MANHATTAN BEACH CITY MANAGER RETIRES:
Bruce Moe Retires As Manhattan Beach City Manager After 35 Years
City Manager Bruce Moe retired from Manhattan Beach after 35 years at Thursday night’s Council meeting. Future private sessions, such as City Council sessions, will consider his succession. City Manager Moe joined Manhattan Beach in 1989 as the General Services Supervisor for buying and warehouse operations. He became Finance Director in 1998, handled the City’s finances through the Great Recession, and worked with credit rating agencies to secure Triple-A bond ratings. Moe was appointed the city manager for six years in 2018. As City Manager, Moe led Manhattan Beach through the COVID-19 epidemic, the restoration of Fire Station #2, and one of the most significant projects in City history, the replacement of Peck Reservoir. His dedication, ethics, and hard work have gained him the respect of colleagues, government authorities, and locals.
MB WEEKLY:
EXCLUSIVE READER QUESTION
TO MB MAYOR JOE FRANKLIN
Dear Mayor: ARE YOU PLEASED WITH THE NUMBER OF CITATIONS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT GIVES OUT TO THE COUNTLESS E-BIKE RIDERS WHO BREAK NUMEROUS RULES AND LAWS IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA?
A: Not every E-bike stop results in a citation being issued. MBPD endeavors to educate E-bike riders of E-bike safety and rules of the road with training conducted in the schools. To date over 6,000 MBUSD and American Martyr students have received extensive E-bike training at school assemblies conducted by MBPD School Resource Officers (SRO’s). Additional training is provided at the Hometown Fair weekend and Junior Guards. Local bike shops have also committed to providing enhanced training for families who purchase E-bikes. When MBPD officers stop an E-bike rider (or regular bike rider) they have discretion to issue a warning or a ticket. It’s understandable residents see E-bike infractions go unpunished – our PD cannot be everywhere at once. Residents can report unsafe E-Bikers by calling the MBPD Dispatch number 310-545-4566. The Police Chief gives a monthly update on the number of E-bike citations at City Council meetings. In addition, residents can do their part by praising good behavior when they see it. Every little bit helps.
Dear Mayor: WHY DID YOU (AND DAVID LESSER) OPPOSE THE FUN SHARK MURAL?
A: I believe we have enough murals about town without having to add more like the shark mural. Our city is blessed with a natural beauty, accented by stunning sunsets (and sunrises if you are up early enough), parks, a wide beach and beautiful ocean. Persistent murals detract from such beauty. I’ve rarely, if ever, had someone say to me the reason they visited (or moved to) Manhattan Beach was we had great murals. They come for the beach, the ocean and the parks. There may be some of our murals which are whimsical or thought provoking. But I found none of these qualities in the shark mural.
Send Your Questions To
The Mayor Of Manhattan Beach
The Mayor of Manhattan Beach, Joe Franklin, has generously agreed to write an “Ask the Mayor” monthly column exclusively for MB Weekly. Please send your questions to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
71% Are Sick of Pronouns – Public Weary of Political Correctness “B.S.”
In a recent survey conducted by the MB Weekly, an overwhelming majority, 71% of respondents, expressed frustration with the increasing sensitivity around gender pronouns. Many perceive it as excessive political correctness, dubbing it “B.S.” that inhibits everyday communication. Speaking anonymously, one prominent local business owner highlighted the situation’s absurdity. “I don’t care if you’re of any gender. Doesn’t bother me,” they stated candidly. “But damn, why does everyone get all defensive and cussing me out if I say the wrong damn pronouns!” The frustration extends to professional settings, with concerns about its impact on hiring practices. “I see it on a resume and throw it in the garbage as fast as I can!” another business owner added, revealing the potential consequences of such hypersensitivity. “Radicals have created a new world of utter nonsense and I am not buying it,” said Stella G., a longtime Manhattan Beach resident.
