MB WEEKLY:
EXCLUSIVE COMMENTARY
BY RACHEL JOHNSON
POLICE CHIEF of MANHATTAN BEACH
I wanted to update you [readers] on our efforts to identify and apprehend members of the South American Theft groups that have committed residential burglaries in Manhattan Beach. Our team has been working closely with our law enforcement partners in the South Bay and conducting community outreach. Our Community Affairs Team meets regularly with citizens to discuss ways our residents can protect themselves. Our weekly crime summary has also highlighted these burglaries when they occurred and suggested crime prevention tips for our residents. We understand the importance of community safety and the concerns raised by recent incidents. We are fully committed to addressing these issues with diligence and resolve. Our goal will always be to create a safe and secure city for our residents. I wanted to inform the community about these efforts and assure you that we are taking this matter seriously.
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MB WEEKLY READER POLL:
Dining Habits – 60% Indulge In 5+ Monthly Culinary Adventures
In a gastronomic revelation, MB Weekly’s recent reader poll unveiled that 60% of participants dine out more than five times a month. Culinary enthusiasts are boldly embracing a lifestyle of diverse flavors, opting for restaurant experiences as a regular part of their routine. From trendy bistros to hidden gems, these foodies are exploring the vibrant tapestry of flavors the City offers. The survey showcased a trend of adventurous palates and a desire for social dining experiences, with respondents valuing the communal aspect of sharing meals. The findings reflect a love for diverse cuisines and underline the evolving role of dining as a social and recreational activity.
Please share your comments: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Amanda Vavao
Principal of Pacific Elementary
Q: HOW DID YOU GET TO PACIFIC ELEMENTARY IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I began my career in education in 2005 when I was hired as a long-term substitute teacher at Pennekamp Elementary School in MB. I fell in love with the teaching profession and had a great mentor at the time, principal Dale Keldrauk. He taught me many valuable lessons about how much of a positive impact a school leader can have on the students and staff. From that point on, I aspired to be in a leadership role, specifically, an elementary school principal. I taught at Pennekamp and took on various leadership roles in MBUSD until 2020 when I was hired to serve as Vice Principal at Mira Costa High School. I really enjoyed my time at MCHS, where I was able to work with many amazing young adults as they worked towards their post-secondary goals, as well as work alongside some of the best leaders I know. In 2023, I was hired as Principal of Pacific Elementary School. I am honored to be where I am today and absolutely love my Pacific students, families, and staff. Go Panthers!
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL POST-COVID?
A: One of the most challenging aspects of leading a school is ensuring that all students have what they need to succeed in academics and social-emotional development. We focus on the whole child. On campus, we emphasize the importance of fostering a climate of care for all students and staff while maximizing academic success.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR SECRET FOR RECRUITING THE VERY BEST TEACHERS FOR PACIFIC?
A: It’s vital that our staff members are committed to student achievement and building and maintaining a climate of care at Pacific. When hiring employees, I am looking for educators who value working collaboratively to best meet the needs of each student in academics and social-emotional well-being.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born and raised in Torrance, California. Fun Fact – I graduated from Torrance High School where Beverly Hills 90210 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer were frequently filmed while school was in session.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: I really love the Harry Potter series. I can watch the movies (and read the books) over and over again. The magical world of Harry Potter is a place where imagination can run wild and anything is possible. There are so many wonderful themes that weave throughout the series from friendship, love, perseverance, loss, and the importance of making good decisions.
Q: WHAT ASTROLOGY SIGN ARE YOU?
A: Sagittarius
Q: HOW VITAL IS PARENT PARTICIPATION IN THE SUCCESS OF A SCHOOL?
A: There is nothing better than a positive school – home relationship to support our students. Parents who participate in their child’s education are a vital part of our culture at Pacific. We have parents who volunteer their time to support our programs at school as well as parents who spend countless hours at home supporting their child(ren) with academics and extracurriculars – both are incredibly important roles. The partnership between parents and school staff is one of the most important partnerships in a child’s educational career.
www.PacificSchool.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
Fête Bistro by Slay:
Cozy up on a rainy day and enjoy some French bistro comforts. French Onion Soup Gratinée With Veggie Broth, Croutons, Melted Gruyere!
www.FeteBySlay.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Is this really a jelly-FILLED donut at Dunkin’. It really is, according to one of our readers. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Chef Ramie Arbid
Head Chef At Joey Manhattan Beach
Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST GET ASSOCIATED WITH JOEY MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I fell in love with JOEY Restaurants when I heard about the commitment they have to developing leaders within the organization. I had the privilege of working as a Head Sous Chef at JOEY Woodland Hills. Then the Head Chef position became available, so I applied and joined the Manhattan Beach community a little over a year and a half ago, I am grateful how welcoming the community has been.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING THE HEAD CHEF OF A PROMINENT AND SUCCESSFUL MANHATTAN BEACH RESTAURANT?
