WHAT’S NEXT FOR MB?
CITY LEADERS SET TO SHARE VISION AT 2025 STATE OF THE CITY:
Manhattan Beach residents are invited to learn what city officials have been up to – and what’s ahead – at the 2025 State of the City address on Tuesday, April 29. The event begins at 5 p.m. in O’Donnell Hall at American Martyrs Church (700 15th St.). You are free to attend, though RSVPs are encouraged. Mayor Amy Howorth will be joined by key community leaders, including Chamber Chair David Curry, City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian, Police Chief Rachel Johnson, MBUSD Superintendent John Bowes, and Beach Cities Health District CEO Tom Bakaly to share insights, updates, and plans for the year ahead. Afterward, the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce will host a networking mixer at the exact location from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the mixer are $10 for chamber members and $20 for non-members. Register and RSVP at https://bit.ly/4jwUCAx.
Pedal For The Planet – Manhattan Beach Rides Toward A Cleaner Coast:
On Tuesday, April 29 at 10 a.m., cyclists will gather at Manhattan Beach Pier for the Ocean Protection Bike Tour – a scenic ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail promoting clean water and vibrant beaches. Escorted by the Manhattan Beach Police Department, the group will visit eco-projects like the Dune Restoration and 28th Street Infiltration initiatives. The ride ends at the Manhattan Beach Library around 11 a.m. – just in time for the Earth Day Celebration! BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike). RSVP now: https://bit.ly/4cDOtAy
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Aaron Ganz
(CEO of GANZ Media)
Q: PLEASE TELL OUR VAST READERSHIP ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND HOW YOU DECIDED TO START IT.
A: During my senior year in college, while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, the internet was just emerging. After working for several software companies doing online marketing, I landed a role in email marketing at Ticketmaster. At the time, they were sending out 1.4 billion emails per year. It was an incredible learning and growth experience. After their merger with Live Nation, I decided to branch out on my own and start my own digital marketing agency. Next year will be 15 years in business.
Q: WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
A: Our ideal client is a small to medium-sized business with a growth mindset – someone who understands the value of marketing but needs help executing it. We assist with a variety of services, including web design and e-commerce, graphic design, video production, email campaigns, social media, and digital strategy. Some of our key industries include local retail, restaurants, CPAs, attorneys, psychologists, construction, and engineering firms.
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING IN THE SOUTH BAY?
A: I’ve lived in the South Bay for seven years, where we enjoy the benefits of a tight-knit community and a safe, welcoming environment for our son.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS?
A: The most challenging aspect of running a business is maintaining a Zen outlook and a beginner’s mindset. It’s essential to stay open to change, continuously reinvent yourself, and adapt in order to stay current and relevant in this fast-moving industry.
Q: HOW CAN THE READER LEARN MORE?
A: Readers can learn more about our business by visiting our website at www.ganzmedia.com or calling us for a free 30-minute consultation at (818) 486-2036.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in Hollywood, so you could say the stars aligned to bring me to this point.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: My astrological sign is Pisces, so I consider myself a visionary – someone who sees the big picture and connects well with others on a personal level.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: My favorite movie of all time is a toss-up between Casablanca and The Shawshank Redemption – both explore themes of overcoming adversity and ultimately triumphing against the odds.
www.GanzMedia.com
Tin Roof Bistro:
Battle of the Dips
Indian Spiced Spinach Dip vs. Peppadew Hummus!
Good news – both are on our happy hour menu!
$10 dips and drinks, the perfect duo!
Enjoy from 4-6 p.m., either on the patio or at the bar!
www.TinRoofBistro.com
COMING SOON IN MB WEEKLY…
WEIRD DREAMS
A dozen stories by MB Weekly readers (anonymously) exploring their truly weirdest dreams. Buckle up.
www.MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Ed Kaminsky (Realtor)
Baby boomers bought more homes than millennials did last year: We’re definitely seeing this trend in the higher-priced areas of Los Angeles and the South Bay. Millennials who are buying tend to fall into one of three categories: 1) those with early career success and the means to secure a down payment, 2) those experiencing or benefiting from an early wealth transfer from parents, or 3) conservative, avid savers who purchase in lower-priced areas and smaller homes or condos to enter the market. Many are indeed being priced out, but attitudes about buying a permanent home aren’t as important to millennials as they were to baby boomers. Boomers were raised to view homeownership as the American Dream; millennials don’t share that belief, favoring mobility, telecommuting, and freedom from large investments. Over the next 20 years, as the largest wealth transfer begins, I have read $84 Trillion dollars will be moving down a generation or two, and millennials will shape the economy through their spending and saving habits. Those not inheriting wealth likely face a choice: adapt their work to build reserves for buying or embrace renting if that’s their preference. https://itzsold.com
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MANHATTAN BEACH FOOD & WINE:
The 2nd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Returns
Friday, September 12th & Saturday, September 13th, 2025!
