MB WEEKLY PRESENTS:
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Tuesday, April 9
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Manhattan Village
2616 N. Sepulveda Blvd
3:30 – 4:30 • Free Parking
Speak directly to the new Mayor of Manhattan Beach. No Staff. One-on-one conversation.
Speak • Ask • Comment • Criticize • Challenge • Praise • Learn
Bring the family to meet the Mayor
R.S.V.P.: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY:
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
KARINA GERGER, Ed.D.
Principal of Mira Costa High School
Q: HOW DID YOU INITIALLY CONNECT WITH MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL?
A: I have worked for the Manhattan Beach Unified School District for 20 years. I started as the English Language Learner Coordinator for grades K-12. Over the years, I worked at the high school in different capacities, including as a Teacher on Special Assignment providing professional development and technology support K-12. I was also Mira Costa High School Vice Principal for two years, moving to Principal at Pennekamp Elementary for five years, and then transitioned into my current role as the Principal of Mira Costa.
Q: CURRENTLY, WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB AS PRINCIPAL?
A: The most challenging aspect of my job is the budget limitations. Due to the State of California system for school financing, Mira Costa faces budget constraints that limit the resources available for staffing, programs, and facilities. We are grateful for the donations of our parents to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF), the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), the program boosters, and to our district, which help tremendously. Even with these generous donations, we still have areas that are underfunded in order to fully thrive in every aspect across our high school.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR THREE BIGGEST GOALS FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS?
A: My first goal is to continuously strive to improve academic outcomes by implementing effective teaching strategies, supporting professional development for staff, and monitoring student progress. My second goal is to prioritize the social-emotional well-being of students by implementing programs and services that support mental health, resilience, and positive relationships among students and staff and fostering a school culture that promotes a sense of belonging at all times. My third goal is to ensure the safety and security of students and staff by implementing ways to promote standing up against hate, prejudice, and bullying, as well as ensuring that our campus is well-maintained and secure.
Q: WHAT CAN THE COMMUNITY DO TO SUPPORT THE HIGH SCHOOL MORE FULLY?
A: Our community can volunteer time and expertise to various school activities, as well as actively participate in school committees, parent-teacher associations, and booster clubs. Parental involvement is what makes our programs thrive.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: I am a Leo.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: My favorite movie of all time is Breakfast at Tiffany’s with Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard.
Q: WHERE DID YOU GO TO HIGH SCHOOL?
A: I attended Notre Dame High School in Riverside, California, for my freshman and sophomore year and Riverside Poly High School for my junior and senior year.
Q: WERE YOU A GOOD STUDENT?
A: I loved school because I had wonderful teachers who inspired me to love education. Growing up, I played school with neighborhood kids, teaching lessons, grading papers, and giving stickers for a job well done. Ultimately, I never imagined that I would move onto anything else than teaching, but here I am, Principal of Mira Costa High School. Go Costa!
www.MiraCostaHigh.org
Slaying The Culinary Scene:
Uber-Chef David Slay’s Fete Reigns Supreme on its Rainy Anniversary Night
Uber chef David Slay’s culinary kingdom, Fete, celebrated its one-year reign with a gastronomic spectacle despite the rain. The restaurant echoed with live music, embracing a packed dining room and proving rain couldn’t dampen the spirits. Slay, the maestro of Manhattan Beach’s culinary renaissance, waved his magic wand again, transforming Fete into a booming success. As the storm raged outside, the flavors inside painted a different story – a triumphant saga of innovation and taste. The anniversary soirée showcased Slay’s culinary prowess, solidifying Fete’s status as the reigning monarch of epicurean delight.
www.FeteBySlay.com
Tin Roof Bistro:
Tin Roof Bistro’s culinary masterpiece is here – the famous caramelized Brussels Sprouts! Locally sourced and cooked to perfection with fresh ingredients. Enhance the experience by pairing it with a choice from Tin Roof Bistro’s diverse wine collection. Cheers to a delightful journey of taste and pleasure.
www.TinRoofBistro.com
MB Weekly Reader Poll:
WTF? 47% of Adults Still Supporting their Kids in the South Bay Amidst Financial Struggles
In a shocking revelation, the latest MB Weekly reader poll conducted in the South Bay has exposed a startling trend – 47% of adults still financially support their children over 18. The findings suggest a growing struggle for millennials and Generation Z to achieve financial independence in today’s challenging economic landscape. Rising food and housing costs and lower wages compared to their parent’s generation are cited as significant hurdles. Additionally, millennials and Gen Z are burdened with enormous student loan debts. The financial strain has forced parents to step in, providing support from covering necessities like food and housing to cell phone plans, health, and auto insurance. The poll reveals that, on average, supportive parents are shelling out a substantial $1,384 monthly. As societal and economic dynamics continue to shift, the implications of this trend are raising eyebrows and sparking discussions about the evolving landscape of financial independence for the younger generations. “What a horrible way of parenting!” said one parent in Manhattan Beach. “No wonder kids are so pathetically weak.”