A: The most challenging part of my job as Head Chef is continuing to provide an elevated menu and industry leading dining experience! I really want our guests to love everything they taste and if they don’t, I want to fix it in the moment, so they are excited to come back to JOEY. It’s a place I love and am proud of.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO EAT AT JOEY?
A: My favorite dish is hands down the Bollywood Butter Chicken. It has been a staple item on our menu for years now and is a perfect balance of flavors and spices served with our seasoned basmati rice and fresh garlic naan.
Q: WHAT RESTAURANTS DO YOU ENJOY IN THE MANHATTAN BEACH AREA?
A: My favorite restaurants to enjoy in Manhattan Beach are the Strand House (can’t beat the view) as well as MB Post. These restaurants have separate and distinct vibes, but all provide a great time and social experience that is specific to Manhattan Beach!
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in Woodland Hills, CA, in the San Fernando Valley. I’ve always been a California kid through and through. I love being 30 minutes from the beach and only a few hours from the mountains!
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: This is a tough one for sure, but my favorite movie has to be Pulp Fiction. I’m a huge Quentin Tarantino fan!
Q: WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP, DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE A CHEF?
A: I grew up always loving food as it was a big part of my upbringing and traditions in our home. I was on the path of business law, but during my freshman year I started working at a burger restaurant across from campus and haven’t turned back since!
Q: DO YOU WATCH COOKING SHOWS?
A: I do not watch cooking shows per se, but I do love reading cookbooks and watching other cooks and chefs create. I find a lot of inspiration from watching others create!
www.JoeyRestaurants.com
Three Manhattan Beach Vacant Home Burglaries:
The Manhattan Beach Police Department is investigating two house burglaries and an attempted burglary at empty city homes from March 7 to 13. An attempted burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Ardmore Ave. at a vacant home on March 7. The suspect tried to open the door with a tool but failed. The 3300 block of Ocean Drive, where the property is vacant while being remodeled, was burglarized on March 8. MBPD investigated. Security cameras caught suspects in the residence, alerting the owner to the burglary. The suspects left the home without taking anything but opened the garage door. MBPD officers responded to an empty, for-sale residence on March 9. The realtor found the sliding glass door open. A safe with coins and ammunition was stolen, and the week of March 7 – 13 had 38 crime complaints, including three residential burglaries, one assault, one business burglary, five car burglaries, and 10 thefts.
Lido Bakery:
Home of the Most Extraordinary Wedding Cakes
Lido Bakery first opened its doors in 2003. Ernesto Valenzuela started Lido Bakery with his mother, Evelinda, with the dream of bringing back what had become a rarity: the neighborhood bakery. Inspired by a sense of commitment to our community, Lido Bakery offers a full range of baked goods – each carefully crafted with the finest natural ingredients. “We also bake in a little bit of love with every bite!”
www.LidoBakery.com
MB WEEKLY:
WOW!
“My boyfriend preferred watching sports
to reading MB Weekly. I will miss him!”
www.MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Abby Waddell
Realtor At Compass
“WOULD YOU RATHER” INTERVIEW
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER GO INTO THE PAST AND MEET YOUR ANCESTORS OR GO INTO THE FUTURE AND MEET YOUR GREAT-GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN?
A: Definitely meet my future great-great grandchilden!
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE MORE TIME OR MORE MONEY?
A: Both would be good!
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE A REWIND BUTTON OR A PAUSE BUTTON ON YOUR LIFE?
A: Pause
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER BE ABLE TO TALK WITH THE ANIMALS OR SPEAK ALL FOREIGN LANGUAGES?
A: Speak all foreign languages.
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER WIN THE LOTTERY OR LIVE TWICE AS LONG?
A: Live twice as long to meet my great great grandchildren!
www.Compass.com
** City councilman, Richard Montgomery, having coffee at Dunkin’ donuts in Manhattan Beach.
CRIME IN MANHATTAN BEACH:
** A stolen automobile drove into Manhattan Beach on March 7, drawing police attention. The MBPD arrested the guy for having a stolen vehicle after a traffic stop.
** A suspect was apprehended stealing from Old Navy by organized retail theft police on March 8. The suspect was arrested, MBPD said.
** An arrest was made on Match 8 in the 1200 block of Parkview Avenue for stealing a wallet near Manhattan Village Shopping Center. The suspect was also suspected of a domestic burglary at a residence where they had recently repaired plumbing.
** Theft from an automobile occurred on March 9. Police say the car was unlocked.
** Police tried to intercept a stolen vehicle that entered the city on March 9, but the driver didn’t stop. Police chased the automobile until it wrecked near the north 405 freeway and La Tijera. The three suspects fled the vehicle, but police caught and arrested two.
