MB Weekly 02/22/2024

E-BIKE CRACKDOWN:
MB Police Issue 22 Citations & Warnings On E-Bikes As City Finally Toughens Up

In what many call long overdue action, MB Police targeted electric bike offenders recently, issuing 22 citations and warnings in a city-wide crackdown. With the popularity of e-bikes, authorities are finally stepping up enforcement to ensure safety and adherence to traffic rules. The citations, primarily for reckless riding and non-compliance with road regulations, signal a shift toward stricter measures for this burgeoning mode of transportation. Residents and officials applaud the initiative, emphasizing the need for responsible e-bike usage to maintain harmony on city streets. “This step, though small, is long, long, overdue. Watching the e-bike chaos principally involving reckless teenagers, especially in the downtown area, has been very troubling!” said Sonya S., a long-time downtown Manhattan Beach business owner.


Manhattan Beach Withdraws From Zero-Bail Lawsuit:

Manhattan Beach dropped its participation in a multi-city lawsuit against the recently implemented “zero-bail” rule in Los Angeles County. Manhattan Beach City Council ordered staff to focus on better public safety programs. Along with Los Angeles County cities, Manhattan Beach joined the lawsuit on October 17, 2023. Mayor Joe Franklin said the “decision to withdraw from the ‘zero-bail’ litigation reflects our dedication to continuously assess and improve our public safety policies, ensuring that our resources are consistently spent on the most effective and immediate efforts.” In October 2023, county police had to follow new protocols for non-violent felonies and misdemeanors that include release without bail for some offenses.


MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW PART ONE:

Mark Nicholas, Owner of MB Studios, Interview Part 01:
https://youtu.be/qf5krk2EvzQ


MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Brent Koehn

JOEY RESTAURANT

Q: WHAT’S YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY AT JOEY RESTAURANT?
A: My primary responsibility is providing iconic dining experiences for guests in our restaurants. That entails a number of things: people development & coaching, recruiting the right people to grow with us, keeping high standards for our menu and service, and supporting the team within our four walls.

Q: WHAT IS THE “SECRET SAUCE” THAT MAKES YOUR RESTAURANT SO SUCCESSFUL?
A: Genuine warmth and care from the whole team, I really want our guests to experience that during their experiences in our restaurants. We truly care. We want people to leave better than when they came in. JOEY Restaurants is also unique in the hospitality industry in the way that we develop and coach our people to be the best they can be. If we didn’t get it right, please tell us in the moment. We really do want to learn from it and fix it in the moment.

Q: WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB RUNNING A RESTAURANT POST-COVID?
A: Opening new restaurants is always an exciting but challenging endeavor. We opened JOEY Manhattan Beach in 2021, so you can imagine the extra challenges we experienced with recruitment, procurement, and adjusting to changing guidelines during that restaurant opening. We were humbled by how we were accepted with open arms and can’t thank the community enough for their support and patronage. We really are grateful. Three years later, we’re able to reflect and take pride in the ways we innovated, worked together and continued to improve our restaurants because of that challenge.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO EAT AT THE RESTAURANT?
A: It’s a popular answer at JOEY, but it’s hard to beat the Seared Salmon Sushi. It has Osaka pressed salmon that is fire torched, umami, and a touch of heat from serrano peppers on top. As you can tell, I’m pretty passionate about that one. LOL

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OTHER RESTAURANTS IN THE MANHATTAN BEACH AREA THAT YOU ENJOY?
A: Love & Salt, I enjoy their menu and Drinks, Fishing With Dynamite is always great and on a warm summer day, Shellbacks for happy hour, it’s hard to beat being close to the ocean.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Aries.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Wedding Crashers. It never gets old.

www.JoeyRestaurants.com


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Larry Kosmont (Manhattan Beach)

