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MB Weekly 09/15/2022

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
MANHATTAN BEACH
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE
AMY HOWORTH:

” … DA Gascon refused to prosecute misdemeanors and it sure feels like he isn’t doing his job, so I get why people wanted him gone sooner.”

Q: Do you politically categorize yourself as a proud progressive?
A: No, I don’t. People know that I am a Democrat (since I ran for the State Senate in 2014 and that is a partisan position). I don’t like extremes on either side. The progressive flank of the Democratic party would not claim me. For instance, I’m against retail cannabis. And when I was last on Council, I truly never looked at decisions as left or right; red or blue. It’s the best thing about local government; we actually get to make decisions that make life better for residents. A stop sign benefits both republicans and democrats …

Q: From your perspective, what is the most significant problem facing Manhattan Beach currently?
A: The heat! Just kidding. In addition to public safety, I am concerned about the loss of civility that I notice at Council meetings which is amplified on social media (of course). There has been a proliferation of anonymous email newsletters (not this one) and they often spread fear and disinformation. We need to come together and remember that we all have a story, we all want to feel safe, and at the end of the day, we have to depend on each other. No matter who we vote for.

Q: Has your mind changed in any way on the crime in Manhattan Beach since the brazen smash and grab in the downtown area recently?
A: I’ve always been concerned about public safety. That crime (armed robbery, actually) was truly terrifying. I’m sure it is especially concerning for Downtown Business owners and I’m glad to know that the police have increased foot patrols. I still feel safe walking, shopping, and eating downtown. Crime, especially property crime, happens all over Manhattan Beach, not just Downtown MB. … I encourage people to really watch out for each other in their homes and neighborhoods. Sign up to be a part of Neighborhood Watch.

Q: What was your biggest lesson from being mayor of Manhattan Beach?
A: Whether it was being a Mayor, Councilmember, or even a School Board Member, I realized you can’t get anything done by yourself. You need to build consensus with your colleagues to create pragmatic, commonsense solutions for the community.

Q: Were you opposed to the recall of controversial District Attorney George Gascon, and why?
A: In general, I’m not in favor of using the recall process to remove a politician; I prefer to wait for the next election. BUT, DA Gascon refused to prosecute misdemeanors and it sure feels like he isn’t doing his job, so I get why people wanted him gone sooner. I have a real problem with some of the laws that have been passed at the state level – like Prop 47 (which wasn’t from the legislature but was a proposition approved by residents) that reclassified certain theft and drug offenses.

Q: Are you in favor of enlarging the MB Police Department?
A: I met with our new police chief, and like Chief Abell before her, Chief Johnson says we are nearing full staffing levels and don’t need to add new positions. If she felt she needed more, I would support funding those positions. I’m not an expert in how to best deploy resources to ensure public safety, but I can tell you before anything else, we all want to feel safe in our homes, on the streets, and in our schools. I’ve always supported officers at the schools, for instance.

Q: What’s your favorite movie of all time?
A: I have so many! We are a big movie/film/tv house. I’d have to say Godfather I & II (I consider them one piece). “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in … ”

www.amyhoworthcitycouncil.com

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

The inside of Pasha Jewelry in Manhattan Beach, site of the brazen smash and grab robbery on Friday, June 26th, 2022. Still, no arrests have been made.

Manhattan Beach Won’t Trap Coyotes For Now:

Last Tuesday night, coyote supporters invaded Manhattan Beach. They urged the City Council not to catch or kill the creatures, whose presence is rising and who have killed at least two pet cats. Local coyotes are temporarily safe. The Council endorsed a non-lethal plan to remove food sources that have brought coyotes to Manhattan Beach.

Mayor Steve Napolitano broke a 2-2 tie among his council colleagues and voted against trapping the coyote pack, led by a “king and queen” from Redondo Beach.

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
By Phillip Cook

Manhattan Beach Financial Planner

“This morning at 5:30 a.m. I was on my way to the office. I pulled out of the garage and stopped at the corner of 1st Place and Manhattan Ave. I turned left onto Manhattan Ave. and then noticed a bag or box leaning against the east side of my neighbor’s house. Next to the bag/box was a guy sleeping. I couldn’t believe it, but sure enough, there was an ‘unhoused’ person making himself at home on the sidewalk. When I got to the office, I called the MBPD and heard the dispatcher say he would send a patrol car out. This is the 2nd time in 2-3 weeks that either my wife or I encountered an ‘unhoused’ person sleeping on the street. I wonder where they go to the bathroom. Oh, wait. I know. At my office building a few weeks ago, I found a pile of sh-t and toilet paper lying on the ground between the bushes and the building wall that faces Manhattan Beach Blvd. The police and the city council are aware of this danger, and the council members I’ve spoken with tell me there are policies in place to prevent the SM’ing of MB.”

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Retired MBFD Battalion Captain Frank Chiella running for City Council.

CUT THE CRAP by Sara Garcia:

Let’s be honest, since the pandemic, restaurant service sucks! Establishments have now suckered customers into being their own cashiers and tipping for nothing. I have personally witnessed several people busing their tables in moderately expensive restaurants. The truth is 95% of the time, I never see an owner present, and the manager they have on duty usually looks like someone who last worked in a car wash drying cars and couldn’t keep that job. The other night my girlfriend and I went to Silverlake Raman, a new restaurant in the Manhattan Village. I’ve had much better service at McDonald’s, in bad neighborhoods, no less. Waiting 20-30 minutes or more for food entrees is standard, as is the obnoxious praise by many servers, “thank you for your patience,” as if the customer had a choice. Do you agree or disagree with Sara Garcia, Shout back: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
By Rita Crabtree-Kampe

City Councilmember Candidate

“I found it interesting that trapping coyotes catches the low-lying fruit, so to speak and we would be left with the smartest of the pack in the area. Education of the community to keep pets and children supervised or inside, food inside and well packaged if it is in a garage, and ‘what to do if you see a coyote’ is essential. I do not know the benefits or down falls of other methods at this point to make further comments.”

www.voterita4mb.com

MB WEEKLY:

NEVER A DULL MOMENT

“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”

Join 28,100 of your neighbors in receiving MB Weekly. The readership, which is 90% based in Manhattan Beach, covers some surrounding communities, including El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach.

