AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MANHATTAN BEACH COMMUNITY:
Is This What We Call “Age Appropriate”?
by Concerned Parents
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
A question now sits squarely before our community – and it deserves an honest, thoughtful answer. A seven-year-old second-grader at a Manhattan Beach public elementary school recently checked out a book on transgender identity from the school library independently. Let that sink in. At seven years old, most children are still learning how to read fluently, grasp basic science, and understand the simplest building blocks of the world around them – including the fundamentals of biology and reproduction. And yet, materials introducing complex and deeply nuanced concepts like gender identity are readily accessible on elementary school shelves. This is not a question of compassion or inclusion. It is a question of timing, judgment, and parental trust. Organizations such as Gender Nation have helped supply books intended to promote inclusivity in California schools. But good intentions do not eliminate the responsibility to ask: Is this developmentally appropriate for a second grader? Most seven-year-olds are not yet equipped to process abstract concepts of identity that even many adults struggle to understand fully. According to the Williams Institute at UCLA, approximately 1% or less of Americans aged 13 and older identify as transgender. This is a relatively small segment of the population – yet the topic is being introduced at one of the earliest and most impressionable stages of childhood education. That imbalance raises fair and important questions about educational priorities. Public schools exist to teach core skills: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history. These are the foundations upon which all future learning – and independent thinking – are built. When schools move into highly sensitive and complex social topics without clear parental awareness or consent, trust begins to erode. Many parents in Manhattan Beach feel increasingly uneasy. They hear that local educators are completely constrained by policies coming out of Sacramento – policies shaped under the leadership of Gavin Newsom, including laws that expand LGBTQ+ curriculum and limit parental notification in certain circumstances. Whether one agrees with those policies or not, the concern remains: Are local voices truly being heard? Saying “we are powerless” is not leadership. It is abdication. Many suspect the “we are powerless” line is really a cover for the agreement the board and school leaders feel with Sacramento, absent the honesty. Our school district must do better. The Manhattan Beach Unified School District should immediately review its book selection policies, implement clear age-appropriateness standards, and, most importantly, create a transparent process that includes meaningful parental input. This is not about exclusion. It is about responsibility. A second grader should not be navigating complex identity issues alone, guided only by a book pulled from a shelf. Parents deserve to be partners – not bystanders – in their children’s education. Manhattan Beach has always been a community that values excellence, balance, and common sense. Now is the time to reaffirm those values.
Do you Approve, Disapprove? Please send your comments: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Michael Greenberg
(President and Co-Founder of Skechers)
Q: SKECHERS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT COMFORT AND ACCESSIBILITY – HOW DOES INTRODUCING HOLOGRAPHIC RETAIL WITH HOWIE MANDEL REDEFINE WHAT “CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE” MEANS IN YOUR STORES GOING FORWARD?
A: At Skechers, comfort has always been our foundation, backed by the best technology. It’s why we’re known as The Comfort Technology Company. But comfort is also about how you feel when you walk into our stores. The Proto hologram experience with Howie is about making retail more engaging, memorable, and interactive. We want people to come into Skechers not just to shop, but to enjoy the experience. Whether it’s trying on shoes that keep them coming back, like Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®, or taking a Proto hologram selfie with Howie, it’s all about creating a connection. That’s what the modern customer experience looks like: comfortable, convenient, and engaging.
Q: IS THIS PROTO HOLOGRAM ACTIVATION A BOLD EXPERIMENT – OR THE BLUEPRINT FOR A SCALABLE, PERMANENT TRANSFORMATION OF BRICK-AND-MORTAR RETAIL ACROSS SKECHERS’ GLOBAL FOOTPRINT?
A: It’s both. We’re always innovating and testing new ideas, but we only invest in initiatives that we believe can scale and truly enhance the in-store experience. The Proto hologram is a long-term opportunity for us because we believe it will continue to resonate with consumers. Retail is evolving, and we want Skechers to be at the forefront of that evolution.
