MB WEEKLY LAUNCHES NEW FEATURE: “WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MANHATTAN BEACH!”
MB Weekly invites locals to share their heartfelt reflections in its brand-new feature, “What I Love About Manhattan Beach.” Whether it’s the stunning sunsets, the vibrant community, or a hidden gem only residents know, readers can submit up to 150 words celebrating what makes this beachside paradise unique. Selected entries will be published weekly, allowing locals to showcase their love for MB and get a favorite memory, spot, charity, or tradition. Send your submission today – because nobody tells the story of Manhattan Beach better than those who call it home.
Send to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 150 words)
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Surprising Trend – 29% Of Readers Carry Five Or More Credit Cards
A recent MB Weekly Reader Poll has uncovered a fascinating trend: 29% of readers report owning five or more credit cards. The findings suggest a shift in how consumers manage their finances, as credit card offers flood the market with enticing perks like cash-back rewards, travel points, and low introductory rates. While multiple credit cards can offer flexibility, experts warn of the dangers of over-leveraging and high-interest debt. “It’s easy to be tempted by the rewards,” says financial advisor Linda Chen, “but it’s crucial to keep track of spending and avoid carrying high balances.” This statistic highlights an important question: Are MB Weekly readers savvy spenders maximizing their benefits, or is this a sign of potential financial strain? With interest rates on the rise, the findings prompt a deeper look into consumer credit habits in Manhattan Beach.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Patricia Blakemore
(President Neptunian Woman’s Club)
Q: PLEASE EXPLAIN THE MISSION OF YOUR CHARITY TO OUR READERS.
A: The Neptunian Woman’s Club is dedicated to volunteerism & fundraising in support of charitable, educational, cultural & civic services. Founded in 1909, we are the oldest civic organization in the South Bay. The Neptunian Woman’s Club has a deep seated tradition of cultivating the passion of like-minded women to support and serve the changing needs of their local communities, and to build a better place to live. We are a 100% volunteer organization dedicated to serving the needs of the South Bay community, where all of the net funds raised are infused back into the local area. The Neptunian Woman’s Club is a Nonprofit Public Benefit 501(c)(3) Corporation.
Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED?
A: I joined the Neptunian Woman’s Club shortly after moving to Manhattan Beach, eager to connect with like-minded women and get involved in the community. I was looking for meaningful ways to give back while also building friendships, and the club’s commitment to service and philanthropy was the perfect fit.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING THIS VALUABLE LOCAL CHARITY?
A: One of the biggest challenges in running a local charity is balancing limited resources with the growing demand for support. While we strive to assist as many deserving organizations as possible, financial constraints and time limitations sometimes require difficult decisions. Recruiting and retaining dedicated volunteers also requires ongoing effort, training, and recognition. Even with a 100% volunteer only board, members are recognized for their efforts all the while enjoying some fun with their Neptunian sisters.
Q: HOW CAN READERS GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHARITY?
A: The Neptunian Woman’s Club’s (NWC) clubhouse is located at 920 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach with the website of: neptunians.org. NWC has monthly member luncheons on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from September through May and invite women to come try us out by coming to a member luncheon as a guest.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in Dallas, Texas, but in 2018, I found my way to the vibrant community of Manhattan Beach. From the moment I arrived, I was deeply moved by the genuine generosity and kindness of the people here. This is a place where neighbors uplift one another, and there is a shared commitment to making life better for everyone. It’s truly heartwarming to be part of such a giving and compassionate community.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: I am a Capricorn, and some of the traits I bring as President of a women’s philanthropy group are discipline, determination, and strategic vision. I am goal-oriented, highly organized, and committed to seeing initiatives through with precision and professionalism. My leadership style is to inspire collaboration, ensuring our mission has a lasting impact for the most amount of people.
Q: WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE DINNER WITH, BEYONCÉ OR ELON MUSK?
