MB WEEKLY – INVESTIGATES:
In Manhattan Beach Grocery Stores
$100 Doesn’t Go As Far As It Did In 2019
A selection of commonly purchased items valued at $100 in 2019 shows that today’s goods cost 36.5% more, a nearly $37 increase. The price of some items, such as sugar and dish soap, climbed more than 40%.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Tara Grings
Principal at Grand View Elementary
Q: HOW DID YOU INITIALLY GET CONNECTED WITH MANHATTAN BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS?
A: I began in MBUSD seven years ago when I was initially hired as a Vice Principal at Mira Costa High School after obtaining my Administrative Credential through the California State Long Beach’s South Bay Cohort program. This group held class regularly at the Manhattan Beach District Office. Some of my professors in that program were Dr. Ben Dale, Dr. Mike Matthews, and Dr. Dawnalyn Murakawa-Leopard. I fell in love with Manhattan Beach schools when the cohort was invited to attend Back to School Night at Mira Costa High School.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB POST-COVID IN RUNNING GRAND VIEW?
A: Post-COVID, I was knee-deep in construction at Grand View. Our playgrounds, the Kindergarten wing and the new Cafeteria/Multi-Purpose/Administrative three-story building still needed to be completed. Though we temporarily had to work around closed sections of our campus, we still managed to make learning enjoyable with the help of some incredibly dedicated teachers, staff, and families.
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GRAND VIEW FOR?
A: This is my third year as principal at Grand View Elementary!
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in South Los Angeles to a L.A. City Firefighter dad and a Hairstylist mom. My parents had a strong work ethic and deeply valued public education. This was instilled within me at a very young age.
Q: AS A PRINCIPAL, DO YOU THINK YOUR USING “PRONOUNS” IS AN IMPORTANT SYMBOL FOR YOUR JOB?
A: Identity is important to me. As a mixed-race woman, I’ve always pushed to make sure both my Japanese and African American heritage are an equally celebrated part of who I am. As Principal of Grand View, I hope to ensure I, too, provide a welcoming climate of care that represents the diverse community of our students and families.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: My favorite movie of all time is The Truman Show. I think Jim Carey brilliantly embodies the relentlessness of the human spirit in this coming-of-age film.
www.GVPTA.com
Manhattan Beach Will Require Permits For RV And Trailer Parking:
Manhattan Beach will soon require licenses to park trailers, campers, and other large vehicles on city streets. The public Council unanimously approved the permit scheme banning motor homes, RV, and other large vehicle owners from parking on public roads for long periods. Dozens of signs in Manhattan Beach prohibit parking non-motorized cars and trailers on city roadways, many of which are near schools and parks. The California Vehicle Code defines oversized vehicles as trailers, semitrailers, unmounted campers, trailer buses, trailer coaches, fifth-wheel travel trailers, or a combination of vehicles longer than 22 feet, broader than seven feet, and higher than eight feet.
Joey Manhattan Beach:
JOEY + HAPPY HOUR / JOIN THE PARTY
Now Bigger and Better Than Ever
Sunday – Thursday: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily | 9 p.m. to close
www.JoeyRestaurants.com
Manhattan Beach Gains Modern Fine Art Gallery:
Joanna Garel sought to provide emerging artists, especially women and people of color, a voice in modern art. Thus, the Filipino-Canadian art collector and artist opened a Manhattan Beach gallery. Garel Fine Art opened at 1069 N. Aviation Blvd. The 750-square-foot gallery will debut with blue-chip works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Picasso, Ed Ruscha, and rare and early works by L.A. superstars Jonas Wood and Delfin Finley.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Tim Wallender
Wallender & Associates Consulting Firm
Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST GET ATTRACTED TO MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: It was 1993 and we were very happy in our 3 year old home we purchased in Hermosa Beach and then we were expecting our first child, Lauren and our realtor said we just had to move to Manhattan Beach for the school and family life it offered so we looked around and found a great new spec home and made the move. We ended up schooling all 3 children (Lauren, Andrew and Justin) at American Martyrs, never used the schools but the home prices have never looked back and we know we made the right choice.
Q: EXPLAIN TO THE READERS WHAT YOUR BUSINESS DOES?