To sign up to receive MB Weekly for free, go to: www.MBWeekly.net

TEDx MANHATTAN BEACH 2022 – JUMP START!

Sat, Nov 5, 2022 at 8:00 AM
MIRA COSTA HIGH AUDITORIUM

Dream of Fast Breaks & Breakthroughs? They Create Them. Hear from some of the best and brightest speakers from Engineering, Mental Health/Wellness, Entrepreneurs, Environmental Science, Education, Branding and Comedy. See What’s Next. It’s time to JUMPSTART your Curiosity, Imagination, and Creativity. TEDx Manhattan Beach. Good for the Mind!

Buy your Tickets at: https://tedxmanhattanbeach.com

MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Maddie, Who Has Worked In Manhattan Beach Since April 2019

“YES OR NO” INTERVIEW

Would you return to someone who has been unfaithful to you?
–I HAVE, BUT NO MORE
Have you ever made any of your parents cry?
–YES
Do you usually follow your brain more than the heart?
–HEART
Have you ever written someone a love poem?
–YES, SEVERAL TIMES
Have you fallen in love at first sight?
–YES
Have you ever been put behind bars?
–JUST THE BAR OF MY OWN TORTURED MIND
Have you ever fallen asleep at school or work?
–NO

To be featured in “The Faces of Manhattan Beach,” send your photograph to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Stormy Monday morning March 28. Just before sunrise. Photo by Nikki Ridley.

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
By Barb Woodward

“We visited Mira Costa high yesterday. I was appalled by all the new buildings. New sports fields, etc. The old parts of the school are in shambles. We walked to Paar, an abandoned building near the center of the campus that was so disrepair it was shameful. Windows covered with cobwebs, paint and plaster falling off and walkways of uneven concrete hobbled together with asphalt. It was embarrassing!! So where are the MBSD’s priorities. When our son went there in the ‘90s it was already showing its age. I’m disappointed that the old was not rejuvenated before the new was splashed up.”

Join The Leadership Manhattan Beach Class of 2023:

Develop Strong Leadership Skills And Gain Valuable Insight Into How Your Local Government Works

Become A More Effective Member of Our Community

LMB is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1992. Its purpose is to cultivate public, civic, and business leaders through a 9-month program providing participants with hands-on experience regarding the current issues affecting the local economy, education, health care, non-profits, government, and public services. You will explore the community through face-to-face meetings with top leaders in these fields. Leadership skills are focused on and developed through lectures, seminars, and retreats. The program culminates in a project chosen by the class benefiting the City of Manhattan Beach.

You can find out more information at www.LeadershipMB.org. Please visit this site to submit your online application. We are open to Adults and High School Students (Junior/Seniors). Contact Kraig Klinch at kkalinich@me.com (310) 729-8719 or Kathleen Terry at terrymanna2@gmail.com

MB WEEKLY – IT WAS SAID:

“I do have concern for the loss of our pets here, and I do put the residents, and the pets over the coyotes,” Manhattan Beach Mayor Steve Napolitano said. “In this instance, I am willing to do six more months of the police management program to see how that goes … If we have a whole lot more killings out there, then I’ll be ready to trap.”

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

New COVID Variant Threatens Your Pets

by Mike Michalski

The start of the latest political campaign season in Manhattan Beach appears to have coincided with the emergence of a new COVID variant, COVID-HDS, which is short for “Coronavirus Disease – Hadley Derangement Syndrome.” Hadley Derangement Syndrome or HDS is usually evidenced by a far left or “woke” mentality that seeks to attack Council member Suzanne Hadley, who is up for re-election, by mischaracterizing and misrepresenting her sterling record of achievement on Council. Recently, on social media, a baseless attack purportedly emanated not from a resident herself but from her two pets, a dog and a cat.

Clearly, COVID-HDS has jumped species, which should be a warning to all pet owners, particularly since the HDS variant’s symptoms, unlike previous variants, are very subtle with the effects being more mental than physical. So if you find yourself wailing uncontrollably whenever you hear one of Ms. Hadley’s common-sense views or if you’re suddenly feeling just a little slower cognitively, have yourself tested for COVID-HDS. If the test comes back positive, immediately quarantine yourself and, above all else, socially distance yourself from your dog or cat and make sure they wear their pet surgical masks to slow the spread. Remember, we only have until November 8 to flatten the HDS curve. Sponsored by Partnership For An HDS-Free Manhattan Beach.

Celebrity personal chef Tracy Evans, owner of “Set The Table,” having dinner for the first time at Slay Italian Kitchen in Manhattan Beach.

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

MB City Councilmember Suzanne Hadley, who is running for re-election.

MB WEEKLY – PUBLIC NOTICE:

Manhattan Beach School Board candidates on the November 8 general election ballot have been invited to participate in a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Beach Cities, and Easy Reader. The forum will be held Wednesday, September 21 at 7 p.m. at the Mira Costa High School Small Theater.

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

The Gardening Angels at the @neptunianwomansclub gather monthly to maintain the Manhattan Beach 9/11 Memorial Garden. Feel free to share your photographs with 28,100 of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.

Send to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

WHO READS MB WEEKLY?

Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand, along with 28,100 other residents of Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.