MB WEEKLY – SIGNS:
A sign of the times in Hermosa Beach. Feel free to send your photo to MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Paul Allman
The Journal: Memories of Addis
Q: IN YOUR MANY YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE IN MANHATTAN BEACH, WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH FUTURE GENERATIONS?
A: Don’t be surprised at how many people come out of the woodwork regarding local issues. People in this town, in all generational strata, want to have their voices heard. That is why I was involved in starting, and for years, facilitating Leadership Manhattan Beach. I believed it was important to guide and refine the skills of those individuals who wanted to make a difference. Whatever you choose to be involved in, make your efforts focused on a community program, and not about you.
Q: WHAT IS MANHATTAN BEACH’S “SECRET SAUCE”?
A: MB residents have great pride in their community, proud to share with others where they live, and why. MB can quickly feel like you are home. When I first moved here from the mid-west (Indiana), I was amazed at how I could park my car on the weekends and walk to everything I needed. I was able to enjoy the best recreation, restaurants, and movies (there used to be a movie theater downtown), all within a few blocks. The main ingredients of the secret sauce are sunshine, clean fresh air, and being surrounded by others who value their community.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN THE MANHATTAN BEACH AREA?
A: I could fill up the whole page if I listed them all. The variety this town offers in such a compact area is amazing. That is why the town is a destination point for fine dining, from restaurants downtown to the newly expanded Manhattan Village mall, from ocean views to quaint homey environments. I will give a shout-out to El Tarasco, my 1970 college go-to place, where a full meal for fifty cents was essential for a starving student.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Out of Africa comes to mind but there are many. Any movie with a good story, interesting characters, beautiful scenery, unique cinematography, and thought-provoking dialogue with learning points. I’m in. Especially if there is a twist at the end that you didn’t see coming.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Taurus
Q: GIVEN THE DEMOGRAPHICS, DO YOU BELIEVE THERE WILL BE A ROTARY CLUB IN MANHATTAN BEACH 20 YEARS FROM NOW?
A: The MB Rotary Club has been in town since 1950 (when we became a charter member of Rotary International) and has always been a strong club for over 70 years. Our club has a great mixture of local business owners, city officials, young dynamic entrepreneurs, and seasoned members. Some have been in the club for over 50 years and are still actively serving our community.
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE CURRENT MANHATTAN BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?
A: Keep providing opportunities for our local businesses to network. I have not been as involved with the Chamber for a while, and now post-pandemic, I would bring back Monthly mixers (networking get-togethers), once-a-year marketing conferences, Score, etc.
Q: CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE US A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF YOUR NEW BOOK AND HOW PEOPLE CAN GET INFORMATION ABOUT IT?
A: The Journal: Memories of Addis / Paul G Allman / Available on Amazon. Many of the reviews have included comments like, ‘both an education and a pleasure to read,’ ‘could not put it down,’ and ‘many of the issues are even current today.’ It was an interesting and transforming time in my life. Based on a True Story – Travel – Adventure – Personal Discovery – Historical Insights: The Journal begins in the caves of Matala on the Island of Crete, made famous by Joni Mitchell’s song Carey from her Blue album. My cave was three caves down from hers. The story details my quest to visit the churches of Lalibela in the Gondor region of Northern Ethiopia. I embarked alone on a journey up the Nile River and across the Nubian Desert to Khartoum. I faced unexpected challenges entering Ethiopia from Sudan, finally arriving in Addis Ababa only to be involved with the Mengistu Coup on February 3, 1977 – the beginning of the Red Terror. The political landscape of Eastern Africa was dramatically changing, and I found myself in the heart of those transitions, finally escaping Ethiopia on a dried-up riverbed into Kenya. I lived outside the country for seven years and visited some amazing locations, but when I returned to the U.S. I relocated to Manhattan Beach. That says it all about this city.
https://www.Amazon.com/dp/B0CR21ZFPT
Dive N’ Surf:
Eidon Bikinis are dazzling – check out their new starlight bikinis!
www.DiveNSurf.com
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
by Darby Winston
Lido Bakery
Lido Bakery in Manhattan Beach is a hidden gem renowned for crafting Southern California’s most enchanting wedding cakes. Ernesto, the owner and cake artist extraordinaire, works his magic to create edible masterpieces that taste divine and leave a lasting visual impression. The attention to detail and commitment to perfection are evident in every slice. The atmosphere at Lido Bakery is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to discuss your dream wedding cake. Ernesto’s personalized service and unparalleled skill make this bakery a go-to destination for anyone seeking not just a cake but an edible work of art.
