Category Archives: Uncategorized

MB Weekly 10/31/2024

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer

Over the last several weeks, I have been writing about the excessive compensation costs in the City of Manhattan Beach. It is apparent that the city needs a thorough operational review to address the number of employees and the salary ranges of current and future job holders. The retirement of Bruce Moe presented the unique opportunity to look outside the city to find a new City Manager with strong operational experience. Instead, just 10 days before the election of 3 council member positions, the current council decided it best to hire an internal candidate with no operational experience (18 years of planning experience) and who has been an employee for the last 4 years. Not only is this unfair to Ms. Mirzakhanian, who will now have to work with council members who may not have bought in with her in the role, but it is also unfair to the current council candidates who will now have to work with this Ms. Mirzakhanian when they thought they would have some input into the next Manager. This amplifies that the current council does not think anything is wrong with the current situation and is doubling down on it with this hire. Shame on all of them!

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MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Leveling Up – 23% Of Households Spend $250-$500 Annually On Video Games

Manhattan Beach residents are embracing the digital gaming craze, with a recent MB Weekly reader poll revealing that 23% of households spend between $250 to $500 annually on video games. From cutting-edge consoles to online subscriptions and in-game purchases, gaming has become a significant entertainment expense for many local families. As more parents, guardians, and kids dive into immersive digital worlds, this trend reflects a growing shift toward interactive entertainment in the community. Industry analysts predict spending will rise as new game releases and virtual reality experiences gain popularity.


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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Bayley Young
(Hairstylist at Amico Salon)

Q: HOW DID YOU END UP IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I came to Manhattan Beach to fill an assistant position at a hair salon. This was at the start of my hair career and it was my introduction to Manhattan Beach.

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR PATH TO BECOMING A HAIRSTYLIST?
A: When I was young I struggled with substance abuse, I decided I wanted to change my life and went to treatment in San Pedro. It just so happened that they needed barbers there. So what started as a hobby turned into a passion. I got my life back, my family back, and I found what I wanted to do for my career.

Q: WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB POST-COVID?
A: Getting started was the hardest part. There were so many extra precautions we had to take both in cosmetology school and in the salon. Masks, social distancing, people coming less often, and threats of having to close to name a few.

Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: In Santa Barbara, CA.

Q: DO YOU PREFER TO CUT MEN’S OR WOMEN’S HAIR?
A: I currently am enjoying cutting women’s hair more. My roots are in men’s hairstyling so it comes easy now. Women’s hair presents more of a challenge and I like a challenge.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: I don’t have a singular favorite but there are three I can always rewatch. No Country for Old Men, the Shining, and Inglorious Bastards.

www.AmicoSalon.com


Manhattan Beach Will Destroy Lot 3 For New Downtown Parking:

Demolition was underway on parking Lot 3, which was shut down due to Safety concerns, and may take more than a month to complete by American Wrecking Inc. “City Council has authorized the demolition of Parking Lot 3, and demolition activities have begun,” the City posted on social media. “Temporary fencing has been installed to close part of 12th Street, north of Lot 3, between Morningside Drive and the western end of the structure.” The City Council authorized the creation of 90 new public parking spaces within downtown, and “directed staff to reinstall the two-hour parking signs (permit exempt) in the Hill Section neighborhood. … both Downtown Resident Permit holders and Lot M permit holders are exempt from the two-hour limit. The signs have been reinstalled in the Downtown Resident Permit Parking Area, and the additional exemptions for Lot M Permit holders will be effective soon,” according to the City. “If you currently hold a Downtown Resident Permit, you must display it again to park beyond the posted two-hour limit.” The Manhattan Beach Farmers Market (@mbfarmersmarket) is temporarily relocating to the Civic Center Upper Parking Lot & Plaza at 320 15th St. Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

A cancer charity fundraiser at Fête in Manhattan Beach.


MB WEEKLY ASKS THE COMMUNITY WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT THE WAGES FOR MANHATTAH BEACH CITY EMPLOYEES:

MB WEEKLY HAS REPORTED SEVERAL TIMES RECENTLY THAT THE CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH PAYS HIGH SALARIES TO ITS STAFF, INCLUDING NINE (9) PEOPLE MAKING OVER $400,000 A YEAR, MORE THAN THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. RESPONSE FROM THE COMMUNITY:

** Simply, I think ridiculous for a town this size and the poor quality of help on anything since covid. We need to tighten purse strings or eliminate some positions —- Kim Riley

** Unacceptable —- Marilyn Alcantar

** I think it’s crazy. For a small city with few issues it’s too much considering the generous retirement benefits. —- Steven Nicholson

** With the highest number of full time employees in our City’s history, making the highest salaries in our City’s history, we now have the highest pension debt in our City’s history. Yes, our pension debt exceeds $80 Million with an annual debt payment of $5.5 million for the next 20 years or so. To make matters worse, the City also has an additional $28 Million in unfunded pension liability. I’ve been in local government most of my life and having a total of $108 Million in pension debt and unfunded pension liability is not sustainable and it could lead to dire financial consequences in the future. It’s time to get lean, to make a concerted effort to find “savings”. —- Mark Burton (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)

** To attract to our city those with high talent we must outbid others who recognize this quality. So, the real issue is – Does our city have the hiring talent to accurately recognize the (money saving) skills of new hires? —- Don Spencer

** MB is not alone. Studies show that other local cities pay as high, or higher, than Beverly Hills too. —- Robin Turner


RESPONSE FROM THE CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL:

** We could do more to align our salaries with the interests of our community. For example, according to the Mayor of El Segundo, 35% of their city manager and planning professional salaries are incentive based. Bonuses are awarded based on meeting goals such as expediting the permitting process and efficiently supporting city objectives. —- Brenda O’Leary

** Let’s be honest. It doesn’t feel right; does it? In this election the voters will decide whether we stay the course or implement change. We have a responsibility to the people of Manhattan Beach to be fiscally responsible, and part of that responsibility includes making difficult decisions around compensation and overtime. We have incredible directors, administrators, chiefs, captains, lieutenants, supervisors, and engineers. We want to retain our great city employees and continue to recruit top talent, but we need to justify and rethink above-market compensation. It starts with reviewing overtime and addressing inefficiencies. The conversation around fiscal responsibility extends beyond compensation. We need to address third party services, feasibility studies, pension liabilities and more. Delaying infrastructure projects become more costly to manage. My promise to you – if elected to City Council, I will always be proactive, transparent and prudent with our finances. Hold me accountable. It’s what you should expect from a hometown leader. —- Joe Marcy


MORE COMMENTARY FROM THE COMMUNITY:

** Regarding the average wages of Manhattan Beach city employees being higher than those of the surrounding cities, does anybody remember years ago when our city council voted to adopt the city manager’s recommendation to rank them at the 75th percentile for salary purposes because their performance was superior? That resulted in an immediate raise of thousands of dollars for each employee and increased the average salary across the board. That certainly contributes to the wage disparity we see today. —- George Reppucci (Manhattan Beach)

** After MB Weekly’s eye-opening salary expose, isn’t it high time we form an impartial task force to uncover potential savings before proposing four separate tax increases to our community? Memo to Council: it’s our money, not yours. We are outraged to learn that we’re shelling out $375,000 annually for a City Manager. This is outrageous and unnecessary! It’s about time the Council takes a step back and scrutinizes expenditures before reaching for our wallets. We demand transparency and responsible fiscal management, not more burdens on hardworking residents. It’s not just about raising taxes; it’s about ensuring every dollar is spent wisely and effectively. Listen to your constituents and address the real issues before introducing more tax proposals. —- Jan K. (Manhattan Beach)

** This latest “slicing and dicing” of the top 10 positions is interesting. While my management and finance experience is mainly related to the local aerospace industry, there are some parallels. If Manhattan Beach is paying $300K to $700K more than the other compared cities, we are paying $30K to $70K per position than the different cities. That is a big chunk of change. The big question is, why do we need TWO highly paid H.R. persons? There seems to be an easy $240K/year savings alone. I don’t know the duties of the City Clerk, but we are paying almost six times what El Segundo pays. Maybe our city management should spend a little time talking with El Segundo to see how they have managed to do that job so cheaply! As an aerospace manager, I typically put in about 10 hours a week of unpaid overtime for most of my career, and many other managers did about the same. Do you know how many of the city staff do anything like that? —- Terry Watson (Manhattan Beach)

** News Flash to People in Local Government: The Answer to Overspending Isn’t More Taxes; It’s Reduced Spending. It’s astonishing how local governments consistently resort to the same broken solution to overspending: tax increases. Here’s a news flash – raising taxes isn’t the answer. It’s time for a fundamental shift in thinking. The real solution lies in reduced spending, not squeezing already burdened citizens for more. Asking local government officials to stop spending is akin to asking an alcoholic to stop drinking. It’s a deep-seated problem driven by an addiction to frivolous projects, wasteful initiatives, and bloated bureaucracies. Rather than tightening their belts, they prefer the easier route – taxing hardworking citizens already struggling with inflation and rising living costs. There’s no magic to reducing government spending; it takes discipline, accountability, and the will to make tough decisions. What if, instead of increasing taxes, local governments prioritized essential services, cut redundant programs, and efficiently used taxpayer dollars? The result would be a leaner, more effective government that serves the people rather than drains them dry. It’s time to stop the endless tax hikes and focus on spending within our means – before it’s too late. —- Sara Garcia (El Segundo)

** I must extend my most profound admiration and extreme praise for your outstanding work in exposing Manhattan Beach employees’ shockingly high compensation rates. Your impeccable timing in uncovering this critical issue precisely as these same officials attempt to impose four (4) separate tax-raising schemes on the ballot is courageous and commendable. Your commitment to holding our local government accountable is a testament to the vital role of independent journalism in our community. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to transparency and truth. Keep up the exceptional work! —- Dr. Michelle S., Manhattan Beach


MBW CONSUMER REPORT

They went through every red light for a mile – no respect for the law. Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


Manhattan Beach Appoints Talyn Mirzakhanian As New City Manager:

Talyn Mirzakhanian, who has been serving as Acting City Manager since the retirement of former City Manager Bruce Moe in August, will be named City Manager. “Talyn’s commitment to our city, work ethic, responsiveness, and collaboration has demonstrated that she is the ideal choice for City Manager,” said Mayor Amy Howorth. “It will be an honor to accept this role and to continue serving the residents of Manhattan Beach,” said Mirzakhanian. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the City Council, the staff, and our community to enhance the quality of life for all residents and to ensure that we effectively tackle any future challenges. Together, we can achieve great things and make Manhattan Beach an even better place to live, work, and visit.” Mirzakhanian holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Master of Planning from the University of Southern California, according to the City.


WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE MANHATTAN BEACH CITY COUNCIL’S DECISION TO APPOINT A NEW CITY MANAGER 10 DAYS BEFORE THE UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL ELECTION:

** Just fine. This is the culmination of a long search process. No reason to delay it. Even though the election is November 5th, it takes the L.A. County Registrar of Voters 30 days to certify the election results. That means the new council does not take office until mid December. —- Bob Holmes (Three Terms Manhattan Beach Councilman/Mayor & 55-year Manhattan Beach Resident)

** The council members who selected her have worked both with the city manager type of government and know her skills as an assistant. Other newly elected members might not have the depth of knowledge about the job requirements. —- Charlotte Lesser (Neighborhood Watch)


Sloopy’s Beach Cafe:

Nothing beats the Numero Uno with onion rings.
www.SloopysBeachCafe.com


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Erika Gaston

I thought we lived in a community where we were entitled to our opinions and welcomed different points of view … however, for the second time, someone stole our yard sign supporting our political candidate. It was up high on a slope, so someone had to work. I’m disgusted by this behavior. It was in broad daylight in the afternoon and was just a sign of support with a candidate’s name in it. Nothing offensive or distasteful. To say I’m disappointed in the people doing this would be putting it mildly.


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MB WEEKLY – FREE BULLETIN BOARD:

FREE SPEECH AT ITS BEST…

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All for FREE In the MB Weekly FREE Bulletin Board
Read by all your neighbors in the South Bay
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VetFest 2024:

Saturday November 9th
www.RotaryVetFest.com


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Russ Lesser (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)

Joe Franklin

I was surprised to read Mark Burton’s column last week where he said it was not surprising that I, Russ Lesser, was supporting Joe Franklin because he also is a Republican. Suppose he tries to bring partisan politics into this year’s city council election. That is pretty disgusting, as many of us from both parties have worked hard for years (mostly successfully) to keep national and state partisan politics out of our local non-partisan elections. Through the years, I try to support the candidates who I think will do the best job for the residents regardless of party affiliation. I am endorsing Joe Franklin, not because he is a Republican, but because he has done a great job and deserves to be re-elected. Obviously, other people agree with this as he is endorsed by all his current colleagues (except Steve Napolitano, who is running for judge and cannot endorse anyone … Vote for Steve also), twelve former mayors, including Mark Burton (this is confusing based on his letter) and hundreds of community members. VOTE FOR JOE!