To sign up to receive MB Weekly for free: www.MBWeekly.net

MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
By Darcy Winston

Slay Italian Kitchen

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan Beach, Slay Italian Kitchen feels like a coastal Mediterranean escape here in the South Bay. With grand picture windows that welcome the beach breeze, the cheerful sound of clinking glasses, and the distinctive aroma of homemade pizza dough and tangy marinara sauce, this Italian gem is top notch. The elegant interior and friendly wait staff add charm and excitement to the rustic and seasonal menu that features classic dishes such as Lemon Tagliolini Vongole, Steamed Mussels, and Funghi & Roasted Fennel Pizza. With a farm-to-fork approach that adds authenticity to the dining experience, Chef David Slay includes fresh ingredients from his family’s farm, Slay Estate & Vineyard in Santa Rita Hills to create memorable dishes that your family will love. Now that’s what we call amore!

Food: A+  •  Service: A+  •  Value: A+

www.slayitaliankitchen.com

MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:

“Get up, Leonard – it’s September!”

MB WEEKLY:
The Dogs of Manhattan Beach
Meet Baxter

Feel free to share your dog photos with 28,100 of neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.

Send to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

Your Entrance Into The World Of Entertainment And Media:

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MB WEEKLY – NOTE:

“Your last edition has a question that is misleading. Council directed staff to hire an expert to assess the coyote situation in MB and come back with a report. We explicitly did not authorize trapping coyotes.” —- Hildy Stern, Councilmember

MB – BULLETIN BOARD:


1. ** Let me see if I understand this correctly. China is teaching their children quantum physics and calculus while Americans are teaching their children gender pronouns and how to twerk from a drag queen. I don’t think this is gonna end well. Do you? —- Mr. and Mrs. Tom Fredrickson, Manhattan Beach

2. ** An ordinance allowing cannabis home delivery in Hermosa Beach was approved by the city council on Tuesday, August 9, by a vote of four to one. The argument put up by council members in favor of eliminating the delivery prohibition, which was enacted in 2017, was that doing so would decriminalize a service that is popular with locals and weaken support for the cannabis proposal that will be on the ballot on November 8th. —- Terri A., Manhattan Beach

3. ** I love my husband so much. When I stare him down, my heart starts jackrabbiting out of my chest. —- Ali R., Manhattan Beach

4. ** I was involved in a car accident close to Redondo on Manhattan Beach Blvd and Aviation; it happened July 21st at around 8:30 pm … a drunk driver in a black sedan hit my red Corvette and put me in the hospital with 4 fractured ribs … a broken left arm that I had surgery on … and many abrasions about my face and legs … I was lucky to live … but having a hard time getting the police report from the Manhattan Beach Police department … if you have any info please email me at mikewilsoncomic@aol.com —- Mike Wilson, Redondo Beach

5. ** Just saw a kid get hit on an e-bike on Inglewood Ave, and Artesia. Sad. —- Rose R., Redondo Beach

6. ** Often, the thought of getting fast food is far superior to actually getting it. —- Darlene M., Manhattan Beach

7. ** All tall buildings were built by taller cranes. —- Ashley F., age 8., Manhattan Beach

8. ** Your MB Weekly is a real reason to love your inbox again. Congratulations on a great job. —- Oliva C., Manhattan Beach

9. ** Hello neighbors. Today I had my bag, wallet and documents stolen around 4pm. The thief broke my car window while parked at LA Fitness (W 147th st – Hawthorne). —- Shay Andrdade, Torrrace

10. ** As a former two-term Manhattan Beach Mayor and City Councilmember, I urge all voters to research your local candidates’ qualifications, and also the extent of their volunteer community service. Don’t be persuaded by slick ads, mailers, signs and social media. —- Wayne Powell, Manhattan Beach

11. ** The Redondo Beach City Council Aug. 2 approved the use of certain military-grade equipment by the Redondo Beach Police Department. The list includes an armored vehicle, explosive breaching apparatuses, flashbangs, tear gas, 40 mm less-lethal projectile launchers (bean bags, rubber bullets) and a .50 caliber rifle. —- Ed C., Manhattan Beach

12. ** I was at an animal farm with my granddaughter and saw someone gazing at the pigs and declaring “I love bacon” (over and over). I reminded him it was proof that the pigs are the more intelligent beings. —- Sandra T., Manhattan Beach

13. ** Be vigilant. There is a guy wearing a Steelers shirt riding a mountain bike that was checking for unlocked cars. He’s carrying a backpack and has a black face mask on. This happened on Manhattan Beach Blvd and Crest Lane. Keep an eye out. —- Olga Felix, Gardinia

14. ** Disney is not the same company I remember as a child. Too bad. —- Gail S., Manhattan Beach

15. ** Ranked “one of the most influential business books for the last decade” —- www.BrokenWindowsBook.com

16. ** I can sympathize with people’s pains but not their pleasures, especially Manhattan Beach. There’s something curiously boring about somebody else’s happiness – this close to the water. —- Alexi W., Manhattan Beach

17. ** Residents who have submitted Appeals to Highrose: Donald McPherson, Robert Schendel, George Bordokas, Mark Burton, Andrew Ryan. See all 5 Appeals to the project. Go to item #15. https://manhattanbeach.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=manhattanbeach_fd639465785141c6ada95b7663a19519.pdf&view=1&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

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MB Weekly 09/08/2022

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MANHATTAN BEACH MAYOR
STEVE NAPOLITANO:

“The rise in crime here and regionally represents a threat to our residents, visitors and businesses.”

