PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS – CHRONIC VEGETATIVE STATE?
by Paul Wafer
In healthcare, if you have an unresponsive patient, it makes it hard to determine the diagnosis. You can perform tests and collect data, but unless you can talk to the patient and get a full history, it can remain an incomplete puzzle. The same can be said for an unresponsive city government. One can collect data and come to some preliminary conclusions, but unless you can get answers to questions, you have an incomplete picture.
About 5 weeks ago I emailed our Mayor and City Council members requesting a response regarding a position I saw posted on the city website. The position required a GED or high school diploma and some experience as a police records technician. It had a starting salary of $114,000 plus benefits! I receive one response from Joe Franklin thanking me for my comments. A week later I sent the email a second time using the individual email addresses instead of the group email address and received two more responses. Nina Tarnay’s response, “Thank you for your email. I appreciate your input and will take your concerns and the information you shared into consideration,” and a response from David Lesser that was more substantive and described some of the processes of the Human Resource Department and he asked if I would like more information. I received no response from Mayor Amy Howorth or Councilman Steve Charelian, the former financial director of Manhattan Beach.
I took up Mr. Lesser’s offer to get my questions answered and asked a series of questions under 3 areas of concern: One, Job Classification and the compensation survey, Two, Work productivity standards and measurement, and Three, Overtime controls and fulltime employee volume controls. I felt these questions were important, especially after it was revealed in the mid-year budget review that the city is $2 million over budget in salaries for the first half of the fiscal year. Mr. Lesser responded on February 24th and copied our City Manager and stated it may take some time for staff to get the answers. I followed up on March 6th with the City Manager asking for a reply by March 14th. The questions I asked were basic management questions that should easily be answered. Sadly, to date, there has been no response. Disappointing, but unfortunately not unexpected.
Let your city government know you want answers at:
-Citycouncil@manhattanbeach.gov
-Tmirzakhanian@manhattanbeach.gov
MB Weekly Reader Questions: Are you comfortable with the lack of reply to Mr. Wafer’s questions? Reply to MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Anne Wharton
(EVP of Manhattan Country Club)
Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST ASSOCIATE WITH THE BAY CLUB?
A: I was the General Manager of Manhattan Country Club when we were acquired by Bay Club in 2007. I have stayed with the company since and have held a few positions on the regional and corporate side. I am now thrilled to be back overseeing Manhattan Country Club as we undergo a 15 million dollar renovation. I feel inspired by the facility we will design for future generations.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in Tucson, Arizona, and am a diehard University of Arizona Wildcat! I found my home in the South Bay 21 years ago and couldn’t love this community more. The people and the energy in the South Bay are unparalleled, it’s a small town feel in a big city. Fun fact: I actually met my husband at the world famous 6-man volleyball tournament in 2007.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: I was born on October 30th just before midnight making me a Scorpio. I do find the Scorpio passion and loyalty to be accurate. I also find myself overwhelmingly surrounded by Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius signs.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING THE BAY CLUB?
A: Programming! We love our members and try to design programming for everyone. Listening to members and their asks is so important from the youngest members and staying on trend with great activities to our most loyal and tenured members, ensuring we are providing the home away from home haven is our top priority.
Q: WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE DINNER WITH: ELON MUSK OR GEORGE CLOONEY?
A: George with Amal Clooney would be amazing especially if in Lake Como. That said, my celebrity dinner (or golf round) number 1 would be Charles Barkley.
Q: WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING?
A: I am always ready to talk about all things Bravo. I am also watching White Lotus and most recently the Slim Aarons Documentary, it’s inspirational as we are going through this renovation at Manhattan Country Club.
https://www.bayclubs.com/manhattancc/
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lee Phillips
Understanding Low-Income Housing Eligibility in Manhattan Beach: There has been considerable discussion regarding low-income housing units and their beneficiaries. In Manhattan Beach, California, low-income eligibility is determined based on the area’s median income, as established by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Income categories are typically defined as percentages of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Los Angeles County, which encompasses Manhattan Beach. For the fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has set the median family income for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA area at $98,200.00 for a family of four. Under these guidelines, a “low-income” classification applies to those earning up to $110,000 for a family of four or $77,700.00 for an individual. The City of Manhattan Beach adheres to these county-wide income limits when implementing various housing programs and policies.
