MB WEEKLY:
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
WITH MB POLICE CHIEF
RACHEL JOHNSON
Q: ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF ISSUING CITATIONS FOR RECKLESS E-BIKE DRIVERS, ESPECIALLY TEENAGERS, POSING A DANGER TO OUR COMMUNITY?
A: Traffic safety will always be of utmost importance to MBPD. Those operating any bicycle, electric bicycle, or vehicle in an unsafe manner pose a danger to our community and I am supportive of enforcement efforts to address that behavior.
Q: WHAT PROGRESS HAS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT MADE UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP REGARDING RECRUITMENT, AND WHERE ARE WE IN TOTAL STAFFING?
A: We continue to enjoy a robust pool of applicants for our sworn and professional staff vacancies. With regard to our sworn staff, there are two police academy trainees in various stages at the Police Academy and we will be sending another police academy trainee to the Academy in the near future. One lateral officer recently completed field training and another lateral officer started with MBPD three weeks ago. During my time at MBPD, we’ve sworn in four lateral officers and one police academy trainee and promoted one captain, one lieutenant, and three sergeants. As for our professional staff, we have recently hired Two Records Technicians and a Full Time Background Investigator. We are recruiting for the Police Support Supervisor position recently approved by the City Council and we have candidates for Administrative Assistant entering the background process. These positions, especially the Background Investigator and Administrative Analyst positions, will aid us in our recruitment efforts as they will increase efficiencies and reduce the time it takes to get someone through the hiring and background processes.
Q: WHEN WILL WE SEE POLICE PRESENCE IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA ON BIKES?
A: Police presence in Downtown Manhattan Beach is regular and ongoing. Our School Resource Officers are working Beach Patrol on bicycles in Downtown Manhattan Beach on a daily basis. Their presence is supplemented by other members of the team working Beach Patrol on the days our SROs are not working.
Q: IS THERE A PARTICULAR CHARITY YOU SUPPORT?
A: I support the American Red Cross by giving blood as often as possible. Blood donation is very close to my heart as my mother relied on blood donations for the last year of her life to keep her with a modicum of comfort as she endured a terminal illness. You can donate blood as often as every 56 days or 6 times per year. The American Red Cross makes it easy to find a place to donate blood on their website or phone app. Every time I donate blood, I am able to honor the great person my mother was and the place she will always hold in my heart. You can find a place to donate at redcross.org.
Q: DO YOU WATCH THE TV SHOW COPS, AND HOW REALISTIC IS IT?
A: Cops has been around a very long time and I have watched many episodes over the years. While the episodes are unscripted, they are curated to depict the more interesting aspects of a patrol shift. This means the episodes aren’t reflective of the ebb and flow of working patrol. Not every moment of a shift is spent answering calls or conducting traffic stops – report writing and other administrative tasks take up some of an officer’s time each day. No one wants to watch an officer write reports and book evidence for two hours, so I totally understand why we don’t see that on television! Cops is certainly entertaining and provides a window into the world of policing.
Q: IS IT PART OF A POLICE OFFICER’S JOB TO SMILE AND BE WELCOMING TO THE COMMUNITY?
A: Sir Robert Peel is often credited as the father of modern policing. A portion of one of his policing principles states, “The police are the public and the public are the police.” One of my guiding philosophies is that each employee brings their entire self to work each day and we at MBPD value the unique contribution each member provides each day. We are the public, and we have the same emotions, feelings, and challenges of those we serve. We at MBPD are always in service to the community and our goal is to always be approachable. As our team brings their entire self to work each day, there will be times when officers are more reserved because they have a new baby at home and they’re tired or they’ve experienced a significant emotional event in their lives that causes them to be more subdued. Our goal is that the community feels that we are approachable, personable, and responsive – smiling is but one way to accomplish this.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Suzanne Hadley
Manhattan Beach
In a recent MB Weekly column, I drew the mayor’s flattering but unprovoked attention. I was fortunate to be at SoFi last week to experience the final concert of Taylor Swift’s earth-shaking Eras Tour. My gut reaction to the interview came from Taylor Swift: I bet you think about me. My second one also: I tried to pick my battles until the battle picked me. I’ll continue here to channel Taylor’s vast wit and wisdom – via her quotes in bold:
People throw rocks at things that shine. Public safety was my Job #1 on council. I’m proud of my record and have few regrets – none about fighting crime. The mayor said I was “ranting” about DA George Gascon and “so focused … on the direction of state government” that I lost my re-election. I say, Call it what you want. If you and I don’t feel safe in MB, then nothing else matters. If we lose local control to state politicians, then we no longer have a town. In contrast, the mayor’s idea of an issue we can “control” seems to be a taxpayer-funded trip to Mississippi to liquidate used cars.
