MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Good or Bad?
ARE YOU COMFORTABLE WITH UNLICENSED VENDORS SELLING FOOD IN DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN BEACH?
Send your vote to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Photo taken on Manhattan Beach Blvd. Downtown, 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
The Famed South Bay Eatery, The Kettle, Opened Over 50 Years Ago:
The Kettle, a 50-year-old South Bay tradition, is Manhattan Beach’s public dining room and terrace. Locals go there to celebrate Dodgers, Kings, and Lakers championships, take the family out to brunch on a lazy Sunday morning, and sober up at Ercoles or Shellback Tavern, both South Bay dive bars from a previous era. After 17 months of a global epidemic, the Kettle remains a Manhattan Beach restaurant staple. Explore the restaurant to locate masked cooks and servers between the pass, tables, and cashier. The cozy cabin-meets-pub atmosphere draws regulars to dark red booths to order a club sandwich, veggie omelet, patty melt, or other American comfort food from the customized trifold menu. Like living by the beach, getting things wrong at the Kettle is nearly impossible.
MB POLICE CHIEF RACHEL JOHNSON
RESPONSE TO AN OPEN LETTER
TO THE NEW MAYOR:
In last week’s MB Weekly I read of the frustrations felt by Downtown Manhattan Beach business owners on December 28, 2023, when they observed bicyclists riding in an unsafe manner through Downtown. On that date (December 28, 2023), there were 100 calls for service in Manhattan Beach; none of those calls for service was from a community member reporting their observations regarding the bicyclists. I urge the community to promptly report such observations by calling the Manhattan Beach Police Department at 310-545-4566 for non-emergencies. In emergencies, dial 911.
Community members play a crucial role in enabling swift police action. It’s essential to understand that texting, emailing, or contacting others may not yield the timely response needed. Remember, your call matters. Call us first and call us any time on this or any other matter that requires law enforcement intervention.
The men and women of the Manhattan Beach Police Department are committed to our community. In 2023, our team of dedicated professionals responded to 34,864 calls for service and made 842 arrests. We share in your desire for a safe Manhattan Beach and we will continue to be there when you call us. If you see something, say something.
www.ManhattanBeach.gov
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
WTF is a Sustainability Fee? —- Jennifer C., Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Tim Hageman
(Former Member of the MB Police Department)
I’m submitting an article in response to the open letter to Mayor Joe Franklin titled, Urgent Concerns Regarding E-Bike Chaos in Downtown – A Plea for Action (1-18-24). Before I retired from the Manhattan Beach Police Department in December 2021, I, along with two other department members, collaborated with a Manhattan Beach City Council member on the issues of eBikes safety. Our focus was eBikes riders under the age of eighteen. It’s been over two years since that meeting, yet the concerns regarding eBikes safety continue. The Manhattan Beach City Council must give clear direction and expectations as to what they want done to address these concerns. A staff report and a presentation at a City Council meeting detailing a plan to focus on eBikes safety should be required. The plan should be monitored for at least six months with periodic updates. A plan such as this is long overdue, and it must be considered a priority before a child is seriously injured or killed.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Nando Trattoria:
Open For Lunch Saturdays & Sundays At 2PM
Sicily to Manhattan Beach: “The atmosphere of real Italy rules the mood at our restaurant. We invite you to a warm and comfortable setting paired with our leisurely Italian spirit and heartfelt cooking. Experience food beyond compare with inspiration in every detail and joy at the table; we honor the home cooking we were raised on by taking traditional recipes that reflect our deep Sicilian roots and update them by adding a modern twist to these Italian staples.”
www.NandoTrattoria.com
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Joe Franklin
Manhattan Beach Mayor
“WOULD YOU RATHER” INTERVIEW
Q: HAVE DINNER WITH ELON MUSK OR PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN?
A: If dinner with Elon Musk means a ride on his Spacex rocket to the International Space Station, then I’m in!
Q: SHOWER OR BATH?
A: Shower
Q: BREAKFAST FOR DINNER OR STEAK FOR BREAKFAST?
A: I have had more breakfasts for dinner than the other way around.
