MB Weekly Celebrates
“Women Of Impact”
Highlighting ten extraordinary women whose work, leadership, and commitment have made a meaningful difference in the community. From business and philanthropy to civic engagement and the arts, the honorees represent a wide range of contributions that help make Manhattan Beach one of the most vibrant communities in Southern California.
MB WEEKLY – WOMEN OF IMPACT:
Patricia Blakemore
(President Neptunian Woman’s Club & Broker Associate)
Q: WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP MEAN IN A TOWN WHERE EVERYONE SEEMS ACCOMPLISHED?
A: Leadership in Manhattan Beach isn’t about standing out in a crowd of high achievers – it’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them, uniting our talents, our drive, and our shared purpose to create something far greater than any one of us could achieve alone. Everyone here brings an impressive resume, but true leadership shows up when we harness that collective strength: creating space for others to shine, listening more than speaking, mentoring quietly, and using our influence to solve the problems that affect the whole community. In a place this accomplished, the best leaders rally everyone together – turning individual excellence into a powerful force for good that lifts Manhattan Beach higher for all of us.
Q: HOW DO YOU BALANCE AMBITION WITH PRESENCE – ESPECIALLY IN A COMMUNITY THAT NEVER SEEMS TO SLOW DOWN?
A: It’s a daily practice, and I’ll be honest – it’s not always easy in a town that moves at full speed. My ambition comes from a deep desire to serve Manhattan Beach well, but I’ve learned that real impact happens when I’m fully present for the people who matter most. I protect my mornings for reflection and family, I say “no” more often than I used to, and I make time for the simple things – walks on the Strand with friends, watching my grandkids play at the beach, or just sitting on the sand at sunset. Ambition without presence is just noise. Presence is what turns ambition into legacy.
Q: WHAT IS ONE MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT STRONG WOMEN IN POSITIONS OF INFLUENCE?
A: The biggest misconception is that strength means being tough, unemotional, or “difficult.” In reality, the strongest women I know – including many here in Manhattan Beach – are the ones who lead with both courage and compassion. We can make hard calls, hold high standards, and still care deeply about the human side of every decision. Our strength isn’t loud; it’s steady. It’s the quiet confidence to speak truth, lift others up, and stay rooted in our values even when the pressure is on.
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL WHO WANTS TO LEAVE HER MARK ON THE WORLD?
A: First – just breathe. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. The world will tell you to chase the biggest stage, but the real mark you leave starts right here in Manhattan Beach. Be kind when no one’s watching. Ask questions that matter. Find what lights you up – whether it’s helping at the food bank, starting a club at school, or just being the friend who shows up. Stay curious, work hard, and never apologize for your ambition.
Q: TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW, WHAT DO YOU HOPE SOMEONE WILL SAY ABOUT THE IMPACT YOU MADE IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I hope they say, “She made this place feel like home – for everyone.” Not just for the families already thriving here, but for every family who dreams of raising their kids in the heart of Manhattan Beach. I hope they remember that I fought to keep Manhattan Beach’s heart intact while helping people find the right place to build their lives. That I was someone who listened, who showed up, who connected neighbors and supported local businesses. At the end of the day, I want my impact to be measured in the lives that felt a little lighter, the families who found their forever home, and the community that stayed strong, connected, and deeply rooted – even as the world kept speeding up.
www.PatriciaBlakemoreHomes.com
MB WEEKLY – WOMEN OF IMPACT:
Grace Edgington
(MBUSD Public Information Officer)
Q: WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP MEAN IN A TOWN WHERE EVERYONE SEEMS ACCOMPLISHED?
A: In my opinion, in a community like Manhattan Beach, leadership is less about individual achievement and more about connection and communication. It’s about helping people feel heard and valued, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration, and using your platform to amplify others. When everyone brings talent and perspective to the table, leadership means creating space for those voices and helping move the community forward together.
Q: HOW DO YOU BALANCE AMBITION WITH PRESENCE – ESPECIALLY IN A COMMUNITY THAT NEVER SEEMS TO SLOW DOWN?
