PARENTS IN THE HOT SEAT:
MB WEEKLY POLL SAYS – HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE!
Video stills showing the alleged attackers and aftermath of a mob of teen e-bikers brutally beating a random stranger as he walked home through an affluent California neighborhood.
In a stunning rebuke of local teen violence, an MB Weekly reader poll shows 67% want the parents of the now-infamous teens on e-bikes allegedly responsible for the Hermosa Beach attack held fully accountable. The public’s outrage follows Wednesday’s announcement from Hermosa Beach police that two teens – labeled the “primary aggressors” – have been arrested, and all others seen in the disturbing attack video have been identified. The incident allegedly involves students from Manhattan Beach Middle School, according to a weekend email from Principal Matthew D. Horvath. Police say the group of kids, just 13 to 15 years old, was involved in a brutal street assault that has rattled residents and triggered demands for more substantial consequences. People in the community are no longer buying the “kids will be kids” defense. Many argue that the recklessness, violence, and mob behavior on display don’t happen without adult failure at home.
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Lido di Manhattan 16th annual Taste & Shop event in Manhattan Beach.
MB School Superintendent Bowes To Call It Quits After 36 Years:
In a Thanksgiving-week notice, Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent Dr. John Bowes announced he will retire at the end of the school year, concluding a 36-year career in public education – including five years leading MBUSD. In a heartfelt seasonal message, Bowes said Thanksgiving always reminds him to reflect on gratitude, and this year that reflection includes his own farewell. “With that in mind, I want to share that this will be the last time I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving in this role, as I plan to conclude my career at the end of this school year on June 30. I am thankful for the students, families, staff, and community members who have made this work so meaningful and rewarding.”
Tin Roof Bistro:
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Who Is Rabbi Yossi Mintz:
Rabbi Yossi Mintz is a beloved South Bay spiritual leader, visionary builder, and co-founder of the Friendship Foundation – one of California’s most impactful organizations serving children and young adults with special needs. Born in Brooklyn and ordained with honors, he moved to the South Bay in 1995 with his wife, Sara, and soon founded what became the region’s largest Jewish Community Center. In 2007, driven by a lifelong passion for inclusion, he launched the Friendship Circle – now the Friendship Foundation – which has grown from eight participants to more than 5,000 individuals and volunteers. The organization now spans 72 public school clubs across 21 districts and offers 60+ programs each month for ages 8–35+. Under his leadership, the annual Skechers Pier-to-Pier Friendship Walk has become California’s largest inclusion event, raising over $25 million for public schools and the Foundation. Rabbi Mintz is also spearheading the forthcoming $55 million Friendship Campus, opening Fall 2025 – a transformative space designed to empower young people of all abilities to learn, grow, and thrive together.
www.FriendshipFoundation.com
MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE VIDEO:
An exclusive MB Weekly video of Dunkin’ in Manhattan Beach. https://www.dunkindonuts.com • (562) 756-8725
Click Link To Watch:
https://youtu.be/uxSwNDNqwig
Sun, Surf & Step-Ball-Change – Dylan Efron’s Quiet California Kingdom:
Dancing with the Stars favorite Dylan Efron may share DNA with one of Hollywood’s most recognizable leading men, but you wouldn’t know it from his lifestyle. Long before his turns on The Traitors and the DWTS ballroom elevated his profile, the 33-year-old YouTuber carved out a humble, low-key existence far from the frenzy of fame. Instead of red carpets, Dylan chose sand. For years, he has made his home in Manhattan Beach, the jewel of Los Angeles’ South Bay. His 1,200-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath beach house sits just steps from the iconic California Strand – a surfer’s paradise turned quiet sanctuary.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Manhattan Beach Former Mayor)
Interestingly, in the 2025 Community Opinion Survey, two results stood out. First, less than 50% of our residents think our City manages its finances well. The well informed residents like Paul Wafer know that the City mismanages its finances and he has the data analysis to support this conclusion. Second, one of the top requests for the City to improve is “more police presence.” There are a number of tools and strategies available to the City and MBPD to increase police neighborhood patrols and, importantly, to increase “more police presence” in Downtown MB. As you may recall, I have always advocated and supported the hiring of more police officers. The greatest deterrent to crime continues to be the “presence of a police officer.”
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A 56-year-old Hermosa Beach man was attacked by a group of teens, beaten, and struck with a cardboard pizza box. Hermosa Beach police have arrested two teens they describe as the “primary aggressors,” and identified all of the teens in the video, who are between 13 and 15. What should the Manhattan Beach Police do to prevent this type of crime in our city?
