MB CHAMBER SHAKEUP: CHAIR DAVID CURRY CHARTS BOLD NEW COURSE AFTER CEO’S DEPARTURE
In a sudden turn for the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce, longtime CEO David Archer officially resigned on January 20th to pursue other opportunities, ending over three years at the helm. Stepping into the leadership void, Chamber Chair David Curry has rolled up his sleeves and launched an operations task force to reassess how the Chamber serves its members, sponsors, and the broader community. “Our goal is clear,” Curry stated. “We want to position the Chamber as a dynamic conduit for local businesses to thrive – especially with the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon.” With no permanent CEO, Curry and a deeply engaged board have shared leadership duties, with standout efforts from business leaders like Jill McCurry of Manhattan Village and Peter Kim of Sloopy’s Restaurant. Meanwhile, executive coordinator Maya Brewer has kept the day-to-day operations running smoothly. Upcoming highlights include the city’s Preschool Fair and the annual “State of the City” event on April 29th. As the Chamber seeks its next executive leader, Curry insists the priority is securing the right person to guide a modern, business-first Chamber into a thriving future. “We’re building something stronger together,” Curry affirmed.
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
DIY Dollar Decisions – 50% Of MB Weekly Readers Skip Financial Advisors
A recent MB Weekly poll reveals only half of its readers seek advice from financial professionals. The other 50% prefer to go it alone, managing their finances without expert guidance. This trend highlights a growing confidence in personal financial knowledge and the increasing use of digital resources. However, experts warn of potential pitfalls. “While self-management can be empowering, professional advice is key to avoiding costly errors,” financial planner Jane S. of Hermosa Beach says. As economic uncertainty persists, this split decision underscores the importance of reliable financial guidance in navigating today’s complex financial landscape.
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Jerry Jamgotchian
(COAST LAUNDRY WASH + FOLD)
Q: WHY DID YOU OPEN COAST LAUNDRY WASH + FOLD?
A: To save our customers a lot of time and money on laundry day as well as provide “free ozone rinses” (a powerful oxidizing agent) which disinfects, removes most stains and provides deodorization for their laundry. It’s just a better and cleaner wash for your family!
Q: WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES FOR CUSTOMERS USING YOUR SERVICE?
A: Our biggest advantages are “same day service” and “ozone injection” just like at a hospital or hotel. Most laundries cannot offer this critical service because of both cost (around $100,000) and equipment complications.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING THIS BUSINESS?
A: Meeting all of our customers cleaning expectations and their time constraints on a 24/7 basis; especially with our DOORDASH pickup and delivery component!
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: Fresno, CA
Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Aries
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: Far too many to mention.
Q: WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE DINNER WITH BEYONCÉ OR ELON MUSK?
A: Elon Musk
www.Coast-Laundry.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
MB Mayor Amy Howorth attended the Live Oak Ceramics Studio Kiln ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This kiln represents more than just a new artistic tool – it symbolizes our community’s dedication to creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural enrichment,” the City posted on social media. “We’re excited for all the amazing ceramic creations to come!”
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Russ Lesser (Former Mayor of MB)
There was a headline in the Los Angeles Times March 7 that said “Newsom bucks his party on trans athletes.” Obviously this is his first step in trying to be more moderate as he runs for President in 2028, as surveys have shown that about 80% of the public supports banning trans athletes from competing against biological females. Olympic athlete Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner also supports this position. State Senator Scott Wiener says there are fewer than 10 transgender athletes in NCAA women’s sports so “It’s not a problem, It’s not an issue.” My question to Senator Wiener is, how many women does it take who lose championships or possibly athlete scholarships because they are beaten by a trans athlete … before it becomes a problem? 100? 1000? The answer should be zero. And where are the feminists on this issue? Transgender people should be treated with respect and dignity in their workplaces and their lives, but competing against biological women does not make sense. Sometimes life is just not totally fair. For example, I am left-handed. Left handers are prohibited from playing Field hockey or polo on horses because it would not be safe. That makes common sense. Should those sports be banned because they are prejudiced against 10% of the population? Of course not, sometimes life is not totally fair.
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JOEY Manhattan Beach:
Stop. Breathe. Break.