Nando Trattoria:
Cavoletti Ortolani: this tasty tower is flavored with truffle honey, stracciatella, parmigiano reggiano and toasted almonds.
www.NandoTrattoria.com
Caffe Luxxe Roasts Small-Batch Coffee In Manhattan Beach:
Mark Wain and his close friend Gary Chau are coffee nerds from San Pedro. This has been excellent for the coffee-loving duo, expanding their South Bay coffee empire with a Manhattan Beach Caffe Luxxe. To celebrate its big launch at 904 Manhattan Ave. on March 27, the rising brand offered free latte, cappuccino, Americano, and drip coffee. “I adore Manhattan Beach. It’s one of the South Bay’s gems, and I think customers there know who we are and what we do,” Wain said. “Caffe Luxxe is a European-style neighborhood coffee bar where everyone comes.” He stated it’s about making friends and meeting people.
www.CaffeLuxxe.com
MB WEEKLY – COLUMNIST:
Rita Crabtree-Kampe
(Community Activist)
A young man was roaming Manhattan Beach for a few weeks with all his belongings in a suitcase and a cooler. We had offered housing and services. Finally, scared, hungry, and cold, he trusted us enough to accept housing, and we placed him there the same day! He was desperate for glasses. MBSAFE could pay for the exam and glasses (his prescription was so severe he could barely see to sign his rental agreement). He is on the path to a more prosperous life thanks to donations made to MBSAFE by generous community members. A HAND UP IS NOT A HANDOUT
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Aaron Ganz
CEO at GANZ Media
Q: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO LOCATE YOUR MEDIA BUSINESS IN THE SOUTH BAY?
A: After spending several decades enduring the scorching heat of the San Fernando Valley, I had the pleasure of meeting my now wife who was working in the South Bay. So you could say that having a beach in my backyard, weather 30 degrees cooler, and a beautiful woman, all had a hand in my decision to work here.
Q: WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING YOUR COMPANY AFTER COVID?
A: During the first few months of COVID, most of my business had dried up. At the four months in, businesses realized they had to adapt to the changing world, and with the increased need for Digital Marketing, the opportunities exploded for my business, and have not stopped since.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR TRAINING FOR BEGINNING A MEDIA COMPANY?
A: While in college, based purely on a love of computers and technology, I was hired in a marketing position for a software company. I was privileged to have an entrepreneurial boss who took a chance on me and encouraged me to grow, learn, and teach myself the skills I needed for the position. Years later, I took a position at Ticketmaster doing email marketing. At that time, they were sending out 1.4 billion emails per year. Working for a Fortune 500 company with a solid team helped expand and refine my skills while securing a professional, comprehensive understanding of the digital marketing space. Based on that foundation, GANZ Media was born.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in Hollywood, California, and came out three and a half months early, as I had things I wanted to do.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: My sign is a Pisces, which is said to have aspects of all the other 11 players in the Zodiac. So we get along with everyone.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: My favorite movie is the Shawshank Redemption. I was inspired by the main character Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins), his persistence in overcoming impossible odds, and learning to get by with the help of a friend.
Q: HOW CAN PEOPLE GET MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR COMPANY?
A: To find out more about GANZ Media and the services we offer, including web design, graphic design, social media, and email campaigns for small and medium-sized businesses, visit:
www.GanzMedia.com
Tin Roof Bistro:
In a world full of plain hamburgers, be the one who eats the best burger in town. The signature Tin Roof Bistro, making burger lovers’ dreams come true, one bite at a time! This delightful burger is made with a premium Angus beef patty, a soft pretzel bun, and a delectable pairing of balsamic glazed mushrooms and crispy onion rings.
www.TinRoofBistro.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Annie, a Manhattan Beach dog, with popular dog-walker Silvia on the El Porto Strand.
Surfer From Manhattan Beach Trains For ISA World Junior Nationals:
2024 USA Surfing ISA World Jr Championship team captain Kai Kushner finished 33rd in Jack’s Surfboards Pro in Huntington Beach. The 17-year-old is preparing for next month’s Championships. Kushner emulates his father, South African surfer Warren Kushner, who competed in the ISA World Games in the 1990s, whom he credits for getting him into surfing. “My favorite people to surf with are my dad and my friends,” Kushner’s Instagram page notes.
Two Manhattan Beach Pharmacies, Two Burglaries:
In the parking lots of two CVS shops in Manhattan Beach, police responded to two cries for help on March 30. After withdrawing cash from her bank, a lady went to the CVS on Sepulveda 2900 and discovered her passenger side glass damaged. The bank envelope with the money was stolen from the vehicle’s center console. MBPD responded to a CVS report at 1570 Rosecrans Avenue that day. A retail thief was testing parking lot car door handles to determine whether they were open. A struggle led to minor injuries to the suspect and two cops as they tried to apprehend him. MBPD responded. Officers found the unhoused guy with a rock, not a weapon. A mental health evaluation was given to the homeless person. MBPD received 44 criminal complaints from March 28 to April 4, including three assaults, three auto thefts, four thefts, two vehicle burglaries, and one home burglary.