PRE-SALE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!
www.ManhattanBeachFoodAndWine.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Bob Holmes (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
April 30, 2025, is the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. No one can ever forget the iconic photo of the last U.S. helicopter leaving the roof of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon as South Vietnam fell to the Communist government of North Vietnam. Over 58,000 American servicemen and servicewomen lost their lives in this divisive war and nearly 1,600 additionally remain listed as Missing In Action. Our armed forces performed their duties superlatively, but were limited by unrealistic and unfair rules of engagement that benefited the enemy. This cost significant, unnecessary loss of American lives. Politically driven decisions prevented us from taking out anti-aircraft sites. As a result, hundreds of pilots and air crews were killed. Political decisions by President Lyndon Johnson and Defense Secretary Robert McNamara allowed the enemy to have protected sanctuaries in Laos, Cambodia, and the DMZ from which they launched their lethal attacks. After the war, brilliant North Vietnamese General Giap said he was dumbfounded that after the 1968 Communist surprise Tet Offensive, we did not follow through on our victories from the Mekong Delta in the south to the DMZ in the north, and finish the war when we could have. U.S. forces were prevented from delivering the finishing blows because of political decisions from Washington, not the battlefields. Speaking of Vietnam Veterans in 1981: President Ronald Reagan said, “They came home without a victory, not because they were defeated, but because they were not allowed to win.” Ours was a just cause and we performed it with honor. Bob Holmes was commissioned an Army 2nd Lieutenant out of the UCLA ROTC program. Following two years of stateside duty and Jungle School in Panama, he served a one year tour in Vietnam completing his service as a Captain with the 1st Brigade 5th Infantry Division (Mech) bordering the DMZ and Laos.
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Manhattan Beach Hit By Second “Distraction Theft” Jewelry Heist:
In a strange twist of sparkle and crime, Manhattan Beach police are investigating a second unusual robbery involving fake jewelry swaps. The latest “distraction theft” occurred on March 20 around 1:45 p.m. near Polliwog Park, according to the city’s crime report released last Friday. Authorities say the unidentified victim was surrounded by multiple suspects who brazenly placed phony jewelry on them – a sleight-of-hand trick – while stealthily removing the victim’s valuables before fleeing the scene. Though details remain sparse, police note striking similarities to an earlier February incident, in which a man approached a woman asking for directions and then relieved of her jewelry during the confusion. Investigators urge residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious interactions involving unsolicited contact or seemingly generous strangers offering “gifts.”
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Prominent surf photographer Bo Bridges.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Susan Boettner (Real Estate Broker Associate)
In my opinion, the Eaton and Palisades fires created an unprecedented need for housing in all areas within a 25-50 mile radius of those areas, which includes our South Bay. Research done on the impact of other fires (think Paradise Fire, etc.) has corroborated a large percentage rise in home pricing in neighboring communities as a result of the fire, so it comes as no surprise that it happened here. The good schools, affluent homeowners, and small town vibe of the Palisades is very similar to Manhattan Beach so it was a natural first choice for those who could afford it and had resources with which to buy (It happened in Hermosa too). The Eaton fire also brought families here for some of the same reasons. Commute to jobs is also a factor. Our area has always been a welcoming community with beach lifestyle that people want to be a part of (and likely visited before their homes burnt down). I also think the historically low inventory here for the last few years contributed to a panic mentality with local buyers in January, as they began to feel the competition for local housing and thought it prudent to buy sooner than later (at any cost) in case low inventory and increased demand followed. Throw in some good market timing for owners waiting to sell at a top price, and there you go. Greed Market, Fear Market. Not for the squeamish! https://www.susanboettner.com
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FAVORITE DOG PHOTO…:
MEET BOSCH
Raymond Paul Johnson: My dog BOSCH spends almost all his time in Manhattan Beach (usually at my side while I write thrillers), at Dog Beach in Huntington Beach and at Dog Down Lodge in El Segundo. He also likes to grab a Pup Cup at the Hermosa Drive-Thru Starbucks at least once a week. Send yours to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
** Longtime California Political Activist Joel Fox having lunch at JOEY in Manhattan Beach.
** Community activist Paul Wafer having lunch at Fishing with Dynamite in downtown Manhattan Beach.
** Manhattan Beach Rotary Club President John Acker having lunch at JOEY restaurant in Manhattan Village.
Meter Madness – Manhattan Beach To Hike Parking Fees And Citations Starting May 1:
Manhattan Beach drivers, prepare to feed the meter a bit more beginning May 1. The city will roll out new parking rates and stiffer penalties for violators, and a recommendation to increase more frequently in smaller increments. In a unanimous vote this week, the City Council approved increasing parking meter fees, which haven’t been raised in about 4 years, by up to $1 per hour. Monthly Metlox parking permits, set in 2010 to lure people with lower prices, will rise from $27 to $65, while six-month permits will go from $160 to $250. Lot 3 update on the emergency demolition: Two bids were received March 19 and the contract was given to the lowest bidder Carbon Activated Corporation on April 8. The bid of $1,160,755 is to come from the Parking Fund. Work has started and set to complete around June 6.
