MANHATTAN BEACH TOPS HEALTH AND WELL-BEING INDEX:
Manhattan Beach received the highest score on the Gallup nationwide Health and Well-Being Index (WBI). Beach Cities scored 68.0, far outperforming the national average of 58.2. Of Gallup’s 1,500 community scores since WBI measurement began in 2008, this year’s Manhattan Beach score of 70.6 is the highest. Manhattan Beach scored 70.4 in 2020, the previous high.
MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW PART TWO:
Mark Nicholas, Owner of MB Studios, Interview Part 02:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UULvyutXHtI
www.ManhattanBeachStudios.net
Purcell And Lamb Of Manhattan Beach Win The First Todos Santos Thriller At Killers Big Wave Contest:
Cody Purcell and Nic Lamb of Manhattan Beach won first and second place in the men’s division of the first Thriller at Killers big-wave contest in February at Isla Todos Santos off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. Gary Linden, San Diego big-wave icon and surfboard shaper, staged the Thriller at Killers contest. Linden and Dive N’ Surf planned a big tournament at Todos Santos a decade ago, but a mild winter prevented large waves. Purcell, a 2018 Mira Costa High alumnus and Mira Costa Surf Team member, won the online version of the competition last year.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
David M. Slay / Phillip Cook / Fred Taylor
Q: DO YOU ENJOY BREAKFAST FOR DINNER?
David M. Slay: Well breakfast and wine … No. Dinner
Phillip Cook: Ehh
Fred Taylor: Yes … cereal Sunday nites
Q: DO YOU DISLIKE NOISY RESTAURANTS?
David M. Slay: It is the younger generation
Phillip Cook: Yes, for the most part.
Fred Taylor: Yes, connecting over food is more important than the food.
Q: DO YOU TAKE A BATH AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK?
David M. Slay: More
Phillip Cook: Daily
Fred Taylor: No baths, but I shower daily.
Q: DO YOU REMEMBER THE GONG SHOW?
David M. Slay: No
Phillip Cook: Yes
Fred Taylor: Oh yeah! With Chuck Barris.
Q: WOULD YOU GO TO A NEW AUSTIN POWERS SEQUEL?
David M. Slay: Yes
Phillip Cook: Yes, Mike Myers is funny.
Fred Taylor: No thanks.
Q: WOULD YOU FLY TO AUSTRALIA COACH FOR FREE?
David M. Slay: No
Phillip Cook: No.
Fred Taylor: Of course!
Q: WERE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE SINGING OF TWO (2) NATIONAL ANTHEMS AT THE SUPER BOWL?
David M. Slay: Didn’t know
Phillip Cook: Yes. Virtue signaling by the networks/ owners/conferences was unwelcome. One country, one national anthem.
Fred Taylor: Absolutely. I’m for unity, not division.
MB WEEKLY – COLUMNIST:
by Fred Taylor (Manhattan Beach)
48-year MB Resident & District Stakeholder
As if high school life at Mira Costa wasn’t packed enough with required courses, appealing electives, and amazing options like sports, model U.N. and band, now Sacramento has demanded yet another graduation requirement: An Ethnic Studies course. Two huge problems exist – First, the MCHS proposal calls for a FULL YEAR, while the state requirement is just one semester. Parents know how agonizing it is to dodge all the ‘required course bullets’ while including those significant life-building extracurriculars. To date, all South Bay schools require only a semester of Ethnic Studies. Secondly, enter problematic content. The Committee’s proposal appears to focus on America’s faults (Slavery, Women’s Suffrage, Redlining, & Jim Crow) without any balance and perspective. A key resource is the Southern Poverty Law Center, a hard-left political organization, while Trustee Fenton exclaimed this was non-political. Must we persuade our kids to hate America to graduate? The Board will be voting on March 13th – one or two semesters? … and do you want a balanced, constructive approach or one that only focuses on our nation’s warts? Your opinion is critical … only one semester and a balanced, constructive approach makes most sense … Email Board President Cathey Graves; cgraves@mbusd.org – Let your voice be heard !!
