SILENCE IS NOT SAFETY:
MBMS PARENTS ALLEGE GUN INCIDENT MISHANDLED
Frustration is boiling over in Manhattan Beach after the alleged mishandling of a firearm incident at MBMS on March 19. Parents say district leaders, including Superintendent John Bowes, have failed to provide transparency, accountability, or a plan to prevent future threats. “… I understand that last week’s incident has created a deeply concerning situation that has shaken our community and I hate that that happened here on my watch,” Bowes said at the March 26 MBUSD Board meeting before public comments were heard. One speaker, a teacher and parent, demanded an independent investigation into a “breach in protocol” in the announcement of when a weapon is found on campus. “… we were not prepared to discuss these issues with our students or parents the following day due to the lack of communication …” In her remarks, Police Chief Rachel Johnson said, “I am profoundly grateful for the vigilance of the staff member who overheard a concerning conversation and took immediate decisive action … when our Police Department learned of this incident, our school resource officers immediately sprang into action … To our students, if you see something that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, speak up, your voice matters …” Bowes noted there will be a town hall for the MBMS community on Monday April 7 at 5 p.m.
MB Weekly Readers Express Frustration Over City’s Silence On Paul Wafer Inquiry:
A recent MB Weekly story detailing the city’s lack of response to long-time resident and taxpayer Paul Wafer sparked significant feedback from readers. Of 171 responses, 166 expressed discontent and frustration with the city’s refusal to address Wafer’s questions. Many viewed the silence as dismissive and disrespectful to a community member invested in the city’s well-being. One Manhattan Beach business owner, who has been in the area for 10 years, remarked, “I sense these folks have gotten a bit too complacent.” The strong reaction underscores growing concerns about the city’s accountability and communication with residents.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Charlotte Lesser
(MB NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH)
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DEVELOP THE IDEA OF A NEIGHBOR WATCH IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I had learned about a program called Neighborhood Watch while at a PTA conference in 1979. At the same time, my husband who was a new member of the Manhattan Beach City Council was concerned about the significant numbers of residential burglaries occurring weekly in the city. I agreed that if the council wanted to support such a program, I would lead the effort to institute Neighborhood Watch in Manhattan Beach. I would be able to use many of the skills I had learned while a member of the Junior League.
Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF RUNNING THE VITAL COMMUNITY SERVICE?
A: Challenges have changed over the forty five years. In the early years we needed to create relationships with the community and the police department. We developed an outreach program where we educated blocks of residents how to: ONE, keep home and person safe, TWO, learn how to contact police if something is of concern and THREE, get to know your neighbors to look out for one another. Next we developed a network of more than 500 blocks that were educated through weekly crime updates and ongoing gatherings where safety information was provided by our police department. Today the challenge is to reach the new homeowners with the message to join the effort. Knowing your neighbors makes you safer.
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO THE FUTURE LEADERS OF NEIGHBOR WATCH IN TOWN?
A: With so many of our residents securing homes with electronic devices and able to access the crime updates on their computers directly from the city, it behooves Neighborhood Watch to continue to recommend the need for better awareness of those who live on the block so they can look out for one another. When neighbors know their neighbors, they work together to keep safe.
Q: HAS THE CURRENT POLICE CHIEF BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR WORK?
A: All of the seven chiefs over these 45 years have supported the Neighborhood Watch program. Chief Johnson is no different. As times have gone by, the support has changed, but the message is always the same. If you want to be safer, join Neighborhood Watch.
Q: WHAT CAN RESIDENTS DO TO SUPPORT THE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM?
A: Find out who your block captain is and join the block program. Volunteer to be the block captain, or even a more significant role. We are all VOLUNTEERS! Email Mirna Puma at mpuma@manhattanbeach.gov to get involved.
Q: IS THE TYPE OF CRIME IN THE CITY DIFFERENT TODAY THAN WHEN YOU FIRST BEGAN?
A: Neighborhood Watch educates the public to keep their homes safe. When the program began, we were experiencing more than one hundred residential burglaries per month. Now our residential burglaries are in the single digits monthly. We still need to do a better job with securing our vehicles. We are fortunate that we have an excellent police department, and because of the years of positive relationships with our police officers, the community is safer and supports the efforts of the department.
Q: IS THE NEW DISTRICT ATTORNEY PROVIDING ANY SUPPORT TO YOUR PROGRAM?
