MB WEEKLY – ASK THE FORMER MAYORS:
QUESTION: WE HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM READERS ABOUT THE GROWING PROBLEM WITH COYOTES IN MANHATTAN BEACH. ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE CITY’S ACTIONS KEEPING ITS RESIDENTS SAFE FROM THESE DANGEROUS ANIMALS?
Wayne Powell: The city can always do more to ensure the safety of our residents and their pets by utilizing animal control more to humanely capture and relocate coyotes out of our city.
Mark Burton: The City’s “Coyote Management and Response Plan” is wholly inadequate. The City Council of Torrance took the most appropriate action by adopting a yearlong trapping program. Although this option was presented to the MB City Council, they neglected to adopt such a program. I believe they should do so, and do so sooner than later. It’s the right thing to do. And, it only costs $40,000 a year to keep our residents, children and pets safe.
Bob Holmes: The coyote population is definitely increasing, both here in Manhattan Beach and in the other beach cities. The problem is obvious. The solution is not. If we eliminated all coyotes in Manhattan Beach either by killing or relocating them, that would only be a temporary solution as they would relocate here from adjoining cities. This is a problem that requires multi-city agreement and cooperation. Ay, there’s the rub. There are strong constituencies for eradicating them (killing them), relocating them, and learning to live with them as the new normal. My guess is that polling would show pretty even votes for each of those three options. That division in voter sentiment makes a regional solution even tougher. I spent my early years in a rural area and was in 4-H. That personally leads me to favor a program to trap and then euthanize them. Again, that would be ineffective unless a number of cities agreed and participated.
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Surprising Trend – 31% Of Readers Juggle Two Jobs
In a recent MB Weekly reader poll, 31% reported holding down two jobs. This statistic highlights the growing financial pressures even in the affluent South Bay area. With rising costs and increasing demands, a significant portion of the community works overtime to maintain their lifestyles and support their families. The poll further reveals that most of these dual-income earners are under 55, underscoring the economic challenges younger residents face despite the area’s high average income.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
FORMER MB MAYOR DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY ON MASSIVE HOUSING PROJECTS:
Manhattan Beach is on the brink of dramatic change, with five proposed apartment complexes totaling over 1,000 units, including a 10-story and a 7-story building planned for the former Fry’s Electronics site. Yet, residents remain in the dark, warns a former mayor calling for immediate transparency from city leaders. “The City’s Community Development Director will approve these projects without public awareness or input,” former Mayor Mark Burton stated. “This is a total and utter lack of transparency!” The Fry’s site project is particularly contentious, given its proximity to one of the busiest intersections in the South Bay and its history as the former Allied Chemicals location – a site flagged in a prior Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for potential health and safety risks. The former mayor urges the City Council to provide a transparent, public process where residents can learn about these projects and voice their opinions. “Having a 10-story building in Manhattan Beach is a seismic shift for our community,” he continued. “Residents deserve better than to be kept in the dark like mushrooms.” The community now waits to see if the Council will heed these concerns or if the approval process will proceed quietly behind closed doors.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Community activist Joe Marcy celebrating New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas.
The increasing price of eggs in Manhattan Beach. Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – MEET:
Ann Shumbo, Real Estate Agent, Vista Sotheby’s International Realty
With nearly two decades of experience living in the South Bay, Ann Shumbo brings a deep understanding of the Manhattan Beach community and its surrounding neighborhoods. Originally from the East Coast, she was drawn to the area’s unique blend of small-town warmth and coastal sophistication. Ann’s professional background includes a career in International Fashion Logistics, where she collaborated with Fortune 500 companies, honing her organizational skills, negotiation, and attention to detail. These experiences translate seamlessly into her real estate work, where she specializes in luxury properties and assists clients with buying, selling, and relocation. In addition to her real estate expertise, Ann holds a degree in Interior Design, which enables her to help clients present their homes at their best. She values clear communication and is known for her approachable, detail-oriented style, ensuring a smooth experience for all involved. Based in Manhattan Beach, Ann combines local insight with a global perspective, helping clients navigate one of California’s most dynamic markets.
www.SothebysRealty.com
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Susan Boettner (Broker Associate)
Oof. Well, I know we have a need for housing, but I was really hoping that whatever was being done at the Fry’s site would benefit the entire community not just those who live there, or the developers who participate in it. Call it lofty but I was hoping someday there would be a pedestrian bridge across Rosecrans as well as across Sepulveda. Retail feels more appropriate in my opinion, and because this is the gateway to Manhattan Beach it would’ve been great to have iconic signage that introduces travelers to our beautiful community.