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MBW CRIME

Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
October 17 to October 23, 2024

  • 789 SERVICE CALLS
  • 16 ARRESTS
  • 20 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
  • 38 CRIMES REPORTED

Notable Events:
** At 3 a.m. on October 18, a resident’s home security system captured a suspect riding a blue beach cruiser in front of their home many times. Police say the man entered the garage and rode away on the resident’s electric bike on video footage. Police located the abandoned blue beach cruiser near 31st Street garbage cans.

** A homeowner detected burglary indicators on October 19–20. His front door was closed but unlocked when he arrived home. According to police, two bicycles were stolen via the open rear door.

** A homeowner in the 1800 block of Oak Avenue received a home security alert on October 20 of two unknown persons riding bikes by her home many times. Police claimed the suspects rode their bikes out of view, and one reappeared on foot a few minutes later on the film. The individual opens the garage and leaves with a mountain bike.

** Commercial burglaries occurred in the 500 block of Sepulveda Boulevard on October 23. The victim returned to his workplace to find a forced entry at the front door. Police stated the office and filing cabinets were ransacked. Investigations continue.


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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Michael Unton

We’re writing to respectfully correct facts in Sharon Arias’s 10/17/24 commentary regarding Measure RLS. First, taxes won’t increase yearly if Measure RLS passes. Bonds have a fixed yearly cost so when the assessed value of our homes rises the assessment rate decreases to ensure the fixed cost (and no more) is collected. Second, school building bonds that will be issued if Measure RLS passes do expire. When the bonds mature, generally 25 years after they are issued, the underlying taxes expire. Finally, there was a comment that Measure MB did not pass. Measure MB funded teachers while Measure RLS funds building repairs, and MB did pass in March 2024, with 67.7% of the vote. —- Michael Unton, Larry Zimbalist, Dave Gendron, Nathalie Rosen – Committee to Repair Local Schools


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MBW Bulletin Board

1. ** If we don’t keep our eyes open and remain vigilant, Manhattan Beach could easily turn into Santa Monica. Trust me. —- Grace H., Manhattan Beach (a former Santa Monica resident)

2. ** I wonder if the Washington Post gives entire staff day off to mourn loss of Hamas leader. —- Mike B., Hermosa Beach

3. ** Yikes! Coyote in Polliwog Park. —- Darlene M., Manhattan Beach

4. ** Kamala Harris has avoided discussing crime and law enforcement on the campaign trail. No surprise there. Since the George Floyd race riots, many American cities have descended into public disorder. Surveillance videos routinely document flash mobs invading businesses, assaulting employees, and stealing whatever participants can carry, including cash registers. Customers bear the brunt of stores’ defenses against runaway shoplifting – such as toothpaste locked behind a plexiglass barrier. Drive-by shootings mow down innocent civilians. Urban violent crime has surged 40% between 2019 and 2023. —- Lance H., Manhattan Beach

5. ** I saw an arrest of a homeless man causing problems in the Manhattan Village. I’m told this man has often caused chaos at the mall. Why do we continue to allow this to happen over and over and over and over and over again? Enough! Crime is crime. Arrest them and lock them up. —- Dani M., Manhattan Beach

6. ** For all of you who have had signs stolen from your front lawn, here’s a great idea: somebody in another state put a tracker on their sign, and when they went to find the sign, they found 20 or 30 other of these people had stolen https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFCDWKk1/ —- Shereen L., Manhattan Beach

7. ** Female athletes have lost nearly 900 medals to transgender rivals competing against them in women’s sporting categories, an eye-opening United Nations report has revealed. The study – titled “Violence against women and girls in sports” – stated that more than 600 female athletes have been bested at various events by competitors who were born male. Sick! —- Silvia G., Manhattan Beach

8. ** Today, the BLM brand is widely recognized as a scam that lost $6.2 million last fiscal year. —- Oscar M., Manhattan Beach

9. ** The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek. —- Andrea W., Manhattan Beach

10. ** The booths at Chili’s. Well, that’s embarrassing. —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach

11. ** Please disregard City Council candidates’ party affiliations as they are constitutionally required to be “non-partisan.” First and foremost, vote for the City Council candidate who will manage the City Manager and Staff economically. The present quo is unsustainable. —- Lani R., Manhattan Beach

12. ** People should be free to express themselves however they want, but not a single law protecting women’s sex-based rights needs to change because of it. Yet, everything is being asked to submit to gender ideology. Laws, sports, language. This nonsense will only end when each of us stops being afraid to talk about it. —- Alison S., Manhattan Beach

13. ** Yeah, Mayor Amy! —- Gloria M., Manhattan Beach

14. ** Beware! Coyotes at Rosecrans/Pacific! Keep dogs indoors at night. —- Abby S., Manhattan Beach

15. ** Did you know MB Weekly is read weekly in Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and El Segundo? —- Editor’s Note

16. ** Bring your prescriptions, and don’t nap in your car at Hermosa Beach. Not everyone recognizes that having Controlled Substances, including many prescribed pharmaceuticals, without valid prescriptions is unlawful. Hermosa Beach Police Department (HBPD) will arrest you. —- Arelle H., Hermosa Beach

17. ** I am so fu-king sick of getting donation e-mails from political candidates every 15 minutes. Stop! —- Liane M., Manhattan Beach

18. ** Why did Steve Charlian mislead the City Council by informing them that issuing Pension Obligation Bonds would not add debt? Our City now pays $5.5 annually for the next 20 years. —- Mark B., Manhattan Beach

19. ** I’ve listened to all of the candidates running for City Council in Manhattan Beach and I must say they are a uniquely unimpressive group. Each one seems to be more concerned with being liked and elected than actually stating what they honestly believe and stand for. Also if I must be fully honest they don’t seem like the brightest group I’ve ever seen. —- Clay B., Manhattan Beach

20. ** Tim Walz appears to be a first-class idiot. —- Angie S., Manhattan Beach

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MB Weekly 10/24/2024

MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
FASHION FORWARD?
66% SHELL OUT BIG ON ANNUAL WARDROBE SPENDING

A recent MB Weekly reader poll revealed that 66% of respondents spend between $1,000 and $2,500 annually on clothing. The survey highlights that style-conscious residents invest heavily in their wardrobes, reflecting a keen sense of fashion and a commitment to looking their best. With fashion being such a key element in Manhattan Beach’s coastal vibe, these numbers indicate the importance locals place on keeping their looks fresh and on point all year round.

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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Andy Abreu (Manhattan Beach Police Sergeant)

Here is an explanation of the three days, 12.5 hour work week. Many law enforcement agencies, including ours, adopted an alternative work schedule to enhance the city of Manhattan Beach’s efficiency and support our officers. For example, our patrol officers typically work three days, 12.5-hour shifts weekly, and one additional 10-hour shift every 28 days. This schedule allows us to maintain effective patrol coverage with fewer officers while ensuring our team can achieve a better work-life balance. These alternative schedules help us meet the community’s needs and make it easier for officers to spend more quality time with their families and focus on their well-being. They still total 160 hours in four weeks, equivalent to the traditional 40-hour workweek.

