MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
64% OF MB WEEKLY READERS “UNIMPRESSED” WITH L.A. MAYOR’s FIRST 100 DAYS
Most MB Weekly readers are “unimpressed” with the first 100 days of L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. Mayor Bass, the first woman mayor, promised to make homelessness her number one priority when being sworn in. “She’s a political hack and we shouldn’t be surprised that she’s great on platitudes but short on action,” said Maureen M., a longtime Manhattan Beach resident.
Agree? Disagree? Send your Answer to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
City Draws Line – Trapping Added To Coyote Management:
The City Council authorized trapping of coyotes at a recent meeting. It passed unanimously. But, state law requires an environmental investigation before trapping, which will cost roughly $50,000. The council ordered staff to analyze adding selective trapping to the coyote plan in February. George Gabriel, assistant to the city manager, informed the council that while the present plan allows the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to trap coyotes that attack humans, new trapping capabilities will allow the City to pursue coyotes that harm pets. Gabriel remarked, “It’s not a program to trap at first instance or trap at all cost.” “It’s designed to do so selectively, and doing it in a fashion that is trying to account for a coyote that is more aggressive in nature, versus a coyote that is engaged in regular behavior–normal behavior meaning bouncing around in foliage, and so forth.”
Manhattan Beach Welcomes The Opening Of A New Upscale Deli:
Given his lifelong passion for delis, Nick Nahigian decided the timing was ripe to establish one in Manhattan Beach. Sommelier and seasoned restaurateur Nahigian renovated Moon’s Market on Highland Avenue and changed its name to Nick and Sons Gourmet Market in October of last year. Around 1930, a Camp and Clark Drive-In Market was housed in the historic structure, according to a book written by local historian Jan Dennis. And now, owing to Nahigian, both the restaurant’s cuisine and the structure itself have undergone improvements. Deli meats, prepared sandwiches, coffee, fresh produce, beer, wine, cheeses, and additional grocery products sourced locally and internationally are now offered.
MB WEEKLY – CUT THE CRAP:
by Nancy W.
Hermosa Beach
When did tipping for coffee become a thing? I know our world is nuts, but this tipping orgasm is part of the mess. Everyone’s got their hand out and then persuasively tries to guilt-trip you into giving your money for service they should provide, and I love the amounts – 30% tip for picking up Donuts at Randy’s Donuts. Really?
Agree? Disagree? Send your comment to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar:
We are introducing Social Hour! Join us at the bar from 4-6 PM Sunday through Thursday to enjoy shareable Bar Bites and $9 hand-crafted cocktails.
www.FlemingsSteakHouse.com
Manhattan Beach Apologizes For Taking Bruce’s Beach, Other Black-Owned Land Owners:
The Bruces and other Black families who had their land taken from them in the 1920s by the city officials who, at the time, sought to retain the town as a White enclave, have received an official apology from Manhattan Beach. The City Council approved the official apology, two years after the panel declined to do so and instead condemned and acknowledged the deeds of their early 20th century forebears. Between 26th and 27th streets along what is now the Strand, Black business owners Willa and Charles Bruce operated a beachfront resort for Black beachgoers in Manhattan Beach in the early 20th century. Other Black families who owned cottages on what is now a city park were also close to the resort, Bruce’s Beach Lodge. The historical record reveals that the City Council at the time, on the pretext of requiring more park area, utilized eminent domain to seize their property as well as that of others for racially motivated purposes.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Mike Simms
Simms Restaurants
Q: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE ON MANHATTAN BEACH AS YOUR WORLD HEADQUARTERS?
A: I had been living and working in Napa Valley for the past 4 years and in mid state New York for school the previous 4 years before Napa. Both gorgeous locations, but honestly pretty quiet for a young single guy. So when I moved back to Los Angeles, my high school buddies were living in Manhattan Beach and allowed me to couch surf for a few weeks. Needless to say, two weeks of summer in MB and I was hooked. Three years later I was married, had my first kid, and two restaurants. This place sucks you in and never lets you leave. It’s paradise.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING A RESTAURANT CHAIN TODAY?