A: Balancing ambition with presence in a fast-paced community takes intention. Ambition keeps me focused on the bigger picture and the goals that move us forward, while presence keeps me grounded in the people and moments right in front of me. I try to be thoughtful about both, striving for meaningful impact while staying connected and fully engaged in the day-to-day relationships.
Q: WHAT IS ONE MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT STRONG WOMEN IN POSITIONS OF INFLUENCE?
A: I think a common misconception is that strong women in leadership are distant or unapproachable. I believe true strength is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and openness. Leadership isn’t about control – it’s about building trust, listening well, and creating space for honest communication. The strongest leaders are those who uplift others and aren’t afraid to lead with both confidence and compassion.
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL WHO WANTS TO LEAVE HER MARK ON THE WORLD?
A: To a 16-year-old at Mira Costa, I’d say: trust your voice – it matters more than you think. The world needs your perspective, and you make an impact by showing up authentically. Don’t be afraid to step into leadership, share your ideas, and communicate with confidence. Leaving your mark isn’t about doing it alone; it’s about bringing people together and using your voice to create momentum that lasts.
Q: TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW, WHAT DO YOU HOPE SOMEONE WILL SAY ABOUT THE IMPACT YOU MADE IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: Twenty years from now, I hope people say I showed up consistently – especially in complex or uncertain moments – and, in partnership with the people around me, helped bring clarity through thoughtful, honest communication. That together we created space for open dialogue, shared information with integrity, and moved our community forward with understanding and trust.
www.MBUSD.org
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MB WEEKLY – WOMEN OF IMPACT:
Misty Frasier
(President of Kiwanis Club & Realtor)
Q: WHAT IS THE MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU FIRST REALIZED YOU WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE – NOT JUST A LIVING?
A: I’ve had wonderful mentors who showed me how meaningful and deeply needed volunteering truly is. I watched people give their time and energy not for recognition, but because someone needed help. Seeing the impact of that kind of service shifted something in me. I realized that fulfillment doesn’t come from titles or income – it comes from contribution. That belief has only deepened through my own involvement in the community. Being part of Kiwanis Club and watching our Santa sleigh travel through neighborhoods each year – seeing the excitement on children’s faces and realizing how many families it touches – has been incredibly meaningful to me. It’s a reminder that even simple traditions can create lasting joy and connection. Becoming a mother strengthened that conviction even more. It made me want to double down on volunteering, not only because our community benefits from service, but because I want my daughter to understand how significant it is to help others. I want her to grow up seeing that showing up for your community isn’t optional – it’s part of who you are.
Q: MANHATTAN BEACH IS KNOWN FOR HIGH STANDARDS AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS. WHERE DO YOU BELIEVE OUR COMMUNITY IS THRIVING – AND WHERE DO WE NEED TO RAISE THE BAR?
A: I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have lived in many different regions across the United States, and that experience has given me insight into a wide range of communities – what strengthens them and what challenges them. What stands out about Manhattan Beach is the deep level of engagement. Families are invested, residents show up, and there is a shared expectation that things should be done well. That commitment to excellence is something not every community has, and it’s something we should value. Where we can raise the bar is in ensuring that our high expectations are paired with balance and perspective. Achievement matters, but so does well-being. As standards continue to rise, we should remain thoughtful about how we support students and families – making sure success is sustainable and that young people feel confident, capable, and supported along the way. A strong community measures progress not only by outcomes, but by the strength and resilience of its people.
Q: WHO BELIEVED IN YOU BEFORE YOU FULLY BELIEVED IN YOURSELF?
A: My best friend Cindy Carvel and my husband, Patrick, believed in me long before I was fully confident in myself. They encouraged me to step forward when I hesitated and reminded me of my strengths when I questioned them. Having people who see your potential clearly – even before you do – is a powerful gift, and I’m deeply grateful for theirs.
Q: WHAT FAILURE SHAPED YOU MORE THAN ANY SUCCESS EVER COULD?