Q: What is, from your preceptive, the most significant problem facing Manhattan Beach currently?
A: The rise in crime here and regionally represents a threat to our residents, visitors and businesses. If the people here in Manhattan Beach aren’t safe or don’t feel safe, everything else suffers. I would add to that the rise in groups that seek to divide our community to push their own agendas. We’ve always had a healthy dialogue about issues in our community and it’s been a fairly honest and open discussion in the past. Unfortunately, we’re seeing a lot of anonymous misinformation and name calling replace actual discussion and that’s unhealthy for any community.

Q: What has most surprised you in your time on the City Council?
A: I can’t name any one thing that has surprised me at this point – what I do love about serving is that every day brings new challenges and new opportunities. It’s never boring and I never get tired of it and I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve.

Q: Do we currently have an adequate number of police in Manhattan Beach to create a strong feeling of safety?
A: We ask this question of the Chief every year and we’re assured we have what we need but please know that council always looking for more. While we still have historically low crime rates, those are meaningless statistics to anyone who’s been a victim of crime and we want people to feel safe in Manhattan Beach, period. We’ve added more officers and patrols in our commercial areas and we’re looking to hire more. It’s not just the big headline incidents we want to address either – it’s the little things too that make up our quality of life. But it can’t just be about the number of cops we have either – we could put a cop on every street corner and still have crime. We’re all responsible for keeping Manhattan Beach safe. Nothing is more disheartening than reading a post on Nextdoor about an incident days after it happened instead of folks calling 911 when it’s actually happening. So we encourage everyone to join their local neighborhood watch and get involved. Working together, we can all make our community a safer place. As the Chief says, “if you see something, say something.”

Q: What is your favorite movie of all time?
A: I’m not sure if this counts, but I think Ken Burn’s “The Civil War” is among the best things put to film. I was raised on movies – foreign, domestic, silent, etc. so I have a long list of favorites, but the facts and the telling of The Civil War is unparalleled in my book.

Q: What changes have occurred in the City since the horrific, brazen smash and grab a little over a month ago?
A: I’m not sure why this was ever called a “smash and grab” – it was well coordinated armed robbery. The investigation is active and ongoing and I understand there are leads that can’t be discussed. We’ve increased patrols downtown with our cops on bike and foot as well as vehicle patrols throughout the city. As I said at the time, it was more than just an attack on a store owner, it was an attack on our entire community and it’s being treated as such.

Q: Do you use Pronouns in your official City work?
A: No, I still maintain my amateur status.

www.manhattanbeach.gov/government/city-council

MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
GO TO BED!

JUST 20% OF M.B. TEENS ARE GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP

According to a scientific sample of our 28,100 MB Weekly readers, at the age of 12, only 34% of participants slept at least eight hours. This statistic fell even further as the adolescents got older, falling to 23% at 14 and 19% at 16. Boys tended to sleep even less than adolescent girls. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, six to 12-year-olds should sleep for nine to 12 hours nightly, while 13 to 18-year-olds should sleep eight to 10 hours each night.

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

General Manager Jacob of SLAY Steak and Fish in Manhattan Beach.

MB WEEKLY:

Join The Party

“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”

Join 28,100 of your neighbors in receiving MB Weekly. The readership, which is 90% based in Manhattan Beach, covers some surrounding communities, including El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach.

To sign up to receive MB Weekly for free, go to: www.MBWeekly.net

Experts Say Dead Humpback Whale Spotted On Half Moon Bay Beach Likely Struck By Ship:

A dead humpback whale washed up at Manhattan Beach in Half Moon Bay on Sunday, which is just south of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The whale was first reported by beachgoers around 3 p.m., says the Marine Mammal Center. Scientists at The Marine Mammal Center suspect the humpback whale died due to injuries “consistent with a ship strike.” A team of experts from the Center and partners at the California Academy of Sciences performed a necropsy, or animal autopsy, on the dead whale to determine its cause of death.

Suspect In Deadly Dockweiler Beach DUI Crash Was Out On Bail For Prior DUI:

The family of a 21-year-old woman killed in a suspected DUI crash near Dockweiler Beach is demanding answers about the suspect, who police say was out on bail for a previous DUI earlier this year. The Los Angeles Police Department on Monday morning appeared at a news conference with the family of Jennifer Bledsoe-Bean, who was killed near Vista Del Mar and Imperial Highway on June 12. Police say the suspect, Neal Cooper, was arrested in February for a separate DUI case in Manhattan Beach and again on August 11 for the collision near Dockweiler Beach. He posted bail each time and was released. “One of the things that the family is upset about, and we’re not happy about either, is that despite his bail amount being set very high there was a bail reduction and he was able to bail out,” said LAPD Detective James Dickson.

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House in Manhattan Beach has been serving up delicious pancakes since 1961, and the current owners, have been here since 1973.

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
By Rachel Johnson

Police Chief

Based on recent calls MBPD has received regarding homelessness, noise complaints, and disorderly conduct, I would like to assure the community that the Police Department does not take these calls lightly. MBPD has dedicated additional resources to help us improve our response times to such quality-of-life issues.

MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Willi

“YES OR NO” INTERVIEW

Have you ever stolen money from a friend?
–NO. THAT IS AWFUL
Have you ever experienced an earthquake?
–YES. I’VE LIVED IN CALIFORNIA ALL MY LIFE.
Do you go to Dodgers games?
–NO
Would you get involved in an open relationship with someone?
–PERHAPS
Do you think that white lies are justifiable?
–YES

To be featured in “The Faces of Manhattan Beach,” send your photograph to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
By Mark Burton

Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach

Priority #1 should be expanding our MB Police Department by hiring more patrol officers, foot beat officers and establishing a Special Problems Unit for enhanced crime suppression and enforcement. Random and regular foot beat patrols in Downtown MB, North MB & El Porto and at the MB Mall are essential to prevent crime. As a former Prosecutor and General Counsel to LAPD and the Airport Police, I know that the presence of a police officer is the best deterrent to crime. Finally, we need to explore adopting a City Charter to hire our own City Prosecutor, in addition to providing our City with the greatest degree of local control of our zoning and land use matters.