MB WEEKLY – MEET:
MEET MARLOWE
A Hermosa Beach Resident Since Birth
THE TRUTH SESSION:
- Never seen The Godfather.
- Has a landline phone.
- Never eats lunch.
- Stopped vaping three months ago.
- Never played Monopoly.
- Doesn’t know the name of the Vice President.
- Loves The Doors.
- Never been to The Kettle.
LOVE in Manhattan Beach:
A reader told us there was recently an epic beach marriage proposal in front of our iconic Manhattan Beach Pier. Famous local photographer Pete Halvorsen (by sheer chance) captured the proposal unbeknownst to the mystery couple. It was no ordinary day on the beach. Winds were topping 30 mph and the proposal took place on the same day as the solar eclipse. Since Halvorsen didn’t have time to let the romantic couple know he captured their special moment, he is trying to make his video viral to find them. Do you know this couple? Let us at MB Weekly know … so we can find out their story and share their love with our readers. You can view the video on both Peter Halvorsen and the Love Driven Book Series Instagram accounts.
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
MANHATTAN BEACH CRIME UPDATE:
** On April 4, a suspect stole a wallet from a locked car at the south pier parking lot, police said. The victim told authorities that she also noticed fraudulent charges on her credit card. No signs of forced entry were found.
** A Toyota dealership reported a car burglary on April 6. An employee told police they saw the rear passenger side window of the brand new car was smashed and the key was stolen from the lockbox.
** Police issued a citation for a shoplifting incident that happened on April 6 at the Macy’s in the 3400 block of North Sepulveda Boulevard. According to MBPD, the suspect stole boots and jewelry. Loss prevention officers confronted the suspect outside the store and MBPD arrived. the items were recovered and the suspect was released with a citation.
** On April 7, officers responded to the 2300 block of Balnche Road after receiving a report of a person in a resident’s backyard with a flashlight. At the scene police located the suspect, who then began to run from officers, MBPD said. The suspect was ultimately arrested on suspicion of loitering, possession of burglary tools and resisting arrest.
** On April 8, police witnessed two people riding bicycles while carrying an open container of alcohol and holding an additional bike. Upon further investigation, police discovered that the third bike was reported stolen and one of the subjects had an outstanding warrant for their arrest. Both suspects were arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy to commit a crime.
** On April 8, police responded to Bevmo to investigate a report of alcohol theft. Police were able to locate the suspect and they were issued a citation for theft and trespassing.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lucia La Rosa (Manhattan Beach)
In this time of spring and renewal, in this time of Passover, I do pray that God might deliver Israel from its enemies as it has happened in the past at Passover, with Daniel, with Esther, and with the smite of 185,000 Assyrian soldiers on the first night of Passover and the end of their siege of Jerusalem. Build yourself in hope because when your friends betray you, God is faithful to Israel.
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MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
Your Free MB Weekly Bulletin Board captivates me with its addictive content, seamlessly blending thought-provoking insights and occasional strangeness. The section offers diverse perspectives, sparking intellectual curiosity and fostering an environment where ideas, no matter how occasionally unconventional, find a space to thrive. In a world often constrained by conformity, the Free MB Weekly Bulletin Board is a testament to the enduring value of free expression. —- Lola Z., Manhattan Beach
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Video surveillance footage captured five suspects involved in a smash-and-grab robbery at a Manhattan Beach jewelry store on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Gardena Police officers later arrested one suspect, and authorities continue their search to identify and arrest the other four suspects. Critics continue to vent frustration on the lack of arrests, though the entire crime was captured on video. “Very, very frustrating!” said one neighboring merchant. “And the worst part, even if arrested, is that nothing much will happen to them.”
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Darby Winston
Nestled in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach, The Kettle stands as an iconic treasure, weaving itself into the fabric of the community. Guided by the experienced hand of General Manager Jeff, this beloved establishment has become a cherished gift for locals and visitors alike. The Kettle is more than just a restaurant; it’s a beacon of warmth and familiarity, where the aroma of delicious cuisine mingles with the laughter of friends and the clinking of glasses. With its cozy atmosphere and an extensive menu that caters to diverse tastes, The Kettle has become a culinary haven for Manhattan Beach residents. Under Jeff’s adept management, The Kettle has seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, continuously evolving to meet the ever-changing preferences of its patrons. From hearty breakfasts to a large assortment of dinners, each dish is a testament to The Kettle’s commitment to culinary excellence. For those seeking a slice of Manhattan Beach’s soul, The Kettle is a must-visit destination. To experience the charm and flavor that defines this iconic gem, explore their offerings at www.TheKettle.net.