That meeting could have been an email. This email should be a lunch at JOEY. Take a break and treat yourself to one of our lunch time favourites. You’ve earned it.
www.JoeyRestaurants.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by John Zink
This guy stole my ebike from in front of Fete last night at 9:54 PM. I have heard people have seen him around town, including at Target this morning. If you happen to see him, please notify the MB police.
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Chick-fil-A bathroom in El Segundo.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Phillip K.
As a local CPA for over 25 years, I say beware of a new medical malady – Musk Derangement Syndrome (M.D.S.). Wackos vilify him for daring to uncover $236 billion in fraudulent federal payments – as if exposing rampant waste is a crime! Meanwhile, we’re drowning in debt. The Congressional Budget Office recently issued a dire report:
- By 2029, our national debt will surpass its post-World War II high of 106% of GDP.
- Social Security’s Old Age & Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will be exhausted by 2033.
- The federal deficit in 2025 is projected at $1.9 trillion, ballooning to $2.7 trillion by 2035!
- Over the next decade, the deficit will be 50% larger than its historical average.
Yet, people froth at the mouth over Elon Musk, the guy trying to expose fiscal rot? If your hatred closes your eyes to financial ruin, perhaps it’s time to rethink your priorities.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
South Bay Cycle – Bike Videos:
Turbo Vado SL2 $6,000 – very lightweight
Haul ST is on sale – it’s normally a $2,800 bike, on sale for $2,249 at South Bay Cycle. This is a bike you can buy and literally not need a car.
The best rides are just ahead. Get ready with up to 30% off select bikes and equipment built for speed, adventure, and everything in between. Spring Savings starts now.
Shop in-store for the best deals of the season.
South Bay Cycle
1908 N. Sepulveda Blvd
(310) 881-8081
Manhattan Beach Wants To Hear From YOU – Shape The City’s Future With Your Voice:
The city is rolling out the red carpet for public input with its Your City, Your Voice budget survey, now live and open through March 31, 2025. This is your chance to help shape the future of Manhattan Beach, from parks and cultural arts to public safety and environmental initiatives. City officials stress that every voice matters – whether you’re a resident, business owner, or frequent visitor, your input will directly influence how funds are allocated in the upcoming budget. “Your feedback will directly impact the city’s upcoming budget decisions. Take a few minutes to share your thoughts! All are welcome to submit the survey: residents, business owners, community members, and visitors,” according to the City. Have your say before the deadline. Visit www.manhattanbeach.gov/Budget to participate today.
Dive N’ Surf:
Say Goodbye to Struggling with Your Wetsuit!
Our Dive Skin Suit makes slipping in and out of your wetsuit effortless, so you can focus on what matters most – the adventure ahead!
www.DiveNSurf.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Joe Barbara
What do YOU love? Having lived in Berlin for four months and now attending UC Berkeley, I can confidently say Manhattan Beach has some of the best weather in the world. The fresh, calm air and top-tier waves set it apart from other beach towns. The soft power of Manhattan Beach includes the strong schools and well-planned infrastructure, walkability with smooth roads, supporting both drivers and a growing e-bike community. Everything is conveniently close, and LAX is just 15 minutes away. Plus, it’s one of the safest places to live, making it truly unbeatable. I look forward to my return to Manhattan Beach when I graduate!
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
St. Antony Pharmacy in El Segundo.
** Prominent financial investor Phil Cook having dinner at Slay Steak + Fish.
** Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce Board chairman David Curry having lunch at Joey in Manhattan Beach.
** MB Food and Wine festival founder Shelby Russell having coffee at Reborn Coffee in Manhattan Beach.
SPEAK UP…
In MB Weekly’s FREE Bulletin Board:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
www.MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – BUSINESS:
Sheppard Mullin’s Entertainment practice has been honored as “Law Firm of the Year” by the Association of Media & Entertainment Counsel (AMEC) as part of its 2025 Counsel of the Year Awards. The prestigious awards celebrate legal excellence in the media and entertainment industries, recognizing attorneys, firms, and in-house counsel for their contributions. AMEC’s Nominating Committee selects honorees. Members of Sheppard Mullin’s Entertainment practice accepted the award at AMEC’s 2025 Counsel of the Year Awards ceremony in Manhattan Beach.