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Dive N’ Surf:
There’s still time to catch our Annual Yard Sale! Everything is 15-70% off! Don’t miss these awesome deals and shop our surf, apparel, and dive departments for all your wants and needs!
Yard Sale Going until March 3rd! Don’t miss out on our amazing deals!
www.DiveNSurf.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lucia La Rosa Ames (Manhattan Beach)
Measure MB will very likely pass. All the same, I cannot in good faith support it: 1) MBUSD blames Prop 13 for its budget deficit, as if any state or county property tax wouldn’t redistribute based on need. Affluent communities like Manhattan Beach are always needed to at least attempt to level the playing field for our less affluent neighbors. This is right and just. The argument that Prop 13 isn’t “fair” to the rich is grotesque and is not a reason to tax even more. 2) Nonetheless the above, the MBUSD budget has soared – doubled-in the last 10 years – despite reduced enrollment. This Board threatens to cut teachers while they added three new administrative directors – including the infamous Public Information Director – who botched the District’s response to the recent attack against a Jewish student. Thus far, more money has meant more bureaucracy and unnecessary programs, not more teachers. 3) The Board openly admitted that this new parcel tax won’t fix their budget problem. Is there a deficit reduction plan? Is there any accountability? Will academics be prioritized over “social” goals? Are the parents going to be heard or even considered for how the money is spent? No, no, no, and no… And this is why my answer will also be no. No to MB. This is just more money for people with no competence and no accountability in how they spend it – and whose priorities have not been academic excellence. I know I will be in the minority – but I am calling a spade a spade here.
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MB WEEKLY – MEET:
Meet Zara
“HONESTLY” Interview
- Loves scrambled eggs for dinner.
- Knows how to shoot a gun.
- Shampoos her hair every day.
- Favorite movie of all time: The Godfather.
- Never had any plastic surgery.
- Only smokes cigarettes when drinking alcohol.
- Favorite TV show of all time: The Twilight zone.
- Thinks President Biden is senile.
- Has gone skinny-dipping in four different states.
MB WEEKLY – HISTORY:
The Insomniac Cafe was a hangout for the Beat Generation in Hermosa Beach from 1958 to 1965. The Hermosa Beach Museum recently hosted a poetry night in honor of the long-gone coffee shop.
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
by Darby Winston
The Hook & Plow
Hook & Plow, nestled near the Pier in downtown Manhattan Beach, boasts a charming new setting with a picturesque view. However, the overall experience left much to be desired. The restaurant appeared disorganized and lacked a well-run atmosphere. The loud music hindered meaningful conversation, diminishing the overall ambiance. While the food met basic expectations, it failed to inspire, coupled with a steep price tag. Service, unfortunately, gave off a lackluster vibe, as our server exuded a lack of enthusiasm, making the experience forgettable. Hook & Plow failed to deliver a gratifying dining experience despite the promising location.
Food: C • Service: C- • Atmosphere: B- • Value: C-
www.TheHookAndPlow.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
The Grammy Award-winning Mira Costa Jazz 1 band finished first in the Large Ensemble Category at the fifth Annual National Jazz Festival. Pictured, not in order, are saxophonists Colin Freelin, Morgan Griffiths, Mikayla Grothe, Jacob Handzlik, and Miles McPhee (selected to be in the National Jazz Festival Diplomat (All-Star) Band directed by Wayne Tucker); trombone players Nick Clausen, Chuan Eliezer, Logan Elliott, and Shan Kwak; trumpeters Eva Asiddao, Devan Malik, Ewan McPhee (also won the 2024 National Jazz Festival Outstanding Musician for the MCHS Jazz 1 Band & Outstanding Musician award in the large ensemble division), and Colin Mukai; and rhythm players Diego Barrios, Ever Bauer, Gavin Caleo, Christian Camacho, Anthony Imbagliazzo, Jared Manasse, and Christofer Nahlinder. Also pictured is Director Joel Carlson.
