MB WEEKLY:
EXCLUSIVE READER QUESTIONS
TO MB MAYOR
RICHARD MONTGOMERY
Dear Mayor: MR. MAYOR, ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE CITY’S CURRENT EFFORTS TO PROTECT RESIDENTS AND THEIR PETS FROM COYOTES?
A: Yes, I am satisfied with our efforts to protect residents and pets as a complete coyote master plan is in place and allows trapping if necessary.
Dear Mayor: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING MAYOR OF MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: The fact that you face different problems and issues every day.
Dear Mayor: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING RUNNING FOR POLITICAL OFFICE IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: Advice? Run to serve the city and make clear how you can make the city better. We have seen candidates run to feed their egos. For example, one candidate has run and “lost four consecutive elections”! This is after he was removed from office by the voters after one term. Another candidate that lost the election in 2022 was so focused on the L.A. County District attorney and direction of the state government that residents told me that she needed to focus on the city and issues in our control.
Dear Mayor: DURING THE SUMMER, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, THE DOWNTOWN AREA FEELS CHAOTIC WITH LITTLE POLICE PRESENCE. WHY CAN’T THE CITY HAVE OFFICERS PRESENT DOWNTOWN ON FOOT OR BY BIKE?
A: Contrary to some opinions, and in anticipation of the summer crowds, we have increased our police presence downtown which includes motor officers, patrol cars and even a bicycle patrol.
Dear Mayor: THE CURRENT DISTRICT ATTORNEY, GEORGE GASCON, IS A DISGRACE TO HIS OFFICE. WHY HAVEN’T YOU BEEN MORE FORCEFUL IN SAYING SO, MAYOR?
A: We have seen two recalls fail miserably. Ranting about the policies of the DA is not productive. We had a former council member comment continuously and she did not win RE-Election. Voters need to show up in 2024 and vote to replace him. Residents want council to focus on city issues that we can control.
Dear Mayor: HOW MANY CITATIONS DID THE CITY ISSUE THIS YEAR FROM ILLEGAL E-BIKE BEHAVIOR, MAYOR?
A: The police chief can answer that question for you directly as I do not have those statistics and they change daily.
Send Your Questions To
The Mayor Of Manhattan Beach
The Mayor of Manhattan Beach, Richard Montgomery, 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:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Rabbi Yossi Mintz
Part One
The Friendship Foundation
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR FOUNDING THE FRIENDSHIP FOUNDATION?
A: The inspiration for founding the Friendship Foundation stemmed from recognizing a significant gap in our society. We became acutely aware of the overlooked and undervalued segment of our population – unique children and young adults who were on the spectrum. Witnessing the immense challenges and pain that families faced, with their loved ones unable to fully participate in the beautiful world we live in, fueled our determination to make a positive change. In response to this pressing need, we embarked on the journey of creating a program that would address these issues. Little did we anticipate the astounding success and profound impact it would achieve over time, touching the lives of thousands. Our ultimate goal was, and continues to be, fostering inclusivity and providing a supportive platform for these exceptional individuals to thrive and be embraced by society. The Friendship Foundation has become a beacon of hope, bringing joy, understanding, and meaningful connections to the lives of those we serve.
Q: WAS THE PROCESS MORE DIFFICULT THAN YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE?
A: Actually, it was much easier. The level of acceptance, enthusiasm, and collaboration we received from schools, the city, and the community was overwhelmingly positive. This support provided us with a significant jumpstart, propelling us forward with incredible momentum. The success we achieved surpassed our wildest imaginations, and its tangible impact on individuals’ lives was both remarkable and deeply meaningful. The journey, though not without its challenges, was a testament to the power of collective effort and the unwavering belief in our mission.
Q: WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE MANHATTAN BEACH COMMUNITY?
