MB Weekly 07/20/2023

TOMORROW NIGHT
GALLERY 208:
“SUMMER TIME OPEN HOUSE”

208 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Friday, July 21, 2023
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Sponsored by: MB Chamber of Commerce and MB Weekly


MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Kathy Winterhalder

Co-Founder Of The Distinguished Speaker Series

Q: WHAT IS SPECIAL AND UNIQUE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S NEW SPEAKER SERIES?
A: We took a couple of seasons off from bringing a controversial political speaker to our line-up. The opportunity to invite Liz Cheney came up and she is currently the most anticipated speaker. Goldie Hawn is going to be a lot of fun and Thomas Friedman never disappoints. Lisa Genova is one of the top TED speakers of all time, her talk on the brain will be fascinating as well as Dr. Moogega Cooper’s visuals of space and her role at JPL. I can’t forget General H.R. McMaster, with so much going on in the world, it is always great to get a general’s personal take.

Q: YOUR DAUGHTERS HAVE RECENTLY ENTERED THE BUSINESS, AND HOW ARE THEY DOING?
A: They are doing great! They both gave up amazing jobs in Chicago and Washington DC, to come work for the family business. They have been invaluable as we have had to get more creative post COVID.

Q: IS GETTING PEOPLE TO LIVE EVENTS MORE DIFFICULT IN A POST-COVID WORLD?
A: It’s been tougher than we thought. The only thing we experienced close to this was the Recession in 2008. We rode that out by investing more in our speaker line-up and that saved us. COVID was a completely different story. Who would have ever thought we would have been locked out of indoor live-entertainment for as long as we were. Luckily many of the speakers were willing to reschedule and keep their commitments and our sponsors and patrons hung in there with us. They didn’t ask for refunds when our 2020 season was cut short. When we finally opened, many while still wary, watched online instead of cancelling. Last season, when we were halfway through, our South Bay Series was sold-out. Interest has been really strong, we currently have less than 40 tickets left at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. We’re Back!

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR PEOPLE TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SPEAKER SERIES FOR TICKETS?
A: www.speakersla.com. We are also in the office Monday – Friday 10:30-4:00 to answer any questions at (310) 546-6222.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN THE MANHATTAN BEACH AREA?
A: The Strand House for out-of-town guests and special occasions, lunch is Simmzy’s, Becker’s sandwiches, Ercoles burgers, and Un Caffe Altamura. We love Slay Italian and Slay Hermosa and Rock ‘N Fish for dinner.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Pisces (Is This An L.A. Thing?)

Q: WHAT IS THE SECRET OF THE SUCCESS OF YOUR EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS?
A: Listen to our patrons and treat them like family. We survey our audience every year to see who they are most interested in experiencing live and the topics that they are excited in learning more about. For example, Liz Cheney was the #1 choice on our survey last season. I think the secret sauce is also bringing our unique form of entertainment to the community instead of asking people to drive to Downtown L.A. Everyone enjoys seeing friends and neighbors in the lobby before each show. We are so lucky that our hometown community that we love so much, loves us back.

www.SpeakersLA.com


Manhattan Beach Boulevard And Sepulveda Boulevard Intersection Improvement Project:

The Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard Intersection Improvement Project is in the design phase, with an anticipated Planning/Design phase completion for Fall of 2023. Right-of-way dedication acquisition is ongoing, according to the City. There are six street projects starting or under construction, six in the design phase, and construction was completed last October on the Sepulveda Bridge Widening Project. The City has an update page at this link.


MB WEEKLY – REAL ESTATE:

Jared Goff, the former L.A. Rams quarterback who guided the team to the 2018 Super Bowl before being dealt to the Detroit Lions, was the buyer of the South Bay estate that sold for $10.5 million in the spring. Records indicate Goff purchased the French Country-style estate from “Modern Family” executive producer Danny Zuker and his photographer wife Annette Lombardi for the exact $10.5 million asking price. The property had recently been rented at $30,000 a month. The home was formerly owned by MLB pitcher Ken Brett, and Shaquille O’Neill lived there at one point in his Lakers career.