www.burtonforcouncil.com

President Joe Biden Announces His Intent To Nominate Manhattan Beach Resident To Serve As A Key Leader In His Administration:

Gene Rodrigues

Gene Rodrigues is the Nominee for Assistant Secretary of Energy (Office of Electricity), U.S. Department of Energy. Rodrigues is a nationally recognized expert in clean energy policy and programs with over 30 years of professional experience in the field. Rodrigues is a Vice President in the Energy, Environment and Infrastructure practice at ICF, a global advisory and digital services provider. Prior to joining ICF, Rodrigues garnered 23 years of industry experience at Southern California Edison (SCE), one of the nation’s largest electric utilities. During his tenure at SCE, he represented the company in regulatory proceedings and held leadership positions over the company’s portfolio of demand-side management programs and policies, which helped to ensure the provision of affordable, reliable, and resilient electric service for over 15 million people in Southern California. He and his wife make their home in Manhattan Beach.

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Chase Meidroth has waited 21 years for this. T-ball led to Manhattan Beach Little League. The dream became clear when he was a Mira Costa Mustangs infielder. He wanted to play professionally.

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
By Phillip Cook

Manhattan Beach Financial Planner

The adage “short term pain for long term gain” comes to mind. The crazy inflation of the late ‘70s early ‘80s (13% plus) could not continue if consumers were going to have any buying power. Paul Volker, former chair of the Federal Reserve, jacked up interest rates to slow the economy. Slower economy equals more layoffs, equals fewer purchases (since money was dear) equals less demand equals lower prices. Bottom line is to slow demand. The inflation we’re seeing today is, to a large degree, what happens when the government increases the money supply. $13 trillion pushed out ($5.2 for COVID, $4.5 QE and $3 trillion for infrastructure) to offset the economic damage caused by Covid and to keep interest rates low. The $1 trillion of personal relief checks paid directly to taxpayers is probably why a lot of businesses can’t find enough workers. On August 14, an El Segundo Whole Foods employee told me that one specific part of the store wasn’t open because they are “short staffed.” Too busy spending free money to bother with working?

MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Ben

Feel free to share your photographs with 28,100 of your Manhattan Beach neighbors, including in El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Send to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Two MBPD officers conducted a traffic stop in the El Porto neighborhood. During the traffic stop, officers recovered a concealed ghost gun from an 18-year-old passenger in the car. The subject was arrested and booked into the MBPD Jail and the illegally possessed gun taken off the street.

MB WEEKLY – PET LOVE:

The folks of Manhattan Beach LOVE their pets. All told, 70% of households in the city owned a furry friend in 2022. Americans’ spending on their pets has skyrocketed in recent years, reaching over $123 billion in 2021.

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Max First, 32, won the 45th Catalina Classic by paddling from Catalina Island to Manhattan Beach Pier in 5:26:05. Alex Merrill, 30, of Seal Beach came in second (5:29:09), followed by last year’ winner, Scott Clausen, 26, of Seal Beach (5:31:41).

MB WEEKLY – IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

El Segundo  •  Hermosa Beach  •  Redondo Beach

** A Los Angeles jury ordered the El Segundo Unified School District to pay $1 million to a former El Segundo Middle School student after failing to intervene when the teenager was bullied for almost a year. The District was found negligent, including in the training and supervision of its employees, which a jury deemed was a factor in the harm suffered by Eleri Irons, who was 13 years old in the fall of 2017 when the bullying started, according to court documents filed last week. Irons suffered PTSD and self-harmed as a result of the bullying, Irons’ attorney Christa Ramey said in a statement.

** LAX reported more than 1.8 million international travelers passing through the airport in July, a 97% increase compared to the same month last year. That contributed to a nearly 14% total increase in passengers in July compared to a year ago, with 6.3 million people passing through the gates.

** In appreciation of their support of Torrance Memorial Medical center, donors were invited to dinner under Air Force One at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum on July 30.

WHO READS MB WEEKLY?

Russ Lesser, along with 28,100 other residents of Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.

To sign up to receive MB Weekly for free: www.MBWeekly.net

‘BEST DIVE BAR’ IN MANHATTAN BEACH:

ERCOLE’S 1101

A recent sample reader poll of the 28,100 weekly readers of MB Weekly has chosen Ercole’s 1101 as having the Best Dive Bar in Manhattan Beach. Ercole’s 1101 is a longstanding bar offering draft beer, pub food & billiards in a laid-back, neon-lit setting.

www.ercoles1101.com

MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:

Brunch in Manhattan Beach? “This fifth wine has bright apple and pear notes, with just the barest hint of a blinding headache.”

MB WEEKLY – VIDEO:

Beautiful sunny day in Manhattan Beach. Come take a stroll into the streets around Downtown Manhattan, the Pier, and The Strand bike path.

https://youtu.be/kL_mdk2Eg5Y

MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:

THE MANHATTAN BEACH COUNCIL HAS ENLISTED A COYOTE TRAPPER. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OR OPPOSED?

Please send your reply to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

Your Entrance Into The World Of Entertainment And Media:

ENTRY-LEVEL SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR FOR AWARD-WINNING, PROMINENT P.R. – BRANDING FIRM

PART-TIME, FLEXIBLE HOURS, WORK REMOTE FROM HOME: (Approximately 10 hours a week) “A chance in a lifetime in a lifetime of chance” Opportunity to begin a career in the dynamic world of entertainment media. If you have been longing to explore a career in the entertainment industry or media, this is your golden opportunity.