A: What makes the Manhattan Beach community truly special is not just the specific location, but the remarkable people who call it home. Having lived in various places worldwide, I can attest that the residents of Manhattan Beach/ South Bay possess a unique quality that sets them apart. The friendliness, compassion, and genuine care they demonstrate towards one another is truly powerful and heartwarming. It is evident that the people here are driven by a deep sense of community and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others, regardless of their backgrounds. This collective spirit of standing up for each other and supporting fellow human beings is what makes this community exceptional. We are fortunate to reside in such a distinctive part of the world, surrounded by individuals who genuinely care about the well-being of the community and its residents. It is this shared sense of camaraderie and mutual support that makes Manhattan Beach truly extraordinary.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Choosing a favorite movie is always a tough task, but if I had to pick one, it would be “My Cousin Vinny.” Being a New Yorker myself, this film resonates deeply with me as a real New York movie. The humor and wit displayed throughout the movie never fail to make me laugh, bringing back fond memories of my youth in New York.
www.FriendShipFoundation.com
Part Two Next Week…
60th Anniversary Of The Manhattan Beach Grand Prix:
This past weekend saw a resurgence of bike dominance on Manhattan Beach’s streets, capping off a historic year. On Sunday, July 23, the 60th Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix was held at Live Oak Park. Justin Williams, a cyclist, won the top men’s race. He joined his brother Cory Williams, who finished third, as the fourth athlete to win the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix three times. For the third year in a row, Eduardo Cruz finished second. Colleen Gullick, Laurel Rathbun, and Mary Joyce Monton finished first, second, and third in the top women’s race.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Julie Moe Reynolds
Executive Director Of Palos Verdes Performing Arts
Q: HOW DID YOUR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BEGIN, AND WHEN?
A: In 1973, Joan Moe had the vision to build a theatre on the Peninsula. In 1977, Joan Moe and Agnes Moss, with the help of twenty Peninsula citizens, formed a non-profit organization to fill the unmet needs of the community. A survey determined the need to build a performing arts theatre for professional productions that would also be available for community use. Trustees President, Agnes Moss, named Joan Moe Chair of the Theatre Management Board. She had the responsibility to raise the start-up capital for construction and operating expenses for the Theatre. Ernie Hahn and Ron Florence the developers of the shopping mall, known as The Promenade on the Peninsula, agreed to give the organization the land and shell of the building. The Ken and Eileen Norris Foundation provided a million dollars to kick-off the fundraising efforts. In September of 1983, a week of performances, celebrated the opening of the Theatre. Providing professional performances, a venue for community rentals, a Community Outreach Program for the underserved in the South Bay, support group variety shows and the education classes and productions soon became a strain on the 450-seat theatre facility. In 1990 Dick Moe, then Chairman of the Management Board, formed a committee to obtain property and raise the start-up capital to build the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion. The Pavilion was completed in 1999 and now the facility hosts the business offices, theatrical performances, performance classes and a rental facility for the community. The non-profit organization rental fee is reduced to benefit local organizations. The Forum acoustics are excellent for any type of performance. With the opening of the Norris Pavilion in 1999, the education department was established. The education program that has 1600 students attending classes and summer camps annually at the Pavilion and produced four or more musical shows each year. The two facilities combined comprise the Palos Verdes Performing Arts and are a designated, non-profit, 501c3 organization. The Center is supported by donations from individuals and local businesses, support groups and an annual fundraising event. Income from ticket sales and facility rentals, volunteers and some volunteer staff have made it possible for the Center to achieve a positive cash flow with thirty-eight years of success.
Q: WHAT DO YOU FIND UNIQUE ABOUT RUNNING A BUSINESS IN THE SOUTH BAY?
A: I have run several businesses throughout my career in Southern California, Texas, Chicago, Kansas, and Florida. Running a business in the South Bay is no different than running my other businesses in Southern California.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING YOUR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER?
A: The most challenging part is fundraising for our non-profit performing arts center. We strive to raise $1,000,000 annually to keep financially solvent and continue to further our mission objective of enriching the South Bay community and fostering performing arts through professional performances, educational and outreach programs, and maintaining venues for community use for cultural activities. The revenue generated from tickets for productions only allow us to strive to break even on the cost of the production itself, and does not address overhead costs such as utilities, building maintenance, staff salaries, etc.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: “Ever After: A Cinderella Story.” Starring Drew Barrymore.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Scorpio
Q: WHAT SHOW ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT NEXT YEAR?
A: That is so hard to pick, as I love them all – So it’s a tie between Broadway Rox in November (BROADWAY ROX is a new, upbeat live concert celebrating the contemporary musicals of Broadway. It combines the best of classical musicals with elements of a fun rock show for an epic, one-of-a-kind concert event.), and our Professionally Produced Production of A Chorus Line in Late April of 2024!
