SPINNING HOPE INTO ACTION:
Tour De Pier Raises
$1.5 Million For Cancer Fight
The 13th annual Tour de Pier transformed the Manhattan Beach Pier into a sea of sweat, smiles, and strength on Sunday, May 18, raising over $1.5 million for cancer charities. With 300 stationary bikes and 1,500 determined riders pedaling against the ocean breeze, the event benefited The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The Uncle Kory Foundation and Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach. “The love, the vibes, the community, the incredible act of doing good together,” Tour de Pier posted on social media. “Almost $1.5 million for cancer research and cancer support services! … This day is not possible without the hard work of so many people. Thank you all for working to create a better future for cancer patients & providing hope to those currently on their cancer journey.” Photos and more: www.tourdepier.com
Open Letter To The Manhattan Beach City Council: From a Concerned Longtime Resident (Name Withheld by Request)
Dear Members of the City Council: As a long-time resident of this community who deeply cares about its fiscal sustainability, I write to raise a concern that many citizens may not fully understand, but that carries profound long-term implications. While recent headlines have focused on the already high compensation figures for our police and fire personnel, an even greater financial burden lies beneath the surface: the extremely generous CalPERS “safety pensions” our City must fund for decades. As you know, these pensions often pay 90% of final compensation after 30 years of service, using a formula that rewards regular salary, overtime, holiday pay, and various allowances. Further, these pensions grow with guaranteed COLA increases and can be significantly boosted through sick leave credits, prior service at other agencies, military service, and more. Doing the math, a police lieutenant who earned $445,594 in 2023 could easily receive an annual pension over $400,000. Permanently. The City’s required contributions to CalPERS are rising sharply. Failure to meet these obligations could lead to penalties – or worse. Some California cities have already gone bankrupt trying to sustain similar commitments. I urge the Council to address this quietly growing crisis before it overwhelms our City’s future. Respectfully.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Tom Fellows (Redondo Beach)
My morning walk with my dog yielded this hunter. Keep your cats in at night. One wasn’t so lucky yesterday. On Tuesday, it was on Ripley @ Flagler, Redondo Beach at 5:30 a.m..
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
“Enough Already!” Majority Say Gender Pronoun Talk Has Gone Too Far
A bold new reader poll by MB Weekly (www.MBWeekly.net) reveals that 62% of respondents believe society spends too much time discussing pronouns and gender preference. “It’s an absurd fad that frankly is no longer funny,” said Oliva L., a longtime Hermosa Beach resident. The unfiltered survey, part of MB Weekly’s ongoing “Pulse of the South Bay” series, asked readers from Manhattan Beach, Hermosa, Redondo, and El Segundo whether the national obsession with pronouns has overstayed its welcome. While 27% felt the conversation is valuable, a decisive majority voiced frustration at what they see as performative activism and endless overcorrection. One anonymous reader said, “I’m fine with being respectful, but I didn’t sign up for a linguistics seminar every time I filled out a form.” The results mirror a growing national weariness toward what some label “identity overload.”
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Manhattan Beach City Councilman Joe Franklin recently celebrated his 35th wedding anniversary with his wife, Nancy.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
John Braitman
(MB NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH)
Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: In 2018 some men tried to steal some tools from the open back door of my plumber’s truck even though we were standing nearby. After we yelled at them, they drove away. I was shocked at their audacity. At that point I decided that I had to get involved in helping to prevent crime in our city and became a Block Captain.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR STRATEGY GOING FORWARD?
A: For 45 years Neighborhood Watch was in the capable hands of Charlotte Lesser. I want to build upon what she has done. One of my main goals is to grow the program by increasing the number of residents and blocks participating. In this climate of fear of home burglaries, residents are eager to learn more about safeguarding their homes and neighborhoods. By working together, residents can make a difference. We teach them to look out for each other, keep their eyes and ears open, and report suspicious activity to the Manhattan Beach Police Department. Our motto is “If you see something, say something.” I hope to increase visibility of Neighborhood Watch, as many of the newer residents are unaware of its existence. Another goal is collaboration with CERT in rolling out throughout the city Map Your Neighborhood, a disaster preparedness program. We are in the process of training people to go to gatherings of neighbors to teach them the important steps to take in the event of a disaster.
Q: HOW CAN READERS OF MB WEEKLY SUPPORT THE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH EFFORT IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: With the help of publications like this we can spread the word about the benefits of joining Neighborhood Watch, such as sending out the weekly and monthly crime summaries from the Manhattan Beach Police Department and getting to know our neighbors better.
Q: HAVE YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH THE MANHATTAN BEACH POLICE CHIEF YET?
