MB WEEKLY:
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
WITH SUPERINTENDENT
JOHN BOWES, ED.D.
Q: HOW DID YOU ULTIMATELY ARRIVE IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I first moved to Southern California in 1990 and lived here until 2016 – I consider it home. In 2016 I took a brief sojourn to Northern California, but after five successful and enjoyable years as Superintendent of the Davis Joint Unified School District, it was time to return to Los Angeles to be closer to family and friends. Who wouldn’t want to work in Manhattan Beach?
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB CURRENTLY?
A: The State of California’s funding system for public schools creates tremendous challenges for high-performing districts like MBUSD. We are only able to provide our students with the top-tier education they deserve thanks to our supportive community and our partnerships with the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, MBX, our PTAs, and the City of Manhattan Beach.
Q: IN YOUR OPINION, HAVE WE CAUGHT UP FROM THE DIFFICULT COVID PERIOD?
A: The 2022-23 school year was a welcome return to normalcy. We are back and intent on ensuring each student is academically successful and reaches their maximum potential.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: I am a lifelong science fiction, fantasy and comic book fan, so with that genre in mind, by decade, I saw these favorites in the theater: 1970’s – Star Wars – A New Hope / 1980’s – Blade Runner / 1990’s – Star Trek – Next Generation era / 2000’s – Lord of the Rings Trilogy / 2010’s – The entire Marvel Universe of movies / 2020’s – TBD
Q: WHAT RESTAURANTS DO YOU MOST ENJOY IN THE MANHATTAN BEACH AREA?
A: Some of my favorites from two years of working in Manhattan Beach are (in alphabetical order): El Gringo, The Hangar Inn, The Kettle, Nick’s, Petros, Simmzy’s, Slay Italian Kitchen, The Strand House, and Tin Roof Bistro.
Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL BOOK YOU’VE READ IN THE LAST YEAR?
A: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.
www.MBUSD.org
Scam Caller Demands Money From Residents While Posing As MBPD Officer:
Residents in Manhattan Beach were alerted by the police department about a scam caller who demanded money from them while posing as a police officer. According to MBPD, the caller informed the occupants that they had an arrest warrant out for them and requested payment via gift cards, Zelle, or Apple Pay to avoid being taken into custody. On Friday, a resident reported a suspicious call, which alerted officers to the calls. You have reached the Manhattan Beach Police Department, a voicemail message informed the resident when they attempted to contact the number again.
Set The Table:
Healthy meals, organic, healthy recipes, personal chef tips.
www.SetTheTableLA.com
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Chris Kelly
Dive N’ Surf
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT DIVE N’ SURF?
A: 12 years. Initially I was told I would be hired for 2 days ONLY, strictly yard Sale setup help, I showed up on the 3rd day just to be sure they didn’t need help and sure enough they did. I continued to work for 5 total days and management told me I needed to take 2 days off, but they expect to see me for 5 more days next week. From then on, I became a full-time employee of Dive N’ Surf.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?
A: I have encountered many challenges here at Dive N’ Surf as I rose through the ranks. I would say that the easiest thing to do is say “I don’t know how to do something”, so I chose to take the hard route and learned how to do everything which is challenging but very rewarding. The skills you can gain from any workplace/position will be of benefit, just know “You can do it!” I continue to encourage all staff that no matter the task it can be done, by you!
Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCUBA BOAT TRIPS AND HOW THEY WORK?
A: Scuba trips at Dive N’ Surf are ALL awesome, we do local charters as well as International charters.
- Island Diver Local Charters: We have our Island Diver which departs from King Harbor in Redondo Beach which runs 7 days a week all you must do is call Dive N’ Surf and book your departure date. Our rates for the Island Diver are a bit cheaper through the weekdays vs. the weekends.
- Overnight Boats: We also run trips to Catalina, Santa Barbara Islands, and beyond. Typically, these charters are an overnight trip which is great for diving and meeting new people/divers. The amount of great diving local to us here in Southern California is phenomenal and Dive N’ Surf can get you there just call and get more details.
- International: As far as International charters we run 1 to 2 a year and could be many different locations. Currently we have a Fiji Live Aboard Charter for 2024.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: That’s a tough one but if I had to pick one movie it would be Oceans 11. Close 2nd’s would be Time Bandits, Snatch, and Pineapple Express.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Sagittarius.
Q: WHAT’S THE SECRET SAUCE FOR THE SUCCESS OF DIVE N’ SURF OVER MANY YEARS?