A: If I could, a dinner with both Beyoncé and Elon Musk would be an extraordinary experience, blending culture, influence, and innovation. However, if I had to choose just one, I’d opt for Elon Musk. As President of a women’s group, I’m deeply invested in leadership, innovation, and opportunities that drive progress. Elon’s visionary work in technology, space exploration, and entrepreneurship could offer valuable insights into breaking barriers, thinking beyond limitations, and fostering opportunities for women in leadership roles.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: The Strand House in Manhattan Beach is my favorite restaurant for its perfect blend of stunning ocean views, exceptional cuisine, and inviting ambiance. It overlooks the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier and Roundhouse Aquarium, it offers breathtaking sunsets alongside a menu of fresh, locally sourced dishes, fine wines, and handcrafted cocktails. What is there not to like?
www.Neptunians.org
MB WEEKLY – CHARTS:
Language Spoken at Home in Manhattan Beach.
Fowl Play – Chick-fil-A Faces Customer Anger Over Hidden Charges In El Segundo:
Several South Bay residents are squawking madly after Chick-fil-A in El Segundo began charging customers for cups of water without clearly disclosing the fee. The unexpected charge has ruffled feathers among loyal patrons. “Charging people for a cup of water is absurd, but not telling customers should be illegal!” exclaimed Randi L., a frequent Chick-fil-A customer, whose social media post sparked heated reactions across the South Bay. Refunds are provided, but only if specifically requested by customers, fueling the growing frustration. Consumer complaints suggest the practice has soured relationships between Chick-fil-A and its previously satisfied patrons. Representatives of the El Segundo Chick-fil-A location have yet to comment publicly, but the controversy underscores a basic business principle: transparency matters, especially when thirsty customers feel they’re being plucked.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Global Cuisine By Gary Arabia:
Celebrity Chef Gary Arabia owns and operates Global Cuisine By Gary Arabia, founded in 2000. He has catered and produced some of Hollywood’s most glamorous events. Gary has turned event production into a “global” art form. Whether it be for an intimate wedding, corporate event or a star studded movie premier Gary and his event team are able coordinate all of the details from the design, decor, lighting, entertainment, staffing and most importantly the cuisine.
www.GlobalCuisineEvents.com
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
by Christina Minutillo
The Hive Manhattan Beach: A Sunshine-Filled Local Hangout. Located on the corner of Marine and Highland in Manhattan Beach, The Hive has quickly become a local favorite since its opening. Despite previous struggles at this location, lines out the door and a busy outdoor patio are inviting to those passing by. I visited on a sunny Sunday and found a relaxed atmosphere with patrons enjoying smoothies, build-your-own bowls, and breakfast burritos. I tried the Sun God smoothie, which was topped with cacao crunchies and had a perfect balance of coffee, cacao, and banana. I also sampled the Ricotta Rose toast, adorned with flower petals and honeycomb, it was pretty enough to eat but lacked a bit of flavor. With a cozy atmosphere offering a peek-a-boo view of the ocean, The Hive is an inviting spot to get some work done in the sunshine or catch up with a neighbor. Have you visited? Share your experience by writing us!
www.HiveHealthyEats.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
AttaGirl on Hermosa Avenue in Hermosa Beach has officially opened. Feel free to send your local photos into: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
“I appreciate the MB Weekly for highlighting bold questions and the thoughtful & brave perspectives of those who answer them. I enjoy discovering fascinating facts about community members I may not know and seeing photos that capture the spirit of our town, making me feel more connected to Manhattan Beach.” —- Tiffany Barbara
MB Weekly – Believe It Or Not! $12 Hot Dog Leaves Locals Relishing In Outrage:
The legendary Pink’s Hot Dogs has arrived at El Segundo’s new state-of-the-art movie theater, but not everyone is celebrating. A chorus of outrage erupted from at least a dozen MB Weekly readers stunned by the hefty $12 price tag for a hot dog topped with sauerkraut. “What kind of idiots does Pink’s think we are?” vented one local female reader, echoing widespread disbelief at the ultra-premium pricing. Though renowned for its celebrity clientele and iconic Hollywood history, Pink’s typically enjoys widespread affection; this menu move has sparked unexpected backlash. As debates heat up on local social media, moviegoers wonder if nostalgia alone can justify paying double digits for a humble dog with kraut. Is this blockbuster snack worth its Hollywood price, or is Pink’s about to learn an expensive lesson in local economics?
