MB WEEKLY READER POLL:
Debt Domino Effect? MB Weekly Reader Poll Reveals 66% Opposition to College Student Loan Forgiveness
Manhattan Beach residents are sounding the alarm on the hot-button issue of college student loan forgiveness. The latest MB Weekly Reader Poll exposes 66% of respondents against the notion, leaving many to wonder, “Where does it end?” Holly W., a Manhattan Beach resident, voiced her concerns, declaring, “Today it’s college loans, tomorrow it’s car loans.” The sentiment reflects a broader anxiety about a potential snowball effect on forgiveness policies. As the nation grapples with economic challenges, this unexpected resistance challenges the prevailing narrative of widespread support for relieving graduates of crippling student debt.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Steven Lutz
Chef at Urban Plates
Q: HOW DID YOU GET ATTACHED TO URBAN PLATES IN THE FIRST PLACE?
A: In 2019 I was working at a local Long Beach Brewery, Ballast Point, and was looking for a second job. My Chef at the time, Chef Thomas, invited me to apply at his buddy’s restaurant that was opening up in the new PCH & 2nd shopping center. He was a former Chef within Urban Plates and thought I would fit in and excel with the UP Culture.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING THE URBAN PLATES KITCHEN IN A POST-COVID WORLD?
A: Whether it’s Pre- or Post-COVID, our biggest challenge will always be the same. Consistency and Delivery. We operate and hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards and we maintain a quality of service and product that is unmatched because of this.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DISH TO EAT AT URBAN PLATES?
A: I’m a sucker for our Barramundi Seabass. The Herb Crust that tops it can’t be beat. For my sides, I love our Macaroni and Cheese, Herb-Roasted Marbled Potatoes (with the same Herb Crust we use on the Barramundi), and our re-vamped Balsamic Brussel Sprouts.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in Torrance at Providence Little Company of Mary.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Virgo, rising Cancer, Cancer Moon.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Tombstone (1993) Starring Val Kilmer, Kurt Russell, Sam Elliott, and Bill Paxton.
Q: WHAT IS THE SECRET SAUCE THAT MAKES URBAN PLATES SO UNIQUE?
A: In the fifteen years I’ve worked in the industry, Urban Plates is the first that I’ve seen to show such sincere and genuine care across the board. The quality of the food, the hospitality of the staff, and the excellence of each manager comes from a tried and tested training program that adheres to the Core Values we instill in each shift. Every team member, from our Cashiers to our Founders, instills these values and it really shows in the everyday service of each of our 19 restaurants across California. No matter which location you choose to patron, you will be treated with sincerity and excellence and it makes everyday working for Urban Plates an absolute blessing.
www.UrbanPlates.com
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
Nando Trattoria:
Freshly baked golden, crispy rice saffron balls with wagyu beef ragù and smoked mozzarella, provolone & spinach, mascarpone, smoked provolone.
www.NandoTrattoria.com
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Allen Sanford
The Beach Life Festival
BeachLife Partners, Rob Lissner and Allen Sanford
Q: HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR THE BEACH LIFE FESTIVAL?
A: I had gone to the Hollywood Bowl to see Paul Simon, and spent 2 hours in traffic – by the time I arrived he had already started, and I sat frustrated throughout the performance. After that, I tried to figure out why nobody had tried to do music in the South Bay – and when I couldn’t figure it out, I decided to try myself.
Q: WHAT EXPERIENCE DID YOU HAVE IN PUTTING SOMETHING LIKE THIS TOGETHER BEFORE THE FIRST EVENT?
A: I owned and operated Saint Rocke, as well as producing the Hermosa Summer Concerts for a decade. In addition, I have owned & operated 15 restaurants so I understand consumer hospitality.
Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTEND THE BEACH LIFE FESTIVAL?
A: Over 10,000 per day.
Q: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR PEOPLE TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE FESTIVAL?
A: Website, google, ask your local friend! beachlifefestival.com
Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Leo. I’m fairly obstinate and set in my ways.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Stand By Me
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF PUTTING THE FESTIVAL TOGETHER?
