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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
John Acker (MB Rotary President)
Q: AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE MANHATTAN BEACH ROTARY CLUB DURING THE LAST YEAR, WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY?
A: Since moving to Manhattan Beach in 1987, I have learned that Manhattan Beach residents want to get involved if given the chance. Community members have joined with our Manhattan Beach Rotary Club to help with: The Home Town Fair; Vetfest (honoring our Veterans); Tutoring at Richstone Family Center; PS I Love You Beach Day; The Jimmy Miller Foundation; Skechers Pier-to-Pier Friendship Walk; Sandpipers Holiday Toy Drive; Making 20,000 Meals for Rise Against Hunger; Building Homes for Habitat for Humanity; Serving at the Senior Center; among many other service projects. In addition to service projects, our Rotary Club gives Music Scholarships (middle and high school students); Arts Awards & Recognition (high school students); Teacher & Principal of the Year Awards; Police & Fire Person of the Year Awards; Support Rotaract (junior Rotary for high school students); and we give out over $40k in College Scholarships annually.
Q: WHAT IS THE ROTARY CLUB IN MANHATTAN BEACH DOING TO ATTRACT YOUNGER MEMBERS?
A: Manhattan Beach Rotary Club has been relatively successful in attracting younger members as we have members in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. It comes down to offering a fun environment where members of all ages can get engaged and feel they are making a difference in their community and beyond. To help with the future pipeline of Rotarians, we are a big supporter of Rotaract, both financially and through leadership mentoring and service project collaboration. Teaching kids “Service Above Self” hopefully will make them want to join a Rotary Club after they graduate college.
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT OF YOUR PRESIDENCY?
A: The biggest accomplishment of my Rotary Presidency was not screwing up a great club:). We have had many great presidents that have guided the club to the success it has today. It’s a big responsibility to keep things intact and running smoothly. We have guest speakers on a weekly basis that are engaging and make members want to attend. It comes down to electing a great Board of Directors (thank you Board) that embrace the Rotary Moto – Service Above Self. One other big accomplishment for the year was me playing Santa one night on the Manhattan Beach Santa Float. I grew a real beard and had hundreds of kids believe I was the real deal. High fives and promising everything the kids wanted – sorry parents.
Q: HOW MANY MEMBERS DOES THE MANHATTAN BEACH ROTARY CLUB HAVE?
A: We have a very vibrant Rotary Club consisting of 107 active members and 7 honoree members. Our weekly Monday breakfast meetings are a great way to start the week. What better way to start each week then by seeing 114 of your closest friends?
www.instagram.com/manhattanbeachrotary
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
MB Weekly Readers Name Mercado Best Mexican Restaurant in the South Bay
In a new MB Weekly (www.MBWeekly.net) Reader Poll, Mercado has been crowned the Best Mexican Restaurant in the South Bay. Locals praised the restaurant’s flavorful dishes and vibrant atmosphere. “It’s a great fun place, and we love Andrew, the general manager,” said Sherri M. of Hermosa Beach. Mercado, known for its elevated Mexican cuisine and modern design, has become a favorite dining destination for Manhattan Beach, Hermosa residents, and the entire South Bay. https://www.cocinasycalaveras.com/mercado
Manhattan Beach Garbage Pickup Fees Climb Higher Starting July 1:
Starting July 1, Manhattan Beach residents and business owners will pay more to remove the trash. The City Council on May 20 unanimously approved a new set of refuse rate hikes. Come August or September, property owners will see the increases reflected in their Waste Management bills. Protest letters did not reach the 6,500 necessary, as 93 were received, so the vote continued. Residential customers billed every two months will see rates climb, per month, to $18.98 for 20–35 gallon gray bins (up from $17.76), $24.65 for 65-gallon gray bins (up $1.59 a month), and $30.31 (up $1.96 a month) for 95-gallon gray bins, no separate charge for recycling and organics. Manhattan Beach was an early adopter of organics recycling which has kept this collection rate lower than other cities and not separately itemized, according to Anna Luke-Jones, senior management analyst. Commercial customers, billed monthly, will pay up to $303.89 for large four-yard dumpsters – a jump of nearly $30.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Fred Taylor (Manhattan Beach Resident)
Why are we [MBPD] majoring in the minors?? We live in East Manhattan on a corner lot with a small patch of grass to enjoy. I call it my “South 40”. That’s where Bailee, our ferocious fourteen-pound Chihuahua ‘guard dog’ potties. Recently, we had a rare sighting of an MBPD officer stop and give us a warning for having our dog off-leash. The sidewalk is public property, don’t ya know! My neighbor told me his 12’ leash is illegal here in MB. Six feet only!! Another resident appeared to get a tongue lashing from a female officer while playing ball with their retriever on the grassy knoll below our water tower. Meanwhile, about a week ago, our street looked like the filming of a “Miami Vice” episode… guns drawn and pointed at a neighbor’s home for some two hours. In the past two years, my next-door neighbor and the one across the street have both been robbed. I’ve lived in East Manhattan for 49 years and I often wonder if our entire police force is in some kind of witness protection program. I love, appreciate and support our police; But, maybe, just maybe a change in priorities and a MBPD presence in East MB would cut down on our burglary epidemic?
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MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE LENS VIDEO:
An exclusive MB Weekly video featuring JOEY restaurant in Manhattan Village.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07xFXnJVTJw
Fête Bistro by Slay:
Steak Frites – Prime Flat Iron
Steak frites, a strong drink, an ocean breeze… could you ask for anything better?
www.FeteBySlay.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton
The future development of Lot #3 and 400 Manhattan Beach Blvd. present unique development opportunities for our City. Whatever is eventually developed at Lot #3 should complement our Metlox Plaza and Downtown Manhattan Beach. In regard to both properties, it can’t just be just parking only, although some additional parking would be welcomed. Mixed use, boutique hotels with restaurants or other uses that would be compatible and enhance Downtown Manhattan Beach may be desirable.
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Student’s Offhand Remark Triggers Lockdown at Manhattan Beach Middle School:
A moment sparked panic Wednesday, June 4, at Manhattan Beach Middle School when a student’s casual comment about a bomb was reported and led to a shelter-in-place lockdown. “The shelter-in-place order at Manhattan Beach Middle School has been lifted following a bomb threat,” City of Manhattan Beach socials announced at 10:29 a.m. June 4. “Our investigation found no credible threat, and an explosive-detection canine was deployed to help ensure the safety of students.”
MB WEEKLY NEWS IN REVIEW VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/kUWFELh1idQ
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
MB City Councilman and former Financial Director Steve Charelian and his son.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer (MB Community Activist)
My biggest concern has to do with the purchase of the land at 400 Manhattan Beach Blvd. without a clear plan on what they are going to do with it. The land itself is creating a debt of over $13 million and we do not currently know what the plan is for that property, what it is going to cost to redevelop it, if that will require even more debt and how long it is going to take to get a return on the entire investment.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
** Richard Grenell, envoy for special missions, having dinner at Slay Italian kitchen on a Monday night.
** Digital Marketing Expert Aaron Ganz having lunch at JOEY in Manhattan Beach.
** Manhattan Beach City Councilman Joe Franklin having lunch at JOEY in the Manhattan Village.
Kaminsky Real Estate Group:
Selling Your South Bay Home Shouldn’t Leave You Guessing
Most sellers dread the uncertainty – will your home sit too long, fetch less than it’s worth, or miss the right buyer? As a leader in the Manhattan Beach community, the Kaminsky Real Estate Group at eXp Luxury, we’ve spent nearly 40 years perfecting the art of the sale across Southern California’s coastline. As the South Bay’s #1 producing team, with over $2 billion sold, we turn your equity into a win, not a worry.
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www.ItzSold.com
NBA Star Norman Powell Helps Launch Skechers Store In Torrance:
Skechers laced up for a big debut in Torrance on Friday, June 6, officially opening its newest retail location at 2690 Pacific Coast Highway, formerly home to Walgreens. The celebration featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with city officials – and a special appearance by Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Norman Powell. In February, Skechers ann0unded that Powell was now exclusively playing in Skechers Basketball footwear.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Rock’N Fish founder Michael Zislis and General Manager Amanda Gale.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Sonia Pagett (Manhattan Beach)
At 3:30 AM, I was awake and heard an e-bike approaching the alley on Bayview Ave. relatively fast. He hit something and ate it. I jumped out of bed, and by the time I got to the deck, he was down the street throwing “f” bombs. He crashed into my son’s Toyota 4Runner, bent the side mirror back, and scratched the side of his truck. He must have been intoxicated to hop back on so fast. I’m sure he’s feeling it today!
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Redondo Harbor’s Remarkable Revival:
What was once a crumbling relic of Redondo’s past is now a sun-soaked symbol of its future. South Bay visionary Allen Sanford and his partner Rob Lissner have transformed the long-neglected Redondo Harbor into a vibrant coastal destination for all ages. It began in 2019 with the BeachLife Festival, a three-day music celebration featuring legends like The Beach Boys and Alanis Morissette. From there, Sanford and Lissner built a beach-centric empire – BeachLife Ranch, Grotto Restaurant, and General Store. Now, they’ve unveiled the crown jewel: the California Surf Club. Built on the bones of the old Chillers Bar and Ruby’s Diner, this private retreat boasts paddleboard docks, luxe lounges, and sunset views worthy of a postcard. And with North Grill open to the public, even non-members get a taste of the dream. Redondo’s forgotten harbor isn’t just back – it’s thriving.
Lido Bakery:
Home of the Most Extraordinary Wedding Cakes
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
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Mercado Fish Taco in Manhattan Village.
STAY AWARE – STAY CURRENT:
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MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
DID DRUG USE PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN ELON MUSK’S RECENT MELTDOWN WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP?
Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
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1. ** Congratulations to Steve Napolitano on being named City Manager of Hermosa Beach. They are lucky to have him! —- Darla H.
2. ** The first horse to be ridden must have been surprised. —- Kelly S., El Segundo
3. ** Many LA candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America run as “Democrats” – but their radical agenda is NOT mainstream. They want to eliminate single-family zoning, defund police, and expand government control. Voters in Manhattan Beach: do you really know who you’re voting for? This isn’t about party. It’s about truth. —- D.S., Manhattan Beach
4. ** A 19-year-old girl was hit while biking at 10th & Valley around 5 PM yesterday. We’re all deeply shaken and praying she’s OK. —- L.T.
5. ** If you and your family crave truly awful food at sky-high prices, look no further than Prime Pizza in El Segundo. One visit was enough.. Never again. Save your money and your taste buds. You’ve been warned. —- Sara G., El Segundo
6. ** Is everyone seeing what’s happening with gas prices in California? I braced for $8/gallon, but now there’s chatter about $10. That’s not inflation – that’s insanity. How is the average person supposed to survive this? Sacramento, are you even paying attention? This is beyond painful – it’s criminal. —- Cindy Q.
7. ** WARNING: Creeper Alert at El Porto Beach. I witnessed a man RECORDING girls near the trashcans – pretending to throw something away, then circling back twice while holding his phone low and close to them. I saw it happen before. I called the police. Parents, stay alert! —- Name withheld by request.
8. ** Tesla stock is up +26% this past month. Looks like the Tesla boycott is not working. —- Arthur J., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Congratulations to the Hermosa Beach City Council for hiring Steve Napolitano as their new interim city manager. Of course, if sanity is their goal —- M.Z.
10. ** Anyone who said, ‘Joe Biden is clearly in cognitive decline if you look at him at [his] events,’ they were called right-wing disinformation agents… The media affirmatively used that ‘disinformation’ term that has become their weapon of deception and propaganda and smearing people who tell the truth to label all of that ‘disinformation. —- G.G.
11. ** Summer is here! Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1–4 and the #2 cause (after car accidents) for kids 5–14. Water safety isn’t optional – it’s essential. Supervise, fence pools, and teach kids to swim early. A moment’s distraction can mean a lifetime of heartbreak. Stay alert. Stay safe. —- Claudia E., Hermosa Beach
12. ** I’ve only been a Bay Club member for about a year, and I must say – you can practically smell the arrogance of the management. Excellent facilities at an outrageous cost, but the elitist attitude from the top is off-putting. A little humility and customer respect would go a long way. The staff at the front desk seems to change weekly. —- Toni N., El Segundo
13. ** I had a terrible experience at Manhattan Beach Animal Hospital. Left in a chlorine-smelling room for over 20 minutes with no vet, two doctors chatted outside – zero communication. My poor dog was stressed from nonstop barking in the lobby. Based on this, I do not recommend it. —- Lois L., Hermosa Beach
14. ** How much plastic surgery does a woman really need? —- Mimi R., Manhattan Beach
15. ** LEARN SOMETHING THIS SUMMER: Join one of America’s top entertainment P.R. firms for a 15-hour/week summer internship. Gain hands-on experience, unmatched insight, and access to real opportunity. A chance in a lifetime, in a lifetime of chance. www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com – Contact Amanda Kent: AmandaK@BoundlessMediaUSA.com
16. ** Some creeper keeps flying a drone over our house near Pacific Elementary – hovering like a nosy little spy. It’s been happening more than once, and it’s seriously unsettling. Last I saw, the thing buzzed off toward Sepulveda. Is anyone else noticing this? It feels like a total invasion of privacy. —- Alice B., Manhattan Beach
17. ** Remember Radio Shack? —- Tim G., Redondo Beach
18. ** There are a lot of whack jobs in American politics, but I think Tim Walz takes the G.O.A.T. prize —- Sophia T.
19. ** Raisins are just grape jerky. —- Ace B.
20. ** Three-year union contracts at 6%, 5%, and 4% cost taxpayers over $10 million. Now we know why the City pushed those sales and stormwater tax hikes. It was to fund bloated raises. —- Name Withheld by Request (Manhattan Beach)
21. ** A coyote came up behind me last night in Redondo Beach while I was walking my dog. I stayed calm, stood tall, and got loud – coyote backed off. Don’t fear it; learn from it. Know what to do – and keep walking. —- Toby B., Redondo Beach
22. ** After the Palisades fire broke out, LAFD leadership blamed broken fire engines and too few mechanics. But the real issue? Decades of relying on an aging fleet. Here’s a thought: maybe we should reward this gross incompetence with a RAISE. After all, failure consistently takes real effort. —- Tony D., Hermosa Beach
23. ** HAVE YOU SEEN PIP? SHE’S MISSING! She’s a Calico cat 2 years old now. She has an orange stripe on her side. My son is out of his mind with worry. Please get in touch with me if you have seen her; my number is 714-287-5953 – She lives on PCH and 8th place. I appreciate your help.
24. ** To properly clean things, you must also clean the things you use to clean those things. —- Ali T., El Segundo
25. ** My generation grew up with unlimited access to hardcore porn. No wonder intimacy is a struggle. —- Haley G.
26. ** STOP means STOP. At 2nd and Ardmore, I stopped for a couple, crossing to the Greenbelt. Another pair was about to cross when some junior genius in a Jeep blew through the stop sign off John without slowing – or stopping for pedestrians. Entitlement isn’t a substitute for brakes. —- Ron E.
27. ** MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION: What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from your father or father figure? Send your reply to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
28. ** Why did the Manhattan Beach staff member bring a ladder to the budget meeting? Because even their salaries are through the roof! —- Oliver S.
29. ** Roughly 3 percent of U.S. employees work for tips: Bartenders, blackjack dealers, servers, and delivery drivers. —- Howard A.
30. ** Did you hear about the eleven new MB employees’ three-year union contracts with raises averaging 5.5%, 4.75%, and 4%, totaling more than 2.6 Million Dollars? Of course not. This item was buried in the Consent Calendar, where routine and customary items are heard without discussion. We now know why the City wanted to increase the sales tax. —- Name Withheld by Request
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