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MB WEEKLY – LENS:

“This is Moxie, my 5 year old dog. She is a Bolognese (yes like the sauce). She is Italian, like me.” —- Lucia La Rosa


MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Ed Kaminsky
(Kaminsky Real Estate Group)

Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: Cleveland, Ohio

Q: WHEN AND WHY DID YOU FIRST ARRIVE IN THE SOUTH BAY?
A: 1980

Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS POST-COVID IN THE SOUTH BAY?
A: The most challenging aspect for me is always the decision on how to continue to grow as a company and increase quality of service at the same time, it’s a challenge I absolutely love, it requires continuing to think differently and beyond what most people think about and then pouring into others including clients and delivering more then they expect and staff to teach those skills.

Q: WHAT IS THE SECRET SAUCE FOR YOUR SUCCESS?
A: Never being satisfied completely in all areas of my business, I continue to look for ways to improve what we did yesterday – today. How do we market better, how do we communicate better, how do we teach and coach better? Understanding we have not reached perfection and keeping your ego in check that you can be better allows us to improve each and every year.

Q: WHAT BOOK MOST IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
A: Early on it was Think and Grow Rich, it taught me no matter what I want to achieve and has nothing to do with just money, that it requires thinking and believing and that is the catalyst to everything. It is what moves people forward and it also moves people backwards if their thinking and beliefs are off. Today was the recent reading of Unreasonable Hospitality which is exactly what I think about every day.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Always loved the first Top Gun – but never get tired of the entire Godfather series.

www.ITZSold.com


Nando Trattoria:

These bay scallops are as fresh as they come, paired with Artemide rice, bell pepper sauce and Kaluga caviar.

www.NandoTrattoria.com


Pink Gavel, Big Job – Howorth Takes Helm In Manhattan Beach:

Calling a recess during the City Council regular meeting on October 15, incoming Mayor Amy Howorth banged her pink gavel. At the Tuesday night meeting, Howorth wore pink, her signature color, while other members of the council wore pink boutonnieres in her honor. This is Howorth’s third stint as Manhattan Beach mayor. “I truly appreciate the vote of confidence from my colleagues … you know, somebody says it’s a thankless job and I’ve never felt that way.”


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)

As the current Treasurer for the Republican Central Committee for the 66th District, it is not surprising that Russ Lesser is supporting a fellow Republican. Yes, Joe Franklin cares about the residents of our community. Joe shows up! Joe is everywhere, every time! I can’t think of a former Councilmember who did so as much as Joe. However, I hope to see more leadership from Joe in listening to our residents and fighting for what they want. Here are some of Joe’s actions on Council during his first term that should be of concern: Joe voted to support a 2nd L.A. County Library in Polliwog Park; Joe voted to support moving forward with exploring a regional Aquatics Center in Polliwog Park, and, most troubling, Joe voted in favor of the City issuing $91 Million in pension obligation bonds resulting in our per capita debt rising from $500 to almost $3,000 and, disturbing, resulting in our City having to pay $5.5 [million] in debt service for 22 years. Also, we have the highest number of full-time employees in our City’s history, making the highest salaries in our City’s history. Hopefully, in his second term, Joe Franklin will demonstrate leadership skills and make the tough choices regarding staffing and wages.

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MBW CONSUMER REPORT

The seats in the booths at Chili’s in the Manhattan Village. Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Steve Charelian (Manhattan Beach)

In 2019-2020, the City faced an Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) of about $89 million, mainly due to obligations for current, separated, and retired employees. This liability occurs when CalPERS does not achieve its annual return target of 6.8%. Concerned about the escalating UAL, which was expected to increase payments by up to $1.0 million annually under a non-fixed payment schedule from CalPERS, City Finance Staff working through the City Manager and City Council in 2020 to explore ways to manage rising pension payments through Pension Obligation Bonds (POBs). The City Finance Staff worked with its Municipal Advisors to develop a strategy to reaffirm its AAA rating from S&P in 2021. This effort led to the issuance of approximately $89 million in POBs, secured at a low interest rate of 2.72%, with fixed annual debt payments of $5.5 million. By issuing POBs, the City was able to move away from a ramped-up payment schedule, shorten its amortization period, resulting in projected taxpayer savings of about $39 million. Without the action of issuing POBs in 2020, payments to CalPERS would have reached over $9.0 million annually by 2028, rather than the current fixed $5.5 million, and UAL payments would have continued to escalate in the following years. To further proactively address future UAL, the City implemented a Pension Policy that allocates 60% of the annual savings from the $39 million toward future UAL and 40% toward capital improvements for City infrastructure. Since the bonds were issued in 2021, the City has accrued additional UAL due to CalPERS not meeting the 6.8% investment return target. This is why the City established a Pension Policy to allocate 60% of the annual savings from the POBs to future UAL. The City provided about nine opportunities over a year period for the public to learn and provide public comment about POBs through public meetings, along with a dedicated webpage on the City’s website for comprehensive information.

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MB WEEKLY – MEET:
Meet Carla G., Manhattan Beach
YES OR NO QUESTIONS

  • Do you like sharing food? –NO
  • Do you tell your pets everything? –NO
  • Do you talk in your sleep? –NO
  • Would you ever want to be famous? –YES
  • Do you know how to swim? –YES
  • Are you afraid of spiders? –YES
  • Have you ever stayed up all night long? –YES
  • Do you know how to play poker? –NO
  • Have you ever been on TV? –NO
  • Do you floss daily? –YES

Tin Roof Bistro:

“There’s no greater luxury than a good pasta dish.”
– Marcella Hazan


“Savor the richness of our Lamb Bolognese with Pappardelle! Homemade pasta, sautéed spinach, and a 12-hour sauce, this dish is comfort food at its finest.”

What wine would you pair this with?
www.TinRoofBistro.com


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach)

Mr. Franklin provided the same old arguments of other politicians. Surely he can’t be suggesting that Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Torrance don’t all have the same hiring issues. Why are our average salaries per employee 10-17% higher than theirs? Hiring the best takes more than money, it takes a good work culture, good work processes, work flows, technology, innovation and management. Money and more people is not always the answer. I am for more police presence and local fire, partly to get the overtime reduced. It is not safe for people in these public safety jobs to be working such long hours. I hope the council picks a new city manager with a track record of a good culture, efficiency, and innovation.