Salary $650 a month Benefits – Flexible schedule

mlmediapr2021@gmail.com

MB – BULLETIN BOARD:


1. ** Now hiring: Urban Plates in Manhattan Beach, call 424-350-0393 or apply online at www.urbanplates.com/careers.

2. ** With the open borders, it’s easy for criminals to enter our state and bring more violence and crime to our cities. These crimes can be well organized and each store should be more aware and prepared for unexpected robberies and violence. Our law enforcement must be alert for unexpected violence. —- Bonnie Scali, Manhattan Beach

3. ** On our recent vacation, our grandson’s luggage never arrived to our location after being lost. We needed to purchase clothes for a 10-year-old who only had what was worn to travel in. We arrived at a port and went directly into a store to buy him a few shirts. The owner took pity on us when I told him about our grandson’s missing luggage and gave me two additional nice shirts in the bag. It brought tears to my eyes, and I will never forget it. —- Lauren C., Manhattan Beach

4. ** All the Manhattan Beach world is a stage, and most are desperately unrehearsed. —- Paymon A., Manhattan Beach

5. ** Is there an afterlife – life after this life ends? There probably isn’t a human being who hasn’t asked this question at one time or another. And here’s the answer: If there is a God, there is an afterlife. It’s that simple. —- Claude K., Manhattan Beach

6. ** The problem with lawyer jokes is that lawyers don’t think they’re funny, and the rest of us don’t think they’re jokes. —- Stacey L., Manhattan Beach, a former lawyer

7. ** Raise your Google search ranking. Guaranteed. —- www.PRPrime.net

8. ** David Slay just opened a new restaurant in Hermosa. —- Victoria T., Manhattan Beach

9. ** Sometimes, honest to God, I think that not having to worry about your hair is a secret upside of death. —- Hailey B., Manhattan Beach

10. ** It’s hard to imagine how we could screw up higher education any more than we already have, but we’re about to – if we make sweeping student loan forgiveness a reality. —- Cici W., Manhattan Beach

11. ** We own Handel’s Ice Cream. A few years ago one of our customer’s grandsons was in a coma from a skateboarding accident whereby he didn’t wear a helmet. He lost the ability to go to UCSB. He almost died, so when I see children without helmets, I will remind them. —- Susan Danylik, Redondo Beach

12. ** I stopped my car at a three-way stop when I saw two preteens on an E-bike approaching the stop sign in the opposite direction. I assumed they were going to blow through the stop sign, so I patiently waited for them to go through the only reason I’m posting is that this could be very dangerous and distracting for some drivers. If these are your kids, please tell them to knock it off before they cause an accident that could also hurt them. —- Luna N., Redondo Beach

13. ** How about this for a new concept? Personal responsibility means holding yourself accountable for your words and actions, instead of blaming others or making constant excuses. It means taking responsibility for your own successes, but also – and this is even more important – for your own failures. —- Coach J.L., Manhattan Beach

14. ** My ex-husband was said to have two kinds of blood coursing through her veins: on her left side, her blood was lethal; on her right side, it was life-giving. —- Samantha G., Manhattan Beach

15. ** I don’t understand what the point of this is, but I woke up to what seems to be someone’s failed attempt to steal my FRONT? License plate… & then proceeded to lift my wiper blades, and to top it off, they removed my for sale sign from the back window? This happened on my property, right outside of my dining room, last night. I can’t decide where to be upset or concerned for this person’s mental health. —- Javier Mauleon, Torrance

16. ** There is no actual donkey in the Donkey Kong game. —- Sissy V., Manhattan Beach

17. ** So my husband’s car and my car both got broken into. He parked his car in the garage, right in front of our apartment. They broke into his car which was inside the garage, took his extra iPhone chargers and his ID but left $20 dollars for some reason. Be careful we never thought that in our quiet neighborhood, this would happen —- Perla Castellon, Redondo Beach

Comment / Hire / Share / Promote / Barter / Discuss
The MB Weekly Free Bulletin Board is your place to communicate for free with 28,100 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. The recipient should check this mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses.

MB Weekly 09/01/2022

MB WEEKLY – AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAYOR PRO-TEM RICHARD MONTGOMERY:

Q: What is, from your preceptive, the most significant problem facing Manhattan Beach currently?
A: The increase in crime, the LA County District attorney’s office refusal to prosecute misdemeanor crimes and how the city / police are addressing it.

Q: What has most surprised you in your time on the City Council?
A: The loss of civility between residents and the council.

Q: Do we currently have an adequate number of police in Manhattan Beach to create a strong feeling of safety?
A: Yes, along with a new proactive police chief (Rachel Johnson) we have hired 12 officers in the past year and are continuing to hire additional qualified officers.

Q: What is your favorite movie of all time?
A: Godfather (original).

Q: What changes have occurred in the City since the horrific, brazen smash and grab a little over a month ago?
A: Along with the reply to question #3 – we have reinstated downtown police foot patrols and increased overall police presence.

Q: Do you use Pronouns in your official City work?
A: No.

https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/government/city-council

MB WEEKLY:

READERSHIP EXPLODES TO OVER 27,000

“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”

The weekly readership of MB Weekly has exploded to over 27,120 in the last two (2) months. The readership, which is 90% based in Manhattan Beach, covers some surrounding communities, including El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach.

To sign up to receive MB Weekly for free, go to: www.MBWeekly.net

MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:

88% OF READERS SUPPORT FIRING
“The Man is a Disgrace, a Coward”

The Uvalde, Texas, school board unanimously voted to fire district Police Chief Pete Arredondo, who is the first officer to lose his job over the delayed enforcement response to the mass school shooting at Robb Elementary School. The decision comes three months after an 18-year-old gunman killed 19 students and two teachers – the worst attack on a U.S. elementary school since 2012.