BACK TO BASICS?:
MB Weekly Poll Exposes Strain On Teachers As National Education Debates Take Toll
Amid the heated national discourse on school curricula, MB Weekly conducted a revealing reader poll, delving into the perspectives of some public K-12 teachers, teenagers, and the broader American public on issues of race, sexual orientation, and gender identity in the classroom. The survey’s standout revelation showcases that some in the South Bay feel the negative reverberations of current K-12 education debates. A substantial 41% assert a negative impact in a landscape dominated by controversy, while 53% see the impact as neutral or nonexistent. The findings spotlight educators’ challenges as they navigate the contentious terrain of educational content and its repercussions on their roles in shaping young minds.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
Dear MB Weekly – I must give you mad props for keeping it real! Your vibe is totally on point – kool, fun, and thought-provoking. No bull-s–t, seriously. It’s refreshing to find a source that’s unbiased and free from all that politically correct “woke” crap. Keep doing your thing, MB Weekly. You’re like the voice of the streets, bringing that rad perspective to Manhattan Beach. Your biggest fan right here! – Stay groovy —- Claudine F., Manhattan Beach
Mira Costa Distinguished Alumni Hall Of Fame Welcomes Nominations:
Nominations are being accepted through March 10, 2024, for Mira Costa graduates who deserve to be in the 10th Annual Mira Costa Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. This list includes surfers, Olympian volleyball players, CEOs, writers, actresses, punk rockers, asteroid hunters, U.S. Army brigadier generals, Ivy League linebackers, and influential educators are included. In 2012, Mira Costa established the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame to honor those alumni who have made significant contributions to the high school, community, country, and society. Nominees must have graduated from MCHS and accomplished something significant. Mira Costa High School Distinguished Alumni will be honored by staff, students and fellow alumni for notable contributions to the arts, sciences, education, athletics, entertainment, social, environmental, and business management; and/or exemplary service to their communities and country. Click Here for the link to the form.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Manhattan Beach police officers stopped the first subject pictured after he allegedly decided to do some shoplifting at CVS Pharmacy. Surprisingly, he was also on probation for stealing a car and had a warrant for another theft. We see a trend here. Shortly after that incident, officers responded to a gas station regarding a subject who had passed out behind the wheel at a pump. Officers there found a variety of drugs and an unregistered and loaded “ghost” gun being concealed on the subject’s belt. Sprinkle in some identity theft documents and a prohibited person from a restraining order. He was really trying to hit the spread of crime categories.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Robert A. Maynez (Manhattan Beach)
It’s time for L.A. County District Attorney George Gascon to pack his bags! Whether he goes back to Arizona or another state, I don’t care. I can guarantee that San Francisco will not take him back. Look at the state of public safety in San Francisco and the flight of businesses out of the city. George was in power there, and his political allies caused that mess – a travesty to that great city. San Francisco will take many years to recover regarding public safety and, hopefully, businesses, shoppers, and tourism. L.A. County voters were not paying enough attention when they voted George in. George Gascon benefited from a timing-perfect storm. As far as timing, it was post-George Floyd and District Attorney Jackie Lacie’s husband being caught on camera carrying a gun to ward off BLM protesters who were menacing Jackie Lacie and her family at the front door of their Granada Hills home. Is it now OK to intimidate politicians and judges in their own homes? For me, unacceptable. George Gascon’s wild justice reform experiment has been a BIG failure.
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** The new Los Angeles Business Journal Editor, Hannah Welk, having lunch at Boa restaurant in Manhattan Village in Manhattan Beach.