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Your Chance To Shape Manhattan Beach:
City Seeks Volunteers For Key Commissions
The City of Manhattan Beach calls on engaged and community-minded residents to step forward and make a difference by serving on its Boards and Commissions. The available seats include:
- Parking and Public Improvements Commission – Seat No. 2
- Cultural Arts Commission – Seat No. 5
- Library Commission – Seat No. 3
Applicants must be registered voters and residents of Manhattan Beach. The deadline to apply is January 10, 2025, at 4:00 pm.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Former longtime City Councilman Richard Montgomery.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lucia La Rosa
What do you do if a friend calls you at 11:45 pm on NYE and asks you to pick up 33 cases of wine from her store that she is donating to various ministries of American Martyrs Church that don’t fit in her van? If that friend is Heather Kim, of course, you say yes! So this is where I was at midnight! Heather Kim went through a tough time with the closure of her business and how the closure was handled. Still, in hard times, people reveal their nature – her friends and the entire community love Heather because she is loving and generous and has proved it to the end.
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MB Weekly & Urban Plates Unite For
“We All Walk In Different Shoes”
Annual Drive:
DONATE A PAIR OF USED SHOES
AND RECEIVE A $5 URBAN PLATES GIFT CARD
MB Weekly and Urban Plates are thrilled to announce the return of their annual “We All Walk In Different Shoes” Drive, running from January 15 – January 31, 2025, at Urban Plates in Manhattan Beach. This meaningful event invites the community to step forward with generosity and compassion by donating gently used shoes to benefit the L.A. Mission. Participants who donate a pair of used shoes during the drive will receive a FREE $5 Urban Plates gift card as a heartfelt thank-you for making a difference in the lives of others. “Every step we take in life shapes our journey. Through this drive, we aim to help those in need take their next step with dignity and hope,” said Marvin Mack, regional director of Urban Plates. “We are proud to partner with MB Weekly to support the vital work of the L.A. Mission.”
How to Participate
- What: Donate gently used shoes
- Where: Urban Plates, 2650 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach
- When: January 15 – January 31, 2025
- Why: To support the L.A. Mission and uplift our community
The donated shoes will go directly to individuals experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, providing them with a vital resource to navigate their journey toward stability. “This partnership exemplifies what happens when a community comes together to create meaningful change,” said Darby Winston, co-editor of MB Weekly. “Each pair of shoes donated represents a step toward hope and healing for someone in need.” Join us in this powerful movement of giving. Visit www.UrbanPlates.com for more details and help spread the word!
www.UrbanPlates.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Amber, general manager of MB Postal.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by (Name withheld by request)
I frequently go to the Ralph’s Market at the Manhattan Village Mall. About a week ago I started to notice this police car #197 parked in the same spot every time I went there. I have never seen officers walking around the area which makes me think this high cost vehicle is just parked there. I wonder if this fools anyone. I also wonder if this is good use of an asset that probably costs close to $100,000. Finally, I wonder what other people think.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Hero Remembered – MBPD Honors Officer Martin Ganz, 30 Years After Tragic Loss:
The Manhattan Beach Police Department recently solemnly remembered Officer Martin Ganz, who made the ultimate sacrifice on December 27, 1993. A dedicated Marine Corps veteran, Officer Ganz was just 29 years old when his life was tragically taken in the line of duty. Known for his relentless pursuit of DUI offenders and commitment to the D.A.R.E. program, Officer Ganz’s legacy continues to inspire. His sacrifice reminds us of the risks officers face daily to protect our communities.
IT IS TIME TO SPEAK UP!
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Manhattan Beach Moves Forward With Long-Term Outdoor Dining Vision – Join In:
Manhattan Beach is cooking up plans for a permanent outdoor dining program, and residents and businesses are invited to join the conversation. The City will host its second Outdoor Dining Community Workshop on Monday, January 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Joslyn Community Center, 1601 N Valley Drive. The workshop will feature updates on the proposed program and provide a platform for community feedback, ensuring the vision reflects local needs and preferences. Don’t miss your opportunity to weigh in on this exciting initiative. Learn more by visiting www.manhattanbeach.gov/outdoordining. For additional details, contact Jaehee Yoon at (310) 802-5513 or via email.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Happy team members at Fête Bistro by Slay in downtown Manhattan Beach.
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
December 26 to January 01, 2024
- 642 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 5 ARRESTS
- 8 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 36 CRIME REPORTS FILED
Notable Events:
** On 12/28/24 at approximately 12:15 a.m., officers responded to the area of Ralph’s (2700 N Sepulveda Boulevard) regarding three subjects who were observed by mall security jumping over a residential wall from The Village. … Officers checked The Village and located a residence that was burglarized. Officers contacted the resident, who was on vacation, and determined that jewelry was stolen.
** On 12/29/24 at approximately 9:39 p.m., officers responded to the area of 18th Place and Highland Avenue regarding a theft suspect being detained by a group of people. … The group used GPS trackers in the stolen bags to track the suspect. The victims were able to recover some of their stolen items. The suspect was arrested.
** On 12/31/24 at approximately 11:15 p.m., officers were flagged down … four male juveniles were confronted by a group of six to seven male juveniles wearing ski masks near the pier. The group of four attempted to flee the suspects, with three being successful, and one was robbed (strongarm) for their shirt and shoes.