Tin Roof Bistro:

From sea to plate, indulge in the flavors of our Pan Seared Scottish Salmon, adorned with artichoke hearts, sugar snap peas, asparagus, roasted tomato, rainbow carrots, and a luscious preserved lemon Beurre Blanc.

www.TinRoofBistro.com


MB WEEKLY – Q&A:
with David Slay

of Slay Restaurants

Q: IS IT TRUE THAT YOU AND YOUR WIFE GALE HAVE JUST CELEBRATED YOUR 35TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY?
A: Gale and I today, yes, are 35 years married and together 45 years.

Q: HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?
A: Our families have been friends forever.

Q: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SECRET FOR A LONG SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE?
A: Trust … and Commitment.

Q: ARE SLAY RESTAURANTS OPENING FOR LUNCH SHORTLY?
A: Yes fête August 4 / Slay Italian on Saturday and Sunday

www.Slay.la


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lee Pace

The Manhattan Beach City Council recently approved a 2nd Library to be built in Polliwog Park. That decision defies the wishes of MB residents who, in a statistically reliable survey, rated maintaining MB parks and open space as the number ONE important MB service – they ranked an eastside library at the bottom, 24 out of 25: Community Opinion Survey | City of Manhattan Beach. The 2nd Library will remove mature trees and introduce vehicles and non-parkgoers into Polliwog. So, Council wants to “pave paradise and put up a parking lot?” A 2nd Library adds to traffic and parking problems around students and e-bikes. The old Manhattan Heights library and Pay-n-Play on Marine have better access and parking. Eastside MB residents have endured years of construction on the MB reservoir and other projects. Readers should question political motivations and say NO to the needless development of our MB parks.

Please share your comments to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


SHOULD SCHOOLS BAN CERTAIN ENERGY DRINKS?

According to a sample of MB Weekly readers in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities, MB Weekly readers have spoken.

Do you agree or disagree with the results. Please send your reply to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Katherine Ryan

Manhattan Beach

I just filed a report with a lovely MB officer who came out about an event at our house in the tree section. We’ve lived in it for 40+ years. For the FIRST TIME, a man came into the yard from the back gate by the garage facing Flournoy with no home across from it – a total stranger. I quickly jumped up, slammed the kitchen door in his face, and asked what the h he was doing in our backyard. He looked Eastern European, slim, with a slight mustache, about 5’7, in the late 20’s, early 30’s. He said he was delivering a package…holding a long plastic opaque bag. No labels, address on it, etc. No “package” I’ve ever seen. He left. The officer told me today that a ring from South America is operating in MB, using rental cars, liking corner houses as more in and out options, using props (delivery “bag”), etc. Very creepy. Putting locks now on all gates, bells, beware of dog signs, etc. Be aware of anyone walking around that sends an alarm. I would have gotten the creeps if I saw him on the street. Be sure and keep doors and gates locked.

Please share your comments to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


Set The Table:

Grilled Swordfish with Roasted Lemon Squash and Broccolini.

www.SetTheTableLA.com


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Dr. Sandra H.

Manhattan Beach

Manson murderer Leslie Van Houten released to freedom. When I think of the victims literally rotting in their graves while this murderer is released to freedom, I become sick to my stomach. What kind of a society have we become in which we allow murderers their freedom? Can you imagine the pain this must cause the family members of the victims? Governor Newsom, you should be ashamed of yourself!

Agree? Disagree? Send your comments to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Lilly

“WOULD YOU RATHER” QUESTIONS

WOULD YOU RATHER LOSE YOUR SIGHT OR YOUR MEMORIES?
–Memory

WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE UNIVERSAL RESPECT OR UNLIMITED POWER?
–Power, Baby, Power!