A: After graduating from the US Air Force Academy, my first assignment was at Los Angeles Air Force Base working on many large Space Programs and I still support the base as a support contractor becoming a Project Management Professional and Certified Financial Planner to save the tax payer millions of dollars over the years.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS POST-COVID?
A: It seems we keep having to hurdle all the regulations that the State puts in front of small businesses and contract prices have not kept up with inflation causing lower profits across the enterprise.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: I’m Sagittarius.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and any John Hughes movie.
Q: HOW WOULD SOMEONE GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOU AND YOUR COMPANY?
A: We only work off of personal referrals and never look for new business thru advertising or other marketing. By doing the best job we can for existing clients has never left us looking for more work.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM FACING MANHATTAN BEACH IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
A: I believe the high cost of commercial rent and primary housing is going to be a problem for attracting new families because they are being priced out of the market unlike the opportunity our family had back in the 1990s.
www.WallenderAssociates.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Colorful sangria at The Rockefeller in Manhattan Beach.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Tiffany Barbara
Ever fancied wielding a heroic firefighter’s rescue gadget, or being chummy with the grand poobahs of Manhattan Beach’s council? Dreamed of rubbing elbows with the town’s business celebs, or buddying up with Manhattan Beach’s bravest and the finest – a real boon if your home’s a teen lair (wink wink)? Curious about what powers Manhattan Beach, or what’s being brewed at the local water recycling alchemy lab? Yearning to leave a mark with a deed so grand it sings through neighboring cities? Step right up! Make haste to the grand halls of the Manhattan Beach City Council Chambers (1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach) on Wednesday, April 17th and Wednesday, May 15th, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the keepers of local lore will unveil how you can join the illustrious ranks of Leadership Manhattan Beach! Join us!
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BEACHLIFE BRUNCH:
AT THE PORTOFINO HOTEL
SATURDAY, MAY 4 | 11:00AM – 2:00PM
IN THE PACIFIC BALLROOM | $45 FLAT ENTRY FEE
Enjoy a grand buffet and mesmerizing ocean views at our BeachLife brunch.
www.HotelPortofino.com
City To Remove Polliwog Park Beetle-Infested And Diseased Trees:
The Longhorned Borer Beetle and the Pine Pitch Canker are invading trees in Polliwog Park. According to the City, “17 trees have been selected for removal throughout Polliwog Park due to the following issues. 7 Eucalyptus trees species are infested with the Eucalyptus Longhorned Beetle, 7 Pine tree species are infected with Pine Pitch Canker, 2 trees for selective thinning, and 1 tree for structural issues. The project involves the essential removal of these trees to maintain a healthy park canopy. Concurrently, the city is introducing 78 new trees from 8 diverse Genus/species. Explore our new tree palette further below, which increases the tree canopy and biodiversity of the park.”
MB WEEKLY – MEET:
MEET ABBY
Abby Has Worked In Manhattan Beach Since 2018
THE TRUTH SESSION:
- Takes baths seven nights a week.
- She hates beef jerky.
- Stopped drinking alcohol two years ago.
- Never uses dating apps.
- Loves The Kettle.
- Lost 20 lbs. five years ago and kept it off.
- Loves boxing and the gym.
- Hates Trump.
- Doesn’t smoke or vape.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Rodger J. Deuerlein (Manhattan Beach)
Regarding South American theft groups targeting residents: 1. MB Police Chief Rachel Johnson’s update contained no metric of accomplishment. How many such criminals has her department arrested? What has been the result of such arrests? Anyone delivered to the county jail, or at least turned over to DHS/ICE, vs. released to the streets? 2. Our representatives want these thieves here. In Sacramento in 2017, Ben Allen voted for SB-54 to shield foreign criminals from deportation. Al Muratsuchi did not oppose the bill. In Washington DC, just three weeks ago, Ted Lieu voted against HR-7511 to deport illegal aliens arrested for theft/burglary.
