MB WEEKLY AND URBAN PLATES
JOIN HANDS TO SPONSOR
SHOE DRIVE:
GIVE SHOES, GET A GIFT CARD
MB Weekly, in collaboration with Urban Plates, is proud to announce its partnership in hosting a shoe drive to support the community and positively impact the lives of those in need. The initiative encourages residents to contribute to the cause by donating a pair of used shoes, with the added incentive of receiving a $5 Urban Plates gift card in return. To participate in this charitable endeavor, interested individuals can bring gently worn or new shoes to Urban Plates Manhattan Beach between January 15th and January 31st. This limited-time opportunity provides an opportunity to declutter, give back, and reward donors with a token of appreciation through a $5 Urban Plates gift card. The collected shoes will be donated to the Los Angeles Mission, a reputable organization that serves the homeless community. The collaboration between MB Weekly and Urban Plates aims to impact those facing homelessness by providing them with essential footwear.
www.UrbanPlates.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Four individuals were riding in a stolen car down Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach attempting to mask their thievery by putting two different unreported stolen plates on their already stolen car. Despite their attempts to go unnoticed, driving down Sepulveda at 10 p.m. with no headlights attracted unwanted attention. The driver tried to get away from officers in the Manhattan Village parking lot but headed the wrong way straight toward other officers and was blocked in. Four suspects + stolen credit cards, stolen I.D. cards, stolen license plates, and some drug paraphernalia were all found in the car.
www.ManhattanBeach.gov/Departments/Police-Department
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
74% FEEL “THINKING LIKE A VICTIM” LEADS TO POVERTY
In a recent MB Weekly Reader poll, 74% of respondents believed that adopting a “Think Like A Victim” mindset leads individuals down the path to poverty. The concept suggests that viewing oneself as a victim hinders personal growth and success, which has sparked heated debates across various social and professional circles. Proponents argue that cultivating a victim mentality may foster dependency and hinder proactive problem-solving. As society grapples with the implications of this ideology, the MB Weekly Reader poll results underscore the importance of ongoing conversations surrounding resilience, mindset, and their profound impact on economic well-being.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Fred Taylor
(Manhattan Beach)
I am writing in response to Stacy G.’s commentary in this week’s [1/4/2024] edition of “MB Weekly.” First, I have nothing but compassion for the G. family. I cannot imagine how to handle an announcement of an 11-year-old offspring of mine announcing they were the wrong gender. My heart goes out to the family. Those are extremely turbulent parental waters. I harbor no hate for them or any trans people. In fact, it’s just the opposite. My heart goes out to them. What I do hate is the notion that our community is required to pay the price for their offspring’s emotional and mental challenges. Fourteen of our equally precious daughters on the Mira Costa tennis team had their sexual dignity violated this Fall. And, surely, one of our girls didn’t make the team to make the way for M’s biological advantage. While I’ve advocated this position publicly, I’ve never mentioned the G.’s name out of respect for their privacy. M’s dad said in a “Daily Beast” article of 2020 [https://www.thedailybeast.com/my-transgender-daughter-loves-tennis-let-her-play-it-in-peace] “Just let our daughter play in peace.” My response is, let our daughters also play in peace. Ironically, as a Jew, Stacy’s own scriptures in the Torah say, “God made them male and female” [Genesis 1:27]. And if we agree to look at the science, M still has and will always have an “X and a Y” chromosome, never 2 Xs. That’s the Creator’s mark of His handiwork. Gender dysphoria has always been a mental health issue until recent years with the hard-left, anti-Judeo-Christian, progressive political movement. I invite Stacy G. to meet me for coffee at any time to discuss our differences. I’m available at ‘dadlovessailing@gmail.com’.
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The Rockefeller:
Burger Tuesdays – Tuesdays at 3p.m.
Join us for burger Tuesday, gourmet burgers for two bucks at all locations starting at 3pm (until we run out!) Our chef rotates the burger recipe each month, using only the highest quality ingredients. See you every Tuesday for the best deal in the South Bay!
*with purchase of a beverage $6 or more
*no takeout, not available on Holidays
www.EatRockefeller.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Dr. Amanda G.