Tin Roof Bistro:
Fig + Pig Pizza
www.TinRoofBistro.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Justin Hong
The Leadership Manhattan Beach class of 2025 is excited to announce this year’s class project – the Da Vinci RISE Makerspace Project. This year, we are supporting the work being done at Da Vinci RISE High – an independent study charter founded to meet the unique needs of students navigating foster care, housing instability, probation, or other circumstances that have caused major disruptions in their academics. We will be providing RISE with a mobile makerspace cart to support their project and competency-based academic model and to provide students with outlets for self-expression. This kind of learning-by-doing is incredibly important for students of all ages, but particularly so given RISE’s demographics. It allows their students to see themselves as makers – as people with agency and critical thinking skills who can make a material difference in their lives, in their community, and ultimately – in the world. Please visit bit.ly/LMB2025 to donate or reach out to us at leadershipmb2025@gmail.com.
Urban Plates Plate Pass:
Save 20% On Every Order with Plate Pass
www.UrbanPlates.com
** Larry Kosmont and Paul Wafer having lunch at Fishing with Dynamite in Manhattan Beach.
** Retired plastic surgeon Dr. Jon Perlman having dinner at Slay Italian in Manhattan Beach.
** Former L.A. Mayor James Hahn having brunch at Slay Italian.
** Community activist Fred Taylor and his wife Patti having lunch at Tin Roof Bistro.
** Community Activist Tiffany Barbara having lunch at Joey in Manhattan Beach.
** Marketing guru Craig Valine having lunch at Tin Roof Bistro.
** Shelby Russell, founder of Manhattan Beach Food and Wine festival, having lunch at Mercado.
OPEN YOUR EYES…
Read the MB Weekly FREE Bulletin Board:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
www.MBWeekly.net
Balance & Bloom Women’s Wellness Day:
In honor of International Women’s Day, experience Balance & Bloom Women’s Wellness Day, a celebration of self-care and empowerment on March 8th from 12-5 p.m. at Manhattan Village. Choose from a dynamic lineup of workouts – including confidence-boosting yoga, high-energy sculpt, and a Brazilian-inspired booty camp – alongside luxury beauty pop-ups, wellness activations, and curated shopping experiences. The first 150 guests will receive exclusive gift bags, and those dressed in pink will be entered to win a fabulous prize.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Cioppino at BALEEN restaurant at Portofino hotel. Feel free to send your local photos into: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
February 20 to February 26, 2025
- 707 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 10 ARRESTS
- 17 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 41 CRIME REPORTS FILED
Notable Events:
** On 2/24/25, at approximately 5:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 3400 block of Sepulveda Boulevard (Macy’s) regarding an Estes robbery that just occurred. The suspect used pliers to cut security sensors from clothing and walked out of the store with the items. Loss Prevention confronted the suspect, and a physical altercation ensued, with the suspect fleeing. The suspect entered a minivan and drove away. MBPD officers quickly found the vehicle, and after a positive identification from the loss prevention officers, the suspect was arrested and transported to the MBPD jail for booking. The loss prevention officers did not sustain any injuries.
** On 2/25/25, at approximately 7:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Rosecrans Boulevard (24 Hour Fitness) regarding a stolen vehicle report. The victim placed their purse in an unlocked locker and went to work out. When they returned, they discovered their purse stolen and were notified of fraudulent charges on their credit cards. Officers were later alerted by a neighboring agency that the victim’s vehicle was recovered. Officers continued their investigation and recovered drug paraphernalia from the victim’s vehicle. The evidence was collected and submitted to be processed for DNA.
** On 2/26/25, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Sepulveda Boulevard (Target) regarding an Estes robbery that had just occurred. The suspect pushed an employee and exited the store before fleeing the scene in a vehicle eastbound on Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Officers driving marked and unmarked vehicles stopped the suspect vehicle, and a high-risk stop was initiated. The suspect was arrested for robbery and transported to the MBPD jail for booking.