A: One of my most meaningful lessons came from taking on too much, believing that effort alone could solve every problem. When things didn’t go as planned, it forced me to slow down, listen more carefully, and recognize the value of collaboration. That experience reshaped how I lead. It taught me humility, patience, and the importance of shared responsibility – lessons that no success could have taught as clearly.
Q: IF YOU COULD SOLVE ONE LOCAL ISSUE TOMORROW – WHETHER CIVIC, CULTURAL, OR EDUCATIONAL – WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
A: Education. Education is the foundation for opportunity and long-term community strength. When students feel supported academically and emotionally, they grow into confident, capable adults. Just as importantly, children need to learn how to think for themselves – to ask thoughtful questions, evaluate information, solve problems, and form their own ideas with confidence and integrity. Strong schools don’t simply deliver information; they cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and resilience. Investing in education means investing in the future of our entire city. If we get education right – supporting teachers, strengthening curriculum, and fostering environments where students can thrive – we set the tone for everything else that follows.
www.CarvelFrasier.com
MB WEEKLY – WOMEN OF IMPACT:
Lisa Hemmat
(Owner, Proprietor of Lido Di Manhattan)
Q: HOW DO YOU BALANCE AMBITION WITH PRESENCE – ESPECIALLY IN A COMMUNITY THAT NEVER SEEMS TO SLOW DOWN?
A: I love setting goals and achieving them – that drive is part of who I am. But I also love joy, connection, and community. For me, balance is everything. I believe in working hard and playing hard. When it’s time to focus, I buckle down and make things happen. And when the work is done, I fully embrace the moment – whether that’s supporting local events, gathering with friends, or being present with my family. Success means little if you aren’t present enough to enjoy it.
Q: WHAT IS ONE MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT STRONG WOMEN IN POSITIONS OF INFLUENCE?
A: One misconception is that strength automatically means toughness – and while resilience is important, it’s only one dimension. Strong women often lead with empathy, creativity, generosity, and collaboration. Their warmth and depth can sometimes be overlooked because people focus only on their decisiveness. Strength and softness are not opposites – they coexist. And in many cases, that balance is what makes influential women so effective.
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL WHO WANTS TO LEAVE HER MARK ON THE WORLD?
A: Dream boldly – and then take action every single day toward those dreams. If you’re passionate about business, surround yourself with motivated, like-minded people. Find mentors. Ask questions. Stay curious. Learn from setbacks and never give up on your vision. If your heart is in service, lean into the causes that truly move you. The impact you make will always be strongest when it aligns with what genuinely lights you up. Your mark on the world begins with believing you belong in it.
Q: TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW, WHAT DO YOU HOPE SOMEONE WILL SAY ABOUT THE IMPACT YOU MADE IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I hope they say I was a dedicated and exemplary member of this community – someone who built and sustained a successful local business for over 25 years while always giving back. I hope they remember that our doors were open not just for dining, but for connection – that we supported local schools, hosted meaningful events, and showed up when the city needed us. And I hope they say that through decades of Rotary service, I helped strengthen the spirit of generosity and service that makes Manhattan Beach such a special place to live.
www.LidoDiManhattan.com
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MB WEEKLY – WOMEN OF IMPACT:
Deborah Hofreiter
(Education Veteran)
Q: WHAT IS THE MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU FIRST REALIZED YOU WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, NOT JUST A LIVING?
A: When I was in high school. It was a very tumultuous time in our country and among my peers it was understood that just living wasn’t good enough. We needed to improve the world a bit as well. I felt that teaching children to believe in themselves and their abilities was a major contribution to a better world.
Q: MANHATTAN BEACH IS KNOWN FOR HIGH STANDARDS AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS. WHERE DO YOU BELIEVE OUR COMMUNITY IS THRIVING – AND WHERE DO WE NEED TO RAISE THE BAR?
A: Manhattan Beach is thriving in attracting wealthy, strong-minded people. It used to be a sleepy little beach town. Now it seems much more cosmopolitan and chic. As always, the schools could use as much support as possible. Manhattan Beach is in a unique financial position that is not favorable for the school’s budget. Any and all support is needed.