MB WEEKLY – R.I.P.:
Ronald E. Petree, 83, of Manhattan Beach for more than 50 years, passed away December 24, 2024. Petree moved from North Kansas City, MO, and worked as a lithographer in the printing industry before retiring. Known for his walks through town, he was a familiar face at The Kettle, Uncle Bill’s, and Ercole’s.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Nab Haradi
Hey, community! I just relocated from Texas for a good job as an electrical engineer, and my ex is objecting to relocating my kids to Manhattan Beach because, as he said to the court, it’s terrible for the kids! Could you please provide something I can say?
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
Intriguing People. Intriguing Community.
www.MBWeekly.net
Manhattan Beach Seeks Volunteers For 2025 Homeless Census:
As the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count approaches, Manhattan Beach officials call for volunteers to join this critical effort, set to begin January 21 and span three days across 4,000 square miles. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) aims to recruit thousands of volunteers for 8,000 shifts to tally unsheltered individuals, tents, vehicles, and makeshift shelters. Volunteers work in four groups, each lasting 3-4 hours, including a brief training session. Participants must be 18 years old and can register individually or as teams.
1. ** Despite being red and green, watermelons are never associated with Christmas. Why? —- Silvia T.
2. ** Christmas night, around 10:15 pm, we were startled by a series of 5-10 minutes-long, jarring detonations. Sleep was elusive thereafter. —- Jeremy H.
3. ** The legendary Morrison Hotel that gained fame with a Doors album cover burned in a fire over the holidays. —- Clay T.
4. ** Kids are on their best behavior right before Christmas. Adults are on their best behavior right after New Year’s. —- Kevin A.
5. ** Two teens (girls) weaving through heavy Sepulveda traffic in Manhattan Beach on e-bikes? Absurd. Parents, it’s time to teach your kids some basic common sense. That road is chaos, filled with reckless drivers. This isn’t a harmless thrill – it’s downright dangerous. Wake up, folks! Protect your kids before their poor decisions end in tragedy. —- Erica P.
6. ** Get off Tinder! —- Paul W.
7. ** Best thing I read this year: The World of Yesterday by Stefan Zweig. —- Beth W.
8. ** Imane Khelif, a male Algerian boxer allowed to beat up women for gold at Paris 2024, has been voted 3rd place for AP Female Athlete of the Year. —- Alison S.
9. ** Special MB kudos to Rita Crabtree-Kampe, Lucia LaRosa Ames & Lee Phillips for their heart & help for the homeless. —- Fred T.
10. ** My husband Todd says ‘fewer sleepovers’ is the route to teen success. I say it’s the cornerstone of American childhood – or at least it was my own. —- Lyn H.
11. ** Why are so many businesses closing in the downtown area of Manhattan Beach? —- Luke R.
12. ** Finding the perfect bra is easier said than done. I should know – I went through scores of ill-fitting, unsupportive, boob-pancaking let-downs in the South Bay in my search for the best bras. —- Emma S.
13. ** “See you next year” jokes on New Year’s Eve are essentially the gateway drug to dad jokes. Holy Hell! —- Aaron S.
14. ** I am happy Manhattan Meats is taking over. The burgers at Erc’s just would not be the same. —- Phil C.
15. ** South Bay Galleria chaos! Christmas Eve morning saw brazen grab-and-go thefts, and now an overnight break-in adds insult to injury. Where’s the security? This used to be a shopping haven, not a crime hotspot. Shoppers and businesses deserve better protection – it’s time for action, not excuses! —- Erica K.
16. ** When you live in a community for decades, sometimes it is sad to see some of your favorite places go, but it also means something new and different is coming to town, which is exciting. I love that Manhattan Meats is expanding; I mainly go into the Grocery for the meat department, so I’m super curious about what they will be adding. —- Ed K.
17. ** Be It Resolved! Cold-call friends. Read more Shakespeare. Get engaged. Emote more! —- Samantha G.
18. ** Did you know that only a few states routinely test the blood of drivers involved in serious accidents for marijuana? As a result, little is known about how cannabis use is affecting road safety. Police officers generally need a warrant to compel a driver suspected of being impaired to provide a blood sample. —- Dr. Thomas K.
19. ** Thieves ransacked my car this weekend, stealing $205 – including money from a Christmas card! Crime in my area is uncontrollable, and it’s beyond frustrating. I couldn’t even report it because I rushed to help someone and had to clean up the mess. Enough is enough – something needs to change! —- Oliver T.
20. ** When you’re singing along to your radio, you’re probably part of a chorus of thousands of commuters throughout Manhattan Beach. —- Ginger B.
21. ** As for the Fry’s site transformation, how could this not be required to go through City Council or the planning commission? Absolutely the wrong direction for Manhattan Beach! —- Kristine S.
22. ** Isn’t it interesting that the kind of people who talk about the root causes of crime never include leniency? —- Bob H.
23. ** Dr. Padilla is the best Dentist in the South Bay! —- M.B.
24. ** DUI $12,000 – Funeral $15,000 – Uber $20. —- Fred R.
25. ** Trapped inside Morgan’s Jewelry in Torrance as cops swarm the place. I have no clue what’s happening, but the tension is unreal. It feels like a movie, except it’s terrifyingly real. Hoping everyone stays safe – this is NOT how I planned to spend my day. —- Justine B.
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