MARCH BRAZEN BURGLARY SPREE:
INTRUDERS STRIKE MULTIPLE HOMES OVER 12 DAYS
A brazen string of home burglaries has rocked Manhattan Beach, leaving residents shaken and authorities scrambling for answers. In March alone, between March 1 and March 12, burglars – some masked and hooded – broke into homes by shattering glass doors, ransacking bedrooms, and making off with jewelry and valuables while homeowners were away.
The crime spree began on March 1 when three masked intruders were caught on surveillance in a backyard on 1st Street before fleeing in a green SUV. The next night, burglars struck a home on Chabela Drive, smashing doors on both floors and rummaging through bedrooms. On March 4, a homeowner on Laurel Avenue returned to a shattered back door and missing valuables. Officers responded to Marine Avenue the following day, where another resident discovered their home ransacked after leaving for work, and on 5th Street, where a homeowner arrived to find their bedroom barricaded from the inside, and a ladder was found propped against the second-floor balcony. On March 6, on Highview Avenue, a bedroom was ransacked and a door propped open.
The most recent in the local crime summary report was on March 12 on Dianthus Street, “The victim called the police and stated that a male was in her backyard attempting to open the back window, and her husband went outside and chased after the suspect. … a second suspect was waiting in a white SUV hatchback,” and they sped off toward Sepulveda Boulevard. Manhattan Beach police are urging residents to remain vigilant as the investigation intensifies.
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
61% Approve Of DOGE Effort To Cut Wasteful Spending
In a show of support for government reform, a MB Weekly reader poll reveals that 61% of respondents approve of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – an initiative aimed at slashing wasteful spending. DOGE has sparked national debate over the size and scope of the federal bureaucracy. The MB Weekly poll underscores a growing appetite for accountability in public expenditures, particularly among business owners and professionals in the South Bay. “Government waste has been out of control for too long,” said one respondent. “It’s time for bold action. Go, Elon, go!” With national surveys also showing rising frustration with federal inefficiencies, DOGE’s impact could redefine America’s financial future.
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Valerie Pagett
(REAL ESTATE AGENT | LAUREN FORBES GROUP | COMPASS)
Leadership MB – Alumni Director, Class of 2023
Part One
Q: CAN YOU TELL US THREE FACTORS THAT MAKE YOUR PERFECT DAY?
A: Without a doubt, I’d start with a long swim in the ocean – bonus points if I get to swim with dolphins! I can’t wait for the weather to warm up so I can get back to my sunny morning swims. After my swim, I’d head to Good Stuff for breakfast. This has been a cherished tradition since childhood, and nothing beats starting the day with a meal at my favorite spot. To top it off, I’d spend the evening having dinner with close friends in an outdoor setting with live music, soaking in the beauty of a classic South Bay sunset.
Q: CAN YOU TELL US YOUR PREFERRED WORK SCHEDULE?
A: In a perfect world, I’d add an extra day to the week where working was illegal – anyone who works weekends knows what I mean! But realistically, since I work heavily on weekends, I make a point to take Tuesdays off. It actually works out great because most people are at work, meaning I can run errands quickly and find parking at the beach with no stress.
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER MAKE MONEY FROM YOUR WORK OR BY WINNING THE LOTTERY?
A: If you had asked me this when I first started my career, I would have said from my work. Now that I’m established, I wouldn’t mind a lottery win – I already know exactly how I’d use it to grow my business!
www.Compass.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer
Mark Burton
Mark Burton and I have been friends for almost 60 years. I would venture to guess that I know him better than just about anyone else in this city. Through highs and lows we have always had the bond of friendship. With that being said, I have to say that we do not always agree on everything, but we enjoy the debate and respect each other’s opinion. The one thing I can say without any hesitation is that Mark’s motives were always for what he believed was best for the city. A few people in this town have denigrated Mark for his opinions, but they do not really know how much he researched before reaching a rationale for his conclusion. For several years now, even after losing elections, Mark has brought up many important questions in posts and spent a lot of time privately with citizens and tried to help them with whatever issue they raised. Whether or not you agree with Mark on specific issues, you must admire the fact that he invested so much time and energy trying to preserve the charm of this town we all love. Mark signing off from public discourse is a great loss for our town.