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MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“Son, we won’t see this many eclipse glasses returned to Amazon from Manhattan Beach for another twenty years.”
MB WEEKLY:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
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1. ** Be careful! Last night, someone tried to steal our car in front of our house. They shattered four windows to crawl in from the back without setting the alarm using the front doors. We learned to (1) charge and point our Ring front door camera at vehicles in front of our house, (2) install anti-theft alarms on our cars’ back windows, and (3) check with all our neighbors to see whether they recorded the dastardly deed! —- C.T., Hermosa Beach
2. ** For anyone in the community who wants a better view of the complexities of being a cop today and how it influences policing – this newly published book is the best I’ve ever read on the subject. It should be required reading for every police officer – but also any civilian, whether pro-police or part of the criticized police – so we can attempt to have a better Birds Eye view of the ugly dynamics in our culture to work towards building bridges rather than further divide. Setting My Sights On Stigma: Thoughts From An Injured Mind https://a.co/d/5DEX3UR
3. ** I just read that 80% of U.S. families did not buy or read a book last year. WTF? —- Scott P., Manhattan Beach
4. ** I was very impressed with police chief Rachel Johnson’s comments in your last issue of MB Weekly. Well done, Chief! —- Harris K., Manhattan Beach
5. ** The pizza at Slay Italian Kitchen is memorable. —- Addison H., Manhattan Beach
6. ** MB USD board is putting ideology ahead of truth. —- Garrison H., Manhattan Beach
7. ** WTF?: A Nigerian entrepreneur was arrested and will be prosecuted for damaging another business by posting a “malicious allegation.” Her crime: a review of tomato paste she said was too sweet. —- Arthur O., Manhattan Beach
8. ** This year, gas prices have increased faster than normal, due largely to severe weather at home and geopolitical disruptions abroad. —- Victor D., Manhattan Beach
9. ** When construction of the Automated People Mover at Los Angeles International Airport is finished, travelers will finally have an option to avoid the airport’s dreaded traffic loop. But a strained relationship between LAX and the People Mover contractor has led to project delays, according to credit agency Fitch Ratings. —- Editor’s Note
10. ** MSNBC’s Joy Reid is a racist. —- Hans F., Manhattan Beach
11. ** NO SELF-CHECKOUTS. Fraud attempts have forced me to cancel my credit card three times in a few months (last week someone tried to buy $2,400 online). Professional crooks are targeting gas stations and self-checkouts, according to Chase Fraud. They suggest avoiding or using a credit card with a low limit if necessary. —- Dana T., Hermosa Beach
12. ** God almighty, there are almost no raisins in my Raisin bran. —- Donald M., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Unless you want to get ripped off, I encourage you to skip Reborn Coffee in the Manhattan Village. Tea $5.50. Oh, yeah, they also want you to tip. WTF? —- Blair R., Manhattan Beach
14. ** On a recent visit to Home Depot, virtually no customer service was available. I walked around for almost 20 minutes trying to find someone to help me. Urggh! —- Candace H., Manhattan Beach
15. ** The price of Altoids has grown to be outrageous. I’m out. —- Clarence C., Manhattan Beach
16. ** Why is California broke and Texas is not? —- https://youtu.be/R3y3ejYDZmM?si=GiQ7BiO4Sh8LFw4n
17. ** If the tables are any closer together at Love & Salt in downtown Manhattan Beach, they’ll be on each other. Literally! —- Mary Elizabeth A., Manhattan Beach
18. ** Nearly 40 years ago, a University of Chicago professor, Alan Bloom, warned that higher education was closing Americans’ minds. Today, he could be called the grandfather of our culture wars. —- Dr. Harvey S., Manhattan Beach
19. ** Please be aware the parking lot at the corner of Whiting and El Segundo, the Chevron lot, is a busy spot in the town at night. Police should patrol it more often. Two nights ago, we heard loud voices and a fight. There were multiple cars and yelling. People are breaking into vehicles. So be conscious of being over there at night. —- Gay A., Manhattan Beach
20. ** Exer Urgent Care in Manhattan Beach is a disaster. Dirty rooms. No Doctor on site. Just nurses. —- Bart A., Manhattan Beach
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