A scientific sample poll of MB Weekly’s 25,840 readers revealed that 88% supported the firing. “The man is a disgrace, a coward. Of course, he should be fired!” said one prominent long-time Manhattan Beach resident and business owner who preferred to remain anonymous.

Manhattan Beach Calls For Residents And Businesses To Stop All Outdoor Watering For 15 Days In September:

Starting Tuesday, September 6, residents and businesses in Manhattan Beach are being called on to suspend outdoor watering for 15 days as a critical imported water pipeline is shut down for emergency repairs by the Metropolitan Water District (Metropolitan). Manhattan Beach is joined by its regional partners in answering this urgent water-saving call to maintain and stretch Southern California’s severely limited water supplies while Metropolitan repairs this critical pipeline. The restrictions will be in place through September 20.

Lifeguards Warn Of 6- to 8-Foot Shark Sighted Off Manhattan Beach:

A shark was sighted last week off the El Porto area of Manhattan Beach. The sighting occurred shortly before 5 p.m. and was confirmed by a lifeguard and two surfers, according to tweets from the Los Angeles County Lifeguards. The shark is estimated to be 6 to 8 feet long, lifeguards said. No signs of aggressive behavior were seen. Beachgoers and surfers were notified of the sighting, and Baywatch Redondo completed a sweep of the area with no findings, lifeguards said, adding that they would continue to monitor the situation.

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Sara Hughes dives for a ball during the quarterfinals of the AVP Manhattan Beach Open. Hughes and partner Kelley Kolinske won the women’s title.

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
By Hildy Stern

City Councilmember

It has sincerely been an honor to serve as your Manhattan Beach Mayor and City Councilmember. I love Manhattan Beach and the people who live here. Working with an incredible staff, dedicated community partners, my City Council colleagues, inspiring elected officials and our engaged community has been a privilege. Choosing not to seek another Council term has been a difficult and complicated decision, but also an important one for my family and for me. I have always led with the best interests of our city at heart, and am confident there are other extremely capable candidates willing to step up to keep our city moving in the right direction. There is, of course, a lot more work to be done, and I want to be a part of that in some capacity. I have always been actively involved in our community, and I intend to stay involved in ways that best serve our wonderful city going forward.

https://www.instagram.com/hildysternmbcc/?hl=en

MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Pedro – Born in Cuba

“YES OR NO” INTERVIEW

Have you ever been drunk at work?
–NO
Have you ever lied to your partner?
–WHITE-LIE
Do you think there’s such a thing as love at first sight?
–YES, I KNOW IT
Do you believe that the universe directs us in life?
–YES, HOW THE HELL DO YOU THINK I GOT OUT OF THE HELL-HOLE CALLED CUBA
Have you ever lost someone close to you?
–MANY TIMES
Is Manhattan Beach paradise?
–YES, LOOK AROUND
Has America become more socialist?
–TRAGICALLY, YES. THE STORY DOESN’T END WELL. HAVING LIVED IN CUBA, TRUST ME.

To be featured in “The Faces of Manhattan Beach,” send your photograph to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
By Lucia La Rosa

Manhattan Beach Conservatives

I went to Sand Dune park yesterday to drop off my son who had a meeting for his Eagle Scout project – I saw 3-4 individuals very loud blasting loud RAP music from their cars – very vulgar music with F words, N words, etc – and two of them really wanted to pick up a fight with me. They were by the parking lot smoking weed. I was in my car trying to put the harness on moxie and just peeked. They had a little kid in the car while they were outside leaning on the car smoking weed.

https://www.mbsafe.org/about-us

MB POWER COUPLE – Discussion Of Mental Health In The Documentary “Stay Alive”:

After retiring from his marketing job, Manhattan Beach resident Frank Kilpatrick made the decision to use his communication skills for public service. He had worked with his wife, Linda, for many years to enroll patients in clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies. However, after he and his wife retired and the pandemic erupted, they started making PSAs to convince difficult-to-reach communities to be immunized. As a producer of the documentary “Stay Alive: An Intimate Conversation About Suicide Prevention,” he made his most recent effort to raise awareness.

https://www.stayalivevideo.com/

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Board at Concerts in the Polliwog Park.

MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Nelly Penalonzo

Manager at Seabreeze Management Company

“YES OR NO” INTERVIEW


Have you ever been to summer camp?
–In Highs School
Have you ever caught a fish?
–NO
Have you ever seen a lion up close?
–NO
Have you ever moved to a new city?
–YES

www.seabreezemgmt.com

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
By Mike Michalski

Manhattan Beach

There is currently a county-wide crime wave that is washing over Manhattan Beach, a crime wave that’s been exacerbated by a County Board of Supervisors with a “defund the police” mentality, ill-conceived initiatives like Prop 47 and, yes, the rogue County DA George Gascon who helped write Prop 47 and who just last week avoided a November recall vote by the narrowest of margins. At every turn, his policies have prioritized sympathy for criminals over accountability and justice.

Gascon’s policies have directly impacted Manhattan Beach, and not just by emboldening gang criminality such as the armed looting of the downtown jewelry store that made headlines in June. His office also refuses to prosecute whole categories of crimes (so-called “quality of life” misdemeanors, including trespass, loitering, drug possession, criminal threats, public intoxication, even resisting arrest in some cases). This can be demoralizing to our MBPD when they arrest or cite for certain violations and gather and present evidence to the District Attorney only to be told his office is declining prosecution. Even worse, as the rabid ideologue he is, Gascon has petulantly refused to allow Manhattan Beach to seek alternative prosecution of these crimes through the Redondo Beach city attorney’s prosecutorial function, which offers the added benefit of allowing Manhattan Beach access to Redondo’s diversionary homeless court.

www.realestateedge.com

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

The MBee Fest (Manhattan Beach End Epilepsy) was held at Tower 12 in downtown Hermosa Beach two weeks ago (when the show was known as Epipalooza). Three bands were planned. PennyRoyal with MBee founder Slater Heidrich on bass; HB Crue with Tower 12 owner Greg Allen on drums, son Justin on guitar, and singer Perks. Anti-Groupies, Bierman Brothers, Poppy Harlo, Hudson Ritchie, Moi & Rico of Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds, XYZPDQ, Salem, and singer/actor Orion Askinosie also performed. Jason Meugniot and Jen Caskey sponsored the bands.