Q: WHO WAS A BETTER PRESIDENT, BILL CLINTON OR BARACK OBAMA?
A: As I recall, President Obama fell a bit short when throwing out the first pitch at baseball game. I’ll have to check the archives to see if President Clinton’s pitch made it to home plate.
Q: E-BIKE OR MOTORCYCLE?
A: I prefer a standard person powered bicycle (or, in my case, a stand up Elliptigo Bike) for the exercise. I’ve ridden many thousands of miles on a road bike.
Q: NO ALCOHOL FOR A MONTH OR NO TEXTING FOR A MONTH?
A: No alcohol. I have a drink far, far less than I text.
https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/government/city-council
Smart Technology-Powered Oceanfront, Hilltop Manhattan Beach Mansion Seeking $30 Million:
A more recent Manhattan Beach smart home with glass, cedar siding, and concrete walls shaped like little waves is listed for $29.9 million. The 9,479-square-foot, six-bedroom, nine-bathroom sustainable home has a sleek, modern design that makes it more than just a pretty face. Located on an extra-wide corner lot at the top of a hill in a neighborhood with subterranean utility connections, it also features bedrooms upstairs with direct ocean views. According to documents, the seller is tech investor Jeffrey Schumacher, who founded and serves as CEO of NAX (New Asset Exchange) Group, a provider of A.I. software. The property was purchased by Schumacher and his spouse, Jamie, in November 2021 for around $19.6 million, even though it was not yet finished.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Gail Fortis
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: 35 years.
Q: WHAT IS THE SECRET SAUCE THAT MAKES THIS COMMUNITY SO UNIQUE?
A: A small beach town character, filled with active, high performing, hardworking people, bordered by big sandy beaches and a beautiful ocean that’s home to a renowned surf spot.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT CONCERN ABOUT MANHATTAN BEACH IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
A: I’m concerned about the architectural direction our city is about to take, starting with the HighRose/Verandas project. Overbuilding is a colossal threat to our way of life in MB, the overbuilding propagated by opportunist builders who disregard local zoning laws and misuse State laws for the sole purpose of huge financial gain.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Braveheart
Q: WHAT’S YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Cancer
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN THE MANHATTAN BEACH AREA?
A: Sloopy’s, Il Fornaio, FishBar, Joey’s
Q: DO YOU FEEL AS SAFE IN MANHATTAN BEACH TODAY AS YOU DID FIVE YEARS AGO?
A: Yes, I feel as safe in MB as I did five years ago. Note: I do not feel as safe in greater L.A. as I did five years ago.
Lido Bakery:
Home of the Most Extraordinary Wedding Cakes
Lido Bakery first opened its doors 2003. Ernesto Valenzuela started Lido Bakery with his mother, Evelinda, with the dream of bringing back what had become a rarity: the neighborhood bakery. 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
“I LOVE THE MB WEEKLY FREE BULLETIN BOARD!”
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
www.MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
by Darby Winston
Fansea Sushi
Fansea Sushi in El Porto, Manhattan Beach, is a petite sushi restaurant with a mixed impression. The cozy ambiance and authentic staff create a relaxed atmosphere for a meal. However, the absence of prices on the menu raises concerns about transparency. Customers deserve to be informed upfront about the cost of their meal, and the omission of this crucial detail can lead to an uneasy dining experience. The food at Fansea Sushi is adequate, offering a selection of classic rolls and sashimi that cater to various tastes. Unfortunately, the overall dining experience is marred by the restaurant’s need for a very robust cleaning. Hygiene is a fundamental aspect of any dining establishment, and addressing this issue would significantly enhance the appeal of Fansea Sushi. In summary, it’s a place with potential, but improvements in transparency and cleanliness are essential for a more upbeat dining experience.
Food: B- • Price: C • Atmosphere : C-
www.FanseaSushiMB.com
** Entrepreneur, Larry Kosmont having dinner at the crowded Fête restaurant on New Year’s Eve.
MB WEEKLY AND URBAN PLATES
JOIN HANDS TO SPONSOR
SHOE DRIVE:
GIVE SHOES, GET A GIFT CARD
MB Weekly, in collaboration with Urban Plates, is proud to announce its partnership in hosting a shoe drive to support the community and positively impact the lives of those in need. The initiative encourages residents to contribute to the cause by donating a pair of used shoes, with the added incentive of receiving a $5 Urban Plates gift card in return. To participate in this charitable endeavor, interested individuals can bring gently worn or new shoes to Urban Plates Manhattan Beach between January 15th and January 31st. This limited-time opportunity provides an opportunity to declutter, give back, and reward donors with a token of appreciation through a $5 Urban Plates gift card. The collected shoes will be donated to the Los Angeles Mission, a reputable organization that serves the homeless community. The collaboration between MB Weekly and Urban Plates aims to impact those facing homelessness by providing them with essential footwear.
www.UrbanPlates.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Wendy W. (Manhattan Beach)
My recent air travel experience to Chicago was nothing short of a nightmare, reminding me of the infamous “Crap Landings” incident that recently unfolded on a Delta flight. The shocking tale of a fellow passenger pooping in their seat, leaving a foul mess, went viral after being shared on Reddit. Such incidents highlight travelers’ challenges, making a routine journey unforgettable. From unpleasant odors to surprises, air travel’s unpredictable nature sometimes leaves passengers in disbelief. While my experience may not have involved excrement, the discomfort, and frustration endured during the flight echoed the sentiment that air travel can be a rollercoaster of unexpected and unpleasant surprises. These incidents underscore the need for airlines to maintain cleanliness and address passenger concerns to ensure a more pleasant journey for everyone on board.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
SIMMS GROUP EXPANDS AGAIN:
In the former Dia de Campo, facility in Hermosa, former Fishing With Dynamite chef Alice Mai will run Attagirl, the Simms Group’s next venture. While seafood will be served, Mai will focus on Mediterranean flavors from Greece to Spain. She will work with a larger crew and volume at the former Dia space, three times larger than FWD. Congratulations to Simms Group Executive Chef David LeFevre for encouraging internal talent to pursue their passion.
MB WEEKLY – MEET:
MEET LINCOLN OF MANHATTAN BEACH
Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Sara Garcia
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department said that a guy who is accused of using a sledgehammer to kill a woman who was gathering recyclables on Christmas Eve at El Camino College is now in custody. El Camino College Police Sergeant Francisco Esqueda stated, “We believe the person on the security footage is a homeless person we’ve previously had contact with. … So we were able to go to the neighboring county park where he sometimes hangs out, and that’s where we found him.” Do you not feel proud to be a part of a culture that tolerates such behavior regularly? A woman who was battered with a sledgehammer will now lie rotting in her grave, according to police, who admit that they had previously communicated with this “unhoused neighbor” but did little to nothing. Go Gascon!
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Dive N’ Surf:
Salty Crew women’s new apparel here at the shop, getting ready for spring! Come on into Dive N’ Surf and get 10% off when you put your phone number in our rewards program.
www.DiveNSurf.com
MB WEEKLY – R.I.P.:
Pat Woolley, artist and Manhattan Beach resident for 60 years, died peacefully on January 5, 2024, in her home. Woolley, whose affiliations included the San Pedro Art Association, South Bay Watercolor Society, and Walker Artist Group, was born in France and studied at the Academie Julian in Paris and at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. She was also a children’s book illustrator and won awards for “The Thrift Store Bears” books.