A: People and logistics – it’s an extremely delicate spider web of planning that occurs – and coordinating thousand people to work together is often very difficult to do.
www.BeachLifeFestival.com
Assemblyman And City Of MB Collaborate To Overturn DA:
Frustrated with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office’s refusal to prosecute non-violent crimes, Manhattan Beach is considering another approach. The City will try to exceed DA jurisdiction. Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) submitted legislation allowing cities to prosecute state misdemeanor crimes in their territories. The City Council unanimously approved sponsoring it. Muratsuchi introduced AB2309 in February, “which would remove the consent requirement and, instead, authorize the city attorney of any general law city or chartered city to prosecute any misdemeanor committed within the city arising out of violation of state law,” according to the City resolution. “Thank you to the City of Manhattan Beach City Council, which unanimously agreed to sponsor my AB 2309 last week. This bill removes the requirement that cities receive consent from the District Attorney’s Office to prosecute state misdemeanors within their city and allows any city attorney’s office to prosecute misdemeanors,” Assemblymember Muratsuchi said in a Facebook post.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Mira Costa Boys Volleyball was named Best of the West after defeating Newport Harbor. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Joey Manhattan Beach:
JOEY + HAPPY HOUR
Now Bigger and Better Than Ever
Sunday – Thursday: 3pm – 6pm daily | 9pm to close
www.JoeyRestaurants.com
Police Disability ID To Improve Engagement, Communication With Special Needs Residents:
Manhattan Beach will establish a program to improve police service for special needs citizens. Residents will soon be able to register for the MBPD’s Emergency Disability Identification System, giving disabled people stickers on their windows, cars, phones, or anywhere else to alert police to handle the situation with sensitivity. The MBPD’s strategy includes a program for the deaf, hard of hearing, blind, developmentally impaired, non-verbal, psychotic disorder, epileptic, and other people. The objectives include enhanced safety and understanding, effective communication, emergency preparedness, and building community trust. At the city council meeting to approve the program, a member of the MBPD said the sunflower stickers might have helped him be better prepared to respond to a domestic abuse incident a few months earlier.
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
by Darby Winston
Bruxie in El Segundo
Bruxie in El Segundo left me with less than mixed feelings. While the atmosphere and service were decent, the cons overshadowed the pros. The Mac and cheese was a major letdown, with a taste that left me puzzled and unimpressed. It made me question its place on the menu altogether. Even the fries lacked flavor, adding to the disappointment. I splurged $60 on the entire order, and the value wasn’t there. I hoped for the salad, which was visually appealing but sadly untouched due to the lackluster experience with the rest. Unfortunately, this visit didn’t live up to expectations, and I won’t be coming back. It’s a regrettable dining experience, given the price and the unappetizing quality of certain dishes.
Food: C- • Service: C- • Atmosphere: B-
www.Bruxie.com
MB WEEKLY – COLUMNIST:
Fred Taylor (Manhattan Beach)
Lucia La Rosa couldn’t have said it better. The sexual integrity of our Costa girl’s tennis team this year was violated. One of my Mama Bear friends who knows the tennis team’s moms told me that the team captain was asked to share the same room with the boy. The District, I’m told, refused to pay for a separate room. From my school board’s advocacy, the MBUSD Board refused to even entertain a resolution disagreeing with the state laws and CIV regs. Is this Board favoring boys on girls’ teams, or is it devoid of courage?
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Pistachios at Ralphs in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Andrew Bronstein (Manhattan Beach)
Reconsider the whole e-bike purchase. Predators are waiting to steal them as soon as they are locked up. My son and his friend’s $2k e-bike was stolen from Bay Club in El Segundo during the day by a professional guy POS… If you know @victor rosas, let him know the @el Segundo police will be looking for him… If you know him. Tell him to give my kid his bike back!