A: So far, I see an effort to prosecute more crimes and work closer with our police department to keep repeat offenders off our streets.
https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/police-department/neighborhood-watch
JOEY Manhattan Beach:
GET 20% OFF
Skip the cooking, keep the savings. Get 20% off up to $10 when you spend $40 or more. Offer ends April 6.
Use code 20JOEY when you order through DoorDash.
www.JoeyRestaurants.com
MB WEEKLY – ASK THE FORMER MAYORS:
QUESTION: ARE YOU PLEASED OR DISPLEASED WITH HOW THE CITY HAS HANDLED THE ISSUE OF OUTDOOR DINING?
** Dan Stern: Displeased. The city handled a decision with differing views in the usual way. Defer it, appoint a task force and let a $400,000 contract to study it. Kick the can down the road indefinitely and do nothing but waste money. We’ve been talking about outdoor dining for years and have done nothing. Other cities have acted, we’ve spent money with no decision, only a “vision.”
** Bob Holmes: The city has taken way too long to reach an outdoor dining decision. It is not easy, but reach a decision. If you are a restaurateur, you want more outdoor dining. If you have a downtown nail salon, beauty salon, dress shop, book store, shoe repair, or other small retail business, you want more street parking. There will be no perfect answer, but make a darn decision.
** Mark Burton: Bottom line is I am displeased with the long, drawn out process. It’s been years and I, and many other residents, have no idea where we are in the process, nor do we know when the process will end.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
A person harassing people in the Target parking lot.
Manhattan Beach Rotary Invests In The Future – Young Entrepreneurs Shine:
The Manhattan Beach Rotary proudly supports the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA), fostering innovation and creativity among local youth. Recently, Past President Lisa Hemmat joined the panel of judges, stepping into the role of an investor to allocate $7,000 in seed money to talented young entrepreneurs. Many Rotarians serve as mentors, guiding students through their entrepreneurial journeys. The winning young entrepreneur is the daughter of a fellow Rotarian and exemplifies community spirit and dedication.
www.ClubRunner.ca
Dive N’ Surf:
Hydrate in style with Buckland Cameo Canteen! Sleek, strong, and designed for your wild side. From hiking to recording yourself playing golfing, it’s the water bottle that does it all. This water bottle can hold your phone to the handle, stream your favorite shows, take envy-selfies, or facetime with your friends. Hydration just got way smarter !!
www.DiveNSurf.com
MB WEEKLY – CHARTS:
Adults who use marijuana.
MB WEEKLY:
The South Bay’s Digital Powerhouse – South Bay’s Largest (by far) Digital Publication
Did you know? MB Weekly (www.MBWeekly.net) has swiftly become South Bay’s largest digital publication. In just two years, its readership has skyrocketed, attracting an extraordinary audience from Manhattan Beach to Redondo Beach El Segundo to Hermosa Beach. MB Weekly readers are predominantly young and affluent – 60% are under 55, with an average annual income of $128,000. The publication’s catchy slogan, “Once a week, but never weakly,” encapsulates its commitment to delivering robust and unbiased local coverage. To stay connected to the South Bay’s pulse, visit www.MBWeekly.net and discover why it’s the talk of the town.
www.MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – THEATER REVIEW:
by John J. McKillop
Cinema West – Beach Cities
Cinema West – Beach Cities in El Segundo is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a modern, upscale atmosphere that sets the tone for a top-tier movie experience. The recliner seats are incredibly comfortable – perfect for relaxing in style – and the sound system is unforgettable, immersing you entirely in the film. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed, offering clean facilities and a true sense of modern luxury. Whether you’re a movie buff or just out for a fun night, this new theater is a must-visit. Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike!
www.CinemaWest.com
MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
With the new year upon us …, I feel compelled to express my genuine gratitude to MB Weekly for its enlightening series of articles by Paul Wafer. His investigation into the extraordinarily high salaries of our city’s large and growing roster of employees was nothing short of eye-opening. For many of us, this was information we had never encountered before, and it delivered a much-needed jolt. Conversations with friends revealed the same sentiment – a mix of surprise and concern about how our city manages its finances. I can only hope these powerful articles have sparked discussions that might lead to meaningful change, underscoring the importance of a well-informed citizenry. Thank you, MB Weekly, for an outstanding job of bringing this issue to light. —- Name Withheld by Request
Bertha Mae’s Brownies:
www.BerthaMaesBrownies.com
Please Join Us For Our 58th Annual NSDAR Colonial Luncheon:
Saturday, April 12, 2025
St. Francis Episcopal Church
2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates
High Tea, Raffles, Silent Auction & Fashion Show
$65 per person
GET TICKETS
MADDIE HUTCHINSON – MIRA COSTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR:
Maddie Hutchinson, English & Link Crew Teacher, has been named the 2025 Mira Costa High School Teacher of the Year.