Q: WHO BELIEVED IN YOU BEFORE YOU FULLY BELIEVED IN YOURSELF?
A: My mother. She never completed high school and was bound and determined that I go to college. I don’t think she ever expected me to get a doctorate, but this is what happens when you encourage a love of learning in your children. She moved us to a new neighborhood when I was 10, because the old neighborhood’s high school did not have a high attendance to college after graduation. The new high school had a 96% college attendance.
Q: WHAT FAILURE SHAPED YOU MORE THAN ANY SUCCESS EVER COULD?
A: Probably my divorce at 38 years old. I had to adopt, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” I think if I would have stayed married, I would not have become Vice Principal at Mira Costa, or perhaps gotten my doctorate in Administrative Leadership. It wasn’t a fun push in my life, but it did make me stretch.
MB WEEKLY – WOMEN OF IMPACT:
Suzanne Rogers Karger
(MB Philanthropist)
Q: WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP MEAN IN A TOWN WHERE EVERYONE SEEMS ACCOMPLISHED?
A: I find that leadership is less about personal distinction and more about service, collaboration, and the ability to inspire and unite, even in a town like Manhattan Beach with a well accomplished population, there is more than enough opportunity for leadership.
Q: HOW DO YOU BALANCE AMBITION WITH PRESENCE – ESPECIALLY IN A COMMUNITY THAT NEVER SEEMS TO SLOW DOWN?
A: First, clarify your purpose and let that guide your ambition. After I retired I was looking for volunteer work that would also include a leadership component. My first opportunity was facilitating “Taste of the South Bay” benefiting the Kings Care Foundation. It allowed me to volunteer and take the lead on the restaurant participants. From there I have been the lead in several non-profit food events and community events.
Q: WHAT IS ONE MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT STRONG WOMEN IN POSITIONS OF INFLUENCE?
A: One common misconception is that women who demonstrate confidence, decisiveness and ambition are often perceived as being overly assertive or even intimidating, rather than collaborative. In fact, women are able to balance assertiveness with emotional intelligence, fostering environments where others feel valued and empowered.
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL WHO WANTS TO LEAVE HER MARK ON THE WORLD?
A: Recognize and celebrate what makes you unique. Don’t be afraid to stand out and speak out while still being you. Take advantage of all opportunities to experience leadership within our community, like Leadership Manhattan Beach (LMB), Student Cultural Arts, Parks and Recreation or Library Commission positions and Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA).
Q: TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW, WHAT DO YOU HOPE SOMEONE WILL SAY ABOUT THE IMPACT YOU MADE IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I hope to be remembered for the positive change I brought to Manhattan Beach – through my volunteer work for the City and local non-profit organizations and a commitment to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Manhattan Beach through the founding of the LoveMB Foundation.
www.LoveMB.org
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MB WEEKLY – WOMEN OF IMPACT:
Lee Phillips
(Manhattan Beach Community Activist)
Q: WHAT IS THE MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU FIRST REALIZED YOU WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, NOT JUST A LIVING?
A: During my medical training, I cared for a 16-year-old pregnant girl who had attempted to take her own life. When I asked her why, she said quietly, “Because no one gives a f**k.” It wasn’t dramatic; it was flat. Final. I’ve treated thousands of patients since then, yet her voice still echoes within me. That moment stripped medicine down to its core. People don’t just need treatment – they need to feel that someone genuinely cares about them. That realization changed how I practiced.
Q: MANHATTAN BEACH IS KNOWN FOR HIGH STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS. WHERE IS OUR COMMUNITY THRIVING – AND WHERE DO WE NEED TO RAISE THE BAR?
A: Residents of Manhattan Beach fiercely protect the coastline, care deeply about schools and safety, and value the character of our neighborhoods. This vigilance fosters a sense of intentionality in our city’s identity. However, pressure is increasing – especially around development. In a place as desirable as this, change happens quickly. We must stay disciplined. Growth should reflect our scale and our values, not merely market demand. Once the character of a coastal town shifts, it rarely shifts back. Thriving communities don’t drift; they decide.