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Manhattan Beach Studios:
Manhattan Beach Studios has two of the most innovative stages for creatives of all walks of life. Located just minutes away from the beach, LAX, restaurants and more, it’s comfortable, equipped with a laid back vibe and has tons of gear for your most serious photo and video production needs. The customer service will make your day as smooth as can be. Manhattan Beach Studios has fun being a part of your success.
www.ManhattanBeachStudios.net
Dolphin Conservation And Awareness Effort At Roundhouse Aquarium:
Tourists recognize bottlenose dolphins as one of the most common marine mammals. Beachgoers rarely know why dolphins act the way they do or how they behave in the wild. The Bottlenose Dolphin Project, a website presenting years of observations on the three dolphin pods that frequent Santa Monica Bay, was developed by the Manhattan Beach Pier/Roundhouse Aquarium to fill that knowledge gap. While there is no exhibit at the City’s pier, the roundhouse will soon offer public lectures and activities about the project. Since 2018, the roundhouse has photographed and recorded dolphin pod activity and compiled the findings into the new dolphin awareness and conservation website. The site discusses bottlenose dolphin anatomy, coastal versus offshore dolphins, how scientists oppose assigning human traits to dolphin behavior, and more.
WHO READS MB WEEKLY?
Ernesto, Owner of Lido Bakery in Manhattan Beach
Sign up for free at: www.MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional service provided by MB Weekly to Manhattan Beach and the South Bay community. In a landscape saturated with mundane (I am being kind) publications, MB Weekly stands out as a beacon of intelligence, intrigue, and quirkiness and most importantly independent. Its bold attitude injects a soulful spirit into our community, captivating readers with a refreshing and vibrant experience. Having endured years of uninspiring content, the arrival of MB Weekly is a breath of fresh air. Congratulations to the entire team for their commitment to delivering content that is both smart and captivating. Here’s to more exciting reads and a continued positive impact on our community. —- Ashley G. Manhattan Beach
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Meet Manhattan Beach police officer Jessica Borello. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
PORTOFINO POURS
The First Self-Pour Taps Wall
In A South Bay Hotel
At The Portofino Hotel & Marina
The Portofino Hotel & Marina
260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach
Portofino Pours is Open 24 Hours A Day
7 Days AWeek (Pricing Varies)
Noble House Hotels & Resorts and The Portofino Hotel & Marina have recently debuted an all-new interactive, self-pour taps wall, Portofino Pours. Open to the public, Portofino Pours is the first hotel amenity of its kind in the region offering guests a new level of control and choice in their imbibing experience. Those aged 21+ can take charge of their beverage journey by visiting the front desk for a limitless luxurious Reidel glassware and wristband, which will be connected to their tab. The taps wall, installed by iPourIt, is nestled in the hotel’s recently renovated Living Room overlooking King Harbor and offers six different taps of beer, wine, and house-made cocktails, which will rotate by season and availability. The first lineup includes:
- Sparkling Wine from Gambino
- Pinot Noir from Elouan
- Chardonnay from Chalk Hill
- Craft Beer featuring NobleWolf Pilsner
- Session IPA with CannonBall Run IPA
- Portofino’s Signature Cocktail: House-Made Baleen Margarita
The Portofino will also be hosting a Tappy Hour daily from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. with a 30% discount on all Portofino Pours selections.
For more information, visit www.HotelPortofino.com
and follow the hotel on Instagram at @portofinohotel
LEARN MORE
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:
“Locate a group of cool, careless preteens hanging out at the mall. Walk by them and worry that they’ll heckle you in Manhattan Beach.”