Q: HOW WOULD SOMEONE APPLY IF THEY WANTED TO WORK AT THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER?
A: Contact me directly via email at julier@pvperformingarts.com
www.PalosVerdesPerformingArts.com
MBPD Introduces K-9 Unit:
Manhattan Beach Police now has a new K-9 unit: Officer Brian Cobian and K-9 Troy, a 2-1/2-year-old Dutch Shepherd from Holland. Officer Cobian and K-9 Troy joined the MBPD K-9 unit recently, but Cobian has worked for MBPD since 2014. In 2012, he became an Orange County Sheriff’s officer and moved to Manhattan Beach two years later. Cobian was trained extensively to manage K-9s. He “decoyed” for seven years, impersonating a dog and catching a suspect.
Dive N’ Surf:
It’s a Barbie summer. We carry the new and sold out Body Glove Malibu one piece. Come down and shop the Barbie inspired bikini for all your summer activities.
www.DiveNSurf.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Gerry Morton
Manhattan Beach
Protein bars can offer substantial health benefits over traditional candy bars. The good ones are packed with essential nutrients, protein, and fiber, making them a great source of nutrition for active individuals. Candy bars are high in sugars and unhealthy fats with minimal nutritional value. A bar with higher protein content (more than 20g) also slows the absorption of sugars into your system. However, it’s essential to read labels carefully as not all protein bars are created equal; some can contain excess sugars and artificial ingredients, diluting their health benefits. A good protein bar should have less than 5g of sugars, more than 20g of protein, and be 100% natural, free of artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols like maltitol.
Please share your comments: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
SHOULD STUDENT LOANS BE FORGIVEN AFTER 10 YEARS OF CONSISTENT PAYMENTS?
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)
The Rockefeller:
www.EatRockefeller.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Suzanne Hadley
Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach
Kudos to new L.A. Councilmember Traci Park, the new L.A. City councilwoman who replaced road-diet Mike Bonin. Ms. Park has shown political courage in cleaning up Jefferson Avenue near Ballona Wetlands (MORE). The years-long degradation on Jefferson Blvd was awful for the homeless humans, harmful to the wetlands, and an embarrassment to the area. I plan to drop Councilmember Park a line thanking her for her leadership. Please join me by writing to: councilmember.park@lacity.org
Please share your comments: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Ashley
“YES OR NO” QUESTIONS
Have you ever offered to complete homework for someone else in exchange for something specific from them?
–NOPE
Do you ever get scared when the lights are off at night, and you are home alone?
–HELL, YES!
Have you ever walked up and said something to a stranger who later turned out to be your best friend?
–NO
Have you ever fallen off your bike in front of other people?
–MANY TIMES
Have you ever forgotten to study for a test until you arrived at class to take that test?
–NO. I AM NOT A DUMB-ASS.
Have you ever taken money from your parent’s wallet or purse without them noticing?
–GUILTY
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Ilene Pendleton
Manhattan Beach
Mail Box – El Porto on Highland and Rosecrans in front of the parking structure. I saw a man with a long strap putting that into the box. 9:00 A.M. this morning. I called MB police.
Please share your comments: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Last week MBPD Officers responded to a report of a residential burglary near 10th St. & Bayview Dr. Thanks to a quick 911 call and fast response from officers; the suspect was located (along with the stolen property he collected) and arrested.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Jo Ann Rodda
Manhattan Beach
At the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 11th, the Board voted unanimously to support a motion by Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis to establish a “Universal Right to Counsel” for all renters throughout L.A. County. This means that the County would pay for private lawyers hourly to fight against lawful evictions rather than helping to pay the rent that renters duly owe for the housing being provided to them.
Please share your comments: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“It’s so hard to relax, what with sharks, jellyfish, and an entire ocean out there.”
In Manhattan Beach, A Dui Checkpoint Resulted In 3 Arrests And Four Tickets:
During a DUI checkpoint incident in Manhattan Beach recently, according to authorities, three persons were detained on suspicion of DUI, and four others received citations. Police reported that out of the 780 motorists who were screened on Manhattan Beach Boulevard at John Street on a Friday, three were detained on suspicion of DUI, four received citations for operating a vehicle while ineligible or with a suspended license, and three had their cars confiscated. The MBPD stated that the checkpoint’s goal was to promote designated drivers who are sober, and that it hopes to prevent drunk driving and unlicensed driving by making these educational and enforcement initiatives public.