WOULD YOU RATHER GIVE UP AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE OR GIVE UP THE INTERNET FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?
–F—K The Internet, I Am Always Cold.

WOULD YOU RATHER SWIM IN A POOL FULL OF NUTELLA OR A POOL FULL OF MAPLE SYRUP?
–I Don’t Swim.

Feel free to send your photos to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY – DID YOU KNOW?

Our Readers Are Generally Young
60% Are Under 55 Years Old
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www.MBWeekly.net


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Dr. Cecilia T.

Manhattan Beach

Private equity firms have started acquiring doctor practices recently to create influential medical groupings nationwide. Researchers from the Petris Center at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, a progressive think tank in Washington, D.C., found that the medical groups were linked to higher prices in their respective markets, particularly when they held a dominant share. The cost of care climbed by double digits in three specialties – gastroenterology, dermatology, and obstetrics and gynecology – when a company owned more than 30% of the market. This implies that doctors now have “quotas” and that the era of the kind, considerate Doctor is almost entirely over. If your Doctor’s office is starting to feel like a medical McDonald’s, now you know why.

Please share your comments to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – A DIFFERENT VIEW:

Candid photo taken at the Manhattan Village Shopping Center. MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


Bertha Mae’s Brownies:

www.BerthaMaesBrownies.com


SALES VOLUMES HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASED DUE TO THE FEW RESIDENCES IN THE MANHATTAN BEACH MARKET ALL YEAR?

** The foundation and landscape of the economic catastrophe that occurred during 2007-2010 bear no comparison to the current variables impacting Manhattan Beach’s real estate market. Back then, there was a significant surge in sales volume driven by the justified fear of equity loss resulting from nationwide bad loan practices, which created a strong motivation to sell. However, the present economic stability, which has exceeded expectations, coupled with widespread refinancing opportunities and historically low-interest rates that many residents took advantage of before the remarkable surge in rates last summer, provide a relatively limited incentive for homeowners to sell. In simpler terms, unless there is an urgent need to sell, there is currently no compelling reason to do so, given that home values are either stable or showing a slight increase. —- Stewart Fournier, Realtor

** People aren’t opportunistically selling, people are selling because of a life change. Many are choosing to keep their homes and rent them out because they can create a positive cash flow because of the low interest mortgages already in place. —- Susan Pacini, Realtor

** It is incredible how few sales there are in the MB area but that is only indicative of low inventory. The market is still strong because inventory is low. If the market was weak, inventory would be rising which indicates there are no buyers. But the median sales price has dipped down to $2,812,000 from $3,137,000 in 2022. —- Vince Altamura, Realtor

** The housing inventory remains historically low due to the hesitation homeowners have to sell and trade their low interest rates for today’s rates. The low supply actually makes it a great time to sell and homes priced right are selling quickly with multiple offers. —- Tara Klein, Realtor


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Smile, you’re on candid camera … Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:

“I don’t know, honey. I think this might just be the new app that provides us with the sense of community we’ve been pretending to crave.”


MB Weekly’s Open Rate Reaches An Extraordinary 44%:

MB Weekly, the leading weekly digital magazine in Manhattan Beach and the surrounding South Bay communities, announced today that its open rate had surpassed 44%, reflecting an impressive increase in engagement among its subscribers. The industry average for open rates is around 20%, making MB Weekly’s 44% open rate remarkable. MB Weekly has been serving the community for a year, delivering news, insights, and analysis on the latest trends in technology, finance, and management. “We would like to thank our loyal subscribers for their continued support,” the MB Weekly team said in a statement. “We will continue to work hard to deliver the best content possible.”


WHO READS MB WEEKLY:

Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Mark Burton. Sign up to receive MB Weekly for free. Visit: www.MBWeekly.net


MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:

ARE MOST YOUNG WORKERS LAZY?

Yes? No? Unsure? Please share your thoughts with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.