For more details, refer to the official HCD income limits 2024 document:
https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/income-limits-2024.pdf
View MB city salaries here:
https://transparentcalifornia.com/salaries/2023/manhattan-beach
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
NANDO TRATTORIA:
Good Food Is Meant To Be Shared
Endless plates, endless flavors – each dish crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of Italian tradition. Gather around, take a bite, and enjoy the moment.
www.NandoTrattoria.com
MB WEEKLY – ASK THE FORMER MAYORS:
QUESTION: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
Mark Burton: Josh, there are SO many! You can’t go wrong with Slay, the Strand House and for salmon, The Shade. For hamburgers, the best I found is Fatburger. For East Manhattan Beach, The Lido and Joey….
Dan Stern: There are a ton of wonderful restaurants and staff in M.B. I live in the north end, so I’m a regular at Fishbar, Sloopy’s and OB’s. Downtown it’s Shade, The Kettle and Brewco with occasional safaris farther afield. May I blame the restaurants for being overweight?
Russ Lesser: Manhattan Beach residents are lucky to have many fine restaurants in the city. We visit quite a few different ones. When our kids were young and we were celebrating an event such as a birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc. we would go to Panchos. Living in the beach area near downtown, we like to walk to dinner, and our favorites are Mangiamos, The Kettle and Nicks. If we drive to dinner we like Lido, Tin Roof and Islands.
The high cost of pistachio nuts at Ralphs in Manhattan Beach.
MBUSD Orchestras Hit All The Right Notes:
The orchestras of Manhattan Beach Middle School and Mira Costa High School struck gold at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) music festival. “The Chamber Orchestra and String Ensemble from MBMS, along with the Philharmonic, Sinfonietta, Symphony, and Chamber Orchestras from Mira Costa, all earned a unanimous superior rating – the highest possible honor!” MBUSD posted on social media celebrating the achievements.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
On an early Sunday morning, MBPD officers responded to a local hotel regarding four subjects who fraudulently booked a stay using stolen information. Officers detained three adults and a juvenile and recovered four handguns from the hotel room.
MB WEEKLY – CHARTS:
Adults concerned about incivility and disrespect in the community.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Diane Chang
Two men stole a laundry bag in Tree Section, waiting for pickup. Does anyone recognize these jerks? They were walking in the tree section, saw my Rinse laundry bag next to my gate for pickup, and instead, they stole it. The bag was gone before Rinse could get it. They’re on my Ring, contemplating whether to steal it, and then the taller guy grabs it and takes off. Since some people seem to think this is a situation where these two individuals assumed my laundry bag was a free-for-pickup, let me add that the bag is left next to a gate tucked on the far end of my driveway, not out by the sidewalk. When the taller man went for the bag, he did so in a hasty manner, like a thief does. I can assure you this was not a situation where these men thought the bag was left out and free to take.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Turning The Page – Beloved Bookstore {pages} Marks 15 Years Of Literary Magic In Manhattan Beach:
Celebrating 15 years of story-filled shelves and community connection, {pages} a bookstore remains the beating literary heart of the South Bay. Founded in 2010 by local bibliophiles Patty, Linda, and Margot, the independent bookstore at 904 Manhattan Avenue serves readers of all ages. With curated selections ranging from surf culture to sizzling fiction, {pages} is more than a bookstore – it’s a vibrant hub for book signings, story times, and lively book clubs. As the pages turn on their 15th chapter, one thing is sure: this local gem is far from writing “The End.”
MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
I appreciate MB Weekly! —- Joe Marcy (Community Leader, Former President of the Hometown Fair)
Attagirl! Chef David LeFevre’s Newest Eatery Fires Up Hermosa Beach:
Manhattan Beach culinary titan David LeFevre has done it again with Attagirl, a California Mediterranean hotspot that opened March 6 in Hermosa Beach. In a signature move, LeFevre promoted longtime Fishing With Dynamite chef de cuisine Alice Mai to lead the kitchen, where she crafts fresh pastas, smoked focaccia, and grilled proteins kissed by a white oak-fired grill. The 90-seat eatery, just steps from the Hermosa Pier, leans into veggie-forward, plant-and-protein-based fare, with shareable plates like chickpea batter-fried rockfish and lamb tagine. A cocktail lineup developed by Ryla’s David Ruivo adds a Mediterranean twist to classic drinks, featuring limoncello-spiked white sangria and a coriander-infused gin and tonic. Brunch and lunch services are on the horizon, promising shakshuka, speck-topped eggs Benedict, and crispy potato breakfast plates. With Attagirl, LeFevre and Mai continue redefining beachside dining – one bold dish at a time.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Memories in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your local photos into: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Welcome to AdventurePlex – Where Kids Play, Explore & Grow:
AdventurePlex is a dynamic play space in Manhattan Beach that keeps kids active while fostering healthy habits. With a five-level play structure, Toddler Town, an outdoor ropes course, and a rock-climbing wall, AdventurePlex offers endless fun. Seasonal camps and drop-in play days make it a favorite among South Bay families. Kids thrive in this engaging, safe environment, whether climbing, exploring, or pretending.