** Dan Stern: First, our police chief Rachel Johnson should stop telling “feel good stories” and fudging crime statistics. Then, how about pro-active enforcement of laws already passed. E.g., we have an Urgency Ordinance on bike riding, however, none of the ordinance rules are enforced. On any evening one can watch groups of young teens riding electric bikes the wrong way on Vista, or running stop signs and red lights downtown. Presently, we’re teaching people that rules don’t matter, that should change.
** Mark Burton: E-bike anarchists have been roaming our community for some time now, ignoring the rules of the road with seeming impunity. We all know of instances where they have harassed or acted abusively [toward] residents. I think the City and police department should consider licensing E-bikes providing needed regulatory controls.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Russ Lesser (Manhattan Beach Former Mayor)
It is clear that a lot of people are very frustrated with how long it takes to get permits to do anything in Manhattan Beach. During the time I served on the city council it was not like this, however that was about forty years ago and there are many more rules and regulations, some of which are placed on cities by the state, that complicates things. However, even with that it seems to take forever to get anything approved. A classic example is a project I am involved with. The Dive N’ Surf boat was the lead boat for the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race for decades. After the statue of the Catalina Classic paddleboard race was placed below the Strand near the pier, we wanted to have a plaque installed that explained what the statue was all about. The original idea was to place it right next to the statue, however due to certain ADA requirements that turned out to be difficult, City Recreation Department personnel came up with the idea of placing it just west of the Strand above the statue. That way people who walked along the Strand could read the plaque and learn about the Catalina Classic and what the statue was all about. It was a great idea! The city came up with the idea in June, 2024. We are still waiting to get approval from the city to install it. If it takes over a year and a half to get approval to install a plaque that was the city’s idea, how does any average resident hope to get anything approved in a reasonable amount of time. The city council really needs to look into this problem as it is their reputation that is on the line.
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THE BAY CLUB:
Discover a jewel of the South Bay – Manhattan Country Club, an exclusive eight-acre resort-style oasis designed for families who value connection, wellness, and community. With a $20M+ renovation underway, the Club is transforming into an even more exceptional destination, thoughtfully refreshed for today’s modern member.
- This season, start a tradition that lasts well beyond the holidays. Enjoy festive favorites like our beloved Santa Brunch and Gingerbread House Workshop, along with year-round youth camps, family gatherings, and member-only experiences that make the holidays – and every day – feel special.
- Experience the first of many enhancements, including our new fitness center, now in its final stages and opening soon. Looking ahead, members can anticipate an all-new family pool, expanded food and beverage options, an inviting indoor-outdoor lounge, a dedicated kids’ zone, and transformable spaces designed for connection and celebration.
- For those who love to play, the Club offers 16 outdoor tennis courts, 7 pickleball courts, and a beautiful heated outdoor pool – creating endless opportunities to stay active, improve your game, and enjoy time under the South Bay sun.
- Unwind on the scenic Sky Deck, gather in lively social spaces, enjoy center court energy, or relax on the main pool deck – each space crafted to elevate everyday living.
Membership at Manhattan Country Club is in high demand, and availability is limited. As we enter this exciting new chapter, a select number of memberships are now open.
Give your family the gift of everything
– secure your membership today.
Learn more at: bayclubs.com/manhattancc
Contact us at: brandon.massey@bayclubs.com
WHO IS THE “PERSON OF THE YEAR – 2025”:
Find out in MB Weekly on Thursday, December 18th at 9 am.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Sign on the now closed Un Caffe altamura: “To our beautiful community, It’s with a heavy heart I share the Cafe has closed. We created the space for you, a place where we wanted to know your name. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you for being a part of it. With love, Alexa.”
Big Apple Ball Drops Early In MB – Kiwanis Hosts NYC-Style New Year’s Eve Bash:
Manhattan Beach will ring in 2026 on East Coast time as the Kiwanis Club hosts a special New Year’s Eve fundraiser from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at 920 Highland Avenue. The celebration will feature an open bar, festive atmosphere, and a champagne toast at 9 p.m. PST, coinciding with New York City’s midnight countdown. Proceeds support the beloved Kiwanis Santa Sleigh and the Manhattan Beach Kiwanis Children’s Charitable Fund. Doors open at 6:30, and guests must exit by 10:30.
www.MBKiwanis.org
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach Community Activist)
End the Bloat: Is it job description creep, i.e., creating a slightly different role to increase an employee’s pay, or empire building? Either way the data shows that something is wrong with the current management and structure of our Manhattan Beach city employees. In just five years they have added 2 new managers, 18 new supervisors, 4 senior positions, 6 assistant/deputy positions and 13 leads! The number of these mid and lower-level supervisory positions has doubled. This leads to department bloat, unnecessary bureaucracy, and delays in service and decision making. Think about it, in the last 5 years the city has added 47 new full-time positions, and we now have 45 new mid and low-level supervisory positions. Based on this data, I would propose that the city manager needs to look at some major restructuring of its departments and reduce the number of categories within them. Perhaps a thorough review of work flows and processes would be a good start. Every new position creates another pension obligation, and every position description bump increases it even more.