A: Strangely, right now it’s more things than ever before. We’re still recovering from the pandemic. Sales are unpredictable, meanwhile every cost category is going up … even electricity and gas! I like to say, being successful in the restaurant business is about collecting pennies around your restaurant everyday. It’s not glamorous, but it makes you successful.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Ooooo… I love movies. All time? Christmas Vacation and/or Caddy Shack. Chevy Chase is one of my favorite actors. Most evenings, I just need a laugh. Funny story, the first time I met him, it was on accident. When I was a kid I mistakenly called him dad. He and my father look remarkably alike. He looked at me quizzically. I was mortified. I quickly ran away.
Q: WHAT OTHER RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH DO YOU ENJOY?
A: If I answer this question, I think I’ll make more enemies than friends! Outside of MB I like Jame in El Segundo. Next question, please.
Q: WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE DINNER WITH, ELON MUSK OR PRESIDENT BIDEN?
A: Elon Musk. I took a tour of SpaceX a few years ago and was blown away at the level of accomplishment by such a small team. I would love to know how he attracts, hires and retains his teams, so I could grow to be a better leader for my crew.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY BUSINESS REGRETS?
A: I really don’t. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but I see them all as learning experiences. I tell our teams, “if you aren’t failing, you aren’t stretching far enough.”
www.eatsimms.com
MB WEEKLY:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
Intriguing People. Intriguing City. Sign Up For Free At:
www.MBWeekly.net
Celebrate Manhattan Beach:
Join Us On April 21, 2023! Presented By The Rotary Club Of Manhattan Beach.
www.CelebrateMB.org
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Linda McLoughlin Figel
{pages} a Bookstore
Q: WHAT BEACH IS YOUR HEADQUARTERS FOR PAGES?
A: Manhattan Beach…best beach, best town.
Q: WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING LESSON YOU LEARNED ABOUT RUNNING A BOOKSTORE DURING COVID?
A: Not the most challenging but absolutely the most important were, patience, flexibility and especially gratitude for {pages} incredible team of booksellers who worked so hard to process online orders, to keep our shelves as well-stocked as possible and ensured that our loyal and many new customers had sufficient supplies of books and puzzles through lock down. Books (and puzzles) are essential, of course. Thank you to all who supported {pages} during those very challenging times.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: I can’t pick just one. Based on a book, Lonesome Dove, To Kill A Mockingbird and Pride and Prejudice (w/Keira Knightly & Matthew MacFadyen) and of course, You’ve Got Mail. Original screenplay, not based on a book, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid! Full stop.
Q: WHAT IS THE SECRET SAUCE FOR YOUR BOOKSTORE’S SUCCESS?
A: Customer service! We work very hard to curate a selection of books that will appeal to our customers across a wide range of genres and then to make the shopping experience as pleasant, efficient and value added as possible. We offer complimentary recommendations, conversation and giftwrapping. We love what we do, and we hope it shows.
Q: WHY SHOULD A CONSUMER PURCHASE A BOOK FROM AN INDEPENDENT STORE INSTEAD OF AMAZON?
A: By shopping locally customers are not only supporting {pages} a bookstore but they are ensuring that a larger portion of their expenditures remain in their community supporting, local schools, our hometown of Manhattan Beach and its residents. Furthermore, we do not employ robots or drones, we have no aspirations of being the first to the moon and our recommendations are not computer generated algorhythms.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN THE MANHATTAN BEACH AREA?