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Chef David Slay And The Butterfly Strong Foundation Raise $54,000:

“I am incredibly grateful for the magic we created together at the launch of The Butterfly Strong Foundation. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $54,000! Your contributions mean everything to those still fighting this disease. A heartfelt thanks to Chef David, Gale, and the Slay family for their love and support. @fetebyslay. This Foundation was born from my journey with breast cancer, fueled by the hope I discovered along the way. Together, we are creating ripples of change that can become a tidal wave of impact in the breast cancer movement. I am excited to announce that our ‘Honor a Butterfly’ donation program is now live on our website! This initiative will honor loved ones affected by breast cancer and empower our mission to assist those in need. We are just getting started. With your continued involvement, we can bring more light and hope to the world. With gratitude for every breath, Malibu Dana” – https://malibudana.me/collections/butterfly-strong


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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Robert H. (Manhattan Beach)

The entire City of Manhattan Beach owes significant gratitude to Paul Wafer (photo above) for his extraordinary work exposing the obscene salary levels awarded to city employees. Wafer has shed light on a deeply concerning issue previously hidden from public view through his tenacious efforts. His findings raise serious questions about the city’s financial priorities and accountability to its taxpayers. Now that the city has been caught red-handed, it will be fascinating to see how they respond. Will they implement meaningful reforms or attempt to sweep the issue under the rug? Thanks to Wafer, the community is now watching closely. P.S. All of the candidates for City Council have been embarrassingly silent!

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)



Vote Joe Franklin:

Visit www.VoteJoeFranklin.com to see all his
Positions and Accomplishments on Important Issues in our City like
Public Safety – Homelessness – City Finances – E-Bike Safety and more!

“Joe is a believer in Manhattan Beach, as we all are,
and as anyone in our position should be.
But Joe, for sure, wears it on his sleeve,
and his effusiveness is contagious to those around him.
He’s a great ambassador for Manhattan Beach.”
—- Steve Napolitano

To See More Endorsements For Joe Franklin Visit:
https://www.votejoefranklin.com/endorsements

[Advertorial]


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Fun at night in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


ISRAEL vs. EVIL 2023:

A New Critically Acclaimed Book

www.Amazon.com


MBW CRIME

Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
October 10 to October 16, 2024

  • 775 CALLS FOR SERVICE
  • 15 ARRESTS
  • 22 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
  • 47 CRIME REPORTS TAKEN

Notable Events:
** On 10/11/24 at approximately 3:00 p.m., an officer was conducting a proactive foot patrol on the Manhattan Village property when they were told by a citizen of a theft that just occurred from the Van’s store and the witness pointed towards the suspect walking away with a stolen skateboard. The officer attempted to detain the suspect to further investigate the theft and the suspect fled from the officer and arriving officers. Officers were able to detain the suspect and recover the stolen skateboard.

** On 10/11/24 at approximately 8:45 p.m., a residential burglary occurred in the 1600 block of 21st Street. The suspect(s) removed a screen from an upstairs window, entered through a possibly unlocked window, and stole miscellaneous jewelry and handbags.

** On 10/14/24 at approximately 2:57 p.m., officers were dispatched to a vehicle burglary in the 800 block of Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Officers arrived on scene and through their investigation, they determined a theft from a vehicle and an assault with a deadly weapon occurred. As the suspect vehicle was fleeing from the scene one of the suspects used one of the passenger doors to hit a person trying to intervene in the suspects getting away. The suspect vehicle fled east on Manhattan Beach Boulevard from John Street.

** On 10/15/24 at approximately 9:35 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1100 block of Magnolia Avenue after the homeowners arrived home and found the rear slider door was shattered. Officers arrived and determined that a residential burglary had occurred and found that the upstairs master bedroom had been ransacked. The loss included cash, jewelry, and purses.


WHO READS MB WEEKLY:

Michael Greenberg, Co-Founder of Skechers.

Sign Up For FREE:
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MBW QUIZ
How Well Do You Know Manhattan Beach?

Q1: Average winter temperature in Manhattan Beach?
A. 32º F \  B. 66º F \  C. 55º F

Q2: What is the population of Manhattan Beach?
A. 42,356 \  B. 34,668 \  C. 100,626

Q3: How many households are in Manhattan Beach?
A. 13,313 \  B. 15,673 \  C. 128,487

ANSWERS:
Q1: Temperature: Average temperature is 55º F in winter.
Q2: Population: 34,668 (2020 US Census Bureau estimate from 2020 base of 35,610).
Q3: Households: The City has 13,313 households.


MBW Bulletin Board

1. ** I love Sloopy’s Beach Café. —- Omar T., Manhattan Beach

2. ** If you already have a nice chunk of home equity, getting into Manhattan Beach is more accessible than for a first-time buyer. First-time buyers would do best to start in a less expensive area to build equity and then move up. —- Terry W., Manhattan Beach

3. ** Job Opening: Part-Time Salesperson for MB Weekly: Join the largest digital publication in the South Bay – MB Weekly! We’re seeking a motivated salesperson for a part-time, commission-based role with flexible hours and remote work. If you have excellent written communication skills and a passion for media, this is your chance to grow with us. Represent a well-established platform that reaches thousands and thousands every week! Interested? Contact us at MBWeekly@TimeWire.net. —- Learn more at www.MBWeekly.net

4. ** Does anyone else see Mira Costa’s test results falling below Redondo Union’s? Redondo scored 79.5% in English, while Mira Costa scored 67.5%. Mira Costa got 58.5% in arithmetic, somewhat better than Redondo’s 54.9%. I always assumed Mira Costa was the best South Bay school, but these stats disagree. —- Logan D., Manhattan Beach

5. ** I’m looking for a roommate to share three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two car garages. Rent is $1443.50, and gas, electricity, and Wi-Fi are about $100 each. Property management requires a credit check and security deposit of $1443.50. Don’t miss out! Available to view Saturday from 12-3 or Sunday afternoon. Cross streets of Artesia and Aviation. —- For rental information: RBapartments2005@gmail.com

6. ** I was at Islands last night and had two burgers, two big beers for $68 pre-tip – crazy! I won’t be back! —- Darren C., Manhattan Beach

7. ** Shake Shack and El Segundo have perhaps the most unfriendly, unhappy-looking staff of any fast-food restaurant I’ve ever visited, including McDonald’s and Taco Bell. My kids call it the S—t Shack. —- Gloria M., Manhattan Beach

8. ** Last summer, I walked down the beach at 7 am Sunday with my swimming group for a Pier swim. There was Joe, all alone, collecting trash. —- Adam G., Manhattan Beach

9. ** As an adult, there’s nothing stopping you from buying and enjoying a birthday cake when it’s not your birthday. —- Lucy Z., Manhattan Beach