Weave your little webs of opacity. The mayor used to be a hawk on crime. He’ll tell you he was a police officer, but in truth he was a volunteer. He was against Gascon before he was for him. (See Mike Michalski’s comments in MBW from 8/10/23.) Crime is skyrocketing under the bromance of our mayor and DA. This is why we can’t have nice things.
I keep my side of the street clean. You wouldn’t know what I mean. I’m proud of my personal and professional background and will compare it to anyone’s. Our current mayor has a misdemeanor conviction, was stripped of his professional license (see 2017 Easy Reader article here), tried to bring retail pot into MB, and has racked up at least 8 state and federal tax liens totaling $40,000. If the shoe fits, walk in it everywhere you go.
Lastly, punching down on a private citizen by a mayor is beneath the dignity of the office. Taylor would advise: Never wield such power that you forget to be polite.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Southbay Magazine Celebrates Culinary Maestro David LeFevre at Exclusive Cover Party:
Southbay Magazine, a lifestyle print publication of the South Bay community, proudly honored renowned local uber-chef David LeFevre with an extravagant soirée held on Thursday, August 10. The event was hosted at the magazine’s vibrant El Segundo office and saw an enthusiastic gathering of subscribers, local dignitaries, and influential figures from across the South Bay region. David LeFevre, a culinary visionary with a flair for innovation, graced the cover of the latest edition of Southbay Magazine. The cover party served as a delightful convergence of exceptional cuisine, community camaraderie, and artistic expression. Guests were treated to a memorable evening that paid tribute to LeFevre’s culinary artistry and his significant contributions to the local dining scene.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Michael Greenberg
President of Skechers
This is a devastating event of massive proportions for Maui and all of Hawaii – the lives lost, the thousands injured, the livelihoods impacted by destroyed businesses, and the history that Lahaina represents. We have been connected to the people of Hawaii since our first Skechers store opened on the islands in 1998 and Maui when we opened our store in Lahaina. I have walked Front Street and shopped and dined at many incredible establishments, just as many have in the Skechers family. As a company and individuals, we want to help those we know and those we know are deeply affected. We are committed to supporting these communities in this challenging time so this beautiful town can be rebuilt to its historic brilliance. Our focus now is to do what we can with the goods and means we have to aid the people of Hawaii in their recovery and to make Maui strong again.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
www.Skechers.com
Nando Trattoria:
Pinsa!!! A Roman style pizza usually rectangular or oval but as well delicious as the traditional round one. Several flavors are available.
www.NandoTrattoria.com
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Ernesto Valenzuela
Lido Bakery Wedding Cakes
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL WEDDING CAKE YOU’VE EVER BEEN ASKED TO CREATE?
A: The most unusual wedding cake I had to create was one that had dog and cat paw prints all over.
Q: IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED IN A WEDDING CAKE, HOW SHOULD THEY CONTACT YOU?
A: If anyone is interested in having me make a wedding cake, they should call me to schedule a tasting first. Although I don’t offer all the flavors available in the menu, I offer a sample of our most popular flavors which are enough to have most couples fall in love with Lido Bakery. 310-545-8955.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME CURRENT TRENDS IN WEDDING CAKES IN THE LAST YEAR?
A: In the past two years the trend has been leaning towards simple designs with little or no texture along with the use of fresh flowers. I love simple designs as well, because this allows the cake to be always super fresh, since the cake doesn’t have to bake days in advance to complete it in time.
Q: DID YOU DESIGN YOUR OWN WEDDING CAKE?
A: I’m not married.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING CAKE TO BAKE?
A: My favorite wedding cake to bake is carrot cake. Not typical in weddings, but always delicious.
www.LidoBakery.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Steve Braudo
Manhattan Beach
It’s impossible to speak to an SCE representative unless it’s to report an outage, a hazard, shutoff, or turn-on service. There is no way to talk to a representative about your bill. This is outrageous! The automated system uses the online system, but it doesn’t give you a way to challenge your bill. My mother-in-law’s bill spiked from $14.88 the previous month to $114.32 even though she used 50% fewer kilowatts than last year.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Day At The Beach:
Saturday September 9th, 2023
MANHATTAN BEACH
www.PSILoveYouFoundation.org
MB WEEKLY – A DIFFERENT VIEW:
Feel free to send in your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MANHATTAN BEACH ENCOURAGES DONATIONS TO VICTIMS OF THE MAUI WILDFIRE:
A wildfire ripped through the heart of the Hawaiian island of Maui, causing catastrophic damage to the area and wiping out the entire town of Lahaina. The death toll has risen to over 80 and survivors of the deadly wildfires have begun to return to ruins. “I have heard from hundreds of Manhattan Beach residents and some Manhattan Beach businesses asking how they can help people in Maui affected by the wildfires,” stated Mayor Richard Montgomery. “In years past, the Manhattan Beach community has organized relief efforts for people in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas after they experienced devastating hurricanes. We are going to rally once again for the people of Hawaii during this undoubtedly difficult time.” The governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, encourages monetary donations to the Hawai’i Community Foundation.