“The Purpose Of Marketing Is Not To Be Seen But To Be Remembered”
Can we tell YOUR story to the modern world?
www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
Contact Amanda Kent:
AmandaK@BoundlessMediaUSA.com
1. ** Police with weapons drawn at Wells Fargo on MB Blvd/Sepulveda around 12:30 pm recently? What the Hell happened? —- Anthony F., Manhattan Beach
2. ** My wise mother of 8 children would not drive freeways, so she could not help me with my three little boys. She was always happy to send me a little money to hire a babysitter. And I’ll never forget her advice to “find a grandmother in your neighborhood and have great girlfriends.” —- Ellen K., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Does anyone work at the CVS in Manhattan Beach anymore? I go into the store and never find anyone working there or to help me. Awful! —- Isabella E., Manhattan Beach
4. ** El Segundo police Chief Jaime Bermudez is retiring, the city announced this week. His last day leading the police department will be April 1. Bermudez joined the El Segundo Police Department in 1992 as a cadet and has held every rank in the department, including working specialized assignments, supervising all field operations and managing the Administrative Services Bureau before being appointed chief in 2021. —- Editor’s Note
5. ** Cotton swabs may seem the most satisfying way to clear ear wax, but safer and more effective alternatives exist. —- Dr. Nancy R., Hermosa Beach
6. ** The 24-hour news cycle can make you feel like you live in an upside-down world. The lunacy of the left and constant woke agendas in every facet of culture – from gender confusion and overt sexualization of young kids to demanding reparations for slavery and stoking fear about a climate crisis – is enough to make you cry. —- Hank Y., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Biology is not bigotry. —- Hamilton J., Manhattan Beach
8. ** 30% of migrants traveling through Mexico tested positive for syphilis and other STDs. —- Dr. Lance G., Manhattan Beach
9. ** An Inglewood man was arrested by Redondo Beach police this week on suspicion of shooting to death a homeless man found in a stairwell of a parking structure at the pier last month, authorities said. Alexis Martinez, 29, was arrested Wednesday, March 6, in Inglewood and booked into jail on suspicion of murder, Capt. Michael Martinez said. He was being held on $2 million bail. —- Editor’s Note
10. ** If Joe Biden truly thinks that our country is better off under his watch, he’s living in a fantasy world. And at his age, that is entirely possible. —- Hannah G., Manhattan Beach
11. ** Gift card thief: I experienced it twice! I bought a $100 California pizza gift card from Costco, used $78 the first time, and left $22 remaining, but after one month, it was just $12, so I repurchased it for $100. I used the gift card this weekend, and it only had $19 left! I requested a manager, but her only response was to provide receipts from previous visits. I’m unsure if the restaurant takes the money for the gift card. Be vigilant and save receipts. —- Gail G., Manhattan Beach
12. ** I think President Biden is sexy! —- Frank L., Manhattan Beach
13. ** A man who killed another on Redondo Pier last month was apprehended. Early morning joggers like me may breathe better. —- Yoli B., Redondo Beach
14. ** The full ramifications of the invasion of our southern border will not be felt in a day, a week, or a month but in the next 1, 5, and 10 years. Heaven help us! —- Dr. Vincent T., Manhattan Beach
15. ** Reorganize the way you hang your clothes: Do it by length. Instead of having your things randomly slotted in, pull everything out and group the long-hanging and short-hanging clothing together. —- Sophia E., Manhattan Beach
16. ** The number of past presidential rematches in U.S. election history. A rematch between Donald Trump and Joe Biden this year would be the seventh. —- Timothy Z., Manhattan Beach
17. ** Israel vs. “Evil” —- https://www.amazon.com/Israel-vs-Evil-Michael-Levine/dp/B0CTL61WX8/
18. ** I hate when my “woke” friends refer to homeless people as their unhoused neighbors. Let me be direct. If a drug-addicted man from Portland decides to come to Manhattan Beach to smoke crack cocaine and repeatedly masturbate in front of restaurants in our downtown area, I don’t choose to refer to that fella as my neighbor. Do you? —- Charlene B., Manhattan Beach
19. ** My wife is an ungrateful bitch who thinks of me as nothing more than an ATM machine. —- Frank C., Manhattan Beach
20. ** I recently ate at Slay Steak and Fish with my wife. An attractive couple on a date sat next to us. The man asked how my lamb chops were while checking the menu. I said they were great and (on a bet) offered to pay for him and his date if they didn’t like the lamb chops. —- Zara L., Manhattan Beach
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