Q: WHO BELIEVED IN YOU BEFORE YOU FULLY BELIEVED IN YOURSELF?
A: Although my parents never explicitly told me, “I believe in you,” my parents provided steady support – structure, expectation, and a clear understanding that effort was required and it was ok to try and fail. Confidence didn’t arrive all at once; it grew quietly through action – showing up, making difficult decisions, and learning from mistakes. Because of that, it feels earned. And steady.
Q: WHAT FAILURE SHAPED YOU MORE THAN ANY SUCCESS EVER COULD?
A: I moved from clinical medicine into the pharmaceutical world, working on Byetta, the first GLP-1 therapy for diabetes. It was groundbreaking – and controversial. There were setbacks, skepticism, and questions about safety. Public scrutiny followed. Innovation sounds glamorous until you’re the one defending it under pressure. That era taught me resilience and restraint. It forced me to separate ego from outcome and to stay focused on doing the work carefully and responsibly.
Q: IF YOU COULD SOLVE ONE LOCAL ISSUE TOMORROW – WHETHER CIVIC, CULTURAL, OR EDUCATIONAL – WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
A: I would expand public art in Manhattan Beach – not just commissioned pieces, but art created by residents through workshops and community classes, displayed in shared spaces. Art transforms how people relate to a place. When someone helps create something visible and lasting, they feel rooted. They feel ownership. That sense of belonging strengthens a city in ways policy alone never can.
MB WEEKLY – WOMEN OF IMPACT:
Stella Shirman
(Owner Of Estell Boutique)
Q: WHAT IS THE MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU FIRST REALIZED YOU WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, NOT JUST A LIVING?
A: The realization came gradually, during my years in the corporate world. On paper, I had everything I was supposed to want – a stable career, a strong education, and a clear path forward. But the longer I stayed behind a desk, the more disconnected I felt from the parts of myself that thrived on creativity and human connection. Fashion had always been my language. I loved not just how clothes looked, but how they made women feel – more confident, more visible, more themselves. I knew then that I didn’t want my work to be only about earning a living; I wanted it to have purpose. That understanding became undeniable after I moved to Los Angeles and opened my boutique on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Watching women light up when they found something that truly fit them – physically and emotionally – showed me that business could be deeply personal. Creating a space where women felt seen, confident, and inspired was more fulfilling than any title or paycheck. That was the moment I understood that my path wasn’t just about making a living, but about making a difference – one woman at a time.
Q: MANHATTAN BEACH IS KNOWN FOR HIGH STANDARDS AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS. WHERE DO YOU BELIEVE OUR COMMUNITY IS THRIVING – AND WHERE DO WE NEED TO RAISE THE BAR?
A: Manhattan Beach thrives because of its strong sense of community engagement and quality. The locals care deeply about their community – from supporting local businesses and schools to maintaining beautiful public spaces and a vibrant coastal lifestyle. There’s a shared expectation of excellence. High standards also encourage businesses to keep evolving. We can raise the bar in inclusivity and support for small businesses, who bring creativity to the city. When we balance excellence with openness and community-minded growth, we don’t just maintain high standards – we elevate them.
Q: WHO BELIEVED IN YOU BEFORE YOU FULLY BELIEVED IN YOURSELF?
A: Before I fully believed in myself, my parents and close friends believed in me. My parents gave me a strong foundation through education, support, and unwavering encouragement, even when the path forward felt uncertain. My friends saw my calling before I was ready to claim it myself – reminding me of my strengths, pushing me to take risks, and trusting that I would find my way. Their belief carried me forward until I learned to fully believe in myself.