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
March 20 to March 26, 2025
- 796 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 16 ARRESTS
- 18 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 51 CRIME REPORTS FILED
Notable Events:
** On 3/20/25 at approximately 1:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to Polliwog Park regarding a robbery. The officers arrived on scene and determined the crime was a distraction theft. The victim was approached by suspects who placed jewelry on the victim and, while doing so, simultaneously removed the victim’s jewelry.
** On 3/20/25 at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 3200 block of N. Sepulveda Boulevard (Apple Store) regarding two suspects conducting fraudulent transactions at the register. Officers arrived on scene and detained the two suspects while inside the store. Officers learned through their investigation, that two other suspects were waiting outside in a vehicle. When the officers walked outside and located the rental vehicle, the other two suspects were not inside. The two detained suspects were transported to the MBPD jail and booked for multiple charges.
** On 3/21/25 at approximately 10:45 a.m., the victim and a friend were walking east on 2 Street from Sepulveda Boulevard when an SUV drove up next to them. Seven to eight juveniles, wearing ski masks and holding lacrosse sticks, began to throw rocks at the victim. This is an ongoing investigation.
** On 3/25/25 at approximately 4:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Manhattan Beach Boulevard (Trendy Eyes) regarding a traffic collision. An SUV was backed into a business’s front display window, shattering the glass. Through the officer’s investigation, it was determined that a traffic collision did not occur and that three suspects used the vehicle to ram the storefront glass in an attempt to burglarize the business. The suspects were unsuccessful and fled the scene. Officers searched for the suspects in the area, but they were not located. This is an ongoing investigation.
** On 3/26/25 officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Boundary Place regarding a residential burglary that occurred at approximately 1:42 a.m. The victim discovered an e-bike and some golf clubs stolen from their closed garage. The homeowner’s cars were parked and locked in their driveway with garage door openers in both vehicles. There were no signs of forced entry on the vehicles and at the time of the report, it was undetermined how entry was made.
MB WEEKLY – A DIFFERENT VIEW:
Feel free to send your local photos into: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
SCHOLAR QUIZ WINNERS:
Mira Costa Scholar Quiz champions are Daniel Greenberg, Maxine Wright, Thomas Love, and Ava Larson, who led their team to victory in a thrilling finale, answering 52 questions and winning 225-190, according to MCHS social media. “A huge shout out to everyone who made this event possible! Scholar Quiz brought together 256 students, 64 teams, and 150+ school, parent, alumni, and community volunteers.”
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
DID THE RECENT INFLUX OF ULTRA-HIGH-NET-WORTH NEWCOMERS INCREASE DEMAND FOR EXPERIENCED – AND DISCREET – HOUSEHOLD STAFF?
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. ** Jim Light, appointed Redondo Beach mayor after Bill Brand’s passing, has secured a full term, per final March 4 election results. Light narrowly defeated outgoing Councilmember Nils Nehrenheim and three others after four ranked-choice voting rounds. He did not respond to requests for comment. —- Editor’s Note
2. ** The City of Manhattan Beach allocates time and funds for a Juneteenth Listening Session – as an essential community dialogue. But where is the Crime Victims Listening Session? Shouldn’t those impacted by rising crime also have platform? If inclusivity matters, don’t all voices – including victims – deserve to be heard? —- Rory J.
3. ** Why do so many young people walk around with sad, apathetic faces today? Seriously, they can’t all be constipated! It’s like enthusiasm is illegal. Where’s the fire? The passion? The spark? Life isn’t a never-ending doom scroll – snap out of it! Try smiling; it won’t kill you. —- Justin P.
4. ** Mayor Karen Bass previously approved a merit-based pay raise of 2.5% for former Fire Chief Kristen Crowley – weeks later firing Crowley over what Bass characterized as leadership failures related to January’s wildfires. —- Chad H.
5. ** The Redondo Beach city council voted 5-0 Tuesday night, March 11, to adopt three ordinances, preparing the way to bring two retail cannabis shops to town. Disgusting! —- Zara O.