Q: RETAIL HAS LONG STRUGGLED WITH FOOT TRAFFIC – DO YOU SEE IMMERSIVE, PERSONALITY-DRIVEN TECHNOLOGY LIKE THIS AS THE ANTIDOTE TO DECLINING IN-STORE ENGAGEMENT IN THE AGE OF E-COMMERCE?
A: E-commerce is about convenience, but physical retail has to be about experience. You have to give people a reason to come into the store beyond just buying a product. Our stores are in high-traffic locations around the world, which gives us a great opportunity to meet consumers where they already are and give them something exciting to engage with when they walk through our doors. Experiences like this create energy, shareable moments, and a stronger connection with the brand. When you combine that with great product featuring our signature comfort technologies, you give consumers the best of both worlds.
Q: WITH ENTERTAINMENT, AI, AND COMMERCE NOW CONVERGING, DOES SKECHERS VIEW ITSELF PURELY AS A FOOTWEAR COMPANY – OR INCREASINGLY AS A MEDIA AND EXPERIENCE BRAND?
A: We’ll always be a product company first because we make great footwear and apparel. But today, brands also have to be storytellers and experience creators. Our stores, campaigns, and ambassadors are all ways we connect with consumers beyond the product. We’re proud to be The Comfort Technology Company, and we’re focused on creating experiences and content that bring people into the brand in new ways.
Q: WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS HOLOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE – AND WHAT DOES IT REVEAL ABOUT WHERE CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS WILL BE 5 TO 10 YEARS FROM NOW?
A: What surprised me most was how natural the interaction feels. People walk up to the hologram, interact with it, and capture the moment. That tells us consumers will expect retail to be more interactive and more engaging in the future. Five to ten years from now, stores will be as much about experience and engagement as they are about product. This is one step in that direction.
www.Skechers.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
In recognition of April being Autism Awareness Month, the Manhattan Beach Police Department is selling Autism Awareness patches at the Manhattan Beach Farmers’ Market. The patches are $10 each. The money raised will benefit in the effort to improve awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of persons with autism. Pictured are Manhattan Beach Police volunteers, Anna Watson, Wendell Young, and John Braitman.
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Silicon On The Sand – MB Weekly Poll Finds 8% Of South Bay Women Have Breast Implants
A new MB Weekly reader poll suggests that about 8% of women in the South Bay have breast implants, placing the coastal community among the highest rates in the country. While the number may surprise some residents, experts say several factors help explain why the South Bay stands above the national average. First, the area’s high disposable income makes elective cosmetic procedures more accessible. Second, Los Angeles County has one of the largest concentrations of plastic surgeons in the world, making services readily available. Lifestyle also plays a role. The South Bay’s beach culture – bikinis, fitness, and outdoor living – places a premium on physical appearance, particularly in communities like Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. There’s also the region’s proximity to Hollywood and the entertainment industry, where cosmetic enhancement has long been normalized. Finally, the Western United States has the highest acceptance of cosmetic surgery in America, making procedures like breast augmentation far more common than in other parts of the country.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Saint & Second:
Mother’s Day is May 10th | Join us at Saint & Second
Lunch | Dinner | Weekend Brunch | Weekday Social Hour
Locally Sourced Seasonal Cuisine | Innovative Cocktails | Hundreds of Handpicked Whiskeys | Masterfully Curated Wine List | Private Dining Room Available
3160 N. Sepulveda Blvd. | (310) 759-3160 | www.SaintAndSecond.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer (MB Community Activist)
David Lesser “Ask the Mayor” Event
At the March 31st MB Weekly “Ask the Mayor” event at the Shade Hotel, the energy on the patio was unmistakable. The audience raised thoughtful, relevant questions on overbuilding, public safety, the city budget, and the future of 400 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Unfortunately, many responses felt incomplete or evasive. Most disappointing was the discussion of the city budget. Rather than offering a clear explanation of the rising and seemingly excessive costs, attendees were simply directed to attend upcoming budget hearings. That response missed an opportunity for transparency and engagement. Equally frustrating was the extended effort by the police chief to justify adding an Assistant Chief position, followed by Mayor Lesser’s comment that any decision would come after this year’s budget process. Residents came seeking clarity and accountability. They deserved more direct, substantive answers.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Former MB Mayor Wayne Powell and Shala Smith with Actor Howie at Skechers in Manhattan Beach.