Q: IF YOU COULD SOLVE ONE LOCAL ISSUE TOMORROW – WHETHER CIVIC, CULTURAL, OR EDUCATIONAL – WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
A: If I could solve one local issue tomorrow, it would be creating stronger, more practical support for small businesses. Independent retailers are the heart and soul of a community, yet in today’s challenging economy, even small regulatory pressures can make a big difference. Greater flexibility around sidewalk racks and sandwich-board signage would allow local businesses to better connect with foot traffic without compromising the city’s aesthetic standards. In addition, simple wayfinding – such as directional “Shop & Dine” signs at key intersections like Manhattan Avenue and Manhattan Boulevard – could significantly increase visibility for areas that don’t naturally receive the same flow of traffic. These small, thoughtful changes would help local businesses thrive, strengthen the local economy, and ensure that the character and creativity of our commercial districts continue to flourish.
www.EstellBoutiques.com
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MB WEEKLY – WOMEN OF IMPACT:
Kelly Stroman
(Executive Director of Downtown MB)
Q: WHAT IS THE MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU FIRST REALIZED YOU WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE – NOT JUST A LIVING?
A: While working for the Estée Lauder Corporation, I had the privilege of helping women transform the way they looked and felt through thoughtful skincare and makeup. What stayed with me wasn’t the lipstick shade or the perfect foundation match – it was the shift in confidence. I saw hesitant smiles turn radiant. I witnessed women reconnect with their own beauty and strength. Being part of that confidence-building transformation, that quiet healing that happens when someone truly sees themselves, ignited something in me and the love of helping people shine.
Q: MANHATTAN BEACH IS KNOWN FOR HIGH STANDARDS AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS. WHERE DO YOU BELIEVE OUR COMMUNITY IS THRIVING – AND WHERE DO WE NEED TO RAISE THE BAR?
A: Manhattan Beach has always been a community of high standards and high expectations. That’s one of our greatest strengths. This is a town where people care, show up, volunteer, and support local businesses. That level of engagement is not accidental, it’s cultivated, and it’s special. Where I believe we can raise the bar is in deepening personal ownership. It’s easy to enjoy a beautiful, well-run city. It’s more difficult, and more impactful, to see ourselves as stewards of it. The more we instill a sense of individual pride and responsibility for keeping Manhattan Beach exceptional, the stronger we will be for decades to come. Excellence isn’t just something we expect from our city. It’s something we model… every day and in every way.
Q: WHO BELIEVED IN YOU BEFORE YOU FULLY BELIEVED IN YOURSELF?
A: GOD
Q: WHAT FAILURE SHAPED YOU MORE THAN ANY SUCCESS EVER COULD?
A: I don’t see failure as something that defines you, I see it as something that develops you. I believe in failing fast (don’t hold onto the sinking ship), learning quickly, and moving forward with clarity. When something doesn’t work, that’s data. It’s feedback. It’s an opportunity to improve and not make the same mistake again.
Q: IF YOU COULD SOLVE ONE LOCAL ISSUE TOMORROW – WHETHER CIVIC, CULTURAL, OR EDUCATIONAL – WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
A: If I could solve one local issue tomorrow, it would be improving e-bike safety and making people think before they ride. E-bikes have brought convenience and independence to so many families in Manhattan Beach. People need to understand that when they get on an e-bike, they’re not just making a transportation choice – they’re making a safety decision.The speed and carelessness that so many ride with, scares me silly. Beyond rules, there’s a human side to this. I want every child (and parent who purchases the bike) to pause and think: Who loves you? Who would be devastated if you were seriously hurt? Parents, siblings, friends… this community. Buckle that helmet, someone loves you!
www.DowntownManhattanBeach.com
MB WEEKLY – WOMEN OF IMPACT:
Debbie Van Ness
(Director MB Safe)
Q: WHAT IS THE MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU FIRST REALIZED YOU WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE – NOT JUST A LIVING?
A: I wouldn’t say there was one defining or “a ha” moment. I grew up in Chicago, part of a large Polish immigrant family. My grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all lived on the same block. We looked out for one another and our family dinners included discussions about politics and matters of the day. If someone needed something everyone pitched in. It was never about one single person or family. So we were always taught to look out for the bigger entity or community and make a difference. We lived through the civil rights era, Chicago riots, the Viet Nam war, Watergate, etc – a disruptive time of social upheaval and transformation. All were defining moments that taught us institutions matter, but so does civic engagement. As a generation we learned that voting matters, local organizing matters, Journalism matters, courts matter, education matters. Women fought for equal rights. There were huge cultural shifts in music and film. Environmentalism was born as was the EPA. So making a living was important but it was always intertwined with making a difference. It was the generation, time and place that shaped us.