Bertha Mae’s Brownies:
www.BerthaMaesBrownies.com
Shark Mural Finally Finds A Home:
City Council approved an expanded shark mural on the Civic Center parking lot wall, to cover both city and county property. Artist Eric Snyder’s mural was originally proposed for Fire Station #1.
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
WHAT SHOULD GO IN AMERICA’S 250-YEAR TIME CAPSULE?
Congress plans to bury a time capsule in honor of America’s upcoming 250th birthday. First, its members must determine what should go inside. Many already have thoughts. A social security card. A Celsius can. A bottle of “good ol’ East Tennessee moonshine.” Those are just a few of the things lawmakers reportedly want to leave for future generations to discover. With over a year remaining until a possible burial ceremony, they are sure to brainstorm plenty of other ideas. What do you suggest? Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
Send your ideas to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
1. ** 2-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom – Rent:$1,500 Deposit:$500 – Rental in 8th Pl Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 – Text MR CONNOR at +1 (510) 205-3945 to schedule a private tour.
2. ** Can we tell YOUR story to the modern world? —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
3. ** Registered offender alert. – Registered Offender Alert for Redondo Beach, CA —- neighborhoodalerts.com
4. ** I wonder what percentage of Mira Costa High School seniors smoke pot daily? —- Tish W.
5. ** State Senator Ben Allen is yet another political hack. —- Erin G.
6. ** I want to introduce you to The Rockaway Chronicles, a new novel by Jackie Balestra, a New York native best known for her journalistic work in the South Bay (South Bay By Jackie). The book launch is 3/16. For media inquiries and invites. —- info@sandandshores
7. ** We have always advocated for “A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out” approach to dealing with homelessness. This post is to inform you and implore you to stop giving handouts to the homeless people on the street. If you would like to help them, there are better ways! —- C.H.
8. ** Manhattan Beach is under siege! Bureaucrats are forcing 1,000+ high-density units onto our community with little to no local say. Rosecrans and Sepulveda will be unrecognizable – gridlock, overcrowding, and resource strain. Who benefits? Not residents. Why aren’t our voices heard? This is top-down government at its worst. —- Henry B.
9. ** In a world of eunuchs, buffoons, and beasts, we need new heroes. —- Ami C.
10. ** WARNING JUST NOW!! Salespeople from bug exterminator company knocking on doors. Very persistent and annoying. Around 11th and Meadows in Manhattan Beach. —- Carly T.
11. ** My ex-wife is a bitch, and she snores. —- Hans D.
12. ** Hi Neighbors! As I ramp up on launching my small business, I will post here seeking models. Models are regular, everyday people willing to try a new experience while we document it to create content that promotes the business. We will vet you and ask you to sign a photo release and liability waiver. Thanks for your consideration! Please feel free to email alex@primlyfe.com to inquire.
13. ** The life of Winston Churchill. —- https://youtu.be/2dCgK8_-5PU?si=CaQUSVj8cLbdXed7
14. ** I love my Tesla! I am not political, but I love my car! —- Arnold T.
15. ** Given the outrageous salaries paid to the bloated staff in Manhattan Beach, the City desperately needs to set up its own DOGE Team – a watchdog force to sniff out waste, inefficiency, and bureaucratic excess. Taxpayers deserve accountability, not gold-plated pensions. Wake up, City Council! —- Tara G.
16. ** The Doors were so bad-ass! —- Glenn S.
17. ** Japanese-born Bread, Espresso & has arrived in Redondo Beach! Known for its signature mou bread – a buttery, cube-shaped delight – the Tokyo-founded bakery now has its first U.S. location at 1212 South Pacific Coast Highway. Experience this beloved Japanese cafe’s soft, crisp loaves and more in its brand-new 2,000-square-foot space. —- Ellen L.
18. ** We’ve all heard the phrase: You can’t take it with you. Yet, shockingly, 60%-70% of Americans don’t have a Will! —- David H.
19. ** Lifelong Manhattan Beach resident Kent Caldwell passed away at home on February 23, surrounded by family. He was a Mira Costa High graduate and USC alumnus. —- Editor’s Note
20. ** Illegal immigration crossings are down 93% since Trump took office. Sorry, friends, facts are stubborn things! —- Abe P.
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