10. ** I love MB Weekly. —- Joyce A., Manhattan Beach

11. ** Join us on Saturday, October 26th, for Halloween fun, food, crafts, costumes, and a few scares in our Haunted House! Where: Manhattan Beach Community Church, 303 S Peck Ave. Time: From 6 to 9 pm. The mellow hour for little ones starts at 5 pm. The event is FREE and for ALL AGES! —- Wendy F., Manhattan Beach

12. ** One bedroom, one bath plus office, and kitchenette are for rent adjacent to Redondo Union High School, which is $2,000 plus a security deposit (utilities included). Unit is the lower level of a single-family home locked off with a private entrance. No pets, street parking. Walking distance to the beach, King Harbor, and shopping. —- brendan.mcarthur@jll.com

13. ** Everyone paying attention knows that more people are coming across the US border from foreign countries than ever in American history. Over 10 million illegal immigrants have invaded our country since the start of the Biden-Harris administration. This border crisis increases violent crime, undercuts Americans’ wages, and pumps drugs like fentanyl into our towns and cities – killing our children and devastating communities. If it continues, that’s the end of the United States, the country you grew up in. Forever. Irreparable. —- Dr. Harris B., Manhattan Beach

14. ** I see our Councilmember David Lesser supporting yet another tax increase. —- Raj A., Manhattan Beach

15. ** Sharif El-Mekki envisions a world where ‘same-race teachers teach all black students.’ He is backed by the Gates Foundation, NBC Universal, Nike, and the Bezos Family Foundation —- Helen G., Manhattan Beach

16. ** Watch your little pets. A coyote was seen westbound on 121st St. near Felton Ave. on 10/15 am. I found cat bits on my grass today (10/16). Tail and apparent hind leg. —- Arthur L., El Segundo

17. ** WTF is wrong? People walk their dogs while on their phones looking down. If they have earplugs, they can’t hear other people trying to communicate with them. If you try to tell them to stop while you go in another direction, they just keep walking toward you. —- Oliver D., El Segundo

18. ** My Oura ring sucks. —- Tony P., Manhattan Beach

19. ** Watching women politicians gleefully give up the rights of women and girls has been one of the most shocking and depressing elements of the disaster, that is, gender ideology. We were proud of the strong women who ran for office, regardless of party affiliation. Their betrayal now is an absolute affront. —- Name withheld by request, Manhattan Beach

20. ** BRAVO! Paul Wafer for President. Let’s get a panel of MB citizens together and get this circus turned around. There is too much fat in our city’s workforce and compensation. This is a classic example of the fox guarding the hen house. —- Tom A. Manhattan Beach

Comment / Hire / Share / Promote / Barter / Discuss
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MB Weekly Disclaimer: 1.) MB Weekly accepts no liability for the content of this email, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. MB Weekly is not associated with any commercial or political organization and is transmitted via the web for the sole benefit of its subscribers. 2.) Unfortunately, computer viruses can be transmitted via email.

MB Weekly 10/17/2024

MB WEEKLY – AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH: MB Salaries – Epilogue
by Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach)

MBW An Inconvenient Truth

I hope the newly elected council members and whoever is hired as the new city manager will consider reducing costs versus advocating for increased taxes. We need to reduce the number of full-time employees and restructure some salaries. Let’s take a look at a few areas of possible savings.

The HR Department manages 558 full-time (328) and part-time/seasonal (230) positions. For this relatively small number of positions, they have a Director, Manager, Executive Assistant, Office Assistant, a Senior Analyst, a Risk Manager, and three technicians with a total price tag of $1,397,352. By comparison, Redondo Beach has 794 full- and part-time positions, including one director, two analysts, one technician, and two office assistants. Their total price tag is $646,580, less than half the cost of MB. We can indeed find “savings” in our HR Department.

The City Clerk position has a total compensation package of $296,905. In addition, there is an assistant city clerk with a total compensation package of $166,603, for a total cost of $463,508. The City of Redondo Beach has a City Clerk with compensation of $208,996 and a whole and part-time Deputy City Clerk at a combined $136,343 for a total cost of $345,419, over $100,000 less. We can indeed find “savings” in the City Clerk’s Office.

Manhattan Beach has an Urban Forester with a total compensation of $143,151. No other local city has this position. Shouldn’t this be contracted on an “as needed” basis?

The city should also look at “outsourcing” some city jobs. Mayor Franklin stated that hiring engineers it saved the city money. Does that savings include pension obligation costs? What is the incremental savings? We can eliminate the additional costs for pensions and benefits by contracting and outsourcing some positions.

This is not a complete list, but I believe these are examples of the many opportunities within the city to reduce costs without additional taxes. As stated in my initial comparison, if Manhattan Beach’s average compensation was the same as El Segundo’s, we could save over $8 million annually. We are not lean by any means.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE VIDEO:
Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival

Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival Video Link:
https://youtu.be/dI3KrpeH5tM


MB WEEKLY – NO REPLY:

Four candidates for the Manhattan Beach City Council have failed to respond to inquiries about their attendance at City Council meetings over the past four years. *Karen Komatinsky, *Joe Marcy, *Brenda O’Leary, and *Nina Tarnay didn’t reply when MB Weekly asked (twice) about their participation at City Council meetings over the last four years. Since current Mayor Joe Franklin and Steve Charelian were required to attend as part of their duties, they were exempt from the question. MB Weekly believes transparency is crucial in public service, and residents have the right to know whether candidates refused to respond.


MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Luke Olesiuk, M.Ed.
(Principal MB Middle School)

Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in Sonora, CA – a small town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in northern California near Yosemite National Park.

Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST MAKE YOUR WAY TO MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I joined the MBMS team in August of 2022 as a Vice Principal.

Q: WHAT DID YOU STUDY IN SCHOOL?
A: In college, I majored in Liberal Studies/Teacher Education and minored in Mathematics along with earning my teaching credential. I also earned my Master’s degree in School Leadership along with my Administrative Services Credential.

Q: WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING THE MANHATTAN BEACH MIDDLE SCHOOL IN A POST-COVID WORLD?
A: At MBMS, we always want to keep improving academically and socially, so a continuing challenge in my role as principal post-COVID is working hard to ensure our staff and students have the tools and resources they need to meet the needs of every student every day.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR BEST ADVICE TO PARENTS OF MIDDLE SCHOOLERS?
A: My best advice is to stay connected with your children through whatever methods work best for you and your family. This can be a chat about what happened at school during the carpool home, asking open-ended questions during dinner, or setting a day during the week to review grades and assignments. Middle school students are starting to mature and this means that the relationship between parents and child(ren) is changing, but the parent/child(ren) bond can and should still remain strong even if it might look different than in elementary school.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: I am a huge Harry Potter fan! I love re-watching the original movies and can’t wait for the extended re-make to come out in 2026!

www.MBMSWaves.com


Meet The New Mayor Of Manhattan Beach:

Newly appointed Manhattan Beach Mayor Amy Thomas Howorth, October 15, 2024 to August 5, 2025. Her Council Term expires in December of 2026.


