life on February 14, 1962. While pursuing a speeding vehicle on his police motorcycle, he was struck by a car making an unsafe turn.
- Officer Martin Ganz was shot and killed on December 27, 1993, during a traffic stop in the Manhattan Village Mall parking lot. As he approached the vehicle, the suspect exited and shot Officer Ganz three times.
- Officer Chad Swanson was killed on October 4, 2023, while riding his police motorcycle to work. A vehicle made an unsafe lane change, causing a chain-reaction crash that claimed his life.
Many may not know that LAPD Officer Chris Hagele was also killed in Manhattan Beach. On March 10, 1980, while conducting surveillance on two bank robbery suspects, he was accidentally shot by another LAPD officer after the suspects robbed a bank downtown. We must always honor the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting others – and never forget those who gave everything in the line of duty.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – VIDEO LENS:
Manhattan Beach’s new art gallery Walstory. The grand opening was held on April 24.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Fred Taylor (49-year Manhattan Beach Resident)
So, you say you love Manhattan Beach, our pleasant, comfy community beach town… well, not so fast. You may not like it too much longer. As the cliché ‘Big Brother’ brings the thought of top-down authoritarian rule, enter RHNA, Sacramento’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment law. Each city must adopt a so-called Housing Element. Your city, MB, did that way back in May 2023. The state mandates that MB build 774 units, 495 of which must be affordable housing [Whatever that is?]. So we now have a ‘Residential Overlay District’ called ‘ROD’ which specifically details sites for this egregious building growth and density. Sacramento must approve all this… And the kicker is, when any developer brings in a project with 20% ‘affordable’ housing, they get to kick our building codes to the curb [Pun intended]… like height requirements, parking provision, and much more. We can say NOTHING about it. Projects must be approved automatically or face monthly fines of $10,000 upward. Only one city, Huntington Beach, is fighting back. You can stay informed at www.manhattanbeach.gov/ROD. Plans are now under review for 2301. N. Sepulveda – a cool 38-unit monstrosity – JUST 7 STORIES TALL [Gulp!]. And 45 parking spaces for a projected 76 vehicles in residence. The ten-story monster will be detailed in my next article… Care to fight?
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DIVE N’ SURF:
Slide into comfort with the latest arrivals from Rainbow Sandals – now in stock at Dive N’ Surf. Perfect for post-dive vibes or everyday beach strolls. Come grab yours before they’re gone!
www.DiveNSurf.com
Sweet Victory – Lido Bakery Crowned Best In Manhattan Beach By MB Weekly Readers:
In a sugary sweep, MB Weekly readers voted Lido Bakery as the best bakery in Manhattan Beach. Known for its mouthwatering pastries and jaw-dropping custom cakes, the local favorite continues to rise above the rest. “They create the most extraordinary wedding cakes on the planet,” raved Joanne K., a six-year Manhattan Beach resident. From croissants to couture cakes, Lido Bakery blends old-world craftsmanship with modern flavor. The win underscores what locals already know: for life’s sweetest moments, there’s only one place to go – Lido Bakery.
www.LidoBakery.com
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www.UrbanPlates.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Sargent Andy Abreu (MB Police Department)
We want the public to know that a hidden camera was recently discovered in our city. While this is the only device we’ve identified so far, residents need to understand that criminals increasingly use advanced technology to carry out illegal activities. Our commitment is to stay ahead of these evolving tactics and to keep our community informed. If anyone sees something suspicious, we urge them to contact the police immediately.
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Dessert at Mercado in Manhattan Beach.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by S.H. (Manhattan Beach)
As a homeowner and business owner in Manhattan Beach, I confess to a bafflement that borders on real frustration. In a city of merely 35,000 souls, why must we bankroll salaries more suited to the Pentagon than Pier Avenue? The numbers are not simply high; they are jaw-dropping. Some public employees earn more than U.S. Senators, yet our council smiles. The silence from our City Council is not golden – it is profoundly disappointing. Our elected stewards, sworn to fiscal prudence, look away while municipal payrolls balloon higher and higher, and that doesn’t even begin to include the pensions. Accountability is not an optional accessory in governance – it is its spine.
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ACTING, PHOTOGRAPHY, & FILM!
Manhattan Beach Studios To Offer Summer Camps For Teens And Kids In The South Bay
Sign Ups Have Started!