** On March 12, authorities tried to stop a biker for violating Manhattan Beach Municipal Code. Police said the bike rode away from the patrol vehicle. The suspect “rides in a pattern” to escape police. After stopping, the bicyclist was detained for blocking, resisting, and delaying officers. Police say they uncovered burglary equipment on the suspect’s property.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
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MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
In an era where conformity often eclipses truth, MB Weekly’s commitment to independence is fresh air. The sassy tone adds a delightful flair to the news, making it engaging without compromising on substance. Bless you, MB Weekly, for boldly navigating through the noise and delivering news that remains true to its purpose. As a resident of Manhattan Beach, I’m grateful for a news source that values honesty over ideological conformity. Keep up the excellent work! —- Suzy W., Manhattan Beach
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
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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 – COMMENTARY:
by Name Withheld by Request (Hermosa Beach)
My wife and I have shared the noble teaching profession for over two decades, fostering a bond built on mutual respect and understanding. However, since she transitioned to veganism in 2017, our once vibrant connection has been clouded by a deep frustration gnawing at my core. While I wholeheartedly support her journey to better health and commend her commitment to animal rights, the all-consuming nature of her vegan lifestyle has erected an insurmountable barrier between us. Her incessant immersion in vegan podcasts and social media interactions has rendered meaningful communication a distant memory. The walls of our home echo with the sound of her earbuds, leaving me to resort to desperate measures to garner her attention. The ache of longing for genuine conversation simmers beneath the surface, overshadowing my love for her. Though my heart swells with pride for her triumphs, the isolation of my unspoken frustrations weighs heavy, casting a shadow over our once harmonious union.
Please share your comments: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“I like you, but your family in Manhattan Beach exhausts me.”
Facts Tell. Stories Sell.
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1. ** Please fact-check Fred Taylor’s comments regarding the Costa Girls Tennis team. He is spewing inaccurate information. Furthermore, the individual in question is not a boy. She is a teenage girl. —- Andrea H., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Why are you giving voice to a small-minded man who does not have his facts straight? The Girl’s Tennis Team Captains acted admirably, while their parents demonstrated ignorance. The MB Weekly should do some fact-checking before publishing such garbage!!!! —- Debbie B., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Providence Urgent Care in Manhattan Beach is a terrific community asset. I’ve been there twice or three times in the last three years and always had an outstanding experience. These people care! —- Cameron P., Manhattan Beach
4. ** NBA player and bestselling author Jonathan Isaac never caved under pressure to kneel for the National Anthem. Thank God! —- Horrace C., Manhattan Beach
5. ** Please remember that our next mayor, Amy Howorth, donated money to George Gascon’s election. —- Fern D., Manhattan Beach
6. ** I went through a drive-through today and didn’t speak to a human when I ordered my food. It was weird. —- Leah H., Manhattan Beach
7. ** The Sunday fried chicken dinner at Slay Italian Kitchen is the best in the city by far! Not to be missed. —- Henry B., Manhattan Beach
8. ** As a first-time Globe Tire in Manhattan Beach customer, I was highly impressed with their good work and warm spirit. Good people! —- Tami A., Manhattan Beach
9. ** If you think tough men are dangerous, wait until you see what weak men are capable of. —- Glenn S., Manhattan Beach
10. ** A free society is only as strong as the citizens willing to defend it. —- Anonymous
11. ** After years of hard work, Riley Gaines made it to the NCAA Championship. Still, her dreams of winning were shattered when a low-ranked 6’ 4” MALE swimmer who had changed his name to Lia Thomas entered the competition, destroying the opportunities for female athletes. —- Joan R., Manhattan Beach
12. ** I’ve now been to Shake Shack in El Segundo twice, and the service makes Carl’s Junior (in a bad neighborhood) look like The Four Seasons. Danny Meyer should be ashamed of himself. —- Caryn R., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Salon 6 Degrees doesn’t return telephone calls. Arrogant. Who needs that? —- Joel T., Manhattan Beach
14. ** Blue states are letting NON-CITIZENS vote in our elections. —- Kim H., Manhattan Beach
15. ** CBS News reports TikTok has 177 million users in the US, second only to Fentanyl. —- Amy A., Manhattan Beach
16. ** Last week at a college job fair, a senior showed up 3 hours late for his interview with United Airlines. He was hired on the spot. —- Devin C., Hermosa Beach
17. ** Plastic surgeons in L.A. are opening up a new chain of drive-thru clinics called Jiffy Boob. Ha! —- Clyde V., Manhattan Beach
18. ** Female Athletes Sue NCAA Over Trans Women in Sports. Amen. Long overdue. —- Jennifer R., Manhattan Beach (A parent of two girls)
19. ** SpaceX’s mega rocket blasted off on another test flight Thursday and made it farther than two previous attempts, but the spacecraft was lost as it descended back to Earth. The Hawthorne-based company said it lost contact with the spacecraft as it neared its goal, a splashdown in the Indian Ocean, about an hour after liftoff from the southern tip of Texas near the Mexican border. —- Editor’s Note
20. ** The Arco Station on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and the AT&T Store on Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach were both hit by smash-and-grab thieves earlier this month. —- Jeremy S., Manhattan Beach
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