A: I have found that there are many ingredients needed for the “secret sauce” but the most important is CUSTOMER SERVICE. We hold all our customers close to our hearts and want each one to have an awesome experience while shopping here at Dive N’ Surf. It is our goal to get to know the customer and supply them with the proper equipment they need for their endeavors. Now that a lot of people shop online, they miss the interaction with real people, so when you come to Dive N’ Surf you better believe you will be talking to a real person who wants the best for you! Bob and Bill Meistrell started this business 70 years ago and prided themselves on excellent customer service and 70 years later we are still carrying on that pride!
Q: IF SOMEONE WERE INTERESTED IN WORKING IN YOUR STORE, WHAT SHOULD THEY DO?
A: Dive N’ Surf is a very popular place to work in the South Bay. We accept applications and resumes all the time. It is always best to have some knowledge of the department you are interested in. We also are very fond of certified divers! Our goal here is to create a learning environment for all staff and build excellent work ethic that you will take with you forever!
www.DiveNSurf.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mackenzie C.
Manhattan Beach
WATCH OUT! Between Friday night and Saturday night at noon, one of my friend’s tires (one tire) was stolen a few blocks up from the Metlox area in Manhattan beach. It was reported, but I just wanted to let the community know! 500-510 Manhattan Beach Boulevard
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 – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
by Darby Winston
Dan’s Modern Chinese in Manhattan Village
There was just something missing at this restaurant. The food is fine, but the atmosphere is cold, and this service is a bit below mediocre. Perhaps this is because it’s a growing chain, and no one appearing to be the owner or manager seems present. The place feels flat and uninteresting without a personality. The steamed dumplings were good, but the portion size seemed small for the price. In total, a mediocre experience with adequate food.
Food: B • Service: C- • Atmosphere: C
Agree? Disagree? Send your comment to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
www.DanModernChinese.com
Students From MCHS Receive Highest Girl Scout Award:
Eight Mira Costa High School students achieved the Girl Scouts’ highest honor this summer – the Gold Award. Only 6% of Girl Scouts receive the Gold Award, which is the highest and most prestigious in the organization. For consideration, a project must be challenging, large-scale, inventive, engaging, and have a quantifiable, long-lasting impact on its target population.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton
Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach
It is axiomatic that all public employees must be worthy of public trust since they are doing the public’s business and being paid with the public’s tax dollars. For this reason, all public employees must pass an essential background investigation, with certain employees, like police officers having to pass an extensive background investigation. Background investigations are indispensable in identifying and eliminating candidates unworthy of public trust. For instance, a police officer candidate may not be deemed worthy of public trust if they have a theft conviction, a license revocation based on sustained findings of fraud, or tax liens. Even though all city employees must pass an essential background investigation, it is genuinely shocking and troubling that candidates for City Council do not have to pass a vital background investigation! As it stands now, a City Council candidate can have a sordid and consistent record of engaging in behavior that demonstrates a lack of integrity. Yet, can that candidate be deemed qualified to serve? There is a solution to this problem. As you know, a City Charter would give Manhattan Beach the ability to hire a City Prosecutor to file and prosecute misdemeanor crimes, provide maximum local control in regards to land use and zoning matters, limit the compensation paid to our electeds, and function as a constitution for our City. A City Charter could also require that candidates for City Council pass a background investigation to be deemed qualified as a candidate for City Council. That makes sense! We should hold our City Council candidates and members to the same high standards as our police officers. The integrity of our City Council candidates and members should be above reproach. They should be unquestionably worthy of the public trust. It is time for our City Council to explore adopting a City Charter.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Mercado Manhattan Beach at Manhattan Village:
Classic and contemporary cuisine inspired by fresh, local ingredients and Chef Jose’s Mexican roots – Manhattan Beach is the fifth outpost of the popular Mercado by Cocinas y Calaveras restaurant group. Enjoy popular favorites like tacos, carnitas, mole enchiladas, and fresh guacamole and chips. Don’t forget the best flan in the universe! Open for takeout, pick up or delivery, with beer, wine and tequila options as well as margaritas to go.
Now open on Mondays! 11:45am – 9pm
Enjoy More Special Days At Mercado Manhattan Beach! Now Featuring:
- Monday-Friday executive prix fixe lunch menu: $24 for 3 courses
- Margarita Mondays: $8 margaritas from 4 pm to close
- Taco Tuesday: 4 pm to close (regular happy hour not available)
- Wine Wednesdays: All bottles of wine are 50% off from 4 pm to close
- Late Night Happy Hour: Join us on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. (Our happy hour menu will be available at the bar and on the patio for the last hour before closing.)
Reserve Online Today!
www.CocinasYCalaveras.com
HOW MUCH HAVE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS CHANGED SINCE YOUR TEENAGE YEARS?