A: As a volunteer with the Manhattan Beach Police Department, I have known Police Chief, Rachel Johnson since she joined the Department.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in New York City and grew up in nearby New Jersey.
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I have lived in Manhattan Beach for 49 years.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: My favorite restaurants are Il Fornaio, the Big Wok and El Sombrero.
https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/police-department/neighborhood-watch
Nando Trattoria:
A plate of pasta, made the way it should be – fresh, balanced, and full of heart. At Nando Trattoria, every dish is a quiet nod to tradition and a moment worth savoring.
www.NandoTrattoria.com
WHAT PRACTICAL STEPS OR STRATEGIES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO ASPIRING BUYERS IN THIS CHALLENGING MARKET?
** Susan Boettner: Susan’s Ten Tips For First Time Buyers:
- Get referred to a good realtor to represent you. Don’t DIY or get a friend to help.
- Get preapproved (not just prequalified) for a loan first, so you know what you CAN afford, vs what you WANT to afford.
- Don’t focus on a fixed rate 30 year loan. Hybrid loans will give you more purchasing power – necessary in this market.
- Consider cashing out a retirement fund for your down payment, even if there is a penalty (this is what I did 25 years ago… much better return on the monies in my opinion) Check with your tax professional! And keep saving for retirement after that.
- “Practice” the mortgage payment while you are still renting… so you get in the habit of making that payment. You will find out quickly what things you will need to compromise on in order to make the payment before you really have one. Many relationships/marriages have been saved by this exercise.
- Never assume your job is stable. Invest in yourself always so you will always be employable… “Skills Pay The Bills”, particularly mortgages.
- Buy in the best neighborhood you can, even if the house/condo is smaller than you want – it will pay off later.
- Use the “80 percent” rule – no one finds a home they like 100% … even ones that custom build. So if you like it 80% … offer on it.
- Get comfortable being REALLY uncomfortable. Change is hard and your feelings are totally normal.
- If you are fortunate to have relatives who can help with down payment/financing – be humble and ask them. You may be surprised.
** Ed Kaminsky: Aspiring South Bay homeowners face unique challenges, but the right approach makes ownership achievable. Here’s how I’d break it down: First, get crystal clear on your finances. Understand exactly what loan amount you qualify for, know your down payment, and pay off any high-interest debt first. Next, be open-minded – if you can’t afford your ideal neighborhood yet, consider nearby areas like Torrance, Carson, Hawthorne, Gardena, or San Pedro where homes are more affordable. Another strategy that helped me personally was being brave enough to team up with partners for investment properties, allowing entry into the market even if it’s not where you initially planned to live. Finally, keep your priorities realistic: separate your “must-haves” from your “nice-to-haves.” With courage, smart financial planning, and a bit of flexibility, homeownership in the South Bay is within reach.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Livia Doupovcova and Hope Sabater at SoulCycle with a MB Weekly postcard.
A Taste of Prestige – Lido di Manhattan Joins MB Weekly’s Star-Studded Sponsor List:
Lido di Manhattan, one of the city’s most beloved upscale eateries, has officially joined the sponsor roster of MB Weekly, the South Bay’s largest digital publication. “We now estimate that 75% of fine dining restaurants in Manhattan Beach now sponsor MB Weekly,” said Darby Winston, co-editor of the publication. Known for its sharp local coverage and robust reach, MB Weekly (www.MBWeekly.net) continues to dominate the digital landscape. With Lido di Manhattan on board, the connection between the city’s culinary excellence and its premier media voice has never been stronger – or more delicious.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
El Segundo Bruxie manager Ty.
Kabobs, Cool Breezes, And Culinary Stardom – AttaGirl Ignites Hermosa Beach:
There’s a new coastal craze in town. AttaGirl, a California-Mediterranean fusion gem near the Hermosa Beach Pier. It opened March 6 and has already become a hotspot for hungry foodies and local celebs. The scent of smoky kabobs drifting through salty air is irresistible, as is the menu from rising culinary star Alice Mai. Backed by legendary chef David LeFevre, Mai’s mezze, kabobs, and global-inspired bites are dazzling diners in a White Lotus-style setting. Her pickled vegetables? Practically addictive. AttaGirl isn’t just a name – it’s a culinary command you’ll be glad you followed.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Amy P.