Q: MANHATTAN BEACH IS KNOWN FOR HIGH STANDARDS AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS. WHERE DO YOU BELIEVE OUR COMMUNITY IS THRIVING – AND WHERE DO WE NEED TO RAISE THE BAR?
A: I am grateful every day that we get to live in a community like Manhattan Beach. Where we thrive is our overall lifestyle and community. Our city is clean, well run, family oriented. Art adorns our public spaces. We have distinguished schools and our environment here is conducive to healthy living with our beach and city parks as our playground. So much is walkable here. I think the people that have always been drawn here care about these quality of life issues. People are engaged in local matters. These are all the things that make us a thriving community. The things that are concerning me now are things like unchecked development that is going on with the state housing demands. We all need to get involved somehow and try to stop the overbuilding that is sure to ruin our landscape and lifestyle. I wish the city council would step up and be more proactive rather than just throwing up their hands and saying there’s nothing we can do. Change doesn’t happen with that attitude. I also think there needs to be more transparency and accountability with our city budgets. Project spending needs to be scrutinized more carefully and there needs to be more effort in working within our budgets rather than always looking for more measures to get more tax revenue from homeowners.
Q: WHO BELIEVED IN YOU BEFORE YOU FULLY BELIEVED IN YOURSELF?
A: Certainly my family. But beyond that it was someone I met on my first professional job. I was right out of college working at an ABC affiliate station in Peoria, Illinois as a street reporter. I was the youngest one there and pretty intimidated by the job itself, the other reporters, the anchors, all of it. There was another reporter there named Wendy Gordon who was a few years older than me who befriended me and taught me a lot about the job but also to follow my instincts and not be intimidated. Our station ended up with an unexpected award for “excellence in journalism” for some education coverage I did that year. Which I still have framed in a file box somewhere LOL. It was a surprise to everyone! Wendy and I both ended up out in LA. She became an anchor here and I went to work in media relations for a large utility. We stayed in touch for many years but sadly, she died in 2020.
Q: WHAT FAILURE SHAPED YOU MORE THAN ANY SUCCESS EVER COULD?
A: It wasn’t a failure per se but a life event. I married in my early twenties and moved to California with my husband. We were so happy and thought we reached nirvana when we got to this beautiful state. But shortly after, he was diagnosed with cancer and died after a long illness. That was one of the hardest times in my life. Realizing that life doesn’t always go as planned, bad things happen to good people, life isn’t fair, it doesn’t make sense sometimes, and that it can be beautiful and heartbreaking in the same breath. But ultimately life always goes on and life is for the living. All trite, but true. It taught me strength and resilience at a young age and gave me perspective to be grateful, enjoy your life and don’t take anything for granted!
Q: IF YOU COULD SOLVE ONE LOCAL ISSUE TOMORROW – WHETHER CIVIC, CULTURAL, OR EDUCATIONAL – WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
A: The divisiveness in our politics as well as so much disinformation online. Our social media gives us the opportunity to be more connected than ever yet I see so many discussions devolve into insults and name calling rather than a place for intellectual and measured discussion. Also people are much less discerning about the source of their information. Any yahoo with a microphone can say and post anything they want whether it’s true or verified or not … and lots of people don’t bother to fact check anything before they spread it and point to it as some reasonable information. As long as it fits their narrative they’re good with it. I love the ease with which we can have discussions and get to know people we ordinarily might not encounter, but we have to use it more wisely. A lot of this has to do with the social media companies and their algorithms too – but don’t get me started on that or we’ll be here all day!
www.MBSafe.org
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Fashionable clothes, unique toys and one of a kind gifts both kids and parents will enjoy. Baby Shower Items. Cool Tween styles for Girls and more.