1701 Marine Ave | (310) 546-7708 | adventureplex.org
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
March 13 to March 19, 2025
- 623 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 19 ARRESTS
- 31 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 39 CRIME REPORTS FILED
Notable Events:
** On 3/15/25 at approximately 12:19 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 3400 block of Sepulveda Boulevard (Sunglass Hut) regarding a theft report. The store clerk saw two pairs of sunglasses missing after two subjects left the store. They reviewed video surveillance and observed two suspects entered the store and one distracted the sales associate, while the second suspect stole a pair of Gucci sunglasses and Miu Miu sunglasses.
** On 3/16/25 at approximately 6:30 a.m., officers responded to the 1400 block of Rosecrans Avenue (Westdrift) regarding a hotel room rented fraudulently with subjects smoking marijuana inside. Officers responded and a search of the hotel revealed four loaded handguns, a mask, and fraudulent items. All four male suspects (three adults, one 16 year old juvenile) were arrested for various gun and fraud related charges.
** On 3/19/25 at approximately 2:30 p.m., MBPD SROs arrived at the Manhattan Beach Middle School after being alerted that an unloaded firearm was located by staff in a student’s backpack. The juvenile student was arrested by MBPD. The MBPD investigation is ongoing and please refer to the MBUSD for more information.
** On 3/19/25 at approximately 8:45 p.m., an MBPD officer was dispatched to the 1600 block of Voorhees Avenue regarding a residential burglary. The homeowner returned home and discovered the rear door leading to the backyard was shattered with broken glass on the ground. The victim discovered the primary bedroom was ransacked and jewelry was stolen. Surveillance video showed a white SUV in the area during the time.
MB WEEKLY – A DIFFERENT VIEW:
Feel free to send your local photos into: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
R.I.P. Bill Johnson (1944–2025):
Bill Johnson passed away on February 9, at age 80, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was one of the original Bay Club members and worked out regularly.
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW A COYOTE IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
Send your reply to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
1. ** Can we tell YOUR story? —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
2. ** Did you know that nearly 50% of protein powders tested in the U.S. contain unsafe levels of heavy metals – yet most brands don’t disclose it? —- Dr. Maxine L.
3. ** MANHATTAN WINE AUCTION – MAY 31: Mark your calendars! On May 31, enjoy an unforgettable evening of fine wine, gourmet food, exciting auctions, and community celebration – all supporting our schools. Center Court experiences are available now! General tickets are on sale May 1. —- www.manhattanwineauction.org
4. ** It’s funny how they require you to write longer papers as you progress through college. Then you get to the professional world, and no one will read an email more than five sentences long. —- Harvey B.
5. ** Today I asked Siri, “Why don’t the women I love trust me?” She shouted, “This is Alexa!” —- Darin H.
6. ** Many helicopter parents spend more time today with their kids in a week than my parents spent with me in a year. —- Dr. Samantha P.
7. ** It must suck to be an air conditioner repair specialist. You spend your day working in buildings that have no air conditioning. When it’s fixed and finally cool, you leave. —- Nina S.
8. ** I love my Tesla! —- Fran C.
9. ** You thought you were voting to fight climate change, but it turns out you were also voting to bail out Sacramento’s fiscal disaster. Governor Gavin Newsom is eyeing a chunk of that shiny new $10 billion climate bond to plug his budget hole. Classic bait-and-switch. Wake up, California. —- Thomas L.