Greetings from Mark & Claudia at MBS. We’re thrilled to be offering 4 separate creative camp options including Acting, Filmmaking, Photography and Commercial Media Training Camp! Campers learn real industry skills, boost their confidence in their creative field, and end their camp experience with professional work to take home as a kickstart to their journey!
www.TheCameraCamp.com
Manhattan Beach’s Real Q1 Luxury Boom Notes Prominent Realtor Ed Kaminsky:
A recent headline claimed Manhattan Beach smashed records with $733 million in Q1 home sales – but the truth, while less sensational, is still stunning. Local real estate expert Ed Kaminsky set the record straight: the correct Q1 total was $366.4 million – the confusion? A common reporting glitch where both sides of a transaction are counted. Despite the correction, 2025’s first quarter nearly doubled last year’s $188.3 million, driven not by rising prices but by a wave of luxury deals. Twenty-four homes sold for over $5 million, and eleven broke the $8 million mark – compared to zero at that tier last year. Experts link the surge partly to families relocating after the January fires in the Palisades. Add in the area’s elite schools, coastal charm, and new buyers from the entertainment world, and it’s clear: Manhattan Beach is hotter than ever – just not $733 million hot.
www.ItzSold.com
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
April 24 to April 30, 2025
- 779 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 16 ARRESTS
- 22 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 46 CRIME REPORTS FILED
Notable Events:
** On 4/25/25 at approximately 6:40 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2500 block of The Strand regarding subjects fighting. Officers arrived on the scene and, through their investigation, determined the suspect yelled at juveniles for riding their bicycles on the walk path. As the suspect yelled at the juveniles, they pushed their bicycle over and kicked it. A witness to the incident attempted to stop the suspect and the suspect pushed the witness. After speaking with witnesses and watching a cellphone video that recorded the events, the suspect was arrested and transported to the MBPD jail.
** On 4/27/25 at approximately 9:39 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of 41 Street regarding a residential burglary. The suspect entered a secure carport parking garage and stole an e-bike and flip flops.
** On 4/29/25 at approximately 11:20 a.m., officers responded to a disturbance call in the 1800 block of Rosecrans Avenue, where a male subject was reportedly harassing female customers in the parking lot. Officers arrived on scene and the suspect fled on foot leading to a short foot pursuit. Officers caught the suspect, arrested them, and they were transported to the MBPD jail.
The Butchery Sizzles Into Manhattan Beach:
The Butchery, Southern California’s acclaimed full-service butcher shop, brings its meat mastery to Manhattan Beach. Slated to open in the summer of 2025 at 1121 Artesia Blvd, the fourth location will offer dry-aged beef, wagyu, bison, venison, artisan sausages, and in-house marinated meats. Nestled at the corner of Pacific Coast Hwy and Artesia, this premium shop will also feature a curated selection of global cheeses, gourmet grocery items, and charcuterie.
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“I have to go home now, Sara, and read the MB Weekly FREE Bulletin Board.”
1. ** Ranked “one of the most influential business books of the last decade” —- www.BrokenWindowsBook.com
2. ** JOIN THE MBEF TEAM! We’re hiring a part-time Development Coordinator to support fundraising and donor data management. We’d love to hear from you if you’re detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and organized. Email communications@mbef.org or call 310-303-3342 to learn more. Please help us make a lasting impact in education.
3. ** Somewhere out there is the Easter egg that has gone the longest without being found. —- Dale O.
4. ** I just got slapped with a $48 ticket for not turning my wheels toward the curb – on a flat spot on 6th near Hermosa Ave. In 4 years here, I’ve never gotten dinged for this – even on steeper hills! Total money grab. Has anyone else been hit with this nonsense? —- Arthur L., Hermosa Beach
5. ** EXCITING NEWS FROM FÊTE! We’ve added 16 crave-worthy new dishes AND expanded our hours – we’re now open Tuesdays! Everything you love is still here… just with more to love. Keep an eye out all week for sneak peeks. Come hungry. Leave happy. —- Slay Restaurants
6. ** My musical is having an enhanced reading at Westchester Playhouse on May 18 and needs actors – 6 women and 3 men in their 20s, one man in his 40s, and four people of any age or gender. Time commitment is minimal – performance evening and 1 or 2 rehearsals. Email LSGmusical@gmail.com. —- Lynne Gross
7. ** If a university had facilitated anti-black racism to the extent that Harvard University has facilitated anti-Semitism, there is no question that removal of its federal funding would be on the table. —- Jay G.