225 Manhattan Beach Blvd | (310) 545-9990 | www.BellaBeachKids.com
1. ** Paul “Spreadsheet” Wafer was spot on with his fiscal budget reforms for our City. I would hope the next City Council uses Paul’s recommendations as a template for fiscal budget reform. However, I don’t think our current City Council has any interest in fiscal budget reform. —- Mark Burton, (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
2. ** Warning to Redondo Beach Homeowners – Is your house on a hidden “historic” list? In the 1990s, properties were quietly flagged for potential preservation. When we tried selling, it took 5 months, $70K in legal fees, and hearings to clear it – winning by one vote. Nobody told us. If your home is older, check now. —- F.Z., Redondo Beach
3. ** Maybe it vs just me, but “boob jobs” don’t seem to dominate conversation the way they once did. In the 1990s, it felt like every magazine cover, sitcom joke, and Hollywood rumor involved them. Perhaps fashions change, or maybe gravity finally hired a publicist. Either way, the trend seems less inflated. —- Dave H., Hermosa Beach
4. ** Luxury Loot Bust in El Segundo: Police say a suspect who stole more than $600,000 in handbags and jewelry from a California Street home has been arrested. A Temecula search uncovered $6 million in suspected stolen goods – Birkin bags, Rolex watches, firearms, and cash – linked to a multi-county burglary ring. Anyone with information should contact Detective Michael Keltner at (310) 524-2263 or mkeltner@elsegundo.org.
5. ** Petitions are available in Manhattan Beach and other areas of Los Angeles County. In 2020, Proposition 19 was the first Wealth Tax, forcing the sale or liquidation of truly affordable multigenerational homes. We need to #FiXProp19 to #SaveOurChildren’sFuture and #ReclaimVoters’Rights by signing BOTH petitions at ForCalifornians.com.
6. ** Wake up! All socialism is, is communism before it gets guns. —- J.H., Manhattan Beach
7. ** I hate purple and pink. What colors do you hate? —- Charlie C., El Segundo
8. ** Hawthorne Ends Free Parking Era – Free curb parking along Hawthorne Boulevard is about to disappear. Beginning in April, the city will install pay stations in busy commercial areas to boost parking turnover for local businesses. LAZ Parking will manage the new program, including enforcement and revenue collection, under a deal approved by the City Council in December. —- Editor’s Note
9. ** A friendly reminder for parents strolling past the local elementary school: beneath those cheerful smiles, colorful bulletin boards, and “Have a great day!” greetings lurk a secret faculty society… the Pronoun Queens. Hopefully, spelling, math, and grammar still make occasional guest appearances in the classroom. —- Cort J.
10. ** New coffee buzz in Hermosa. – GoodBoyBob Coffee is coming soon to Hermosa Avenue, taking over the spot where Starbucks once stood. Even better, it’s locally owned by a passionate coffee roaster. Always nice to see an independent shop bringing fresh energy – and great beans – to the neighborhood. Hermosa mornings just got an upgrade. —- J.S., Hermosa Beach
11. ** 11-Year-Old Leaves Schoolboard SPEECHLESS After Reading Book From School Library Out Loud – https://fb.watch/FSB2JXgWoV/ —- S.H.
12. ** I do like Le Pain Quotidien downtown, but $5.25 for a small plain tea is insulting! And they pressure you for a tip. F’off! —- Grace J.
13. ** The Ready, Set, Grow family expo was nicely done, but where were all the people? —- Dr. S.A., Manhattan Beach
14. ** Billionaire Uber co-founder reveals he’s joined exodus from California. —- Walt D.
15. ** What to Expect: Construction Near 28th & Manhattan Ave – Construction near 28th Street and Manhattan Avenue will last about 18 months, with work phased to limit disruption. Expect road closures, detours, noise, dust, and limited parking. The 28th/Manhattan intersection may be impacted for six months. Work occurs Monday – Friday only, with traffic signage and dust-control measures in place. —- Editor’s Note
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