Mother’s Day Brunch:
Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach: Booking
Shade Hotel Redondo Beach: Booking
Small Rides, Big Shift – Manhattan Beach Tests Electric Microtransit Future:
The Manhattan Beach City Council has approved a six-month pilot program with Circuit Transit Inc. to introduce a low-cost, app-based ride service across the city. The public-private partnership will deploy five electric vehicles – including neighborhood electric vehicles, sedans, and a wheelchair-accessible van – offering convenient, eco-friendly transportation. Service will also connect riders to the Metro K Line Douglas Station. Riders can hail trips via an app, similar to Uber or Lyft, but at significantly reduced fares.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
Robb Stroyke
… Don’t vote Democrat or RINO. They destroy everything they touch. The electorate needs to mature, get educated, get serious and vote for candidates who support citizens, oppose taxes, favor building, and reject forcing low-income housing into small coastal cities that lack the land to comply with the state’s mandate. While I’m at it, the winning candidate needs to support: law enforcement, Second Amendment rights, secured borders, legal immigration that benefits our country, fiscal responsibility (keeping more than we owe), a strong military, limited government, voter ID, an opportunity economy, Freedom to work, individual liberty, Capitalism and Constitutional freedom.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Zulima sporting MB Weekly gear at the “Ask the Mayor” event.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former MB Mayor)
We have a City Council culture of spending, not saving. It really is that simple. Rather than look for opportunities to “save”, our City Council is looking for opportunities to “spend”. Here is a great example. Our City Council approved spending more than a half a million dollars for a Pilot Project for a micro transit service provided by Circuit Transit even though such a service has proven, time and time again, to be unsustainable in our community. Yet, there was a savings option for our City Council. Our City Council could have sold the $500,000 in Proposition A transportation grant funds for $400,000 to another City with that “savings” going into our General Fund. This November, please vote for candidates who are “fiscally conservative”, candidates who will relentlessly look for “savings”. We need to change the “spending” culture of our City Council to a “savings” culture.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Bliss Nail Lounge:
A luxury nail salon located in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach.
1830 N Sepulveda Blvd | (424) 278-9993 | BlissNailSepulveda.com
Get Ready For A Fetch Night At Mira Costa!:
Mira Costa High School’s acclaimed Drama/Tech Department proudly presents its spring smash-hit musical “Mean Girls” – the hilarious, high-energy stage adaptation of the beloved Paramount film! Featuring 44 talented student performers, a 25-member tech crew, and a live orchestra of 10 student musicians and alumni, this production promises Broadway-level excitement right in the South Bay. Even sweeter? Ticket holders can enjoy FREE “Mean Girls”-themed treats from participating local restaurants! Performances run April 24 through May 2 in the Mira Costa Auditorium with eight showings available. Tickets & Show Information: Visit Mira Costa Drama/Tech online at MiracostaDrama.com. Questions: Contact dramatech@mbusd.org Residents 55+ may attend free through the Be Our Guest program via the City of Manhattan Beach and MBUSD.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Crazy cat photo. Please send your funny photos to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
KW Luxury International:
Patricia Blakemore Broker Associate | (310) 544-6100
www.PBlakemore.KW.com
Spinning For A Cause – How Tour De Pier Became A South Bay Phenomenon:
What began as one man’s heartfelt mission to fight cancer has grown into one of Manhattan Beach’s most beloved philanthropic traditions. Tour de Pier was founded in 2013 by local resident Jon Hirshberg, who sought to create a bold new fundraiser after years of honoring his late father’s memory through cancer awareness efforts. Inspired by the energy of large-scale cycling events, Hirshberg partnered with friend Heath Gregory and sister Lisa Manheim to transform the Strand into a massive outdoor spin-a-thon overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The result was Tour de Pier – an annual fitness fundraiser combining stationary cycling, beachside energy, and community spirit, all in support of cancer research and patient services. The inaugural event raised more than $300,000 and quickly captured the imagination of the South Bay. Today, Tour de Pier has raised millions for cancer-related charities and stands as a shining example of Manhattan Beach at its best: generous, energetic, and united behind a worthy cause.