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
By Steve Revel

There’s a passage in Ernest Hemingway’s novel The Sun Also Rises in which a character named Mike is asked how he went bankrupt. “Two ways,” he answers. “Gradually, then suddenly.” So it is with the homeless problem and crime, lawlessness, and decay. It happens in two ways – gradually then suddenly.

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Acclaimed podiatrist Doctor Gary Briskin.

Esperanza Secret Lounge Temporarily Closed:

The upstairs lounge at Esperanza was a semi-secret place that was popular for private events, and when those weren’t booked it was the finest watering hole in Manhattan Beach. The space was cool, comfortable, and sophisticated, with a low enough volume level that you could enjoy conversations with your companions and the knowledgeable staff. Recently, the city has ordered it closed until a problem with their permits is sorted out.

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent Dr. John Bowes is joined by Hibah Samad, assistant superintendents Dawnalyn Murakawa-Leopard and Irene Gonzalez-Castillo as they greet students for the first day of school at Manhattan Beach Middle School on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

MB WEEKLY – AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
19 Migrants Saved Off Redondo Beach

19 Mexican migrants were rescued off Redondo Beach August 20. A Good Samaritan spotted the engine-less panga 18 miles from the coast. Coast Guard Station Los Angeles–Long Beach sent a small-boat rescue crew, a helicopter, and the Blackfin. Redondo Baywatch launched two boats. The crew found migrants who said the engine failed two hours earlier.

MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:

“You came to Manhattan Beach from a distant planet to ‘study humanity,’ but God forbid you help around the house.”

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Hildy Stern and MBUSD Board of Education President Sally Austin Peel are not among the 13 candidates who have filed for the November 7 election. Both are still serving their first terms and eligible for reelection. Peel expressed gratitude for her term on the school board but noted that the last two years, which included the pandemic and cultural wars targeting education, contributed to her decision not to seek reelection.

MB WEEKLY – READER NOTE:

** In last week’s issue of MB Weekly, the story of Chris Barra was first reported in MB News —- www.TheMBNews.com, published by Jeanne & Dave Fratello

MB – BULLETIN BOARD:


1. ** This happened to my friend two days ago. I was robbed at Costco Torrance. My purse was stolen behind me when one of them distracted me, they are a couple. All my credit cards, insurance cards, DL, SSCs, vaccination cards, uncashed checks, some cash and more. Of course, as soon as they left, they started using them right away. All cards were used with $300 each and one of them was made purchase of $3000. —- Yuko Tobari, Redondo Beach

2. ** Across the U.S., fewer kids are enrolling in public schools. Could it be that they’ve turned out to be horrible learning institutions that are more interested in indoctrinating our kids than teaching them? —- Claire J., Manhattan Beach, mother of three

3. ** Many seemed to long for immortality in Manhattan Beach who don’t know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon —- Debbie P., Manhattan Beach

4. ** Have you noticed, the insecure are the easiest for the woke lords to manipulate. —- Gabi H., Manhattan Beach

5. ** The Los Angeles City Council voted to prohibit homeless people from setting up tents within 500 feet of schools and day-care centers during a raucous meeting in which wild, radical protesters shouted down council members. What the Hell took them so long to protect kids? —- Dr. Ash B., Manhattan Beach

6. ** Teenage gang terrorized my husband. A teenage gang surrounded and terrorized my disabled husband when he was exiting El Segundo Ride Aid last night around 8pm, verbally abusing him and scaring him to the point that he thought they were going to attack him. He had merely entered the store to pick up a prescription and he made neutral eye contact with one of them on the way in. What kind of parents allow their children to behave in such a cruel way? —- Nicolette Aubourg, El Segundo

7. ** I love your new MB Weekly! —- Rhonda C., Manhattan Beach

8. ** Bruce Moe is an excellent city manager who cares deeply about resident’s safety, treating his staff fairly, and about ensuring the city’s financial stability. —- Russ Lesser, Manhattan Beach

9. ** Our little town, which is already too crowded, will experience even more parking and traffic problems. The low-profile, friendly feel of Manhattan Beach, which has served us so well. —- Lynne S. Gross, Manhattan Beach

10. ** Remember, friends, what a child doesn’t receive he can seldom later give. —- Naomi Q., Manhattan Beach

11. ** I’m sick and tired of restaurants using COVID as an excuse for horrible service. —- Blake F., Manhattan Beach, a former restaurant owner in the South Bay

12. ** The Redondo Beach city council paused its retail marijuana ordinance Tuesday night to check on the possibility of a public vote for it in March – a chance to supersede a competing initiative on the ballot in October. —- William B., Manhattan Beach

13. ** According to Joe Biden’s approval polls within the first six quarters of his tenure, he has achieved the lowest of any president ever recorded on record. —- Gloria Z., Manhattan Beach

14. ** There should be a special place in Hell for conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. —- Tanner H., Manhattan Beach

15. ** Dear God, please don’t allow Manhattan Beach to turn into Santa Monica! —- Steve and Susan T., Manhattan Beach

Comment / Hire / Share / Promote / Barter / Discuss
The MB Weekly Free Bulletin Board is your place to communicate for free with 25,800 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. The recipient should check this mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses.