MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
AS SUMMER APPROACHES, OUTDOOR DINING REMAINS POPULAR – 61% FAVOR SOME FORM OF OUTDOOR DINING IN MANHATTAN BEACH
As the warm weather of summer approaches, MB Weekly readers voted by a margin of 61% in favor to restore some form of outdoor dining in Manhattan Beach. Though the topic remains controversial among assorted retail merchants, the idea of restoring some form of outdoor dining remains popular with the general public, especially in the summer months.
“I think outdoor dining should be re-instated quickly. I’m told COVID-19 is over but the long term after effects are not. It needs to be back, it needs to be beneficial for residents, retail and restaurants equally,” said acclaimed MB Chef David Slay.
Agree? Disagree? Send your Answer to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Joe Franklin
MB City Councilman
It all happened so quickly. A few seconds before I was standing, straddling my road bike on the Ballona Creek bridge, the turnaround point of my usual morning bike ride. An instant later, I was looking at the sky trying to understand why my head hurt so much and my ears were ringing. People gathered around and gingerly helped me sit up. It turns out, the pedal stem broke and I dropped like a rock to the ground. My head had hit the edge of the curb, shattering my bicycle helmet. It was an accident which could have caused serious brain injury, and possibly death if I had not been wearing my helmet. An average cyclist’s head is 5 to 6 feet off the ground. Falling is a recipe for a serious head injury. eBikes add additional weight and speed to the equation. The odds of a mishap injuring the rider or bystanders increases when eBikes are ridden by children.
May is National Bicycle Safety month and last year at this time the City of Manhattan Beach undertook the task of teaching school age children Bicycle Safety and the Rules of the Road. Talented and eager student volunteers, parents and the Manhattan Beach Police Department School Resource Officers created an engaging, entertaining, and informative 25-minute presentation. Presentations were made to assemblies at Manhattan Beach elementary schools, the Middle School, American Martyrs and soon at Mira Costa. We had a booth at the 2022 Hometown Fair and trained the entire group of 2,400 children enrolled in the Junior Guards. Over 6,000 students received the training in the past year. It is time for increased enforcement. And I encourage residents to do their part and call out good behavior in young riders to reinforce the safety lessons. Let’s help them do the right thing.
Send your comment to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Tim Hageman
Behind The Line Podcast
Q: SHARE YOUR RECORD OF SERVICE IN PUBLIC SAFETY IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I served in the law enforcement profession from 1988 to 2021. Thirty of those years were with the Manhattan Beach Police Department. As a police officer, I worked several assignments: patrol, detectives, SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiations Team, DUI Team, and School Resource Officer to name a few. As a sergeant, I worked in patrol as a Field Sergeant and Watch Commander and served three years in Personnel & Training. As a lieutenant, I was assigned to patrol as a Watch Commander and then to Administration. As the Administrative Lieutenant I was responsible for: Personnel & Training, Investigations, Community Affairs, Department Policy, Internal Affairs, Claims Investigations, Records Section, and the budget. I spent my last nine years as a police captain, where I managed the Field Operations Bureau and the Administration and Investigations Bureau (different times).
Q: IS MANHATTAN BEACH LESS SAFE TODAY THAN FIVE YEARS AGO?
A: Manhattan Beach is a wonderful community, but it is not immune from criminal activity and many residents don’t feel safe: Crime Stats. In addition to the Part 1 crimes (see link) there are other factors to consider. Those statistics only reflect crimes that have been reported to the police. It is not uncommon for a victim of a crime, who after calling the police, decides for whatever reason not to file a report. There are also times when a victim chooses not to report the crime to the police. Policies imposed by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón are concerning and very dangerous. Criminals are aware of these polices and are using them to their advantage. Gascón’s policies are impacting cities throughout Los Angeles County and Manhattan Beach is no exception. Criminals know when they commit a crime, there’s a high probability they will serve minimal time in jail (if any time at all) or charges against them won’t be filed by the DA. Gascón’s policies have emboldened criminals and have done nothing to dissuade them from committing additional crimes. Victims are reluctant to file a police report because they don’t believe the suspect will be prosecuted. It is extremely important we provide the Manhattan Beach Police Department with the resources necessary to make sure we are safe.
Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR PODCAST AND WHAT YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE WITH IT?
A: The name of the podcast is Behind The Line and the purpose of it is to share untold stories of first responders and military veterans. I have the utmost respect for veterans and first responders and want to give them a platform to share their stories. Of our 13 recorded episodes, 10 have been published. Of those 10, two episodes are of police officers from the El Segundo Police Department. In 2008, Lieutenant Ray Garcia was shot point blank in his face and returned to work four months later. In 1979, Officer Chris Barrett was shot one time and has been paralyzed since. Each shared details of their respective officer involved shootings. Two interviews are of local veterans of the Vietnam War. One guest was involved in 80 firefights and the other, a helicopter pilot, was active in many combat missions. These two interviews have received the highest number of views on our YouTube channel. Our episodes can be watched on our YouTube Channel or listened to on iTunes and Spotify.
Q: WHEN DID IT BEGIN?
A: Our first episode was released in October 2022. We took a brief break, but we’re currently scheduling future interviews.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I like a lot of restaurants in Manhattan Beach, but my old school favorites are: Uncle Bills / El Sombrero / The Kettle / Ercole’s – Burgers and Cold Beer / OB’s Pub & Grill.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Aquarius
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: There are several I consider great, but I would say An Officer and a Gentleman is my favorite with Top Gun (1 & 2) not far behind.
www.BehindTheLinePod.com
Following Strong Complaints From Many Customers, Target Manhattan Beach Removes Various LGBTQ+ Products Before June Pride Month:
Following a strong outcry from many consumers, Target Manhattan Beach is withdrawing some goods from its shops and making other changes to its LGBTQ+ merchandise worldwide ahead of Pride month. Target said, “Given these tense circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been the focal point of the most significant confrontational behavior.” Target declined to specify which products it was discontinuing, but “tuck-friendly” women’s swimsuits, which allow trans women who have not undergone gender-affirming procedures to conceal their private parts, were among those that attracted the most attention. The backlash has also been generated by Designs by Abprallen, a London-based company that creates and markets LGBTQ+ apparel and accessories with occult and demonic themes.
The Rockefeller Fish And Chips:
www.EatRockefeller.com
Over $200K Is Raised By Roundhouse Aquarium For Teaching Of Ocean Science:
More than $200,000 was raised at the Roundhouse Aquarium’s inaugural Splash Celebration last month to promote marine and environmental science programs for schools and aquarium visitors. On May 13, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the aquarium’s reopening, approximately 200 people attended Splash to share their love of ocean preservation and the teaching of marine science. David McGovern, a founding donor, remarked, “We were so thrilled to open our home for this anniversary celebration. It is an honor to maintain our relationship with everyone who cares so much about the Aquarium and what it represents to the youth and residents of Southern California and beyond.”
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
WILL THE NEW CALVIN KLEIN AD CAUSE A BACKLASH LIKE THE RECENT BUD LIGHT AD CAMPAIGN?
Yes? No? Unsure? Please share your thoughts with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
Send your reply (anonymous, if you prefer) to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Cyclists Bike In Place To Fight Cancer At The 11Th Annual Tour De Pier In Manhattan Beach:
On Saturday, May 20, the 11th Annual Tour de Pier at the Manhattan Beach pier raised almost $1.4 million for three charitable cancer organizations: the Uncle Kory Foundation for Brain Cancer Research, the Cancer Support Community South Bay, and the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. At the Manhattan Beach Pier, supporters lined up over 350 stationary bikes and pedaled for donations. Celebrities and some of the greatest cycling instructors in the region encouraged the teams as they took turns riding more than 350 bikes while looking out over the Pacific Ocean. Since it began in 2013, the cycling event has helped cancer organizations raise more than $11.4 million. Some seasoned competitors, such as Ed and Sandra Langhammer of Hermosa Beach, have raised over $45,000 for the cause throughout their nine Tour de Pier rides. The tour’s $1.5 million objective was about $300,000 away this year.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
On Monday, May 22, 2023, as part of a ribbon-cutting for a new music facility at Manhattan Beach Middle School, school officials dedicated a plaque in memory of Sandy Casey, a former special education teacher who was killed during a mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas in 2017.
Nando Trattoria:
www.NandoTrattoria.com
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Sarah Hoffmeister
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I have lived in Manhattan Beach my whole life. Went to Grandview, then MBMS, the graduated from Costa.
Q: WHAT GAVE YOU THE IDEA TO START YOUR BUSINESS, AND EXPLAIN IT?
A: The idea to start this princess party company came from my love for acting and my acting experience and also from my life-long love of princesses. Our company offers the highest quality princesses to enthrall your guests at birthday parties or events (usually for your little ones :). Basically, through our website you hire us to bring a princess or princesses to your event to entertain the little ones with stories, crafts, face painting, etc. I hope to inspire the younger generations through the kindness, hard-work, and compassion of a true princess.
Q: DO YOU HOPE TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE?
A: Yes! I have always loved the creativity involved in entrepreneurship and also the ability to create lasting impact through my work.
Q: HOW OLD ARE YOU?
A: I am 20.
Q: WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE DINNER WITH, PAUL MCCARTNEY OR PRESIDENT BIDEN?
A: Probably President Biden.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW OF ALL TIME?
A: I don’t watch much TV, but a show I really loved recently was The Queen’s Gambit.
Q: DO A MAJORITY OF YOUR COLLEGE FRIENDS SMOKE POT?
A: No, I go to a very small private Christian college called Westmont… not many stoners there as you can imagine.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: El Tarasco is my #1 forever. I do love MB Post and El Sombrero of course too.
www.TravelingTiaras.com
MB WEEKLY – DID YOU KNOW?
** Our readers are young. 60% are under the age of 50.
** Our readers are affluent. The average annual income is $118,000.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Heather Kim
Owner Of Manhattan Grocery
(Public Comment on Crime May 16 Manhattan Beach City Council Meeting)
My name is Heather Kim, and my husband and I own Manhattan Grocery. I’m here to speak about crime and how our DA George Gascon’s special directives, his reclassification of crime and his policies that literally decriminalize crime are directly impacting this minority-owned family-run business. All of these horrendous policy changes are under the umbrella of criminal justice reform. So if you support this, which some of you sitting on the dais do, Amy Howorth, then you support the pain, anguish, stress, and financial hardship that I and thousands of small minority business owners operating in L.A. County have had to endure. Thanks to these insane Gascon policy changes, L.A. County is a paradise for criminals, not only committing theft but violent crimes. Effectively, this is a sanctuary city for these thugs.
Yesterday, we had a shoplifting incident in which a large, muscular, intimidating man wearing a black hoodie threateningly informed my cashier that he was not paying for the alcohol he shoved down his pants and there was nothing the cashier could do about it because he would push him to the ground. So not only does this thug steal from us, he proudly stands in line declaring his right to steal from us and rubs it in our face while he threatens my employee.
We lose quite a bit due to shoplifting but normally the thieves are a little more discreet than this entitled maniac. These thugs know it’s a slap on the wrist since stealing up to $950 won’t even put them in jail. I can’t stress enough how upsetting and terrifying it is to operate a small business in this environment. Shout out to MBPD for coming within minutes of my call and finding our shoplifter on the pier where he was arrested. I thank these officers for their professionalism and kindness even while working under these awful circumstances that could get them injured or even killed over some stolen items from a grocery store. As if this wasn’t bad enough, one of the thug’s friends came back to the store and got in our cashier’s face. He wasn’t happy we called the police. Can the world be any more upside down? Now we are all on high alert, just waiting for retaliation and watching our backs. Who knows what will happen if these thugs decide to come back. All of this behavior circles back to the policies of George Gascon and the people that support him.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Frank Chiella
“EITHER / OR” INTERVIEW
DINNER WITH EITHER PRESIDENT BIDEN OR ELON MUSK?
– Dinner with Elon would be fresh and exciting for a look into the future with someone who is directing that future.
ROLLING STONES OR THE BEATLES?
– Rolling Stones; A group that has been together for 60 years says it all! I hope to maintain just half the energy Mick Jagger has.
GODFATHER OR STAR WARS?
– Godfather; Don Vito Corleone: Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It’s more than the government. It is almost equal to the family.
STEAK OR LOBSTER?
– I love to pair Steak and Lobster together. The best of both worlds.
VISIT ISRAEL OR FRANCE?
– I have visited both Israel and France, loved them both but the wines from France have won me over.
HOT DOG OR HAMBURGER?
– I have to go for the traditional backyard BBQ burger with all the fixings.
VISIT NEW YORK OR DALLAS?
– My choice for a visit between New York and Dallas would be New York for all it has to offer.
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
by Darby Winston
Tin Roof Bistro
With its understated elegance and delectable culinary offerings, Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach stands as a shining example of exceptional dining. Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Manhattan Village neighborhood, this gastronomic haven has captivated the discerning palates of locals and visitors alike. From the moment one steps inside, a symphony of flavors and impeccable service unfold, orchestrated by a team of knowledgeable and attentive staff. The menu, a masterful composition of innovative and classic dishes, showcases the culinary prowess of the talented chefs. Each plate is a work of art, meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients from local purveyors. The attention to detail is awe-inspiring, from the elegant table settings to the harmonious pairing of flavors that dance on the taste buds. Whether indulging in the succulent seafood or savoring the perfectly seared steaks, every bite is a revelation. Tin Roof Bistro is a culinary sanctuary where epicurean delights meet unparalleled hospitality. It is a testament to the rich tapestry of culinary excellence that Manhattan Beach has to offer. I sense much credit goes to long-time General Manager Aaron and yet another tip of the hat to owner Mike Simms.
www.TinRoofBistro.com
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
CONFUSION IN MANHATTAN BEACH: “We’re over here! I’m wearing a bikini top and waving right at you!”
BREAK ON THROUGH… To A Dynamic Career In Entertainment / Media:
“A Chance In A Lifetime, In A Lifetime Of Chance.”
Extraordinary entry-level, part-time (flexible hours) opportunity to join an award-winning P.R. and Branding firm. Inspiring knowledge and opportunity for smart, reliable, detail-oriented, organized person hungry to learn and grow in the world of entertainment and media. Work remote – Approximately 10 part-time (flexible) hours per week. “A chance in a lifetime, in a lifetime of chance.” Contact Amanda Kent, Chief Innovation Officer: AmandaK@BoundlessMediaUSA.com
www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
Have You Ever Taken A Custom Cooking Class?
What better way to learn how to cook your favorite dishes than with the guidance of a master chef? “But,” you say, “I don’t know the first thing about cooking.” That’s okay. Set the Table has customized classes for each learner’s needs and skill levels.
- From grandma’s recipe, you grew up loving…
- From Biscuits to Bisque…
- From Zeppole to Ziti…
Set the Table can show you how to make the best you’ve ever had. Learn how by emailing Set the Table here: Eat@setthetablela.com
www.SetTheTableLA.com
MB – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ** Sadly, people have no regard for other people. Someone disposed of their dog waste bag in our shrubs. Asshole dog owner! Please refrain from doing that; our house is not a trash can. —- Lindsay W., Manhattan Beach
2. ** I love the independence of MB Weekly. Keep it comin’. —- Mitch S., Manhattan Beach
3. ** I like Nikki Haley! —- Joy V., Manhattan Beach
4. ** Our car license plate was taken and replaced with an unknown California plate. I never expected this in my area. Check your front and back plates before driving. There are a lot of sickos out there. —- Kate J., Manhattan Beach
5. ** Really MB Weekly! A woman smoking! That is a bad choice to represent. —- Dayle Eisenhauer, Manhattan Beach
6. ** The Best Dentist in MB by far is Dr. Ray Padilla! Dr. Padilla has been the dentist for the Olympics, and he is currently the dentist for the LAKERS and UCLA Basketball Teams. Dr. Padilla is a consummate professional dedicated to providing you with the best dental care in the South Bay! —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
7. ** I don’t care if James Bond is black. I don’t think that fundamentally changes the character of James Bond. He doesn’t have to be white in order to be suave, to be cool. But he does have to be a dude. —- Clarence C., Manhattan Beach
8. ** Avoid Frontier! Tried to cancel service. Charged a month and $50. After their representative said I was overpaying $150 a month. —- Nancy B., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Jim Burton has generously provided new bicycle helmets for our city-wide EBIKE Safety and EBIKE Rules of the Road training. We engage four students in a buzzer quiz show testing their knowledge of what our safety team demonstrates in school-wide assemblies. All participants in the quiz show get a new helmet. Thank you, Jim, for your generous support! —- Joe Franklin, Mayor Pro Tem Manhattan Beach
10. ** The ideal camouflage impresses the least amount of people. —- Karen K., Manhattan Beach
11. ** Costco doesn’t have a shoplifting problem because everything is huge! —- Christy B., Manhattan Beach
12. ** Gloria always sensed a dark side to her late husband beneath her polished charm. —- Hailey B., Manhattan Beach
13. ** The bun on the chicken sandwich at Chick-fil-A has been cold three times in a row. —- Gloria N., El Segundo
14. ** A decade ago, I was working in the gift shop of the Marriott Hotel on Christmas Eve, and a couple brought in a Christmas card that said they appreciated our employees giving up their Christmas Eve so they could have a pleasant stay at the hotel. The card also had a $20 bill inside! How very thoughtful of them. —- Heather R., Manhattan Beach
15. ** People in Los Angeles are still memorializing a mountain lion, P-22, with T-shirts and a show commissioned by the philharmonic. Don’t these idiots have anything better to do? —- Phil K., Manhattan Beach
16. **Doing business in California is getting harder. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol said California’s business environment is slowing the company’s ambitions for growth in the state.
17. ** Best Dentist in the South Bay: Dr. Steve Yabuno in Torrance —- Joe Ferrell
18. ** MB Resident Signature Petition – “No” to Library in Polliwog Park. Change.org Petition: https://chng.it/FftBhsV6wx
19. ** I hate coyotes! —- Andi B., Manhattan Beach
20. ** If your college degree doesn’t produce enough value for you to pay it off, it certainly doesn’t produce enough value for your neighbor to pay it off for you. —- Dr. Henri B., Manhattan Beach
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