8. ** Every hollow chocolate bunny is carrying a pocket of air from somewhere else in the world. —- Avery P.
9. ** Why the Hell is there wood on the windows of Trendy Optometry in downtown Manhattan Beach? —- Drake O.
10. ** Red carpet car wash, Manhattan Beach: A car wash costs $40 without tip. WTF? —- Lani D.
11. ** Watch the ROD Forum now – before developers reshape Manhattan Beach without your voice. Sacramento is steamrolling our local planning with high-density mandates that ignore traffic, parking, and safety. This isn’t thoughtful housing – it’s a takeover. Get informed. Get loud. Our community deserves better. – https://youtu.be/PSw_AjLDX8k —- T.C.
12. ** The Arthur J in downtown Manhattan Beach is nothing short of remarkable. Always buzzing with energy, it delivers impeccable service and unforgettable food every time. It’s a dining experience that never disappoints. A true gem that inspires with every bite. —- Alice O., Hermosa Beach
13. ** Why is LAHSA hiding? Homelessness officials refuse to release public records on whistleblower retaliation and $800,000 in taxpayer-funded hush money. The LAist is being stonewalled. Lawyers say it’s illegal. What exactly is being covered up – and why? Angelenos deserve transparency, not secrets. This smells like corruption. —- John A.
14. ** If you could read minds at the gym, you’d mostly hear people counting slowly and with great intensity. —- William B., El Segundo
15. ** That mom-and-son relationship came first. Instead of feeling “left out,” choose (it is a choice) to be grateful that your husband was raised with LOVE. He is a son who loves and adores his mom. Moms teach sons how to love. Your MIL is a good one. Love her. Respect her. Join her team. And when they go to kiss each other? Smile that there is LOVE in the home, not bitterness or hatred. One day, when you are old – I hope there is a home that takes you in & loves you. —- Laurie ML
16. ** Dear God, please don’t turn Manhattan Beach into Santa Monica! —- Ace B.
17. ** If going into space for 11 minutes makes you an astronaut, then I’m a gynecologist. —- Rick T.
18. ** Nando Trattoria in downtown Manhattan Beach offers a delightful dining experience with its warm ambiance and attentive service. While specific details about their lamb ragu are not readily available, the restaurant is renowned for its handcrafted pastas and authentic Italian dishes, reflecting their deep Sicilian roots. —- Gary B., Redondo Beach
19. ** There is ZERO customer service at Macy’s in Manhattan Village. Not one employee was in sight: no greetings, help, or interest. Just empty stares and vanished standards. A once-great brand is now a disgraceful ghost town. Shame on you, Macy’s. No wonder Amazon is doing great. —- Doug K., Manhattan Beach
20. ** I won’t be returning to Canton Low in El Segundo. The food was bland, greasy, and uninspired – a total disappointment. If you’re craving decent Chinese food, look elsewhere. El Segundo deserves better. This place is a hard pass for me. It’s a waste of time, money, and taste buds. —- Paul S., El Segundo
21. ** Illegal aliens are choosing to self-deport. Sounds good to me. —- Rich V., Hermosa Beach
22. ** MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION? Was the backlash against the all-women Blue Origin flight fair? Send your comment to —- MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
23. ** Disgusted! Instead of cutting wasteful spending, our City Council punishes residents and visitors by hiking parking meter rates. Starting May 1, meters jump to $2.50/hour – and $3.50 at the beach! Shameful. Stop nickel-and-diming us and begin trimming the fat from bloated city budgets! —- C.A., Manhattan Beach
24. ** A tragic crash involving four vehicles on PCH in Torrance claimed the life of a pedestrian Saturday night, April 19. The victim fell off the curb into traffic near Ocean Avenue and was pronounced dead at the scene. One driver was arrested for suspected DUI, per Torrance Police. —- Editor’s Note
25. ** GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL TRYOUTS AND CLINICS – Girls flag football tryouts will occur on May 27 and 28, 2025, at 3:30 pm on the West Field at Mira Costa. The entrance is on Meadows. Sign up for tryouts. Clinics will be held on April 23, 30, and May 7, 14, 21. They start at 3:30 pm on the West Field at Mira Costa. The entrance is on Meadows. View the clinic flyer. —- Mira Costa High School
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