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
Salt, Sand, And Solace – Fire Survivors Find Healing On Manhattan Beach:
With laughter in the air and toes in the sand, the devastating Eaton fire victims found a rare moment of joy during a memorable beach day on April 6. Organized by Culture Club South Bay, the pop-up event at 26th Street in Manhattan Beach offered Altadena residents a brief escape from the trauma of January’s wildfire. For families who lost everything, the sun-soaked gathering wasn’t just a day at the beach – it was a reminder of resilience, hope, and the healing power of community. Organizers plan to make these moments of refuge a regular tradition.
CHEER HISTORY MADE:
Mira Costa Claims First-Ever CIF State Title In Home Gym
The Mira Costa High School Cheer team made history on February 1 by winning the inaugural CIF-sanctioned state cheerleading championship. Costa Cheer secured the state title on home turf, cementing their legacy. Though they won a similar title in 2023, it lacked official CIF recognition. For aspiring cheer members, a Mini Mustang Summer Camp is being held July 7 to 10. More information at www.CostaCheer.com
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
April 10 to April 16, 2025
- 759 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 11 ARRESTS
- 19 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 40 CRIME REPORTS FILED
Notable Events:
** On 04/13/25 at approximately 4:52 p.m., officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle entering the city. Officers quickly located the vehicle and conducted a high risk stop in the 300 block of Rosecrans Avenue. The suspect was arrested and transported to the MBPD jail.
** On 4/15/25 at approximately 2:00 p.m., officers responded to a reported theft in the 2700 block of Sepulveda Boulevard. An officer located the suspect near Rosecrans Avenue and Redondo Avenue and attempted to detain him. The suspect refused to comply with the officer’s lawful commands and fled on foot, leading the officer on a quarter-mile foot pursuit into the city of El Segundo The suspect was ultimately arrested without further incident.
** On 04/15/25 at approximately 8:10 p.m., officers were dispatched to 1300 Park View regarding an attempted burglary that just occurred at a ground floor apartment. Approximately 3-10 minutes earlier a resident at that location was awoken by a subject opening his sliding glass door which was unlocked. The resident yelled at the suspect, causing the suspect(s) to flee the scene. Officers checked the area and drone was deployed, however the suspect(s) was unable to be located.
MB WEEKLY – R.I.P.:
Greg Browning, Beloved Surfer And Filmmaker
Greg Browning, the acclaimed surfer and filmmaker behind the iconic “Drive Thru” movie series, passed away last week at the age of 50 due to complications from ALS. Known for capturing the spirit of surf culture, Browning traveled the world with top surfers, inspiring a generation. In 2024, he was honored as a “cultural legend” with an induction into the Hermosa Beach Surfers Walk of Fame. After a successful surf career, Greg transitioned to filmmaking, earning him award-winning acclaim. Renowned for his role in surfing’s New School movement, he is celebrated for creating the movie series Drive Thru.
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
WHAT’S THE BEST SINGLE LESSON YOUR MOM TAUGHT YOU?
Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
Send your reply, anonymously if you choose, to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
1. ** Ranked “one of the most influential business books of the last decade” —- www.BrokenWindowsBook.com
2. ** Country artist Tanner Adell thought she knew her adoption story, but a surprise DNA match changed everything, inspiring a deeply personal song. Raised in Manhattan Beach, California, Adell recently opened up about her early life, sharing the emotional journey in a raw and heartfelt revelation. —- Editor’s Note
3. ** Aliens watching skateboarders would be like humans, watching cats always land on their feet. —- Randy C., El Segundo
4. ** Several weeks ago, I praised Slice and Pint in El Segundo for their fantastic pizza after not enjoying it in the past. I ordered the same pizza to-go recently, which was a significant disappointment – inconsistent. Plus, they charge an extra 5-10% for takeout. Not worth it! —- Dan P.