As a lifelong Democrat, I never thought I’d say this, but I’m proud to have voted for Nathan Hochman. The fun is over, my friends. Crime exploded under George Gascón’s reign of leniency, and voters were fed up. Hochman – a Republican-turned-Independent – crushed Gascón by 20 points. Why? Because people want safety, not social experiments. Hochman stood at the county line and clearly stated that LA is no longer a criminal sanctuary. If you rob, steal, or terrorize neighborhoods, you will be held accountable. That’s not politics – that’s common sense. And it’s long overdue.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Mira Costa Swim Team Makes Historic Splash At CIF Championships:
The Mira Costa High School co-ed swim team made waves Saturday, capping an undefeated season with a historic performance at the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championships. The girls placed second for the second year in a row, while the boys secured fourth, the highest finish in Costa boys’ swimming history.
THE STUDIO (mdr):
SUMMER SIX PACK SALE
6 CLASS PACK FOR $159
ONCE A YEAR SALE: TUESDAY, 5/20 – MONDAY, 5/26
Experience the Transformative Power
of Lagree Fitness at The Studio (MDR)!
Enjoy our total-body classes at any of our five locations: Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Playa Vista, and Manhattan Beach. Discover the revolutionary workout that uniquely combines cardio and weight-bearing exercises for incredible results.
www.TheStudioMDR.com
SPEAK UP…:
Tell it like it is… in the MB Weekly FREE Bulletin Board
MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (50 words)
Billions Spent, But Who’s Winning? Lincoln Club Hosts Hard-Hitting Forum On Homelessness And Addiction:
In a candid and timely meeting held in Manhattan Beach, the South Bay Lincoln Club tackled California’s most intractable crisis: homelessness and addiction. With billions spent by the state, county, and city, with shockingly little to show, this forum cut through the political fog and featured three dynamic leaders delivering real results. David Prentice of The Midnight Mission shared battlefield-tested wisdom from Skid Row. Archie Hoggan of Beacon House in San Pedro gave a raw account of triumph over addiction and the science behind successful treatment. And MBSAFE co-founder Rita Crabtree-Kampe revealed how local solutions are changing lives in Manhattan Beach. Each speaker was asked: What would you do differently if you were California’s Homeless Czar?
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Cash register at Ercole’s in Manhattan Beach.
South Bay Cycle – Bike Videos:
Turbo Vado SL2 $6,000 – very lightweight
Haul ST is on sale – it’s normally a $2,800 bike, on sale for $2,249 at South Bay Cycle. This is a bike you can buy and literally not need a car. The best rides are just ahead. Get ready with up to 30% off select bikes and equipment built for speed, adventure, and everything in between. Spring Savings starts now. Shop in-store for the best deals of the season.
South Bay Cycle | 1908 N. Sepulveda Blvd | (310) 881-8081
www.InCycle.com
MB WEEKLY – CORRECTION:
In the April 17th edition of MB Weekly I incorrectly stated that the overtime for the police Department was budgeted at $6,447,796 for the 24-25 fiscal year. The actual number is $3,253,895, which is an increase of 116% over the 2015 actual of $1,502,144. The city is estimating that the actual amount for the 24-25 fiscal year will now be $3,469,000. I apologize for my math error. —- Paul Wafer
1. ** Cheers to MB Weekly for spotlighting the great Russ Lesser! I’ve been a loyal customer at Dive N Surf for over ten years – a fantastic store with top-notch gear and friendly staff. It’s a true South Bay gem that keeps the local surf spirit alive. Keep up the great coverage, MB Weekly. —- K.C., Hermosa Beach
2. ** Click here: Family of teen killed by suspected DUI driver in Manhattan Beach speaks out – Click here: YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb_IGD2i2qY
3. ** TAKE ACTION NOW! SB 79 is a direct assault on our neighborhoods. It overrides local control, ignores parking, ditches affordability, skips environmental review, and crams tall buildings next to your home. Senator Caballero chairs Appropriations. Tell her: Stop SB 79. Fight for local voices, not Sacramento mandates. —- https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/
4. ** Pope Leo XIV is almost certainly the first Vicar of Christ to have fond memories of the ’85 Chicago Bears. —- Ed J.
5. ** We need to fight SB 79. It will allow 75’ buildings within 1/4 of a bus stop and 55’ within a 1/2 mile. If a bus stop gets relocated then new areas are formed. This will destroy our cities. —- Ray J.
6. ** Gamers have an enormous amount of geographical knowledge of places that don’t exist. —- Jeff B.
7. ** Cut the woke crap – I don’t refer to drug addicts who masturbate repeatedly in public and scream and yell and harass people as my “unhoused neighbor!” —- Joyce D.
8. ** Have you noticed anyone who starts a conversation with “what’s up” is an idiot? —- Jay G., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Hilaria Baldwin, Alec Baldwin’s wife, is a super-wack job. —- Spencer D.