A: Mangiamo (best cocktails and local vibe and where my son worked), all of David Slay’s restaurants especially Slay Italian Kitchen across the street from {pages}, Love and Salt, The Arthur J, MB Post where my nephew works and of course El Sombrero where I grab lunch at least once a week.
www.PagesABookstore.com
Slay Steak And Fish House:
Steak & Eggs, Chicken Salad … Something for everyone!
www.SlaySteakAndFishHouse.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Roscoe would like to say hello. He is frequently around town and loves to hang out at Metlox. MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – DID YOU KNOW?
** Manhattan Beach was originally a popular spot for ostrich farming in the early 20th century. The birds were raised for their feathers, which were used in fashionable hats at the time.
** In the 1920s, Manhattan Beach was known as the “Queen City of the South Bay” and was a popular destination for Hollywood celebrities.
** The Manhattan Beach Pier, which was first built in 1901, has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to storms and fires.
** The Beach Boys used to frequent Manhattan Beach in the 1960s and wrote several of their hits there, including “Surfin’ USA” and “California Girls.”
** The city has a strict height limit for buildings, which has helped to preserve its small-town charm and beachy vibe.
** In 1934, the city hosted the first-ever Manhattan Beach Open, which is now one of the largest and most prestigious beach volleyball tournaments in the world.
** Manhattan Beach was one of the first cities in the United States to ban smoking on its beaches, in 2014.
** The city is home to the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium, which offers educational programs and exhibits about marine life and conservation.
** Manhattan Beach is the birthplace of modern beach volleyball. In the 1950s, local surfers began playing volleyball on the beach, and the sport quickly grew in popularity.
** The city is home to the only licensed horse racing track in Southern California, the Manhattan Beach Racetrack, which opened in 1902 and operated until 1912. Today, the site is a park.
SHOULD THE TSA RAISE ITS FINES FOR THOSE WHO BRING GUNS TO AN AIRPORT CHECKPOINT?
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 with the results. Please send your reply to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Sara Garcia
Keeping order on the streets isn’t rocket science, according to local police officers. Criminologist James Q. Wilson laid out the steps required many years ago. Professor Wilson suggested that authorities took too long to deal with minor damage and nonviolent offenses in an article published in the Atlantic magazine in 1982. Although these offenses may seem insignificant, they disturb communal life and pave the way for more severe crimes. Years later, acclaimed police chief William Bratton would observe that “the Broken Windows concept had the most significant influence on American policing in the previous 40 to 50 years.”
Agree? Disagree? Send your comment to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
“MB Weekly is a gutsy, independent publication bringing strong, diverse, robust voices to the community. Well done, MB Weekly!” —- Harold Z., Manhattan Beach
2 Suspects Wanted For Burglarizing 6 El Segundo Businesses:
Six business were burglarized in downtown El Segundo on Saturday, March 25, and authorities believe at least two suspects were responsible. Around 3 a.m., a Fantastic Cafe along Main Street, near Holly Avenue, had its front window smashed and the cash register stolen, El Segundo police Lt. Ryan Danowitz said. When police responded to the burglary alarm, they noticed that two other business across the street had their front doors or windows broken. Three other businesses in downtown were also burglarized in the early morning hours on Saturday.
Set The Table:
Have you ever had a really delicious, healthy salad?
Then you know it isn’t made with mixed greens from a bag. You also know it’s not made a week, or more, ahead of time. Set the Table uses whole lettuce they soak and cut specifically for You on the day they deliver it to You. They also make their own dressings, croutons, and add 7 to 10 additional fresh ingredients to make the best salads you’ve ever had.
www.setthetablela.com
MBUSD Prepares Parcel Tax Ballot:
The Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board of Education has initiated the process that will likely result in a ballot proposition extending or increasing the $225 parcel tax local property owners pay to fund local schools. Parcel tax revenue is $2.5 million. Measure MB passed in 2018 and ends June 30, 2024. The school board received an interim budget report on March 14 that projected a $6 million deficit by 2025, a “fiscal cliff” according to Deputy Superintendent Dawnalyn Murakawa-Leopard.