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Pro-Local Zoning Group Drops Manhattan Beach Apartment Complex Lawsuit:
A lawsuit challenging the Highrose housing project was dismissed earlier this month. In January of 2023, the Manhattan Beach City Council approved the Highrose housing project proposed for the Verandas Beach House site, located at 401 Rosecrans Avenue. A group named Chill The Build, LLC, filed a lawsuit against Manhattan Beach, challenging the Council’s approval of the project, and later filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to stop excavation, demolition, and construction at the site. In denying the motion, the Los Angeles Superior Court Judge ruled that Chill The Build “did not demonstrate a likelihood of prevailing on the merits of the case,” either under state law or the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Construction on the 79 unit project is expected to proceed, with six of the units designated as “very low income” affordable units.
Dive N’ Surf:
Now carrying STANLEY! Come get your favorite styles of Stanley cups now at Dive N’ Surf!
www.DiveNSurf.com
MANHATTAN BEACH CRIME UPDATE:
** After being found dead in the surf off the Beach Cities this winter, Jennifer Hanie, 31, was the second drowning victim the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner autopsied this year. In addition, the coroner found that 42-year-old Ryan Martin drowned accidentally. Martin was recovered in the surf at 22nd Street at Hermosa Beach the morning after Thanksgiving.
** Douglas Aziz, a Manhattan Beach homeowner, was found dead in his hot tub of accidental drowning on the same street as a Torrance man shot dead weeks earlier.
** Manhattan Beach Police warn homeowners they can request extra patrols when leaving town. Two empty homes were burglarized March 21 – 27. Between March 17 and 23, a 1600 block of 10th residence was ransacked. The homeowner was away. All the lights were on when the house sitter discovered stolen computers, antique jewelry, and camera lenses. The 300 block of Elm Street home under construction was also burglarized. A neighbor told the homeowner the fence was unlatched. The garage was plundered and the house damaged.
** MBPD responded to a 2909 Sepulveda Blvd. Auto Check Center burglary on March 25. A guy in a black, hooded sweater smashed a side door on video. Suspect stole a credit card machine and left.
** The week of March 21 – 27, MBPD received 43 criminal complaints, including 13 thefts, one assault, one vandalism, two home burglaries, and one business burglary.
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
by Darby Winston
Oath Pizza in El Segundo
Oath Pizza in El Segundo left me disappointed. Despite splurging on the Muffled Trushroom, I was met with a lackluster experience. The price was exorbitant for what felt like a flavorless cardboard disc with cheese. Any hope for truffle essence was dashed as the pizza lacked a hint. The overall taste was bland and uninspiring. Save your money and taste buds, and forget Oath Pizza.
Food: D • Service: D (There is no service) • Atmosphere: D (Small)
www.OathPizza.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Steve Napolitano
(Councilman, Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
A better question is, “why do we vote for any murals?” We have a dedicated art fund for public art paid for through developer fees to support public art in Manhattan Beach, and murals are a part of that. We’ve chosen some that are abstract, some that are representative, and all things in between, and they’re larger versions of what we’ve been putting on utility boxes. There are all sorts of reasons to choose a given design. In this case, the shark mural is an excellent example of trompe l’oeil painting, a style that lends itself well to murals and a style we’ve lacked so far in our choices. Hermosa has several examples, as do other cities, and this was the best example submitted to us and one of the better mural submittals I’ve seen so far.
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MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
I praise MB Weekly’s commitment to unbiased and independent writing. In a media world often marred by biases, this publication shines with its dedication to presenting facts without agenda. The publication is a free voice that fosters critical thinking, allowing readers to form informed opinions. I also love your new video series. Keep up the great work! —- Sandra G., Manhattan Beach
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by John J. McKillop
Let’s be honest: Olive Garden is not one of Manhattan Beach’s fine dining restaurants. But even Olive Garden’s affordability is slipping away for many. Darden, Olive Garden’s parent company, acknowledges a significant shift in consumer behavior, particularly among middle- and lower-income demographics. CEO Rick Cardenas highlights the impact of inflation, with households earning less than $75,000 increasingly shying away from Olive Garden’s offerings. Even those earning $50,000 bypass the chain’s supposed fine dining ventures. This trend underscores a larger economic reality where affordability is pivotal in dining choices. As Olive Garden grapples with these challenges, it serves as a microcosm of broader economic shifts and consumer preferences, where even the most established chains must adapt or risk losing their appeal in a changing landscape of dining experiences.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Linda Rosen (Manhattan Beach)
A new construction break-in Saturday night at midnight; a group of 5 jumped our construction fence on Hermosa Ave and 30th and rummaged through the house. Luckily, I have a monitored camera alarm system that sees them inside, sets the alarm, and calls the police. We don’t leave tools around, so there wasn’t anything easy for them to grab and sell. Lock up, everyone!!!