Send your comments to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING P.R. AND BRANDING TEAM:

Join Our Team

Part-time, entry-level jobs for people with
a bright future in entertainment and media.

www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com


MB – BULLETIN BOARD:


1. ** Thanks entirely to the radical Left, an entire generation has grown up under an education system, media, and culture dead set on removing love of country from every facet of public life. The results have been disastrous. —- Arthur O., Manhattan Beach

2. ** The public restrooms by the pier need continuous attention. The quality of our public toilets, in many ways, reflects the quality of our community. Please feel free to enter one of the public restrooms by the pier, especially on a busy, hot summer day. If you leave in a hurry, I won’t blame you. —- Jacob A., Manhattan Beach

3. ** Terrible news. I’ll miss Pat Dietz’s smile. We always laughed, and he smiled. —- Janice O., Hermosa Beach

4. ** Children think excessively swearing is mature, but adults think excessively swearing is childish. —- Arnold K., Manhattan Beach

5. ** It makes sense to wake up early on a day off to fully appreciate not getting up early to go to work. —- Jacob F., Manhattan Beach

6. ** Anyone know what happened in Manhattan Beach Village’s north Macy’s about 4:30 – 5:00 recently? A young blond female was handcuffed on the ground and many police were blocking roadways. Manhattan Village Shopping Center. —- Lois T., Manhattan Beach

7. ** Where did 841,065 ex-Californians go in 2021? That’s an outflow larger than the number of people living in Wyoming or Vermont or Alaska or North Dakota or the District of Columbia. —- Hank G., Manhattan Beach

8. ** I’ve never seen anyone’s life get better by complaining about reality, I’ve seen it get better by accepting reality as it is and then making personal decisions to make it better. —- Donna L., Manhattan Beach

9. ** PetSmart, one of the largest pet supply retailers in the state, will pay $1.46 million to settle a lawsuit alleging the company overcharged customers, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced. —- Howard W., Manhattan Beach

10. ** Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced recently it would not challenge a state appellate court panel’s ruling that clears the way for the release of former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten on parole. That’s right, the Governor of the State of California will let a convicted Manson murderer out. Doesn’t this make you sick to your stomach? —- Glenn S., Manhattan Beach

11. ** The mere notion that we’re actually considering releasing a Manson murderer from jail should be enough to make you nauseous! —- (Former Police Officer) H.R., Hermosa Beach

12. ** My boyfriend refuses to be intimate with me because he feels it would be unfaithful to his ex-wife. I am dumping him. —- Ali M., Manhattan Beach

13. ** Hey neighbors, my gardener just had his equipment stolen from his van in front of my house. Be looking for a black Chevy Tahoe or a similar make model with four male Hispanics. They blocked out their plates. Torrance PD is taking a report. Be careful out there. Sad … this is his livelihood. —- Mary R., Redondo Beach

14. ** Tyranny begins with the phrase “for your safety.” —- Allison J., Manhattan Beach

15. ** The penalty for car theft in L.A. is the thief doesn’t get to keep the car. —- A.H., Manhattan Beach

16. ** I’d rather a dog owner toss their dog’s excrement in my green can than all these homeless pooping on the sidewalks and have our tax dollars “clean” it up. —- Cindy V., Manhattan Beach

17. ** I’m venting… I’m heartbroken and sickened by all the neighborhood criminals. I’m from Los Angeles and don’t remember things being so bad. It’s awful so many of you have been robbed, assaulted, etc. Protect the good people here! Be safe. —- Blair Z., Manhattan Beach

18. ** The average American woman is 170 pounds! Yikes. —- Holly W., Manhattan Beach

19. ** Technology is our new god. What would a refusal to worship look like? —- Darren H., Manhattan Beach

20. ** We thought we lived in a free country. We’re finding out we don’t. The American people have been sold out to powerful political and corporate elites. The media and journalism – historically the watchdogs for this type of corruption – are part of it. —- Dennis J., Manhattan Beach

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