10. ** “Overindulgence is a form of child abuse.” – Dr. Phil McGraw. Too many parents today are raising entitled, fragile kids who crumble at the first sign of struggle. Handing them everything on a silver platter robs them of resilience. Stop coddling. Start parenting. Life isn’t a participation trophy – you’re setting them up for massive failure and society’s decline. —- Lois S.
11. ** Our idiot, radical supervisors refuse to support involuntary confinement, letting our current jail rot into lawsuits and chaos. They’ll watch it collapse, then shut it down with zero alternatives – unleashing criminals onto our streets. This isn’t justice; it’s insanity. Leadership is reckless and a direct threat to public safety. —- Steven B.
12. ** My 51-year-old mother insists on dressing like she’s auditioning for a music video every night. It’s beyond embarrassing. Mom, you’re not 21, and I’m not blind. Maybe save the nightclub outfits for … never? —- Name Withheld by Request
13. ** You can tell if a business was founded prior to the internet because they use tricks to get their name to the front of the phone book (ex: A1 Storage, AAA Cleaning, etc.). —- Daisy F.
14. ** What I appreciate about MB Weekly each week is that it brings me the unexpected. It is our area’s only unbiased, independent, liberated, and honest publication. Carry on your good work. —- Angie S., P.S. Your Bulletin Board Is A Wild Trip
15. ** I agree with Russ Lesser. Respect and empathy? Absolutely. Playing against young ladies and girls? No! Title 9 was a great stride in women’s athletics. Want to compete? Compete against the boys. Tell me why we should go back? —- David D.
16. ** Every Thursday, I eagerly dive into the bold, unusual, funny, clever, and downright wild Bulletin Board section of MB Weekly. It’s a refreshing dose of authentic, unfiltered voices from the South Bay – intriguing, thoughtful, and never dull! If you’re not reading it, you’re missing out. —- Craig H.
17. ** Sacramento is steamrolling Manhattan Beach with reckless housing mandates that ignore our city’s unique challenges! We’re a built-out coastal town – forced density will choke infrastructure, ruin our small-town feel, and do NOTHING for affordability. We must push back! Support local control and fight for our community before it’s too late. —- Holly G.
18. ** I tend to agree with Russ Lesser that transgender females have an unfair advantage when competing against biological (gender-assigned-at-birth) females. Can anyone advise if this advantage would not be true if intervention via puberty blockers begins before puberty? The inference is that puberty blockers would interfere with muscular development, which would contribute to the unfair disadvantage, and that the individual continues the treatment throughout their competitive tenure. —- Elyse G.
19. ** Kudos to David Curry, who is the Board Chair of the Manhattan Beach Chamber. I have served with David on several boards and have always been impressed with his fairness, intelligent decisions, and effective leadership. The Board will find a new Executive Director, and I am confident they will be outstanding. —- Ed M.
20. ** Dive N’ Surf is the ultimate destination for ocean lovers in the South Bay! Voted Best Dive Shop, Best Surf Shop, and Best Charter Boat business, they offer top gear, expert service, and unforgettable adventures on the water. —- Clay T.
21. ** Corey (“Cody”) Chang, 27yr old Male Asian Adult, 5’10”, 200 LBS, brown hair, brown eyes. Last seen on 03/13/25 at 10:15 am near the baseball fields in Polliwog Park wearing a dark blue “puffer” jacket, white t-shirt, black pants, yellow shoes, and eyeglasses. Please get in touch with the Manhattan Beach Police Department at (310) 802-5140 with any information. —- MBPD
22. ** I am opposed to gender-changing procedures on small children. I have read that people are coming out now and regret life-altering surgeries and treatments that they had done when they were minors. —- Russ L.
23. ** Thank you, Russ Lesser, for your support of keeping men out of women’s sports. But “where are the feminists?” You can’t trust legacy media to cover what’s essential or cover it objectively. We’ve been speaking out on X for years. Reduxx.info is also a fantastic feminist news source. Check it out! —- Alison S., Manhattan Beach
24. ** New study says marriage triples a man’s chances of becoming obese. That’s because sex burns a lot of calories. —- Leigh K.
25. ** Russ Lesser’s point is NOT a small issue. I recently asked Alison Foote, treasure of ICONS & resident of MB, for some material to combat the standard “it’s such a small issue. I don’t have time” response from my friends who don’t get it. She provided me with the following two links. They are fascinating. shewon.org & hecheated.org. These provide real stats on the issue. —- Cindy S.
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