Chairman & CEO of Kosmont Companies

Around three weeks ago, I had a meeting scheduled with Bill Brand, and he canceled that morning. It’s not something he ever did, and I regret missing out on seeing Bill one more time. Over the years, I had come to look forward to our coffee meetups and the far-ranging chats we would inevitably have. As I reflect on it, Bill Brand’s life is the portrait of a prominent local leader who defines a commitment to achieving the “greater good.” Local communities aren’t typically given the gift of an individual who pursues a community agenda primarily unburdened by self-interest. Bill’s focus was unselfish, straightforward, and clear: preserve coastal resources, expand open space and coastal amenities for all, and pursue a quality of life for Redondo Beach, absent of development density that many consider overbearing and inequitable for a smaller coastal community. Simple enough? Not really. Land use and environmental preservation in California are political contact sports. It requires understanding complex legal and government processes and a substantive understanding of energy resources, habitat issues, and, yes, figuring out a myriad of confusing and even misleading state statutes that intentionally seek to erode local zoning control. It also requires a willingness to pursue changes in bureaucratic thinking and modifications to cumbersome and faceless state policies. You get many more “no’s” than yes in this universe of ambiguity, hidden agendas, and unbearable delays. Despite these odds, Bill remained an active champion of things green and a crusader for a local city to define and beneficially manage its destiny. He never wavered in pursuit of what he knew or believed to be better for Redondo. Intelligence, patience, strategy, and relentlessness. Those are the ingredients to persevere and are precisely the traits Bill embodied. Bill Brand is a significant part of why energy production will never happen again on the AES power plant site. Whether you agreed with Bill on open space or not, at his core, this was Bill, a passionate local leader who sacrificed personal gain for community health and prosperity. What a concept! We all need more of this. RIP Bill, you are already missed.

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Fête by Slay:

Delicious daily specials like this Pan Seared 10oz Pork Chop “Mujadara” … Lebanese dish of lentils, rice, caramelized onions. Seasoning has cumin, cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, and oregano.

www.FeteBySlay.com


NYSE Issues Infraction Warning For MB’s Fisker EV Startup:

Fisker, an electric vehicle startup, received a non-compliance notice from the New York Stock Exchange for its 30-day average stock price drop below $1. According to Fisker, the maker of the Ocean electric SUV, the notice will not result in instant delisting from the stock exchange. The company has six months to comply. The Manhattan Beach-based company is failing to deliver its EVs, and the non-compliance notice is the latest setback.


MB WEEKLY – MEET:
Meet Mindy

A Hermosa Beach Resident Since 2019

“YES or NO” QUESTIONS

Do you know who Richard Nixon is? NO
Have you ever texted while driving? YES
Have you ever seen The Rolling Stones live? YES
Do you generally kiss on the first date? YES, IF I LIKE THE GUY
Have you ever had breakfast for dinner at The Kettle? HELL, YES


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Michael Zislis

Owner of Zislis Group

Mayor Bill Brand was instrumental in building Shade Hotel Redondo Beach. Whenever I hit a roadblock, he was the person I would turn to. Without his help, I don’t know if Shade would have ever happened. He was a remarkable individual whose unwavering dedication brought the gift of enthusiasm and a profound commitment to conservation to the South Bay community. He worked closely with my mother-in-law and partner Damira Bacic on our essential environmental initiatives because we are right on the ocean. His legacy will endure, and the whole community will miss him deeply.

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MB WEEKLY – VIDEO SHORT:

Urban Plates Cakes Video Short:
https://youtube.com/shorts/OHJ-762m7uE?


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Name Withheld by Request (Manhattan Beach)

My best friend Emily (not her real name), living in the South Bay, navigates the complexities of her emotions. Married with young children, she found solace in the company of a friend, someone she shared with her husband. As the days unfolded, an unspoken connection seemed to weave between her and this older confidant. Torn between the duty of her marriage and the whispers of desire, Emily grappled with the uncertainty of his feelings. In the delicate dance of unspoken words, she questioned whether the shared moments were mere reflections of her longing or if, perhaps, he, too, harbored a silent yearning. One month later, after an afternoon of unplanned sex with the children at home and asleep, they decided never to speak again.

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Manhattan Beach Studios:

Manhattan Beach Studios has two of the most innovative stages for creatives of all walks of life. Located just minutes away from the beach, LAX, restaurants and more, it’s comfortable, equipped with a laid back vibe, and has tons of gear for your most serious photo and video production needs. It has customer service that’ll make your day as smooth as can be. “We have fun being a part of your success. From stage rentals to full production services, we can lend an experienced hand to those who are in need of anything at all. Just drop us a note. We help get you past the finish line.”

www.ManhattanBeachStudios.net


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Challah bread in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


Twice, Burglars Target Bevmo:

At 2:14 a.m. on February 1, two suspects broke through the front entrance of Bevmo, located at 1700 Rosecrans Avenue, using a baseball bat and a boulder, according to the police. When the police arrived responding to the burglary alarm, they spoke with the company’s manager. After attempting to enter the building but failing, the suspects took off in a black four-door vehicle. According to authorities, the same Bevmo was targeted once more on February 6 at roughly 2:49 a.m. Once more, the front door was broken, and the MBPD found that the suspects had broken it with sledgehammers. On this occasion, though, authorities say the suspects did break inside the building and take several bottles of alcohol.


MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:

MB Weekly is my go-to badass, fun, cool, quirky, and intriguing local digital read. Congratulations on consistently delivering a non-bullshit weekly publication. Your unique blend of content makes my week, offering a refreshing escape from the mundane. Having a publication that keeps it real and exciting is a pleasure. Keep up the excellent work, and thanks for being the highlight of my reading routine. —- Daisy D., Manhattan Beach


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

You may have seen many patrol cars at the Manhattan Village Shopping Center last night. We received reports of several juveniles concealing merchandise at a store and fleeing. Officers arrived quickly and attempted to detain them, but they scattered in all directions. Officers eventually detained five juveniles in various portions of the mall property and recovered nearly $1,000 of stolen clothing. Shoplifting doesn’t pay in Manhattan Beach.


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Dr. William H.

(Dr. H has practiced internal medicine for over 30 years, trained at UCLA, and lives in the South Bay.)

The transformation of America’s medical system into a politically charged arena is a cause for significant concern, as evidenced by recent incidents at institutions like the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). The shift from a diverse professional background to an overwhelmingly “woke” dominance has sparked controversy and raised questions about the impact on patient care and the credibility of medical professionals. A disturbing incident at UCSF involved an Adjunct Assistant Professor making sweeping and baseless claims about the genetic predisposition of white people to psychopathy. Such inflammatory statements undermine the principles of evidence-based medicine and contribute to the politicization of healthcare. Similarly, the incident with Dr. Sherita Golden, a prominent figure at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, sending out an email requiring various identities to repent, including: (“white,” “able-bodied,” “heterosexual,” “cisgender,” “male,” “Christian,” “middle or owning-class,” “middle-aged,” and “English-speaking”) further highlights the infiltration of ideological agendas into medical institutions. As the medical profession becomes entangled with ideological activism, there is a risk of compromising its core mission – to provide unbiased and effective healthcare. The incidents at UCSF and Johns Hopkins underscore the need for a balanced and evidence-driven approach to medical education and practice, free from unwarranted politicization.

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** The Kettle’s general manager, Jeff Bryant, working out at The Bay Club in El Segundo.

** Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin having coffee to go at CBTL in Manhattan Village.

** Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Suzanne Hadley having lunch at Urban Plates in Manhattan Village.


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Sara Garcia (El Segundo)

We cannot simply put our faith in politicians to fix the deep-rooted issues that plague our great nation. Do elected officials matter? Absolutely. Should our representatives stand up for our cherished values and principles? Without a doubt. However, it’s essential to recognize that politicians cannot solve all the problems facing our country, no matter how well-intentioned. The late Andrew Breitbart wisely remarked, “Politics is downstream from culture.” This simple yet profound statement holds the key to understanding the direction in which our nation is headed.

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MB WEEKLY – A DIFFERENT VIEW:

Toasted bread in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Darby Winston

Walking through a grocery shop or pharmacy without encountering eye-catching labels that tout their health benefits is impossible. For instance, “prebiotic” sodas in the beverage section enhance “gut health.” You can find “medical-grade” serums, “probiotic” face creams, and “skin detoxing” procedures in the beauty section. For claims of “immunity support,” “hormone balance,” and “energy enhancement,” among other things, visit the supplements section. Marketers have used scientific-sounding jargon to promote goods for millennia. However, Timothy Caulfield, a research chair in health law and policy at the University of Alberta, said it is increasingly widespread. Mr. Caulfield created the word “scienceploitation” to describe how companies appropriate terminology from rapidly developing scientific fields to promote unproven goods.

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MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Cool staircase in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:

“Two Baby Boomers Watch the Grammy Awards in Manhattan Beach.”


MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:

DID YOU OWN A VW BUS IN MANHATTAN BEACH BACK IN THE DAY?

Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.