MB WEEKLY – SIGNS:
A coffee cup in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
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1. ** I contacted Manhattan Beach police when a young man sleeping on a bench outside the lifeguard operations tower started ranting at someone who hates him and tried to punch the pigeons on the pier during my morning walk. —- Carly T., Manhattan Beach
2. ** I’m pretty disappointed that the Manhattan Beach city manager, Bruce Moe, has decided to stop his agreement to write a question-and-answer column for MB Weekly. It’s part of his responsibility to answer questions from the public! —- Gary M., Manhattan Beach
3. ** The Doors are the greatest rock band of all time. —- Julia A., Manhattan Beach
4. ** Beyond Meat in El Segundo uses avocado oil to decrease saturated fat by 60%. Beyond Meat is reworking its plant-based burger to enhance U.S. sales with healthier ingredients. —- Clay T., Manhattan Beach
5. ** Exer Urgent Care Manhattan Beach is a disaster. Avoid. I recommend Providence Urgent Care. Far superior. —- Tim A., Manhattan Beach
6. ** Jim Light has become Redondo Beach’s new mayor – succeeding his best friend, Bill Brand, who died earlier this month. The Redondo Beach City Council voted 3-2 this week to appoint the longtime city activist to see out Brand’s term, carrying out his friend’s vision for the city. Councilmembers Paige Kaluderovic and Scott Behrendt dissented. —- Editor’s Note
7. ** The Hermosa Friends Foundation wants to give $10,000 away to a local nonprofit. The fourth annual “South Bay Nonprofit Quick Pitch Contest” will give nonprofits a chance to make a four-minute presentation on March 6 at The Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach, according to HFF President Ryan Nowicki. HFF members will vote for the winner, which will receive a check for $10,000. —- Editor’s Note
8. ** Just back from New York City. Are New York progressives just determined to turn the city into a post-apocalyptic wasteland? —- Jill G., Manhattan Beach
9. ** In a bold-faced effort to buy votes, President Biden canceled another $1.2 billion in student debt for about 150,000 borrowers. In total, his administration has canceled $138 billion of such debt. P.S. And he is doing it with your money, idiots! —- Rob O., Manhattan Beach
10. ** How in God’s name could Mayor Joe Franklin vote to withdraw Manhattan Beach from the zero bail lawsuit? Very disappointing! —- Shane P., Manhattan Beach
11. ** Avoid Peninsula Urgent Care. My bank account showed a Peninsula Urgent Care transaction online. I have not been there. I immediately protested the charge with my bank, but they had to revoke my card and make me wait 4-6 days for a new one. And then I have to tell everyone I use auto-pay, ugh! I’ve contacted Peninsula Urgent Care many times without success. No one returns my voicemails. I will never go there and will give them terrible reviews everywhere. BEWARE! —- Kerri Z., Manhattan Beach
12. ** Patrick Watson will call from 888-711-0064 about two petitions using your name and SSN. No callback. SCAM!!!! —- Ed H., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Most Democrats oppose teaching elementary school students about gender identity, polls found. —- Tamar G., Manhattan Beach
14. ** I bought a 1972 Volkswagen Westphalia camper van in 1980 with a blown engine. I had a friend help me rebuild it. 1972 was the first to have the “pancake” engine. I replaced dual carbs with an Edelbrock intake manifold and carburetor. SCROC students reupholstered cushions, and I had them repainted in stock color. My wife made new curtains and a “bra” for the front. A porta-potty fit perfectly under the removable seat that was behind the driver. I took it all over the western United States with my wife and young daughter. Made a lot of memories. —- Joe F., Manhattan Beach
15. ** How to solve the student debt problem: Forgive it in exchange for 4-years of military service. —- Michael B., Manhattan Beach
16. ** I mourn the death of my pal, Melvin Fleming. He had long lived in this neighborhood. Over twenty years, Melvin ran Fleming Tax Service. He loved his area and will be missed. —- Adam C., Manhattan Beach
17. ** It is rare and precious when a human possesses both bravery and humor in copious amounts. But Alexei Navalny was a rare and precious human being. —- Nora G., Manhattan Beach
18. ** Globe Tire in Manhattan Beach is excellent. Ask for their manager, Jason. —- Henry B., Manhattan Beach
19. ** Lisa’s Naturals – 424.234.6080 • Etsy.com/shop/lisasnaturals • Instagram.com/lisasnaturals
20. ** I was born in London. Recently, British democracy ceased to operate by its own rules. The reason? To prevent its elected representatives from being violently hounded, if not killed, by Islamist mobs. —- Claire Y., Manhattan Beach
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