www.LidoBakery.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Russ Lesser (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
The November election for District Attorney reminds me of another election a few years ago. Sheriff Jim McDonnell was running for re-election against Alex Villanueva. Everybody believed he was doing a great job. However, he had one big problem. He was an Independent who had once been a Republican. HORRORS! So, the local Democratic Party endorsed Villanueva, and he won. They soon regretted it and opposed him on many issues. He was soundly defeated after one term. We have Nathan Hochman, a highly respected former Federal Prosecutor, Assistant United States Attorney, and L.A. Ethics Commission President, running against George Gascon. Gascon has been in office since 2020. He has received a vote of no confidence from thirty-seven cities and districts. Victims’ rights advocates supported an attempt to recall him, as did the Association of Deputy District Attorneys, the Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, and many others. In the recent primary election, 21% of the voters supported Gascon, the incumbent, and 79% voted for “anyone but Gascon.” However, like Sheriff McDonnell, Nathan Hochman is an Independent who had once been a Republican. So, even with Gascon’s track record and the voters’ apparent desire to replace him, the local Democratic Party endorsed Gascon. Wouldn’t it be nice if political leaders cared more about what the people wanted and who would do a good job instead of what party they belonged to in the case of non-partisan offices?
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Meet Mezzo. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Daniel K. (Manhattan Beach)
As someone who once cooked in a restaurant, I recently had the pleasure of savoring the Lobster Roll at Hook & Plow in Manhattan Beach, and it was an absolute delight! This dish’s culinary expertise was commendable, with a perfect blend of succulent lobster, creamy mayonnaise, fresh chives, crisp celery, and zesty lemons, all nestled in a heavenly toasted brioche. The sides were equally impressive – the red cabbage and cranberry slaw added a refreshing touch, while the crispy French fries with grana Padano, mustard aioli, and house ketchup were a flavor explosion. A culinary masterpiece that left me craving more, Hook & Plow truly nailed the art of seafood perfection!
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Urban Plates:
The New Ham Family Feast – Only $179.95
Featuring oven baked, bone-in spiral cut glazed ham, made with antibiotic and GMO-free heritage Duroc pork. Served with dijon honey sauce, mashed potatoes & gravy, choice of two sides, and sliced artisan bread. Provided fully cooked & chilled with heating instructions.
Must pre-order by 3/27. Pick up on 3/29 or 3/30. Easter is 3/31.
** (approximately 75 minutes in the oven)
** (pick up only, serves 8)
** Quantities limited (we will sell out)
https://UrbanPlates.com/Easter/
JOIN THE MANHATTAN BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE…:
The voice for business in Manhattan Beach.
www.ManhattanBeachChamber.com
MB WEEKLY – NEWS:
The State of the City
Manhattan Beach event is happening on March 21, 2024, at Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach from 5-7 PM PDT. Don’t miss out on hearing from influential leaders driving innovation and growth in our community. Registration is required. See you there!
www.ManhattanBeachChamber.com/Events
A RESOLUTION OF THE MANHATTAN BEACH CITY COUNCIL INDICATING SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP OF ASSEMBLY BILL 2309:
MB Mayor Joe Franklin
The City Council voted at the March 5 meeting to support and sponsor Assembly Bill 2309 which will allow cities to prosecute state misdemeanors when a County District Attorney declines to allow the City to prosecute state misdemeanors on their own. If passed, permission will no longer be required from the County District Attorney to prosecute state misdemeanor crimes committed in Manhattan Beach. This is what I and the majority of my colleagues have been working for since early 2021 when Gascon unilaterally released his “Directives.”
Sponsoring a bill will take the effort of the City Council to get other cities to support Assembly Bill 2309. The public is invited to help in this endeavor as well. Ultimately the State Assembly will vote to pass this bill and the Governor has veto power.
In my opinion, to vote for this resolution, even though I realize it will take a lot of work, would be a much more effective use of our funds to address the issue that George Gascon consistently blocks us from prosecuting our state misdemeanors which harms our safety and quality of life. For instance, Manhattan Beach joined the City of Whittier’s lawsuit challenging the 2023 Misdemeanor and Felony Bail Schedules (aka “Zero Bail”), adopted consistent with Gascon’s Directives. Allowing cashless bail for most misdemeanors and several felonies encourages criminal defendants to continue their criminal activity, most notably crimes involving theft and drugs. Los Angeles Superior Court ruled against the lawsuit at the earliest stage. Given the pervasive and persistent increase in crime statewide and the desire of the majority of cities to control their prosecutions, we would benefit greatly from getting AB 2309 passed.