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FÊTE BY SLAY:
FÊTE HAPPY HOUR
Appetizer & Drink Specials
5 – 6pm Wednesday – Thursday
4 – 6pm Friday – Sunday
Bar Only
www.FeteBySlay.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Fred Taylor (Community Activist)
Is local governance in MB really non-partisan?? Four times in the past year, I’ve had a wake-up call … remember the “State of the City” event last year at the Shade Hotel hosted by our Chamber? I submitted a question about police morale with Gascon as DA. It was on the same card my friend asked about the schools. His was asked and mine was cancelled. During the Chamber debate for City Council last Fall, I submitted another question: “Would you bring ‘DEI’ into the city??” Strike two – cancelled again by the Chamber. The next CC debate was hosted by the League of [Woke] Women Voters. I asked the same ‘DEI’ question. Once again, cancelled. My question for me was critical … what’s the worldview of the candidates. DEI is discriminatory, unfair, and un-American. Yet, I as a voter, don’t get to know in MB politics. Finally, in late February, the LWVer’s sent out an email supporting The People’s Union [Look them up!] and their boycott of Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy – all who’ve dropped ‘DEI’. MB politics is non-partisan … I say BULL-PUCKY. How ‘bout you ???
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The ever increasing price of eggs at Ralphs in Manhattan Beach.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Ty Mason
(Higher Grounds Mgmt)
Part One
Q: WHAT GOT YOU FIRST INTERESTED IN FORMING HIGHER GROUND MANAGEMENT?
A: Having worked as a social worker, Gang Intervention & as both a Juvenile & Deputy Probation Officer, I noticed for years an eye opening need for in-home therapy/counseling, tutoring & drug testing services. I watched traditional therapy & counseling services take far too long to provide the growth and results families were in need of. In my 20+ year career there was an obvious need to take a newer more efficient approach to an old outdated system. & For the last 6 years or so we have successfully done so. I’ve witnessed many teens see a therapist or psychiatrist once a week only to return home to the same daily patterns and triggers with little to no change. When we have an opportunity for early intention we can quickly steer things in the right direction often times avoiding the heartbreak of having to send our loved ones away to therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness camps or residential treatment facilities, in turn saving families time, stress & not to mention hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Q: HOW DOES YOUR PROGRAM WORK?
A: A proper risk/needs assessment as well as tracking behavioral patterns. And most of all building genuine lasting rapport with our families. We make sure to meet everyone in the home where they are at and gently build from there. Although most household challenges are unique we often provide counseling and or therapy, tutoring, drug testing, and health and fitness programs. Helping parents create a unique structured accountability system that provides both consistent follow through of positive reinforcements as well as consequences and most importantly seeing it all the way through with them, from start to finish, until they no longer need us anymore. Consistency & accountability is key.
Q: WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED?
A: Depending on what exactly the family needs anywhere from about $600 to $2,000 per month. A percentage of all proceeds fund our non-profit program, yourjourneyhome.org helping at-risk families in the southbay that otherwise couldn’t afford private services. I was once one of those kiddos hence my passion to help get families back on track.
www.HigherGroundsMgmt.com
COAST LAUNDRY:
Wash + Fold
THE SOUTH BAY’S CLEANEST, LARGEST
AND ONLY “FREE OZONE” LAUNDRY!
Coast Laundry provides a full-service wash/dry/fold, as well. This is perfect for customers who are too busy, or simply don’t want to waste time doing their own laundry.
5041 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne
www.Coast-Laundry.com
AWARD-WINNING NUTRITIONIST:
SAMANTHA F. GRANT, C.N.
Sam specializes in hormonal balancing, correcting metabolism irregularities, weight loss, and complex gastrointestinal issues.
www.SamFGrant.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
WHY I LOVE MANHATTAN BEACH
by Suzanne Rogers Karger
(MB Philanthropist)
As a resident of Manhattan Beach for the past 27 years, I have cherished every moment spent in our beautiful town. In 2019, my connections here were limited, and I knew just 2 or 3 families out of 20 in our courtyard. It wasn’t until December of that year when I attended a “Map Your Neighborhood” (MYN) meeting, that I truly realized the importance of having a supportive network. This disaster preparedness program encouraged us to create a neighborhood contact list to foster communication, especially in times of need. Little did we know that shortly afterward, the world would change with the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. Stay-at-home orders and curfews set in, and many of us found ourselves isolated. Fortunately, one neighbor remembered the emergency contact list we had created and proposed a wonderful idea: let’s connect! Thus began our weekly tradition of gathering for a socially distanced happy hour. Since March 2020, 5 to 15 of us have gathered weekly and from a difficult global situation arose a genuine sense of community that has truly enriched my experience as a resident in Manhattan Beach.
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Swinging your hair in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your local photos into: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
** Prominent digital marketer Aaron Ganz having dinner at Slay Steak + Fish.
** Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Russ Lesser having lunch at Islands in Manhattan Village.
LISTEN TO THE MANY VOICES OF MANHATTAN BEACH…
Read the MB Weekly FREE Bulletin Board.