10. ** Straight talk from downtown Manhattan Beach on Mother’s Day weekend: Beautiful weather, tragic paddle-out, and total civic neglect. No police presence. Trash cans are overflowing. Bikers and e-bikes are racing through crosswalks and smoking and vaping everywhere. Where is the town leadership? This isn’t charming beach town energy – it’s chaos in paradise. —- Name withheld by request (a long-time Manhattan Beach resident)
11. ** Never – ever – leave your wallet in your car, even hidden. Thieves now use code-grabbing devices to unlock your car, remove your credit card, put the wallet back, and re-lock your vehicle. You don’t even know you’ve been hit – until they’ve gone on a shopping spree. Slick. Silent. Savage. Don’t be fooled. —- Carly T., Hermosa Beach
12. ** Only in Manhattan Beach: A massive stretch limo pulls up to whisk away a group of nine-year-olds for a birthday bash. Childhood isn’t what it used to be. —- Clark C.
13. ** What I most respect about MB Weekly is that it serves as an unbiased, impartial “honest broker” in a world filled with spin and agendas. It delivers real stories, honest, civil opinions, and authentic voices – a rare gem in today’s media landscape. Great job. —- Lance H.
14. ** From Hell to Hope: Your Story Matters! Have you beaten addiction or hardship and come out stronger? A major YouTube TV show wants your story of survival and transformation. Inspire others around the world. Contact producer Amanda Kent: AmandaK@BoundlessMediaUSA.com. Don’t wait – your journey could bring someone else hope.
15. ** Three lives lost – two children, one pedestrian – on a short stretch of Sepulveda. Enough is enough. Manhattan Beach must act now. Flashing lights, speed control, real enforcement – whatever it takes. We don’t need more memorials. We need safety. City leaders: stop studying and start fixing. Our community can’t afford another tragedy. —- Claire L.
16. ** Mira Costa English teacher Shannon Vaughan is offering a two-week summer college essay workshop starting July 7. Students will complete brag sheets, personal statements, and UC essays with 12 hours of expert instruction. For info, email shannonvaughan703@gmail.com, call (310) 869-5729. —- Mira Costa High School
17. ** Generally speaking, if you feel stupid that’s because you just got smarter. —- Larry C.
18. ** Gov. Gavin Newsom finally decides to crack down on homeless encampments, calling for tent bans in public spaces across California. Not bad, Gavin… only about ten years too late! How many lives, businesses, and neighborhoods were ruined while you “studied” the issue? Leadership delayed is leadership denied. —- Cathy H.
19. ** California Surf Club is hiring great individuals to join the tribe, providing an opportunity to work with BeachLife Festival. Apply here or email me at allen@casurfclub.com
20. ** Why are there still no crosswalks on Sepulveda in Manhattan Beach? Redondo and Hermosa have them – why don’t we? This isn’t El Segundo. Businesses on one side, neighborhoods on the other, and zero safe ways to cross? We must slow the traffic and protect our town. Enough with the speeding madness. —- O.D.
21. ** Allen Sanford is very impressive! He’s the first person in a decade to bring new development to King Harbor – and it shows. His vision and execution have transformed the area, blending charm with progress. A bold move that’s paying off beautifully for Redondo Beach. —- Liam C., Redondo Beach
22. ** It boils my blood seeing men celebrate violence against women in sports. It’s not a game; it’s abuse. These men who get their kicks from watching women get hurt are pathetic. They can all rot in the deepest pit of Hell, along with anyone who cheers them on. There’s no room for this kind of cruelty. —- Andrea W., Hermosa Beach
23. ** Responding to former M.B. Mayor, Dan Stern: Not only are they earning over $300,000 a year, but the pension is 90% of their three highest years. So if they retire at 65 and live to 85, it’s a $6,000,000 retirement package. —- Ray J.
24. ** $2.3 billion vanished into thin air – no receipts, no accountability. L.A. County and LAHSA played Monopoly with taxpayer money while thousands suffer on the streets. No signed contracts, no service tracking, no shame. This isn’t a paperwork error – it’s lethal incompetence. Someone needs to be fired. Or indicted. Or both. —- Andrew D.
25. ** We’re pretty lucky that pigeons make gentle cooing noises and not loud squawking noises. —- Diane L.
Comment / Hire / Share / Promote / Barter / Discuss
The MB Weekly Free Bulletin Board is your place to communicate for free with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach. Send your message (maximum 50 words) to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB Weekly Disclaimer: 1.) MB Weekly accepts no liability for the content of this email, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. MB Weekly is not associated with any commercial or political organization and is transmitted via the web for the sole benefit of its subscribers. 2.) Unfortunately, computer viruses can be transmitted via email.