The Hook & Plow:
It’s Burger Thursday!
Au Poivre Smashburger
Au Poivre sauce, arugula, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, onion strings, on toasted brioche bun, $10 all day!
Get your first beer for $1!
www.theHookAndPlow.com
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
February 27 to March 05, 2025
- 694 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 15 ARRESTS
- 11 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 42 CRIME REPORTS FILED
Notable Events:
** On 3/1/25, at approximately 7:21 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of N. Sepulveda Boulevard regarding a burglary that occurred at a construction site. The reporting party told police the last worker left on 02/28/25 at 3:00 p.m. The construction site was locked and secured. The workers returned the next morning at 6:00 a.m., and discovered the fence gate unsecured. Multiple tools and cables were stolen from the construction site and an iPad was stolen from the office building.
** On 3/1/25, at approximately 6:12 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of 1st Street regarding three unknown subjects in the reporting party’s backyard. MBPD officers arrived on the scene but were unable to locate anyone. Officers inspected the victim’s property and discovered a broken exterior flood light that had been removed from the wall. Video surveillance showed three masked subjects leave the victim’s yard, enter a green SUV, and leave the area.
** On 3/2/25, at approximately 7:37 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Chabela Drive regarding a burglary alarm. Officers observed shattered glass from the first and second-story back doors. The victim was out of town and requested that the officers conduct a walk-through of their residence. The officers discovered multiple bedrooms ransacked. Through surveillance video, two subjects wearing dark hooded sweatshirts, masks, and gloves were observed exiting the victim’s yard. The items stolen are unknown at this time.
** On 3/4/25, at approximately 8:07 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1500 block of Rosecrans (24 Hour Fitness) Avenue regarding a burglary report. The victim placed their personal belongings inside a locker and locked it. When they returned from working out, they discovered their wallet and vehicle keys were missing. The victim walked out to their vehicle and found their keys on the driver’s seat and the center console open. The victim was alerted on their phone of fraudulent transactions to their credit card.
** On 3/4/25, at approximately 8:20 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of Laurel Avenue regarding a burglary report. The victim left their residence locked and secured at approximately 5:45 p.m. When they returned at approximately 8:00 p.m., they discovered the glass door to the backyard was shattered, and the house had been ransacked. The items stolen were jewelry and coins.
** On 3/5/25, at approximately 7:04 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Marine Avenue regarding a burglary report. The victim left and secured the residence before leaving for work on 3/4/25. When they returned home the following day, they discovered the back patio glass door had been broken, and multiple rooms had been ransacked. Several pieces of jewelry were stolen.
** On 3/5/25, at approximately 7:21 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1500 block of 5th Street regarding a burglary report. The victim reported arriving home and discovered the primary bedroom’s door was barricaded from the inside, preventing them from opening it. They walked outside to the backyard and found a ladder on top of two tables leading to the second-story balcony. The second story balcony glass door was shattered. The primary bedroom was ransacked, and miscellaneous items were stolen.
ISRAEL vs. EVIL 2023:
A New Critically Acclaimed Book
www.Amazon.com
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
DOES THIS LOOK FAMILIAR?
Is this the “sad, apathetic face” of many young people in Manhattan Beach? Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
Send your comments to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
1. ** California’s budget is a mess – bloated bureaucracy, wasteful spending, and zero accountability. Sacramento plays shell games with taxpayer dollars while real issues – homelessness, infrastructure, public safety – get neglected. Cronyism and inefficiencies run rampant. It’s time for real oversight and smarter spending before the state collapses under financial mismanagement. —- Phillip K. (CPA)
2. ** MB Weekly is interested in doing profile stories on local: 1. Hair stylists 2. Florists 3. Personal trainers. Please get in touch with us at —- MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
3. ** Missing – Female, 10 years old, 5’0 ft. tall, long blonde and brown hair, last seen wearing a pink shirt and purple shorts. Missing from the area of the 1300 block of 1st St. If seen, please get in touch with our dispatch center at 310-545-4566 or dial 911.
4. ** Billy Freund, a former senior executive at Katz Media, Triton Media, and Westwood One, passed away on March 3 at the age of 58 after a courageous battle with Frontotemporal Degeneration and ALS.