https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Jacob (left) the General Manager at Slay Italian Kitchen in Manhattan Beach. (right) The maître d’ at Slay Italian Kitchen.
The Distinguished Speaker Series:
From left to right: Academy Award-Winning Actress & Activist Goldie Hawn; Profile in Courage Recipient Liz Cheney; Visionary World-Thinker Thomas Friedman; Planetary Protection Engineer & Real-Life “Guardian of the Galaxy” Dr. Moogega Cooper; Neuroscientist and #1 International Best-selling Author Dr. Lisa Genova; revered retired U.S. General and Former National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster.
Every year, the world’s most powerful voices come to Long Beach, Pasadena, Redondo Beach and Thousand Oaks to share their ideas, stories and perspectives regarding today’s most important issues and to answer your hard-hitting questions.
This Fall, when the 24/hour news cycle takes over, we hope you invest in LIVE education and entertainment! By subscribing to the The Distinguished Speaker Series, you are treating yourself to a one-of-a-kind night out each month that kick-starts curiosity, ignites innovation, sparks laughter, energizes and motivates. Visit our website or call us at (310) 546-6222 to learn more!
www.SpeakersLA.com
New Begg Pool Designs Are To Be Created By A Firm:
The Manhattan Beach City Council on August 1 approved spending over $200,000 to hire HMC Group to provide Architectural and Aquatic Preliminary Design Services for Begg Pool Facility. The Polliwog Park neighborhood’s 80-year-old community pool has deteriorated over the years. Melissa McCollum, senior recreation manager, said in her presentation: “We’re here tonight to talk about our beloved Begg Pool, still incredibly well used and looking pretty good here [presentation photo] despite being built in the 1940s and being held together behind the scenes by our incredibly hard working and creative aquatic staff and quite a bit of duct tape. To be transparent, though, the heater can go at any moment and there are other significant pool and plumbing and equipment, locker room and site issues that can’t be overlooked or wished away.” HMC group is being contracted for preliminary design services for two options for the pool site. Number 1. renovation of the existing 25 yard shallow pool and 35 meter competition pool and support buildings, and Number 2. development of a new community aquatic center to include a 25 yard shallow pool and 35 meter competition pool and support buildings. Project scope to include site analysis, community outreach and comprehensive cost estimates. In a late-year study of the local population, support for a modernized aquatics center was found, with 56% of respondents favoring the proposal. In that survey, 73% preferred a smaller, shallower pool for swim lessons, water aerobics, and children’s programs, while 81% preferred a larger, 35-meter pool for swimming competitions and fitness.
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“They won’t stop until they’ve completely ruined August for us.”
Bertha Mae’s Brownies:
www.BerthaMaesBrownies.com
SPEAK UP FOR FREE! – MB WEEKLY FREE BULLETIN BOARD REACHES YOUR NEIGHBORS IN MANHATTAN BEACH AND SURROUNDING SOUTH COMMUNITIES:
Sell • Hire • Promote • Comment • Barter • Rent … All for FREE!
Use the FREE MB Weekly Bulletin Board. Maximum 35 words. Send to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Janet Hilton
OMG, I was stopped at the light for Sepulveda on MB Blvd facing E/B at 8:30 am this morning. I saw two young kids on one electric bike, probably heading to the beach or camp. Instead of waiting for the crosswalk light to turn green, the driver of the electric bike suddenly pulled in front of the N/B traffic on Sepulveda and then stopped in the middle of Sepulveda, waiting for S/B traffic to go by before they zoomed across S/B Sepulveda. The kids had a red light and could have been hit by cars turning left off MB Blvd. These kids looked young, maybe 10-12. I screamed and honked my horn to alert traffic. These young kids need training, or we will have severe injuries.
Please share your comments: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
HOW ARE YOU COPING WITH END OF SUMMER ANXIETY?