(Manhattan Beach)
In our 11-year marriage in Manhattan Beach, my husband and I stumbled upon an unexpected secret to marital bliss: sleep divorce. The adage “absence makes the heart grow fonder” took on new significance, proving that it also enhances the quality of our sleep. Recent research from the University of Michigan supports our unconventional choice, revealing that couples may benefit more from separate sleeping arrangements for an undisturbed eight hours. This trend aligns with a growing movement as couples, inspired by celebrities like Cameron Diaz, challenge the stigma around sleeping in separate rooms. Termed a “sleep divorce,” one in three Americans is prioritizing individual sleeping spaces for improved health and relationship well-being, according to a recent survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. This shift correlates directly with the number of U.S. citizens not achieving adequate sleep, as the Centers for Disease Control reported. Sleep divorce is a practical solution for a healthier and happier marriage in a society where rest is often sacrificed.
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Mia
“Unofficial Mayor of Hermosa Beach” LaRocca
Realtor Lenny LaRocca’s Mia.
www.LaRoccaRealEstate.com
Manhattan Beach Coworking Becomes Comedy Speakeasy:
Sean Leary and a lineup of stand-up comedians will perform at Unita, a co-working space at 516 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Saturday, February 3 at 8 p.m. for the second year – a twist. Leary said they are rearranging the room and furniture under dim light to recreate an old-fashioned parlor. “It’s not going to be like a comedy club; it will be more like a lounge,” Leary remarked of the 60-person venue. Leary said tailored cocktails may be available.
Manhattan Beach Half-Acre Hilltop Mansion Costs $20 Million:
MLS listing: $19.9 million hilltop ocean-view mansion with Manhattan Beach’s largest lot. A 1998 Mediterranean-style 6,604-square-foot house with five bedrooms and six bathrooms sits on nearly a half-acre on two nearby properties. The property has a large lawn, a lap pool with inlaid fountains, a Jacuzzi, a covered poolside deck, and a full-size sports court. The listing states that the backyard was “grandfathered before SB 330” and “cannot be duplicated in new construction.” In January 2020, the Senate mandated on-site one-to-one replacement of demolished dwelling units. The sellers bought the properties for $3.5 million in July 2003 and $5.25 million in April 2014. The second lot house was demolished to make a yard. “Today’s codes would require that a garage and structure be replaced, it can no longer be open land,” listing agent Jennifer Caskey of Compass noted via email. This makes 808 John Street special. The largest lot on the market in Manhattan Beach lies west of Sepulveda in the hill section, making it even more attractive.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Clay Tobias
Selfishness has a negative reputation, and for the most part, that reputation is well-deserved. No one loves hoggers, possibly because we perceive them as a reflection of our underlying penchant for greed. Although we claim to care about others, we nevertheless take the bread from the middle of the loaf, as the comedian George Carlin used to remark. There are numerous other benefits to not being selfish, in addition to avoiding hypocrisy and public relations problems. According to research, kind and generous people tend to be happier, healthier, more well-liked, and more successful. We must all have some self-interest, though. What one Tibetan Buddhist teacher called “idiot compassion” would be if we were always thinking about others but remaining passive and generally acting like doormats.
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Bertha Mae’s Brownies:
www.BerthaMaesBrownies.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Sharon Z.
(Manhattan Beach)
As a discerning resident of the South Bay community, I feel compelled to express my appreciation for the invaluable contribution of MB Weekly to our local discourse. In an era of biased, partisan information, this digital publication stands out as a beacon, unwavering in its commitment to independence and unbiased reporting. The insightful articles and thought-provoking analyses are a great gift to our community, fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. In an age where truth is often elusive, MB Weekly’s dedication to impartiality is fresh air. Thank you for providing us with a reliable source of impartial truth.