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MB WEEKLY – FACE TIME:
Patricia Jones, founder of P.S. I Love You Foundation.
R.I.P. James William Linn (1939–2025):
James William Linn passed away on November 22 in the living room of his Manhattan Beach home. Jimmy captained his football team at St. Mary, played varsity defense at Purcell, and graduated in the top four of his class. He later served in the Air National Guard while earning a physics degree from Xavier University, where he served as president of Gamma Phi.
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1. ** Hello MBSAFE supporters – This season, we ask for your help to keep Manhattan Beach safe, clean, and compassionate. MBSAFE’s all-volunteer team connects unhoused neighbors with housing, mental health care, and vital services – every gift matters. Please support our mission and help change a life today at MBSAFE.org.
2. ** Hundreds of airline catering workers protested near LAX on Tuesday, spilling onto Century Blvd and briefly blocking traffic during the busy Thanksgiving rush. They’re demanding the city hold Flying Food Group accountable for alleged unsafe working conditions. Police pushed the crowd back to the sidewalk, allowing traffic to resume. —- Editor’s Note
3. ** This is ridiculous! Jammie Booker stole a woman’s world title while hiding the truth – a biological man competing against women. Officials “didn’t know”? Give me a break. This wasn’t a competition; it was a con. The Games did the right thing, revoking the win, but the damage is already done. —- A.F.
4. ** I’m appalled and embarrassed by the mishandling of the violent teen attack south of Pier Plaza. The 11/25 “update” press release only raises more questions and highlights alarming incompetence. We demand the full truth, real accountability – no matter the age – and confidence that HBPD can keep our community safe. —- Aaron T., Hermosa Beach
5. ** While this e-bike incident did not occur in MB, it certainly raises many questions. I have seen many posts of incidents occurring in our downtown area. How do you think MBPD is doing in handling this ongoing problem? —- Paul Wafer
6. ** This better be more than a slap on the wrist. These teens beat a man unconscious, declared him dead, kept kicking him, then fled. That’s criminal – age doesn’t excuse hatred and violence. Not one tried to stop it. If they were your family, you’d demand consequences. —- Allison J., Hermosa Beach
7. ** If you can’t tell Manhattan Beach has a raging teen e-bike problem, then you’re a f–king idiot! Open your eyes! The chaos, the attacks, the zero accountability – it’s all right in front of you. Our town is becoming a playground for out-of-control kids while leaders pretend nothing’s wrong. —- Paul S.
8. ** Though I like the food at Hook & Plow, I won’t be returning. The pounding music is way, way too loud! A restaurant should be a place to enjoy a meal and a conversation – not feel like you’re sitting inside a speaker. Good food, unbearable noise. —- Ashley L.
9. ** For years, our Community Development Department has had a reputation among developers and contractors as slow and difficult to deal with on projects. It has only gotten worse as they have added staff. —- Mark Burton, Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach
10. ** Bring back mandatory sex screening in women’s sports! Last week, at the Official Strongman Games in TX, a man identifying as “trans” won the title of World’s Strongest Woman 2025. No, really. Thankfully, two days later, he was disqualified for lying about his sex, and the title was restored to the rightful female winner. It’s not complicated – a simple cheek swab will solve this. —- Alison S., Manhattan Beach
11. ** Prestige Jewelers in Manhattan Beach is a true neighborhood gem. The team is warm, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. They treat every customer with genuine care, offering expert guidance without pressure. Beautiful pieces, fair prices, and exceptional service – Prestige Jewelers is exactly what a local jewelry store should be. Highly recommended. —- Lance H.
12. ** Forgive me but Thanksgiving in nothing more than 7 hrs of cleaning, 9 hrs of cooking, 11 minutes of eating and 3 days of leftovers. —- Carl D.
13. ** I understand why Manhattan Beach leaders ignore and deny Paul Wafer’s powerful, truthful words. It’s painful to face a painful reality. Their behavior reminds me of an uncle who died of alcoholism – insisting until his final breath that nothing was wrong. Denial doesn’t solve problems; it only guarantees they get worse. —- R.L.