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)
MB – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ** With all the crime, I wanted to remind everyone that leaving a porch light on all night or other exterior lighting has been shown to deter criminals. Bad guys love the dark! They hate light! They stop less on brighter streets. Dark dwellings and streets allow them to hide. Light up our streets and homes. It may assist. —- Gwen P., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Monsters remain human beings. —- Harvey M., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Two 14-year-olds are riding bikes! Riding in a vehicle lane with an 8-year-old on the back waiting for cars to honk, then a ballast air horn at them at 19th Ave n Hermosa was terrible. Others on the bike lane with them. —- Claire Y., Redondo Beach
4. ** Oppenheimer is worth three hours, including stupid future attractions about horrific horror. Oppenheimer is a real-life horror film about planet-destroying weapons. The Rock couldn’t help. —- Dr. Phillip G., Manhattan Beach
5. ** Note to parents. Remember, College students can go four or more years having never heard a conservative idea. Not one. —- Alistar B., Manhattan Beach
6. ** I agree with Michael Michalski that the MB Weekly Q & A format to our Mayor can ideally be a valuable service to the residents of our community. Of course, any answers from our Mayor or Councilmembers should be respectful and professional, for that is what I believe the residents of our community expect of their elected. I recognize and appreciate the Mayor’s public service to our community and wish him and his fellow Councilmembers the best. I also acknowledge and appreciate former Mayor Hadley’s public service to the residents of our community. —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
7. ** One of the happiest photos of yourself becomes one of your funeral photos. —- Miriam B., Manhattan Beach
8. ** When you pick up a quarter off the ground, you make $450/hour for two seconds. —- David L., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Join our award-winning PR and Branding firm – part-time, flexible hours entry-level jobs with excellent knowledge and opportunity. —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
10. ** I don’t take one person’s word in a situation like this, and so much at stake. So I took the liberty to get some other opinions. All my associates at Yelp had varying opinions, but overall, Smashburger has some major issues. I agree … Darby, you hit a home run. Thanks for the heads up. My grandson will visit me in a couple of weeks, and I planned to take him to Smashburger. —- Tom A.
11. ** Mike Michalski is entitled to his opinion, just not the facts. —- Mayor Richard Montgomery
12. ** Did you know California cities can use Housing First money for a hotel but not drug treatment? Supervisor Horvath should make drug rehab easier and drug use harder. It’s the opposite now. —- Clyde P., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Some South Bay Metro Stations will be closed for over a month while crews replace the light rail power lines between many stations. Work begins as of Saturday, Aug. 12 and will continue until Sept. 25 in two phases. This upgrade project is part of Metro’s State of Good Repair Program, which seeks to keep stations in good working order and provide upgrades. —- Editor’s Note
14. ** Whether you’re an individual or a country, you have a right to defend yourself. —- Gloria A., Manhattan Beach
15. ** Lower crime? “U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials advised hundreds of San Francisco employees to work remotely for the foreseeable future due to public safety concerns.” —- Dr. Bruce H., Manhattan Beach
16. ** In the 8/10/23 issue of MB Weekly, Dr. Kyle H. commented that he feared MB was moving toward where Santa Monica was eight years ago. Interestingly, the same issue contained comments from Yvonne Murphy saying she called the police about a man camping on the grassy knoll of the public space one night, including a picture of the same. The takeaway? Ms. Murphy said the police did not remove or get him to a shelter. It seems reasonable to presume Dr. Kyle’s fear is valid. —- Phil C., Manhattan Beach
17. ** Terranea Resort may take the cake for the worst “4-star” resort we’ve ever visited. It’s laughable that they can proudly tout that ranking because we’ve been to luxury hotels all over Europe (Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona is our current fave), and this place was complete garbage. The one star is for the upkeep of the grounds and maintenance of the property. The front desk agents and valets are also excellent and mostly attentive. Everything else goes downhill from here. This was our first wedding anniversary, and I’m so disappointed that I chose to celebrate here. —- Myan T.
18. ** Our overall dining experience at the Flemings El Segundo restaurant was a disappointment. First, I made a reservation for Sunday’s $80 surf and turf. After ordering, the server returned and informed us it wasn’t available on Easter Sunday. (Bait and switch?) Instead, we could choose stuffed shrimp and filet for $90 or stuffed lobster tail and filet for $100. Unfortunately, the second issue was that the shrimp was overly charred and rubbery; the lobster was fine. —- Karen S.
19. ** It seems our City Council is finally starting to get serious about constant outrageous e-bike violations. What the hell took them so long is frankly beyond me. Long, long overdue! —- Darren W., Manhattan Beach
20. ** Manhattan Beach, Meadows and 11th, 5:02 pm, porch package theft. Police notified. —- Dan C., Manhattan Beach
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.