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Recent Crime In Manhattan Beach:
Manhattan Beach Police responded to a shooting, an Apple Store break-in in Manhattan Village, and a domestic burglary in the last week of the holidays. Manhattan Police spotted a guy who was shot in the street on New Year’s Day in the 1400 block of 11th Street around 1:23 a.m. Police have not identified the individual, who was critically ill at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. “This is not believed to be a random attack, although many of the circumstances remain unknown,” MBPD stated in a news release. Call MBPD Detective Seth Hartnell at (310) 802-5127 with any information about the incident. MBPD officers found a damaged window at Manhattan Village Mall’s west entrance, and the Apple Store’s front door at 3 a.m. on Dec. 21. Many iPhones from display tables were stolen. The Gardena Police Department helped MBPD apprehend one suspect. Investigations continue. On Dec. 27, a guy threatened Macy’s Manhattan Village Mall staff with a firearm and stole gold jewelry from display cases. The man ran north through the exit. An investigation continues. An unknown Manhattan Beach business had its front glass smashed and a desk plundered on Dec. 21 and 22 in a third commercial robbery. This case is also under investigation. The MBPD is also investigating a domestic burglary between Dec. 23 and 27. Home garage theft included a package and a car. The MBPD received 45 crime complaints from Dec. 21 – 27. Vehicle burglaries fell after rising earlier in the month. Dec. 21 – 27 saw three vehicle burglaries, down from 15 the week before.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Gracie
A Manhattan Beach Resident Since 2022
YES OR NO QUESTIONS
Do you own a house in Manhattan Beach? –NO
Do you ever hope to own a house in Manhattan Beach? –YES
Are you vegan? –YES
Have you smoked at least one cigar in the last year? –YES
Have you ever gotten a DUI? –NO
MB WEEKLY – COLUMNIST:
Rita Crabtree-Kampe
(Community Activist)
(Last week we ran this story with unfortunate grammatical errors, we are rerunning it in an effort to improve its clarity.)
When I ran for City Council in 2022, I was shocked to hear that the fee for maintaining our aging storm drain infrastructure had not been increased since my daughter was born in 1996! The annual fees collected plus funds from Measure W, account for 10-20% of costs needed to sustain/repair the aging system and the General Fund (GF) has supplemented the additional costs of operation. Reaching into the GF is not sustainable and comes with hidden costs to homeowners and businesses. The price being cuts in other important services and programs, and depletion of what was once a plentiful GF. Be aware that the MB Storm Drain Measure is not a tax. It is a fee. A fee is charged for specific purposes and may not exceed actual costs. The City Council will consider the budget presented by staff yearly to assess funds needed. Each eligible voter has received a MB Storm Drain Measure ballot with a leaflet that provides facts and contact information to answer questions. There is one question on the ballot: Shall we increase the fee to current day costs to support storm drain improvements, maintenance, and operations? Yes or No
Know the FACTS, and vote by January 17, 2024
- www.manhattanbeach.gov/StormDrainMeasure
- (310)802-5550
- Email: stormdrainmeasure@manhattanbeach.gov
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MB WEEKLY – A DIFFERENT VIEW:
Dressed in black in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton
(Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
If Downtown MB is our “Crown Jewel” commercial district, why is there absolutely no police presence? Ever! Just this past Holiday Season, Downtown MB was swamped with visitors and tourists. Yet, you couldn’t find a police officer at any time of the day, regardless of how large the crowds. That’s outrageous! It’s also dangerous! Let me put it bluntly. We need a regular police presence in Downtown MB before a public safety disaster. With the consistent failure to have a police officer presence in Downtown MB for years and years, we have already had two smash and grab robberies at gunpoint. Yet, our City continues the narrative that they have police patrols in Downtown MB. Why such a narrative when every merchant in Downtown MB knows it to be false? It’s time to make a police presence in Downtown MB a top priority before it’s too late.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
www.MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Sara Garcia
So when we informed you that a Los Angeles city firefighter made more than $500,000 in overtime alone last year, there was shock and astonishment. Let’s continue our enlightening journey through public wage data by examining the county employees of California. Surprise! More and more data suggests that municipal governments’ public safety oversight is flawed. Which is to say, they spend a ton of money on it, especially for firefighters, and there might be some manipulation going on.
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MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“These ornaments have been in the family since the Great Manhattan Beach Target Clearance Sale of 2012.”