Send Your reply To: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


A CHANCE IN A LIFETIME IN A LIFETIME OF CHANCE:

Prominent award-winning Branding and P.R. firm seeks Video Intern (flexible hours). Approximately 15 – 20 hours a week. Excellent knowledge and opportunity. Must be smart, very reliable, very detail-oriented, resourceful, modestly tech-savvy and a self-starter. Benefits: Mentorship and leadership skills.

www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
Contact Amanda Kent:
Careers@BoundlessMediaUSA.com


1. ** I’m looking forward to our new Mayor, Joe Franklin, focusing on crime. For too long, I’ve heard the Chief talk about policing and police presence. From my experience in MB for 48 years, as much as I love our MBPD, I often wonder if they’re in the witness protection program. —- Fred T., Manhattan Beach

2. ** The county has 60 days to bring the facilities up to the state’s minimum standards or close indefinitely, which could leave L.A. County with hundreds of youth in custody and nowhere locally to hold them. Still think the woke Supervisors are doing a good job? —- Harlan G., Manhattan Beach

3. ** Shooting at Redondo Beach Pier – February 16, 2024 —- Jill T., Hermosa Beach

4. ** I heard Manhattan Village in the KNX radio news tonight. Teen shoplifting at Macy’s. —- Jon P., Manhattan Beach

5. ** Reading along, my eye caught what I thought was the dreaded D.E.I. propaganda. I quickly looked for the “junk” button. Still, I took a second to read the garbage that someone posted … I was SHOCKED when I read a counterargument in print – and another noting the glaring problems with the transgender rights movement in women’s sports, among other things. Here, here to Sara and Lucia. Wow. Sound, conservative, reason. I hope to see it continue. —- Brad F., Manhattan Beach

6. ** I love MB United. —- Juan R., Hermosa Beach

7. ** Who should make a child’s healthcare decisions? A bureaucrat or their parents? A court or their parents? An activist organization or their parents? —- Orlando B., Manhattan Beach

8. ** It was my first time at Hook and Plow in Manhattan Beach. Expensive. Nothing special. Disappointed. —- Gary M., Manhattan Beach

9. ** I love the Chicken Mushroom Marsala at Slay Italian. —- Deborah H., Manhattan Beach

10. ** You have a unique story to tell. We can help tell it (creatively and passionately) to the new world. —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com

11. ** Kudos on steroids to Arthur O. and his step-daughter Kelsey M. Her entrepreneurial spirit to turn thrift shopping into gold is why America is truly the best place on earth. She could have played the ‘victim’ card and looked for some misguided EBT government program; however, she dug deep, summoned her creative juices, and emerged as a winner. Not only that, but many of her customers got cool clothing they would never have found on their own. High time we taught our kids that life is not a guarantee … we all must turn opportunity into fruitfulness. —- Fred T., Manhattan Beach

12. ** GASCON out! How did we ever let this viper into public office? —- Garret R., Manhattan Beach

13. ** I hope Suzanne Hadley will run for City Council again. We miss her honest common sense. —- Lance H., Manhattan Beach

14. ** On March 5, vote “YES” for Measure MB to keep Manhattan Beach’s school parcel tax. This funding source must be maintained. Measure MB provides $2.5 million annually, supporting almost 20 teachers. —- William G., Manhattan Beach

15. ** Dr. Phil McGraw blasted authority figures this week for pushing children to become transgender, saying that they were causing long-term damage to the kids while also warning that social media is causing the issue to become a “social contagion.” —- Hillary K., Manhattan Beach (parent of three)

16. ** Anyone bent on self-destruction must eventually succeed. —- Lindsay W., Manhattan Beach

17. ** I love your Free MB Weekly Bulletin Board! —- Tara G., Manhattan Beach

18. ** Support Redondo Beach Pier shooting victims’ funerals. Teddy was a nice guy who tried his best with addiction. His family requests funeral aid. Your consideration is appreciated. —- Eva B., Hermosa Beach

19. ** D.E.I. Well I’ll be a son-of-a-gun. I had no idea this stood for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I was thinking of Dead End Institution. —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach

20. ** Manhattan Beach’s 70.6 [Health and Well-Being Index] Gallup score is the highest of more than 1,500 community scores since WBI measurement began in 2008. Manhattan Beach’s 2020 score of 70.4 was the previous record. Wow! —- Derrick V., Manhattan Beach

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