14. ** Congratulations to Manhattan Beach’s Love & Salt restaurant on their “10+1” (OK, 11th) anniversary, celebrating with $11 specials all weekend. Sounds great – but why are the tables packed SO close together? It’s nearly impossible to stand up, squeeze out, or even make it to the bathroom! —- Katie J.
15. ** Well done, Hermosa Police Department. —- Joe Franklin, Manhattan Beach
16. ** Last week, a coyote was seen roaming the USC campus. A week later, it returned to the hills $80,000 in debt. —- Howard A.
17. ** I’m surprised and saddened to see crews mowing the grass and running weed-whackers in Recreation Park in El Segundo this morning, the day after Thanksgiving. Couldn’t we give these hardworking people a holiday off? It feels unnecessary – and honestly, a little disrespectful – to make them work on a quiet holiday weekend. —- Chris Y., El Segundo
18. ** I’m starting a petition to rename the San Diego Freeway to Satan’s Freeway, because let’s be honest – anyone who’s driven it already knows the truth. The traffic is eternal, the suffering is real, and escape feels impossible. Who’s signing the petition? —- Mia J.
19. ** Tattoo ink isn’t harmless decoration. New research shows it races into the lymphatic system within minutes, lingers for months, kills immune cells, and even disrupts vaccine response. Swiss scientists found pigments piling up in lymph nodes for two months, causing cell death and chronic inflammation. —- Dr. Grant S.
20. ** MB Weekly – Reader question: Who would you rather have dinner with, Bette Midler or Jamie Lee Curtis? Send your reply to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
21. ** Manhattan Beach’s beloved holiday perk is back! Meters across town are now “red-bagged,” giving everyone two hours of free parking through December 25 – a quick reminder: free doesn’t mean unlimited. Stay past the posted time limit and you can still get ticketed. Enjoy the season – keep an eye on the clock! —- Editor’s Note
22. ** Questionable contractor favoritism? When City Hall staff suggests to homeowners the hiring of specific local contractors, that is a “tell” of possible corruption. —- Mark Burton, Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach
23. ** My favorite fall read: “The Screen That Ate Your Child’s Education” by Jean Twenge in the New York Times. Twenty-four studies now show students learn more – far more – when taking notes by hand: less distraction, deeper processing, richer imagery. A simple truth emerges: the pen is mightier than the keyboard. —- Gloria N.
24. ** I’m at a crossroads. My 27-year-old son’s recent struggles led me to reconnect with his father after 18 years of silence. Old feelings have resurfaced just as my current relationship shows deep emotional and verbal abuse. I’m confused, torn, and unsure which path leads to healing – or to harm. —- Name Withheld by Request, Redondo Beach
25. ** I love Paul Anka. —- Abby G., Hermosa Beach
26. ** Home-a-glow is a f–king scam, and I’m DONE being polite about it. That “$19 cleaning” is a bait-and-switch tied to a sneaky $50-a-month membership you never intended to sign up for. People get trapped in “subscriptions,” charged after canceling, hit with penalties, and half the time the cleaner doesn’t even show up – total garbage. —- Lyle T.
27. ** A heartbreaking farewell in Manhattan Beach: More than 1,000 gathered at Mira Costa to honor 18-year-old Ryan James, the beloved athlete and scholar who passed from an epileptic seizure. His parents vow to champion awareness of epilepsy. The family asks that donations support leading epilepsy research and advocacy organizations. —- Editor’s Note
28. ** Notices should go to every Manhattan Beach resident the moment the City starts preliminary planning review. Instead, we get a broken system where only homes within 500 feet are alerted – and only after a developer files formal plans. It’s secrecy masquerading as process, and residents deserve far better. —- Name Withheld by Request
29. ** Looking for a great babysitter? My Manhattan Beach high schooler is the perfect sitter for ages 6–12! He has 250+ volunteer hours with Camp Awesome, was hired as a 2024 Camp Counselor, is CPR-trained, and comes highly recommended. Recent review: “He did a great job!” More info: https://nextdoor.com/pages/kieran-mcdermott-manhattan-beach-ca/ – Denise McDermott —- denise@drdenisemcdermott.com | kieran@drdenisemcdermott.com
30. ** Thank you to MB Weekly for last week’s lead story. Since its publication, I’ve heard the same complaint again and again: doing business with the City of Manhattan Beach has become a bureaucratic nightmare. Far too many people describe staff as indifferent, unresponsive, and even arrogantly dismissive. Change is overdue. —- A.S., Manhattan Beach
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