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
DO YOU HAVE A CLOSE FRIEND OR RELATIVE WITH BAD BREATH?
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1. ** Is David Lesser related to Russ Lesser? —- Quinn V., Manhattan Beach
2. ** On average, children want ten times more attention, toys, freedom, and so on than they actually need. —- Beth M., PhD, Manhattan Beach
3. ** I love Nando Trattoria in Manhattan Beach. —- Seth L., Hermosa Beach
4. ** My mom loved Christmas so much, she would sometimes leave the tree up until April. —- Peggy N., Manhattan Beach
5. ** Mike McAvin, a native of Manhattan Beach and longtime instructor at Mira Costa, passed away earlier this week following a battle with a serious disease. —- Roland E., Manhattan Beach
6. ** Boo! Redondo Beach is setting the stage for the marijuana industry to enter the city. The City Council recently directed staffers to draft a resolution to implement a 5% tax on future cannabis sales and an application process for potential dispensaries to open in Redondo eventually. —- Samatha G., Hermosa Beach
7. ** Traveling lets us imagine all the lives we might have. —- Ken S., Manhattan Beach
8. ** Dear MB Weekly: Your interview with Chef David Slay was great. Inspiring gent. —- Rhonda C., Manhattan Beach
9. ** At about 1:45 am, could anyone in Hermosa near Manhattan Ave @ 28th St. hear 1-2 ladies screaming in danger and laughing? It sounded like a manic episode, not physical distress. —- Ronald E., Manhattan Beach
10. ** If you think America is a mess, don’t think about Canada. It’s way worse. The country feels like a national contest for who can be the most extraordinary victim. Awful. —- Oliva H., Manhattan Beach
11. ** The Simon Wiesenthal Center urges people not to buy Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. —- Ava R., Manhattan Beach
12. ** My Christmas present from my boss, who seems attracted to me, was some fancy underwear. He said it was his assistant’s error and that it was intended for his wife when I voiced my outrage. Do I have to believe him? —- Holly C., Manhattan Beach
13. ** If your kids are fond of Cardi B., I suggest you quickly get them to a psychiatric ward. —- Dr. Bethany M., Manhattan Beach
14. ** Pedro Enriquez — (310) 874-4078 – Pep’s Plumbing. I use him every time and have referred him to several friends. Good guy. —- Roman V., Manhattan Beach
15. ** I had a flakey experience with Ace Handyman. No return calls. —- Alice W., Manhattan Beach
16. ** If you want to go to an unclean, horribly run fast food restaurant, try Carl’s Jr. in Hawthorne. Gross. —- Christopher L., Manhattan Beach
17. ** I agree with Sara Garcia. —- Ed M., Manhattan Beach
18. ** Strangers in parking lots … A similar incident happened to my wife in the Bristol Farms parking lot. My wife was not as fortunate. The stranger got away with one of my wife’s credit cards. Be ALERT at all times. —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach
19. ** After years of atheism, I went searching for the truth. I found Buddhism, then witchcraft, and eventually, Christianity. —- Paul G., Manhattan Beach
20. ** It was my first visit to Bruxie Chicken and Waffles in El Segundo – mediocre and expensive food. I won’t be back. —- Charlene V., Manhattan Beach
21. ** Be wary of low-lives who steal packages. —- Sandra Y., Manhattan Beach
22. ** George Gascón is running for re-election. This sentence sounds like the start of a sick joke. Look around. Gascon is a disaster. Out! Out! Out! —- George W., Manhattan Beach
23. ** Of all the ways the body can go wrong, A.L.S. is one of the most frightening. It begins subtly – a twitching muscle, a cough when you swallow, or a clumsy hand. But then it progresses. Motor neurons degenerate and die. You lose the ability to talk, to eat, and ultimately to breathe. There is no cure. —- Mia L., Manhattan Beach
24. ** If you want to defeat George Gascon and return “sanity” to the D.A.’s office, vote for Nathan Hochman! —- Lindsay K., Manhattan Beach (Gascon crime victim)
25. ** Without an ID, you can’t get into a Costco or Sam’s Club. Maybe they should be running the border. —- Oscar L., Manhattan Beach
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