Slay Italian Kitchen:

“Crafted with passion, served with love, our dough is hand formed & fermented for at least 48 hours.”

www.SlayItalianKitchen.com


MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
3% Of Kids Report Using Adderall – Is It Time To Rethink ADHD Treatment?

According to the latest MB Weekly Reader Poll, 3% of students in grades 8, 10, and 12 have used Adderall within the past year. While this figure may seem small, it reflects a significant reality: many of these children are diagnosed with ADHD and rely on the medication as prescribed. The data highlights the delicate balance between the necessity of Adderall for managing ADHD and the potential for misuse in academic environments. Experts urge parents and educators to stay informed and engaged about children’s ADHD diagnoses and treatments. As public awareness of ADHD continues to grow, discussions about its treatments, such as Adderall, are increasingly important.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Sharon Arias (Manhattan Beach)

Contrary to what Manhattan Beach bond tax measure RLS proponents are saying, it is a new tax that WILL raise taxes and will increase annually. Per the ballot, it is a NEW tax (even though it replaces an existing tax about to expire) of $32 per $100,000 assessed property valuation. It WILL increase by 2% per year (as property valuations increase per Proposition 13). Most importantly, this proposed bond tax will NEVER expire. Previously, their proposed Measure MB tax was overwhelmingly rejected by voters. Vote NO on RLS!

Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – ENDORSEMENTS:

** There are a number of well qualified candidates running for Manhattan Beach City Council. You should vote for candidates who have a record of community volunteer service, diverse experience and fresh ideas to improve our community. Don’t be swayed by candidates who have numerous campaign signs illegally on city property and vacant lots or who run numerous slick ads and mailers with the usual rhetoric and empty promises. As a former two-term Manhattan Beach Mayor and current Los Angeles County Commissioner, I urge everyone to do their due diligence and research candidates for all offices and especially the ballot propositions. Most importantly, you vote in elections periodically, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in. —- Wayne Powell (Los Angeles County Commissioner / Former Manhattan Beach Mayor/Councilmember)

** I am endorsing Mayor Joe Franklin and Steve Charelian for Manhattan Beach City Council. —- Mike Michalski

** I would like our next City Council to explore the merits of adopting a City Charter, so our City can have maximum local control of land use, zoning and other municipal affairs. We can no longer afford to be a general law city that is legally bound to follow all state laws. Also, with pension debt at $80 million and unfunded pension liability at $28 million, I would like our next City Council to examine reducing staffing and salaries with a goal of reducing the $108 million in pension debt/unfunded liability. Finally, I would like our next City Council to declare a moratorium on all new City buildings in Polliwog Park. “Hometown” Joe Marcy has promised to strongly support all three! That’s why he is my #1 Choice. Brenda O’Leary also supports all three and she would also be a welcome addition with her private sector finance expertise. For me, these two are the “gotta haves” for strong leadership in a new Council. Of course, Joe Franklin is our community’s best cheerleader who always shows up. The final three candidates are all qualified. Two are associated with our schools. I like to separate our schools and City allegiances. The final candidate is our former Finance Director who is a fine fellow who did a disastrous job as Finance Director including being the champion of the City issuing $91 million in pension debt resulting in our City paying $5.5 million for a total of 22 years and our per capita debt going from $500 to $3,000. —- Mark Burton (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)

** I am open to vote for Nina – she seems a reasonable woman. As a moderate voter, I do have some questions for her though. ONE: I have read the appeal to Manhattan Beach voters you posted 4 years ago. You asked them to vote against MBUSD Board candidates that you called “conservatives” and that you wrote “represented a threat to our school district.” Do you think you can represent also constituents who are “conservatives” and why do you consider being conservative a “threat”? TWO: You promise to be fiscally prudent. Still you supported and campaigned for Measure A, which was not fiscally prudent and was rejected by the majority of MB residents. Given this past support, why should we trust your promise? THREE: You wrote the following about the people who were against Measure A “these are the same folks who have lead the no mask, no vaccine, no CRT ‘Critical Race Theory’ movement.” Given that the majority of the MB residents rejected Measure A, do you stand by those derogatory comments? Since you were in favor of CRT in our schools, do you plan to implement CRT principles in the government of our city? —- Lucia La Rosa (Manhattan Beach)


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Even our cute furry friends read MB Weekly. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lee Phillips (Manhattan Beach)

Proposition 36 offers a common-sense solution to California’s intertwined crises of crime, homelessness, and addiction. Overdose is now the leading cause of death among Californians aged 15-44, and homelessness has surged, with drug abuse and mental health issues playing significant roles. Proposition 47’s reduction of drug and property crimes to misdemeanors removed vital tools for enforcing accountability. Prop 36 aims to reverse these trends by mandating addiction treatment for offenders and imposing stricter penalties on repeat criminals. It’s a practical, nonpartisan solution supported by law enforcement, crime victims, and community leaders to reclaim our streets and protect lives. Vote YES on Prop 36.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – MEET:
Meet Ingo (Manhattan Beach)
YES OR NO QUESTIONS

  • Have you smoked at least one cigarette in the last year? YES
  • Have you ever been river rafting? HELL, YES
  • Do you think tattoos are tacky? YES
  • Are you in favor of the proposed sales tax increase in Manhattan Beach? F—K NO!
  • Did you watch any of the Olympics on TV? NO
  • Have you ever kissed a married man? SADLY, I HAVE
  • Have you ever gone to a Manhattan Beach City Council meeting? NO
  • Do you have a Manhattan Beach library card? YES
  • Have you ever visited New York City? YES

MBW CONSUMER REPORT

If crime in the area is really down, then why are these signs all over the CVS stores in Manhattan Beach. Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Fred Taylor (Manhattan Beach)

Historically, most of us vote the way our parents voted. We vote ‘party’ election after election. And I submit that’s why we’re experiencing a dysfunction in our governance. In a recent public gathering, Al Muratsuchi boasted about his bill, AB 1825. This will take school library authority out of the hands of school districts and put the state in control… That’s because “Many schools refused Gender Queer” [a porn comic novel]… and Al wants our kids to have access to it. How does this happen? Far too many of us vote ‘party’ over policy. At a fundraiser just the other night for a CC candidate, the gracious host, a legal immigrant of many years, testified she was a lifelong Democrat, and now she is voting for policies that promote ‘American Values’ [my term] and no longer an obligatory “D” ticket. Do we want open borders, human trafficking, a war on fossil fuel, a weaponized D.O.J. & F.B.I., deadly healthcare mandates, and soaring gov’t spending giving rise to costly & unaffordable inflation? We can’t sustain these policies in the long term. I LOVE America more than I hate the mean tweets… vote for policies that bless our nation and not curse it!

Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


Sloopy’s Beach Cafe:

French Toast Sprinkled With Powdered Sugar
www.SloopysBeachCafe.com


Ex-LA Kings Coach Todd McLellan Has Listed His Manhattan Beach Property For $9 Million:

A home owned by former Los Angeles Kings head coach Todd McLellan was put on the market for just under $9 million, and the posting shows it is under contract. Six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a basement cinema and gaming room with a wet bar make up the 6,312-square-foot house. McLellan acquired the new home in June 2019 for $6.772 million. The house is in the Hill Section, a wealthy neighborhood with contemporary mansions on large acres. The listing is by Bayside’s Bryn Stroyke.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Welcome to the newest MBPD officer. Recently, Chief Johnson swore in Officer Chang. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


Dive N’ Surf:

When you purchase any full price full wetsuit from our shop you get a free Dakine poncho with it.
www.DiveNSurf.com


MBW CRIME

Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
October 3 to October 9, 2024

  • 812 Service Requests
  • 14 Arrests
  • 18 Traffic Accidents
  • 47 Reported Crimes

Notable Events:
** A suspect took a leaf blower, charger, and battery from the LA County Beaches and Harbor office in the 3600 block of The Strand between October 1 and 2. Authorities found no forced entry.

** Between 7 and 8:30 p.m. on October 4, police responded to a house burglary in the 1200 block of 9th Street. A burglar broke a first-floor window to enter and ransack numerous bedrooms. Stolen items included jewelry, purses, and watches.

** Police responded to a house burglary in progress in the 400 block of Chabella Drive early October 8. The culprits escaped before police arrived, but detectives spotted a door forced open. A 500-pound gun safe with many guns was taken, police said.

** Police responded to a triggered burglary alarm at Jiffy Lube in the 1100 block of Sepulveda Boulevard on October 9. According to video surveillance, A motorcyclist broke the glass garage bay doors and stole tools.


MB Weekly:

“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”

Sign Up For FREE:
www.MBWeekly.net


MBW QUIZ
How Well Do You Know Manhattan Beach?

Q1: How many feet above sea level is Manhattan Beach?
A. 1,050 feet \  B. 120 feet \  C. 55 feet

Q2: What is the average annual rainfall in Manhattan Beach?
A. 22.78 inches \  B. 2.2 inches \  C. 12.07 inches

Q3: Average summer temperature in Manhattan Beach?
A. 85º F \  B. 70º F \  C. 110º F

ANSWERS:
Q1: Elevation: 120 feet above sea level.
Q2: Rainfall: Average annual rainfall of 12.07 inches.
Q3: Temperature: Average temperature is 70º F in summer.


MBW Bulletin Board


1. ** Mayor Franklin’s nonsensical response to the obscenely high Manhattan Beach salaries was embarrassing. What a hack. —- Jennifer G., Manhattan Beach

2. ** Part-Time (Flexible hours) MB Weekly is looking for a part-time, flexible-hours advertising salesperson for South Bay’s largest digital publication. Approximately 10 hours a week. If you’re interested, please write to us at —- MB Weekly: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

3. ** Mayor Franklin’s response to the article on outrageous Manhattan Beach salaries was embarrassing weak, lacked substance, and relied on empty platitudes. Balancing the budget is like protecting your virtue: sometimes, you must say no. Fiscal responsibility demands tough decisions, not vague reassurances or less than half-hearted defenses. —- Steve C., Manhattan Beach

4. ** Dr. Adwani, M.D., in Manhattan Beach, is an outstanding physician known for his exceptional care and dedication to his patients. Though appointments are hard to secure due to his popularity, the wait is undoubtedly worth it. I praise his expertise, compassionate approach, and attention to detail, making him a standout doctor in the community. —- Layla C., Manhattan Beach

5. ** City of Torrance. Everyone now dumps trash here. —- Hal K., Manhattan Beach

6. ** Please explain why individuals believe I want to hear their YouTube while having breakfast, lunch, or supper at a restaurant. Why do they not use earphones? —- Lesley Z., Manhattan Beach

7. ** See where the Uber driver is heading and verify your receipt afterward. I have been scammed twice. —- Michael U., Manhattan Beach

8. ** We expected Hamas to try to kill Jews. We didn’t expect Americans to celebrate when they did. —- Mike M., Manhattan Beach

9. ** My company is at 505 N Sepulveda Blvd. Please be informed that our building has had three break-ins in the previous five days. But do not worry; “crime is down.” Yeah, right! —- Yolanda W., Manhattan Beach

10. ** Manhattan Beach needs a unique politician. Our community is in dire financial shape. Thanks, Bruce and Steve. —- Holland T., Manhattan Beach

11. ** Kamala doesn’t require teleprompter for first time ever while going on sex podcast. —- Gallagher T., Manhattan Beach

12. ** Calling Spectrum for customer service makes my soul feel as it has been pierced with a knife. —- Angela L., Manhattan Beach

13. ** Disneyland ticket price increase breaks through the $200 barrier. The company also hikes Magic Key annual pass prices by 6% to 20%. F—k them! —- Kimberly S., Manhattan Beach

14. ** Today, I picked up my dry laundry at Strand Dry Cleaners and found it was closed. I was never contacted to pick up my clothing. —- Samantha G., Manhattan Beach

15. ** Democrats perplexed why candidate nobody ever voted for is slipping in the polls. Yikes. —- Rebecca G., Manhattan Beach

16. ** Manhattan Beach backyard camera caught a coyote around 5 AM in the 1700 block of 11th Street. —- Howie T., Manhattan Beach

17. ** Why do so many women wear giant eyeglasses? —- Hunter T., Manhattan Beach

18. ** Food quality at Islands in Manhattan Beach makes Denny’s look like The Four Seasons. —- Dabney C., Manhattan Beach

19. ** Gascon is a dead man walking. —- Lawrence G., Manhattan Beach

20. ** Find YOUR Why —- www.MichaelLevineConsutlting.com

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


MB Weekly Disclaimer: 1.) MB Weekly accepts no liability for the content of this email, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. MB Weekly is not associated with any commercial or political organization and is transmitted via the web for the sole benefit of its subscribers. 2.) Unfortunately, computer viruses can be transmitted via email.