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
www.MBWeekly.net
Kaminsky Real Estate Group:
Selling Your South Bay Home Shouldn’t Leave You Guessing
Most sellers dread the uncertainty – will your home sit too long, fetch less than it’s worth, or miss the right buyer? As a leader in the Manhattan Beach community, the Kaminsky Real Estate Group at eXp Luxury, we’ve spent nearly 40 years perfecting the art of the sale across Southern California’s coastline. We’ve set record prices in almost every neighborhood because we don’t just list homes – we connect them to local buyers, L.A. transplants, and a global network spanning 50 states and 26 countries. As the South Bay’s #1 producing team, with over $2 billion sold, we turn your equity into a win, not a worry.
Ready To Sell Smarter?
Contact Us Today – Your Home Deserves This
310-427-2414 | ek@itzsold.com
www.ItzSold.com
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
March 06 to March 12, 2025
- 681 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 06 ARRESTS
- 11 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 31 CRIME REPORTS FILED
Notable Events:
** On 3/6/25, at approximately 9:30 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Highview Avenue regarding a burglary report. The reporting party left his residence and when he returned home, he discovered his bedroom ransacked. No property appears to have been stolen at this time. There was no forced entry to the residence and a door was found propped open, which according to the reporting party is normal.
** On 3/8/25, at approximately 2:16 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Manhattan Beach Boulevard regarding a commercial burglary report. The reporting party stated on 3/7/25 an employee left and believed they locked the doors to the business. The next morning, when another employee arrived to work, they discovered computers, electronics, a camera, and clothing stolen.
** On 3/12/25, at approximately 7:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Dianthus Street regarding a burglary in progress. The victim called the police and stated that a male was in her backyard attempting to open the back window, and her husband went outside and chased after the suspect. The suspect ran from the backyard through a side gate to the front of the residence, where a second suspect was waiting in a white SUV hatchback. The first suspect entered the vehicle, and the second suspect drove east toward Sepulveda Boulevard. Officers checked the area, and no suspects were located. During the officer’s investigation, it was determined that the suspect shattered a second-story window but did not enter the residence.
High-Speed Chase Ends On The Roof – Reckless Driver Nabbed By MBPD Drone:
Manhattan Beach police arrested a reckless driver yesterday after a dramatic pursuit that ended on a rooftop. The chaos began near Rosecrans Avenue and Sepulveda when a Traffic Officer attempted to stop the suspect, who sped off. The chase ended swiftly when the driver crashed into a traffic signal at Sepulveda and 18th Street Fleeing on foot, he tried hiding atop a shopping center – only to be spotted by an alert MBPD Drone. Cornered, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody. Thanks to quick-thinking citizens and cutting-edge technology, justice landed safely.
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR MEN TO MAKE CLOSE FRIENDS?
Are men stuck in a “friendship recession”? How to climb out? 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. ** Vado SL 2 … Now, in Alloy, it’s the blow-your-hair-back speed, commute-busting range, and whisper-quiet performance of the SL 1.2 system in a racing-born frame of ultra-light Alloy. Calling it an ‘e-bike’ is an insult. —- South Bay Cycle
2. ** If you are alone when you crack open a peanut shell and eat the peanut inside, you are the only person in the world to have ever seen that peanut. —- Arthur O.
3. ** Hey neighbors – I just saw a massive coyote roaming Towers Street heading east, then south on Inglewood Ave toward the park (Redondo Beach). It’s 9:10 PM Tuesday. Please keep pets inside and watch them closely if they need to go out. These coyotes are bold and dangerous! Stay alert. —- Darcy L.
4. ** South Bay’s Award-winning Dog Walker (winner, Best of Los Angeles Award – 2024) – 5 years’ experience. Kind, fun, positive energy, ultra-reliable. Competitive rates. Meet Silvia Zambon – 310-714-9877 —- AlohaMyDogs@gmail.com
5. ** Whoever hasn’t been to Tot Coffee in Redondo Beach, you’re seriously missing out! Incredible coffee, mouthwatering pastries, and the friendliest owners who make you feel right at home. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this hidden gem is a must-visit. —- Kailey T.
6. ** A so-called homelessness “executive” shows up in Prada glasses to a business ethics panel – after secretly funneling a $2 million contract to her husband. You can’t make this up. The hypocrisy is wild; somehow, these grifters still preach to the rest of us. Unreal. —- Rachel J.
7. ** At 7:00 pm, heading south on Peck, I hit a green light – only to dodge a kid on an e-bike running the red, followed by two groups of kids (with dogs!) crossing diagonally. Parents, wake up! Teach your kids basic traffic safety before summer chaos hits. This is outrageously dangerous. —- O.O.
8. ** Most people in Los Angeles are opposed to mass deportations. Until you tell them, it could take up to 20 minutes off their commute. —- Lisa P.