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN A SABBATICAL?
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:
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Part-time, entry-level jobs for people with
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MB – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ** I would rather shoot myself than watch the movie “Barbie.” —- Harold M., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Rates of autism are skyrocketing. The question isn’t just why – but what we need to do about it right now, and what’s holding us back. —- Jill L., Manhattan Beach
3. ** A Sunday night in the summer in Manhattan Beach. Chaos down here. They have Manhattan Beach Boulevard blocked off. Going to the pier car comes flying through a yellow light, runs around the barrier facing the other way, and makes a U-turn. Police are armed near Slay Italian. Another person speeds past a crosswalk at 15 mph after parking. —- Name Withheld By Request
4. ** The customer service at Shake Shack in El Segundo is horrible. —- Dani M., El Segundo
5. ** I miss Frank Sinatra. —- Joey C., Manhattan Beach
6. ** I believe a second library to be unnecessary and a massive waste of resources. With the impending state-imposed increase in housing density, we need to protect and cherish any open space in our city. Also, what’s the point of conducting a community survey if CC and Admin aren’t willing to listen to the desires of the residents? It’s insulting and makes one question the motives behind our council members and city manager. —- Patricia Schilling, Manhattan Beach
7. ** I was driving along Marine yesterday, and there was a homeless guy with a bike in the bushes (Marine east of Cedar); not sure of his intentions, but that is private property, so I called MBPD, and he was gone when I returned home. I did notice some clothing and food containers. Also, the wall is not tall, and easy for someone to jump over. —- Lee P., Manhattan Beach
8. ** Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is using the term “pregnant people” and denying one of the most basic and fundamental biological truths that women (not men) give birth, how can we trust the CDC about anything? —- Sara G., El Segundo
9. ** Dr. Sandra for Attorney General. What has Newsom been smoking? Grape vines? —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach
10. ** Gunmen robbed Niko Donuts. Please support his business. Our neighborhood would be different without mom-and-pop enterprises. Niko’s Donuts – 190th Redondo Beach —- Glenn S., Redondo Beach
11. ** Tech Giants Agree to Self-Police AI In Framework That Has No Teeth. What could possibly go wrong? —- Hailey J., Manhattan Beach
12. ** A man runs to manage the government he tried to subvert while also running from the law. That’s ridiculous, except in Donald Trump’s twisted universe. —- Oliver K., Manhattan Beach
13. ** We have so many reports of homeless on the beach, in the parks, on the streets, in vans and RVs. We need everyone to report homeless issues via the Reach MB app (https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/faqs) so an outreach worker can make contact. If you see illegal activity or encampments, call MBPD non-emergency number. (310) 545-4566 —- Lee P., Manhattan Beach
14. ** AM/PM Station Arco Rosecrans & Prairie. For almost ten years, I’ve been coming here. The majority of staff are unfriendly. It’s disappointing. —- Dr. Helen Kim, El Segundo
15. ** Thanks, MB & HB cops! Affluent seaside communities are attracting more crooks! —- Darren H., Manhattan Beach
16. ** I 100% agree with Dr. Sandra H’s comments on the release of Leslie Van Houten. Help the victims’ families. Let the perpetrators rot in hell forever. Do you really think “soft on crime” will result in fewer crimes? —- Phil C., Manhattan Beach
17. ** As you’ve likely heard, two major insurance companies, State Farm and Allstate, have pulled out of California and will no longer issue new home insurance policies to Californians. This State is heading down the toilet bowl, and the Governor thinks he should be President! —- Katie H., Manhattan Beach
18. ** Many employers new to tipping said they have turned to the practice to retain workers in a competitive job market without raising prices. I am so f—king sick of seeing tip prompts EVERYWHERE! It is overwhelming that worker wages should be business owners’ responsibility, not ours. —- Lindsay W., Manhattan Beach
19. ** The movie “Barbie” is a piece of crap! —- Jessica C., Manhattan Beach
20. ** Strand home sells for $19.5 million, a Hermosa Beach record. The five-bedroom, eight-bathroom home with 70 feet of beach frontage has waterfront and coastline views from Palos Verdes to Malibu. —- Editor’s Note
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