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 – LENS:
Meet Mr. Peanut, a cat born in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photos to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
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
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“Scented Candle: Anxiety / Angst / Your Mom’s Disapproval”
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Beach fun at night. Please share your photos: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Sara Garcia
El Segundo
“People respect wisdom but obey pain.” This is a profound piece of life wisdom that our City Council and Police Chief have had real difficulty applying to the ongoing and growing E-bike problem in our city. One $100 citation will be 100 times more potent than another helmet-wearing lecture to teenagers. Trust me!
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
WHAT DO YOU GROW IN YOUR GARDEN?
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 WEEKLY – BONUS CONTENT:
Only available on MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Defending champs Hailey Harward and Kelley Kolinske play against Heather Friesen and Amanda Harnett in the AVP Tour’s Manhattan Beach Open.
LOOK AT MANHATTAN BEACH WITH NEW EYES:
Read MB Weekly – “Once a week but never weakly.”
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WHO READS MB WEEKLY?
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MB – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ** Two drones flew over the police station. It seemed suspicious. The station (400 15th St.) told me they were practicing. —- Michelle P., Manhattan Beach
2. ** LAPD chief discusses how zero bail harms L.A. County people and businesses. Prop 47. The Safe Neighborhood and Schools Act (aka take anything that’s not tied down & shoot dope act – Prop 47) has allowed criminals to commit crimes without consequences or accountability and normalized open-air drug markets/use. https://abc7.com/lapd-chief-zero-bail-policy-sets-unequal-stage-for-law-enforcement/13634924/ —- Dr. Roland C., Manhattan Beach
3. ** I love Suzanne Hadley. She is a straight talker with no B.S. —- Laura N., Manhattan Beach
4. ** Political and corporate elites empower NewsGuard to censor anyone that doesn’t comply with their agenda. —- Melissa S., Manhattan Beach
5. ** Urrgh! Cleaning up the mess caused by someone trying to steal my car. They broke my driver’s window, and now I must pay to fix it. I can’t believe how people think it’s okay to break or steal what someone works hard for. This neighborhood has always been quiet, but now every night, these idiots roam the streets looking for something to take. —- Holly W., Hermosa Beach
6. ** I cheerfully identify as a woke liberal jackass. My pronouns are He/Haw. —- Samantha L., Manhattan Beach
7. ** $100,000 in handbags stolen in mob robbery at South Coast Plaza Gucci store. A group of suspects ran into a temporary Gucci store in Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza, grabbed an estimated $100,000 in handbags, and ran out to waiting cars in the parking lot Wednesday evening, Aug. 16. —- Editor’s Note
8. ** On the terrace at Slay Italian, Homeless passed out on their chair. Someone feared he was dead. Two ambulances, a firetruck, and four police cars. —- Darlene M., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Wow, Suzanne Hadley. Spending time tearing down our current mayor won’t get you my vote or respect. —- Dayle Eisenhauer, Manhattan Beach
10. ** We have substantially enhanced our distribution network for your press releases. We have added AP News, MuckRack and 110+ NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, and CW affiliate sites to our guaranteed syndication with a potential audience of over 170 million monthly active users! Your releases reach more targeted readers and live longer in search engines than ever before. —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
11. ** Today I have witnessed the most homeless and vagrants ever in Manhattan Beach!! —- Donald G., Manhattan Beach
12. ** Thanks to all the advocates who helped clean up the Ballona Wetlands RV mess. What a mess it was! —- Terrance K., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Visiting Times Square feels like going to a dodgy website without ad blockers —- Yancy P., Manhattan Beach
14. ** I love the Plate Pass at Urban Plates. —- Mitchell S., Manhattan Beach
15. ** Love your MB Weekly. —- Patricia Jones, Founder, PS I Love You Foundation
16. ** I agree with Suzanne Hadley’s commentary on Richard Montgomery. It’s upsetting for a Mayor to make derogatory comments about Manhattan Beach residents. It was justified that she exposed his shady past. —- Sherrie A., Manhattan Beach
17. ** What happened with a fire that broke out recently at night around Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Ocean? There are still several areas in the downtown area (near Yoga Loft) without power. —- Melody A., Manhattan Beach
18. ** If you don’t teach kids good values, they won’t have them. —- Carla H., Manhattan Beach
19. ** Honestly, I didn’t worry about hurricane damage to L.A. retail stores. Thanks to the flash mobs, our retail stores are already boarded up. —- Juan G., El Segundo
20. ** Emily, my 4-year-old granddaughter, and Earl, my 2-year-old grandson, are my grandchildren. My husband has no blood ties to them. He treats Emily like a princess but mistreats Earl. He cannot do right, she cannot wrong. Urgh! —- Leah H., Manhattan Beach
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