5. ** El Segundo Poet Laureate Kweku Abimbola will host “The Land Remembers: El Segundo Blue Butterfly Poetry Walk” on Saturday, April 19, at 10 a.m. Join this creative journey exploring nature and poetry in collaboration with the El Segundo Blue Butterfly Conservancy. Discover the connection between creativity and conservation. —- Editor’s Note
6. ** The fentanyl homeless crisis in Los Angeles is out of control. This epidemic is killing thousands annually. When will L.A. leaders finally step up and find a real solution? —- Skip R.
7. ** What the hell has gone wrong? Since October 7, 2023, our streets and campuses have been in chaos – and it’s not Israel’s problem; it’s ours. Now, protesters shut down New York over Mahmoud Khalil’s detention. Columbia students even chained themselves to a gate, calling it “kidnapping.” Insanity! —- Doug B.
8. ** Congrats, Maddie Hutchinson, on being named Teacher of the Year. You give your all to teaching and inspire others. We need more teachers like you. —- Ed M.
9. ** Since its launch in 2018, the Christian prayer app Hallow has been downloaded 23 million times. —- Jeremy R.
10. ** Bravo to Charlotte Lesser. —- Allison T.
11. ** New note in the mail. Manhattan Beach now wants MORE money from me. This time, their “excuse” is the increase in the solid waste rate. More. More. More. More. Will it ever stop? Sadly, I think we all know the answer: NEVER. When does the squeeze finally end? —- Ralph B.
12. ** Contact Bruna Meal prep / personal chef —- (323) 403-7650
13. ** In the last month, I’ve seen tampons in the men’s rooms of two Manhattan Beach restaurants. Seriously? WTF is going on? This is beyond disquieting – who thought this was a good idea? Men’s rooms are for men’s needs. Hence, they are called men’s rooms. Let’s keep common sense in public spaces. —- Kelly S.
14. ** Other than Manhattan Beach, my favorite city is Baltimore. —- Theresa S.
15. ** As a Mother, I believe children’s books should remind kids that there are rewards for persevering past pain and fear. —- Paula H.
16. ** Mockery is not reasoning, insult is not refutation, and epithets are not arguments. Repeat. —- D.W.
17. ** From Hell to Hope: Your Story Matters! Have you battled addiction, alcohol, drugs, or gambling and come out stronger? A top YouTube TV interview show is looking for courageous stories of transformation to inspire others. If you’ve faced life’s toughest challenges and found hope, we want to hear from you! Email producer Amanda Kent at: AmandaK@BoundlessMediaUSA.com to share your journey. Your story could change lives!
18. ** I left Dave’s Hot Chicken (Artesia & Hawthorne) an hour ago. An older guy with grey hair, a beard, and a hat took pics of me, zooming in on my chest. I grabbed his phone, but he ran off. Nobody did anything when I called him out. Be careful, ladies! —- Emily R.
19. ** No matter how much you hate him, Elon isn’t committing fraud, he’s exposing it! —- Jeremy R.
20. ** It’s outrageous! To widen and improve Pollywog Dog Park, they cut down all the mature trees! Sure, they’ll plant new ones, but they’ll be the size of broomsticks – no shade for 10 years! Who thought this was a good idea? It’s heartbreaking for the community and our furry friends. —- Meryl A.
21. ** GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL TRYOUTS & CLINICS – Tryouts: May 27 & 28, 3:30 pm, West Field at Mira Costa (Entrance on Meadows). Clinics: April 23, 30, May 7, 14, and 21, all at 3:30 pm. —- Editor’s Note
22. ** The 1st Annual MB Legacy Open was a huge success! Thank you to the 120 players who joined us on March 31 for an unforgettable golf day, camaraderie, and community support. Congrats to Pacific Elementary, our winning school! See you next year for a more fun and friendly competition.
23. ** Save the Date! Join us for the Annual Parents’ Softball Class Tourney on Sunday, 6/8! Team up with fellow Manhattan Beach parents to support MBX athletic programs. Enjoy friendly competition, cheering crowds, music, and delicious snacks. A fun, family-friendly day awaits! Registration opens soon. —- Mira Costa High School
24. ** I saw a HUGE rat at Smart & Final near PCH/Beryl in Redondo Beach today – it ran behind the crouton shelf! I told the manager, and she shrugged: “Rats are everywhere.” Seriously?! What’s your response? Disgusting and unacceptable. The health department needs to hear about this. Customers deserve better than RAT-INFESTED groceries. —- Name Withheld by Request
25. ** Manhattan Beach residents demand action! High-rise apartments on Sepulveda? Absolutely not. This isn’t L.A. – we cherish community, not concrete canyons. The City has the power, under state law and municipal code, to stop this madness. Use it. Protect our town, our views, our values. Say NO to vertical sprawl! —- Abby C.
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