THE ANSWER MAN:
ASK MR. MB WEEKLY
Direct Answers To YOUR Questions
DEAR MR. MB WEEKLY: WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE READER QUESTION YOU RECEIVE WEEKLY?
A: By far, the number one question involves public safety in Manhattan Beach, and it’s not even close each week. We probably get between one and two dozen requests about the issue of public safety in Manhattan Beach, many noting that they hardly, if ever, see any Manhattan Beach police officers in the community, especially downtown.
Send your questions to Ask Mr. MB Weekly at: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“I feel like we have outgrown the bar scene here in Manhattan Beach.”
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
LOVE YOUR REALTOR, HATE YOUR REALTOR? LET IT RIP
Please share your story with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
Send your Vote to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ** I hate the smell of pot! —- Leslie B., Manhattan Beach
2. ** The Rockefeller: Enjoy our private Dining room with full-service tables and booths available for seating, plus TVs and bluetooth available to suit your event. The Dining Room can be reserved and custom-configured for multiple uses, from board meetings to VIP events; political soirées to personal parties. This area can accommodate 20-40 people.
3. ** Next week Palos Verdes Estates will host 144 of the world’s best female golfers as part of the 2023 DIO Implant LA Open, including Lydia Ko, the New Zealand golfer who is ranked number one worldwide. —- Peter P., Hermosa Beach
4. ** Congratulations to Mayor Richard Montgomery! —- Rory K., Manhattan Beach
5. ** If access to the web does indeed become the determinant of future knowledge and economic growth … the poor will be condemned to a helotage even worse than that they are suffering now. —- Dr. Clarke R., Manhattan Beach
6. ** I love Slay Italian Kitchen. Fun for the kids. —- Marlo K., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Law school teaches you that there is far too much law for those who can afford it and far too little for those who cannot. —- Vincent O., Hermosa Beach
8. ** If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy protein bar, look no further than the EnergyFirst Permalean Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar. This bar is packed with the highest quality protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while tasting like a delicious chocolate chip cookie. —- www.EnergyFirst.com
9. ** In Manhattan Beach, armed Smash and Grab attacks recur again and again! The City isn’t feeling safe any longer! —- Lauren H., Manhattan Beach
10. ** WTF? – California wants to ban the use of canines by the PD in making arrests. I implore everyone to write to our senators and assemblymen to express opposition to AB 742. —- Yolanda P., El Segundo
11. ** F—k Tik Tok! —- Jamie G., Manhattan Beach
12. ** Question to downtown business owners. When did you last see any police presence in the downtown area? —- David H., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Using forceful language when describing these scary armed robbery incidents is necessary because they damage our residents and particular companies. —- Hailey B., Manhattan Beach
14. ** Us humans are a whole lot more symmetrical on the outside than on the inside. —- Jeremy O., Hermosa Beach
15. ** There must be billions of hours of cell phone concert videos that no one has ever watched. —- Bailey H., Manhattan Beach
16. ** You either come to realize what an idiot you used to be, or you remain as that idiot. —- Dr. Howard S., Manhattan Beach
17. ** A drug addict from Seattle who smokes crack cocaine on the street in Manhattan Beach is NOT my “un-housed” NEIGHBOR! Sorry. —- Jacki L., Manhattan Beach
18. ** MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION: Should the FTC require companies to make it easier to cancel subscriptions? Send your vote to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
19. ** I don’t understand how they refer to not allowing pornography in Elementary school libraries as “book banning.” Absurd. —- Yolanda W., Hermosa Beach
20. ** Did you know that guests staying at midlevel hotels run by Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Walt Disney World Resorts, or other significant brands find that if they want complimentary daily housekeeping, they must request it – or clean their own room. —- Darren H., Manhattan Beach
Comment / Hire / Share / Promote / Barter / Discuss
The MB Weekly Free Bulletin Board is your place to communicate for free with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach. Send your message (maximum 50 words) to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
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