Questions For The New Superintendent Of Schools By Fred Taylor:
Dr. John Bowes exits MBUSD as its Superintendent during a tumultuous reign as MB’s head educator. His service saw the challenges of Covid, vaccinations, the racist ideology in the wake of George Flloyd and the rise of antisemitism on campus. Enter the Board’s choice to follow him: Dr. Kimberlie Linz. She comes with impressive academic and business credentials and according to the Trustee’s press release, she understands “the deep connections families have with their local schools.” With that in mind, we’d like to ask her:
- What can be done to fully fund special education at MBUSD?
- How are we going to keep the 60 pink-slipped teachers & staffers?
- How can you solve the chronic district financial shortfalls?
- The state has yet to fund Ethnic Studies…are you going to keep that going at MBUSD?
- What will you do to diminish and end the ongoing antisemitism on campus?
- Will you continue to promote gender transition and affirming care throughout the district?
- Will you attempt to upgrade our math department to excellent standards?
- Will parental input be embraced or simply ‘heard’ and forgotten??
We welcome Dr. Linz and wish her the best….there’s much to do.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
A Manhattan Beach mocktail at JOEY – Strawberry Cool.
MB WEEKLY – WHAT SHOULD I DO?
By A.J. (A distraught mother)
Dear MB Weekly Readers: I am facing a painful family situation and would sincerely value the wisdom of this community. My parents are both alcoholics and tend to pull each other into drinking binges several times a week. For years, this was manageable because they lived out of state, but a few years ago, they moved to Redondo Beach to be closer to my husband, me, and our three children. After several troubling incidents involving my kids, even after I specifically asked them not to drink around the children, we felt forced to set boundaries. One of those boundaries was telling them they could no longer drive our children anywhere. I delivered that message calmly and respectfully nearly two years ago, emphasizing that we love them and want them involved in our lives. Sadly, they were deeply offended, and our relationship has never recovered. Though they live only five minutes away, they rarely accept invitations and rarely see their grandchildren. My question is simple: What should I do?
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
BELLA BUILDERS:
A Local Residential Builder
Vinny, 38-years experience / 20-year Rotary member
ADU’s and New Homes – Manhattan Beach and The Palisades
Full Service From Concept To Completion
www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com
Vinny@beautifulbuilder.com | 310 809 4999
MB WEEKLY – ON FIRE:
www.MBWeekly.net
1. ** “Beach Takeover” meets reality. Hundreds of teens flooded The Strand before the Hermosa Beach Police Department shut it down. Sirens blared, selfies snapped, and dispersal dragged on. Lesson: viral invites travel fast – authority takes a little longer to catch up. —- E.N.
2. ** Problems with your business? Check your Broken Windows —- www.BrokenWindowsBook.com
3. ** I once had a monkey for a pet. It was awful. —- Jamie R., El Segundo
4. ** 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom for Rent @ 11874 Eucalyptus Ave, Hawthorne, CA. Rent is $2500 a month. Can call for info at 310-666-4008 – Water and trash included, 1 parking space. No garage. There is a coin washer and dryer on the property for use as well.
5. ** Sorry to report, the men’s bathroom at The Kettle was a disaster on Easter night! —- Kelly K., Hermosa Beach
6. ** Our dogs probably think we are weakly barking when we cough. —- Silvia T.