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MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
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1. ** Pardon me for saying that Dunkin’ in Manhattan Beach could use good cleaning. —- Hunter T., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Mexican cuisine foodies: El Amigo is expanding to where Leo’s Mexican Food / Inglewood Blvd, just south of Manhattan Beach (MB) Blvd was. El Amigo’s “hole in the wall” corner location on MB near the 405 will continue to operate – one of the best. El Tarasco, corner of Marine / Inglewood streets, is an outstanding Mexican restaurant under recent new ownership/remodeled – food so much improved from before, opens at 8 AM. If you like Mexican cuisine – the shrimp cocktail at both locations is soooooo delicious. —- Joyce A., Manhattan Beach
3. ** When teachers fight to keep drag queens in school and the Bible out of school, you need new teachers. —- Hillary J., Manhattan Beach (Parent of two)
4. ** The lasagna at Slay Italian Kitchen is outstanding! —- Deborah W., Manhattan Beach
5. ** Today, it costs the Average family of 4 an additional $11,576 a Year for the same goods purchased four years ago. Inflation. Thanks, Mr. President. —- Craig H., Manhattan Beach
6. ** The Manhattan Beach community deserves praise for renewing legislation MB, the parcel tax legislation that funds our local schools. Last week’s outcome was just over the two-thirds supermajority, with only a few votes left. —- Victoria S., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Do you think any teachers in Manhattan Beach have OnlyFans pages exist? —- Steward C., Manhattan Beach
8. ** I miss the Souplantation! —- Brooks T., Manhattan Beach
9. ** In Manhattan Beach you’re legally allowed to park in a handicap spot if you get back with your ex more than twice. —- Frank B., Manhattan Beach
10. ** The tables at Love & Salt are so close together that I felt like I was eating in a broom closet. —- Sandra W., Manhattan Beach
11. ** Hermosa Beach’s Saint Rocke celebrated its first anniversary with royalty. Tribute band Queen Nation took the stage on Saturday, March 23, about a year after the popular South Bay concert venue opened its doors to live music after a pandemic-induced hiatus, and new ownership took over in January 2023. —- Editor’s Note
12. ** Chloe Cole was celebrated by the transgender community after she decided she was born in the wrong body and had her healthy breasts surgically removed at age 15. During the post-operation process, Chloe began to regret her decision and had to come to terms with the irreversible damage done to her as a minor. She began speaking out against the very people who once celebrated her – and was met with vitriol and hate. —- Gary W., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Coming changes to real-estate agents’ commissions have home buyers and sellers questioning whether to rush deals ahead of the new rules or wait and see. —- J.C. (Real estate agent), Manhattan Beach
14. ** How would you feel if your surgeon, pilot, or lawyer was an affirmative action hire? Society’s obsession with race and gender at the expense of merit is hurting us all. Isn’t it past time to explore how this destructive policy is unfair and erodes trust and competence in vital professions where qualifications should matter most? —- Gil J., Manhattan Beach
15. ** California is clearing criminal records, including violent crimes. And we wonder why California is the laughing stock of the nation. —- Bob M., Manhattan Beach
16. ** Measure MB, the $225 parcel tax that generates $2.5 million for the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, has been renewed. —- Editor’s Note
17. ** Have you ever disagreed even slightly with someone on the radical left? They will immediately call you a “hater,” “racist,” Nazi! They approve of free speech as long as you totally, entirely, and passionately agree with them 100% of the time. —- George A., Manhattan Beach
18. ** Patricia “Pat” Ann Perkins (Hill) died peacefully in her family home in Manhattan Beach on March 8, at the age of 73. —- Editor’s Note
19. ** What a bunch of bull-s—t! An L.A. court official actually says that zero bail has not caused any increase in crime. What a f—king lying idiot. Let me guess. He is a radical Leftist. —- Tommy L., Manhattan Beach
20. ** The people at the desk At Target in Manhattan Beach are really nice! —- Charlene Z., Manhattan Beach
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