5. ** Thank God for Paul Wafer. —- Tim H.
6. ** COME CHEER ON THE MUSTANGS! Support our teams at upcoming home games! —- Mira Costa High School
7. ** I hadn’t been to lunch at Mercado in Manhattan Village for a year, but I went last week. The place was empty. The food was fine, but the service was nearly nonexistent. With so many great dining options in the area, it’s hard to see how they’ll stay competitive with that experience. —- Bryn F.
8. ** When MB shut down sidewalk dining 1-2 years ago, the city promised a commission to study bringing it back. What the hell happened? I know that government moves slower than a drunk turtle, but this is ridiculous. —- Nanci R.
9. ** Join Richstone Family Center on March 22, 2025, for Flights & Bites at Advanced Air in Hawthorne! Enjoy world-class wine, spirits, bites, live music, and a silent auction – all supporting child abuse prevention and vital mental health services. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening. —- Sonia P.
10. ** Recently, Manhattan Beach residents were forced into Clean Power Alliance electricity by our MB City Council – without clear consent. Want your freedom back? Opt out NOW! Call 888-585-3788, press #4. Don’t let unelected bureaucrats decide your energy future. Demand transparency, not sneaky backdoor deals. Enough already. —- Fred T.
11. ** Middle age is when you notice grocery store music rocks. Elderly is when you know the lyrics to elevator music. —- Elle G.
12. ** More insanity from our liberal Assembly! Assemblymember Zhur of L.A. County introduced AB1333, making it harder for crime victims to claim self-defense. This disastrous bill eliminates the right to use deadly force to protect your home and property while piling on more restrictions. Fight back! Contact your legislator now: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/ —- Drake D.
13. ** Unexpected findings in a new study on urban coyote behavior. Despite the lush greenery of affluent L.A. neighborhoods, researchers found coyotes prefer lower-income areas, challenging assumptions. Factors like food availability, human activity, and habitat structure may explain their choices, offering fresh insights into how wildlife adapts to city life. —- Toni W.
14. ** If you run at 11pm you are a night person. If you run at 5am you are a morning person. If you run at 3am you are a suspicious person, —- Kathy H.
15. ** If you want to understand why California’s homelessness crisis keeps spiraling – despite billions spent – read this jaw-dropping CalMatters exposé. LAHSA-approved nonprofits like HOPICS, which mismanaged $140M in rent subsidies, are running shelters plagued with abuse, violence, and neglect. Taxpayers fund this failure while the homeless suffer. It’s beyond disgraceful. —- Glenn S.
16. ** Recently, MBPD Explorers met K-9’s Troy and Rio and explored the dynamic K-9 Unit. If you’re 14-20 and interested in law enforcement, join our Explorer program. Many current officers began as Explorers – Contact Officer Sydney Wible at swible@manhattanbeach.gov for more details and exciting career opportunities. Begin your future. —- MBPD
17. ** Hey, Manhattan Beach Residents, did you know we’re automatically enrolled in the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) at the most expensive electricity rate unless we opt out? I just found out I’ve overpaid at least $1,200 this year without realizing it! Even MBUSD switched to a cheaper plan to save $43K/year, but the most cost-effective option is to opt out of CPA entirely and stay on SCE’s default rate. Check your bill & compare rates here: https://bill-compare.communityenergysolutions.com/…/1/1/1 —- Cathy H.
18. ** I would rather spend 10 extra minutes driving on an empty road than be in traffic. —- Suzanne P.
19. ** Did you know Sacramento politicians use NDAs to hide major projects and legislative deals from the public? This is taxpayer-funded secrecy at its worst! We deserve transparency, not backroom deals. If they’re hiding it, what are they afraid of? Demand accountability – our democracy depends on it! —- Bob R.
20. ** Join the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce & AdventurePlex for a Preschool Fair & Open House on March 23 – A fun morning for kids & parents and guardians. FREE admission to ToddlerTown & the Play Structure when you pre-register. Explore local preschools – fun activities & giveaways. Use code OPENHOUSE25 for complimentary general admission. —- MB Chamber of Commerce
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