Many California cities want to fight rampant crime as we have seen with the passing of Proposition E in San Francisco which grants police greater leeway to pursue suspects in vehicles, authorizes the use of drones and surveillance cameras and reduces paperwork requirements, including in use-of-force cases. In addition to supporting AB 2309 you each have your vote for a Los Angeles County District Attorney in November 2024. Please be sure to exercise your right to vote and have your voice heard.
UNLEASH YOUR VOICE:
The Power of Speaking in MB Weekly
Manhattan Beach beckons writers! Picture this: Your thoughts, ideas, and tales are featured in the largest South Bay digital publication. MB Weekly opens its platform for a community column, echoing the vibrant voices of Manhattan Beach and its South Bay neighbors. Speak up, share your narratives, and captivate tens of thousands through www.MBWeekly.net. From the surf-kissed shores to the bustling city streets, let your words resonate in readers’ hearts. Seize the opportunity to become a literary luminary, connecting minds, one column at a time. Your voice, your column – make waves in the South Bay – “Once a week, but never weakly.” – Write to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“Chirp your heart out – we’re back, in Manhattan Beach, baby!”
ISRAEL vs. “EVIL”:
An extraordinary selection of news stories, social media reports, and other documentation of the events of 2023 for the “disbelievers” of the future.
www.Amazon.com
1. ** When my daughter began public school, and my family was welcomed into Manhattan Beach, I understood that schools are the core of our community, where kids, parents, and educators form lifetime bonds. I remember when Sacramento’s budget constraints forced significant school cuts. —- Rebecca P., Manhattan Beach
2. ** A simple question: Why doesn’t the Manhattan School Board live within its means? —- Craig H., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Biden’s student loan bailouts are a gift to the privileged few – and everyone else pays. And the best part, of course, is Biden is “buying” votes with “your” money. Genius. —- Melanie M., Manhattan Beach
4. ** Forget the Pledge of Allegiance. Today’s teachers are more likely to start the school day with a sick “emotions check-in.” —- Tammi O., Manhattan Beach
5. ** I love the feel of spandex! —- Nora Z., Manhattan Beach
6. ** Fishing with Dynamite is a great lunch spot! Home run every time. —- Renee P., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Our Troops Deserve A Raise A Lot More Than College Students Deserve Loan Forgiveness. —- Hillary G., Manhattan Beach, Mother of a college student
8. ** I adore Diana Krall. —- James Z., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Don’t go to Santa Monica at night. Scary. —- Rebecca G., Manhattan Beach
10. ** I loved the MB Weekly interview with Russ Lesser. —- Amy T., Manhattan Beach
11. ** Bar food is crap food. —- Doug T., Manhattan Beach
12. ** Northrop Grumman is preparing to cut as many as 1,000 jobs at its Space Park facility in Redondo Beach after the US Space Force canceled a contract to develop a military communications satellite. The agency terminated the multibillion-dollar program because of high costs, difficulties developing its payload and a schedule delay, according to a regulatory filing and people familiar with the decision, according to Bloomberg. —- Editor’s Note
13. ** McDonald’s is launching an anime-inspired restaurant called WcDonald’s in 30 markets, starting with L.A. The promo includes a new savory chili sauce, a “multi-sensory dining experience,” and a new anime and manga short every week through March 18. —- Name Withheld by Request
14. ** I want to alert people that I recently hired Ruben’s Painting to paint some of the interior and exterior of my home. The company did an above-average job on the interior while I watched them repair and paint. However, I did not check their work on the exterior. I paid them when they finished without checking their work. That was a big mistake. Their work was unsatisfactory. —- Jerome N., Hermosa Beach
15. ** It doesn’t matter how often they deny it. Joe Biden’s involvement in his son Hunter’s lucrative foreign grift is undeniable. Whether it was flying him around the world on Air Force 2 to extract millions from shady characters in corrupt countries, getting on the speaker phone to close a deal, hosting breakfasts at the vice-presidential residence, or attending lunches and dinners Hunter and his uncle Jim set up to impress their clients, Joe was in on it. —- Adam F., Manhattan Beach
16. ** What Nikki Haley is doing is noble. It may give her the credibility she’ll need once Trump is finally gone. —- Grace R., Manhattan Beach
17. ** L.A. County Board of Supervisors is FINALLY doing an audit of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority! This is great news, but it will take about six months. —- Clark C., Manhattan Beach
18. ** I loved Richard Lewis! —- Sandy P., Manhattan Beach
19. ** Outgoing Superintendent Melissa Moore topped off her 30-year education career with a decade at El Segundo Unified. —- Editor’s Note
20. ** Now, isn’t this an eye-opener? Manhattan Beach is a town of 34,688 (2021) residents, and only Lucia LaRosa comes out and asks all the right questions about the proposed school tax. Yep, it’s a big NO vote here. Someone has lots of ’splaining to do. —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach
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