9. ** MBUSD is accepting applications for the Measure RLS Bond Oversight Committee. Residents interested in serving can apply now. Learn more and access the application here. For questions, contact MBUSD Business Services at 310-318-7345 x5944 or Business.Services@mbusd.org. Help support local schools and ensure accountability. —- MBUSD
10. ** A Hawthorne man, Lester Yohan Castro, is wanted after allegedly shooting at Redondo Beach police officers during a February 21 traffic stop. Neither officer was hit, and one returned fire. Castro escaped after fleeing into nearby backyards despite a perimeter being set; authorities said this week. —- Editor’s Note
11. ** Since Beach Chinese closed, I’ve been searching for a solid replacement and found it at Canton Low in El Segundo. Great walnut shrimp, solid dumplings, and a big menu. Skip the egg rolls, but overall, quality Chinese food without the grease. Best I’ve found locally. —- Donald M.
12. ** FlixBus has officially launched service from the South Bay’s Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center in Torrance, offering convenient trips to San Diego and downtown Los Angeles. With multiple trips each week, Torrance residents now have a new option for regional travel. Ribbon-cutting festivities marked the launch. —- Editor’s Note
13. ** Are you sick of CVS pharmacies treating you like a drive-thru Taco Bell? Actually, worse than Taco Bell? Skip the nonsense and head to St. Antony Pharmacy in El Segundo. Emad, the pharmacist, is the real deal – smart, kind, and fast. Support local and get genuine service. —- Lori M.
14. ** Here’s a shocker – LA’s homeless services are a chaotic mess: no accurate data tracking, sloppy financial controls, and zero accountability. Millions are wasted while encampments explode. LAHSA and the city run like circus-like amateurs, leaving taxpayers screwed and the homeless abandoned. Who could have ever imagined the government wasting money? —- Rory O.
15. ** Support the Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center: They provide free bus transportation & marine science classes to Title 1 school kids – many seeing the ocean for the first time! Help inspire young minds & protect our coast’s sea life. Donate today! —- Heather K.
16. ** In the ’70s, my mother gave me a print that read: A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle. After 25 years of marriage, I couldn’t disagree more. —- Marissa N.
17. ** The death rate among LA’s homeless keeps climbing, yet the LA County Board of Supervisors – who control the most power and funding – shrug, blame LASHA, and do nothing. Is it incompetence? Indifference? Or do they bank on the fact that most residents don’t even know their names? —- Grace O.
18. ** Islands in Manhattan Village is a poor choice – overpriced, underwhelming, and barely a step above fast food. Burgers are bland, service is sluggish, and the bill will make you question reality. $20 for mediocrity? No thanks. —- Suzanne J.
19. ** Walk with MB United – New Date: We’re excited for our second Walk with MB United! Due to other community events, we’re postponing Saturday, April 5 at 9 AM. Please meet us at the Pier, Strand, for a great walk and conversation. See you there.
20. ** MBPD TOWN HALL MEETING: Join the Manhattan Beach Police Department for a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, April 2, from 6-8 PM at the Joslyn Center (1601 Valley Drive). The discussion will focus on public safety. All are welcome to attend and participate. —- MBPD
21. ** Why did our city pipe burst? Because infrastructure takes a backseat to wasteful spending! I’m sick of hearing how “money was earmarked” while essential systems fail. Ruined laundry, no showers – this isn’t just inconvenient, it’s outrageous! Fix the basics first before funding pet projects. How about a “listening” session? —- Ali D.
22. ** The Hermosa Chamber Foundation won the $10,000 grand prize at the 5th annual South Bay Nonprofit Quick Pitch Contest at The Lighthouse Cafe! South Bay Friends Foundation President Ryan Nowicki announced the winner after 12 nonprofits pitched their missions. The 11 runners-up each received $500 for their efforts. —- Editor’s Note
23. ** On Feb 25th, my wallet was stolen at a local grocery store. The police were amazing, but I have not been able to recover my wallet. It can replace everything except my deceased father’s army dog tags. I am heartbroken at losing them; I am offering a $100 reward if anyone should find a wallet with tags in the center zip pocket. The name on them is Mallon J. —- kathymallon@gmail.com
24. ** If you’re in trouble and need someone who gives a damn, call Imhoff & Associates. They’re not fancy talkers – they’re fighters. They know how the system works and how to stand up for regular folks like us. Whether it’s a DUI, drug charge, or worse, these guys have your back. They’ll tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear, and they fight tooth and nail to keep you out of jail. If you need a criminal defense lawyer who works hard and doesn’t quit, Imhoff & Associates is the real deal. They helped my cousin, and they can help you. —- Juan R., Chatsworth
25. ** As a high school teacher in the South Bay, I hear it more and more: “My grade doesn’t reflect my effort!” Listen up – grades measure mastery, not sweat equity. Life doesn’t hand out gold stars for trying hard. Results matter. An effort is admirable, but competence is what counts. Welcome to the world, Snowflakes. —- Sherry M.
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