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE WORST DRIVER YOU HAVE WITNESSED IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
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. ** In Manhattan Beach on Rosecrans, WOODRANCH BBQ will replace HOUSTONS. —- Hope E., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Tax increases should be held in general elections and require two-thirds voter consent. —- Garth N., Manhattan Beach
3. ** The silence from so-called women’s groups on the atrocities committed against women in Israel October 7 is deafening and disgracefully embarrassing. —- Jane B., Manhattan Beach
4. ** University Of Michigan Estimated To Have Over 500 DEI Jobs, Costing Over $30 Million A Year. The school’s sprawling DEI bureaucracy awards huge salaries to its top staff members. Welcome to the DEI industrial complex. —- Jonathan K., Manhattan Beach
5. ** A teenage boy was killed Wednesday afternoon when his motorcycle collided with a car at the intersection of Carnelian Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach. —- Editor’s Note
6. ** Still don’t believe there’s a DEI Industrial Complex? Did you know the University of Michigan is paying more than $30 million to 241 DEI staffers this academic year alone? —- Lyn L., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Anyone talked to the defense secretary lately? Lloyd Austin, the leader of our military, was in an intensive care unit for three full days before anyone at the Pentagon told the president. This man should be fired immediately but won’t because of politics. Disgrace. —- Mark W., Manhattan Beach
8. ** Oh, come on. Enough is enough. Please pay attention, I’m only going to tell you one time. Let’s agree on one thing up front. There are two sexes, male and female. And I didn’t make this up…God did, and you can’t be both. Now, look between your legs. If there is a protrusion, you are a male. If you see an indentation, you are a female. So remember, what’s between your legs counts, and not between your ears….got it? —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach
9. ** People on the far left are ALL emotion, no logic! —- Tami P., Manhattan Beach
10. ** What happened to parents being responsible for their kids’ misbehavior? Damages are their responsibility. —- Roland T., Manhattan Beach
11. ** A Beach Reporter-advertised handyman named Jose disappointed me. Facade planks were fixed and painted by his workers. A few months later, the paint peels. His text messages stopped after I requested him to sand and paint. —- Clark S., Manhattan Beach
12. ** Mayor Franklin: Congratulations on becoming Mayor, but you must do something about the E-bike chaos downtown. Teenagers are running wild with no helmets, blowing through stop signs, riding on streets, and someone is going to get killed! I know this is something you’ve been told before, and still nothing has been done. There is no police presence downtown, and the young people feel it is a fun obstacle course. —- John A., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Why were the magnificent trees in the middle between Continental and PCH on El Segundo Blvd removed? —- Howie S., Manhattan Beach
14. ** What ya’ think about this headline in this week’s “Beach Reporter” page 5, Jan 11, 2024? “RBPD hosts diaper drive for Marines at Camp Pendleton” – it reads like the wokeness in the military has come to the U.S. Marines wearing diapers! —- Joyce W., Manhattan Beach
15. ** What kind of moron thinks trading one discrimination for another discrimination is a good idea? —- Tabitha J., Manhattan Beach
16. ** You can’t get into a Sam’s Club or a Costco without an I.D. Maybe they should be running our border. —- Mike G., Manhattan Beach
17. ** Another horrible motorcycle accident on PCH. —- Angel S., Hermosa Beach
18. ** The Manhattan Beach Police Department is accepting diaper donations to benefit Camp Pendleton families. —- Editor’s Note
19. ** Young motorcycle rider killed in Redondo Beach collision! Who is the f–king moron who would allow a teenager to operate a motorcycle? —- Tyler T., Hermosa Beach
20. ** It’s so cold outside I saw a gangsta pull his pants up. —- Ed S., Manhattan Beach
21. ** Since October 7, the atrocities carried out by Hamas have been tolerated, contextualized, and hailed. Sickening! —- Ava E., Manhattan Beach
22. ** Hi MB Weekly, Great publication! We love a healthy Manhattan Beach! Does anyone know how best to get this message out to all visitors? Very few signs are obvious, and I smell cigarettes, vaping, and marijuana regularly along the Strand and downtown. —- Kathy A., Manhattan Beach
23. ** Thinking like a victim in a country that offers unlimited advancement is to excuse yourself from personal responsibility. It is a lazy way of thinking and living because you can do nothing, so why bother? Victim mentality is also a way of bringing attention to yourself in the vain hope that other people will say, “Poor Joe/Janet.” It reminds me why anyone would want to be on the Jerry Springer show. To show the world how stupid or clueless you are by admitting to doing idiotic things? —- Phil C., Manhattan Beach
24. ** Airline pilots should be hired based on merit, not race or gender. Duh! —- Lesley Z., Manhattan Beach
25. ** It’s the groceries, stupid: Why are the pundits puzzled by Biden’s putrid polls? —- Carla H., Manhattan Beach
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