6. ** Urrgh! Los Angeles rent hikes run twice national increases, report says. L.A. rents have risen 0.7% for the first two months of the year, more than double the 0.3% increase for local units a year ago and rental nationwide in 2025. —- Victor V.
7. ** Governor Newsom took millions from developers and then pushed high-density housing policies. In Manhattan Beach, that means 774 affordable units – but over 5,000 total units flooding the area. Is this about affordability or developer profits? Residents deserve answers before their community is transformed forever. —- D.O.
8. ** Boa in Manhattan Village is an overpriced disappointment – mediocre food wrapped in a pretentious attitude. For the steep prices, you’d expect excellence, but instead, you get an underwhelming meal with a side of snobbery. There are plenty of better spots in town that value their customers. I say skip it. —- Lauren T.
9. ** Yesterday, I took my mom to test drive a Tesla. We were accosted by a massive group of pro-Hamas, anti-American, anti-Elon Musk “protestors” chanting obscenities, threatening my mom and kids, shouting “no justice, no peace,” and calling my KIDS Nazis for being at the Santa Monica Tesla store. —- Jasmine C.
10. ** Save the Date! The Manhattan Wine Auction returns Saturday, May 31, for an unforgettable evening of fine wine, gourmet bites, live entertainment, and exclusive auctions – all supporting our schools! Center Court experiences are on sale now; GA tickets are available May 1st. Learn more: www.manhattanwineauction.com —- Manhattan Wine Auction
11. ** One of the worst feelings is your sleeves sliding down your wrists as you wash your hands. —- Roger F.
12. ** Police in Torrance on Monday said they arrested rocker Wes Scantlin of the band Puddle of Mudd last week on suspicion of domestic violence and drug possession. —- Editor’s Note
13. ** It’s probably much less common for friends to share the same first name in fiction than in real life. —- Ross C.
14. ** What an absolute disgrace! The brand-new sign we put up in El Segundo to honor our city now has a pile of trash behind it. We were better off leaving the old one – it was perfectly fine! I hope someone from the city sees this and takes action to address it. —- Robert (Bob) H.
15. ** I renewed my passport last Monday, March 3, and received it today – just nine days later – without expediting ($130)! The process was streamlined – I did everything online, including taking my passport photo with my iPhone. Fast, easy, and hassle-free. —- Jessica V.
16. ** For nine months, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded on the ISS due to Boeing’s Starliner failures. Elon Musk offered to bring them back sooner with SpaceX, but the Biden administration declined for political reasons. How could they let politics endanger our astronauts? Unacceptable. —- Howard Z.
17. ** Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach residents are feeling the impact of state housing mandates, but city officials’ hands are tied. The real issue lies in Sacramento. Our Neighborhood Voices is fighting to restore local control – donate and get involved. Complaining to legislators won’t cut it. Take action where it counts. —- Jane S.
18. ** Los Angeles is circling the drain, and City Hall acts shocked! A $1 billion shortfall – who could’ve seen this coming? Maybe reckless spending, bloated bureaucracy, and failed policies had something to do with it. Now layoffs are “inevitable”? Congratulations to the woke radicals running our once-great city. —- Vincent I.
19. ** News flash – Being female is not an accomplishment. —- Heather G.
20. ** Mike Tyson is selling gummies shaped like ears called Mike Bites. I give up if this doesn’t give Monica Lewinsky a lucrative idea. —- Austin T.
21. ** Mark Burton is truly one of the best humans on the planet. Thank you for shining a light on him. —- Kris D’ Errico
22. ** FREE CPR/AED Training – April 5 – American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid, CPR/AED class. Saturday, April 5, 8 AM – 3 PM at Joslyn Center, Manhattan Beach. Limited to 20 participants, free for South Bay residents/employees. Must pre-enroll: Email Jeanne at 1certtraining@gmail.com
23. ** SB 79 is an outrageous assault on neighborhoods, allowing massive 15-story apartment complexes to replace homes – just because they’re near a bus stop! There is no thought for infrastructure, traffic, or community impact. It is just a gift to developers at the expense of residents. Sacramento politicians are destroying our cities. Fight back. —- Ami B.
24. ** Acting, Photography, & Film! Manhattan Beach Studios to offer Summer Camps for Teens and Kids in the South Bay: Sign ups have started! —- https://www.thecameracamp.com
25. ** A little chemo can save your life; a lot of chemo could kill you! —- Dr. Kevin K.
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