7. ** “Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” – and nowhere is that clearer than in California. One-party rule has bred arrogance, waste, and zero accountability. I’ve lived here my whole life and watched it slide from purple to deep blue dysfunction. The insiders won’t police themselves – and the media? Practically silent when it matters most. —- B.H., Manhattan Beach
8. ** It’s not an intersection per se, but MBB from Valley/Ardmore to Sepulveda has a 35 mph speed limit that drops to 25 mph at Pacific Ave. Elementary School students are headed to/leaving from school. My office building, where I am 6 or 7 days a week from early in the A.M. to 3 p.m., is in the 800 block of MBB. It’s rare for a driver NOT to be going over 35 mph. How are so many drivers able to flaunt the speed limit? When’s the last time you saw traffic police on that section of MBB? —- Phil Cook, Manhattan Beach
9. ** Anyone who opposes Voter ID measures is planning on cheating again. —- Robb Stroyke
10. ** People do not get bored anymore; they get interrupted. —- Toby B., Manhattan Beach
11. ** Hi neighbors, we discovered a hidden cell phone camera in our garden bushes facing our home, connected to a power bank and using a mobile surveillance app. Police say similar devices track the routines of burglary suspects. Please check your property – bushes, plants, anywhere concealed. Stay alert and safe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCZehtkrV-k —- Name Withheld by Request
12. ** Hermosa Beach welcomes new City Clerk Martha Alvarez, a Torrance native and Rancho Palos Verdes resident. Formerly Manhattan Beach’s assistant city clerk, Alvarez brings South Bay experience and a commitment to professionalism and transparency. She aims to build trust and ensure the clerk’s office remains reliable for residents, staff, and City Council alike. —- Editor’s Note
13. ** Pollywog Park, 10:30 a.m. – two boys, maybe 10–12, terrorizing geese like it’s a game. Chasing them, scaring them, then one hurls a soccer ball and actually hurts one. Are we raising kids with zero respect for animals? I shouldn’t have to step in – but I did. —- Name Withheld by Request
14. ** Cheers to 13 years! Fishing With Dynamite celebrated its anniversary with a wine dinner that sold out almost instantly – a true testament to its enduring popularity in Manhattan Beach. A well-earned congratulations to a standout local favorite that continues to deliver excellence year after year. —- Editor’s Note
15. ** Leadership, Manhattan Beach-style: shrug, sigh, and declare, “Our hands are tied.” Voilà – instant governance! High-rises appear, and City Hall auditions for a mime troupe. Funny thing: in every city I’ve ever seen, “nothing we can do” usually translates to “nothing we’re willing to try.” —- S.F., Manhattan Beach
16. ** Has there ever been a more absurd assertion than that a man can become a woman (or vice versa) simply by saying it is so? Choose any long-term member of Congress and try to find where they advocated for transgenders decades ago – you won’t find any because liberals hadn’t invented transgender yet. —- Thomas B., El Segundo
17. ** How the heck can one see the meter screen now? They are not lit up enough. —- M.A., Manhattan Beach
18. ** For a century, the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club has shaped the community – from Christmas tree lots and historic murals to the Pier Plaza Clock and Greenbelt fitness stations. Now, it celebrates its 100th year on May 9 at noon at Kiwanis Hall near Valley Park. Free admission. All are welcome to join. —- Editor’s Note
19. ** Ever since Gov. Jerry Brown granted public employees “bargaining rights” in early 1980, public employee unions have dominated California politics at the State, Regional, and Local levels. —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
20. ** Dear Molly: Move on! —- Dennis Lanfre
21. ** No! No! No! No! to eliminate regular parking meters in Manhattan Beach. —- Alison S., Manhattan Beach
22. ** Extraordinary job on the Ask the Mayor videos. I had a cold that night and couldn’t attend the event, but watching the videos was almost as good as being there. —- Peter F.
23. ** Dear Molly: Two years is enough, Molly! If he doesn’t commit and move forward, you should move on! —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
24. ** A small act of kindness can brighten an entire day. After hours of cleaning leaves from my flower beds, two preteen girls I’d never met stopped from the sidewalk and offered me lemonade because they thought I looked tired. Their thoughtfulness, generosity, and simple kindness truly restored my faith in young people. —- Stella G.
25. ** My book recommendation is: Badenheim 1939, by Israel’s greatest novelist, Aharon Appelfeld. The novel is about a colorful band of Jews in a resort town in Austria shortly before they’re all herded off to concentration camps, and it’s a brilliant exploration of human beings’ ability to delude themselves. It also feels timely. —- Scott S.
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