MB WEEKLY:
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
WITH MB MAYOR PRO TEM
JOE FRANKLIN ON E-BIKE SAFETY
Q: IN THE LAST YEAR, YOU HAVE SPENT MUCH TIME EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE DANGERS OF E-BIKES AND BETTER SAFETY PROCEDURES, YET THE PROBLEMS OF RECKLESS RIDING CONTINUES. HAVE YOU BEEN DISAPPOINTED WITH THE LACK OF SUCCESS WITH EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS?
A: I believe we have been successful. In order for younger bicycle (and especially E-Bike) riders to follow the “rules of the road” they have to learn the rules of the road. We provided a yearlong collaborative education effort with the support of my colleagues on Council, the Manhattan Beach Police Department, our public and private schools, local bike shops and the Junior Guard Program. The E-Bike safety program was created and conducted by some very creative Mira Costa students along with MBPD School Resource Officers. By our estimates, over 6,000 Manhattan Beach children ages 7 to 17 have received this training. Of course, we have not reached every single young person but, there is a general consensus this has made a difference with compliance. The next important step of compliance is enforcement, which was discussed in every single training session we conducted.
Q: ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF GIVING CITATIONS TO E-BIKE RIDERS WHO DISOBEY THE LAW?
A: Yes.
Q: WHAT SHOULD BE THE PROPER COST OF THE FIRST CITATION?
A: As mentioned before, E-Bikes and regular bikes have to follow the same rules of the road as vehicles. They are ticketed accordingly at the same cost of a motorist being cited for infractions.
Q: ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF IMPOUNDING E-BIKES IF NECESSARY?
A: The short answer is no for the most part but yes for habitual offenders. I’m an enthusiastic supporter of bicycles and now E-Bike use. Cycling can go a long way to reducing the congestion and pollution of vehicle traffic and even free up valuable parking spaces as kids can get places on their own without the use of a family car. We want to encourage this trend but also continuously train our young riders on the importance of following the rules of the road and proper safety.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO RIDE E-BIKES?
A: The City and MBPD can only do so much. We need parents to take an active role in the safe use of E-Bikes by their children. E-Bikes are not toys and serious attention must be taken to learn to operate them safely. The local bike shops have all committed to providing such training for families before E-Bikes leave the store. Our schools and Police Department have easy-to-follow instruction materials to review with your children and our safety assemblies will continue year to year to reach new riders. Parents should also set good examples for their children by wearing helmets. Parents and the police cannot be everywhere. All of us need to point out and compliment children when they are doing the right thing. It provides constant reinforcement.
https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/government/city-council
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Yes or No Interview
Realtor Tara Klein / Rabbi Yossi Mintz / Philanthropist Patricia Jones
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES?
Rabbi Yossi –YES …
Tara Klein –NETFLIX & PICKLEBALL
Patricia Jones –YES
Q: CAN YOU SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE?
Rabbi Yossi –2 Hebrew/Russian
Tara Klein –NO
Patricia Jones –NO
Q: DID YOU EVER OUTSOURCE A SCHOOL PROJECT?
Rabbi Yossi –NO
Tara Klein –NEVER
Patricia Jones –NO
Q: DO YOU EVER GET SCARED WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE OFF, AND YOU ARE HOME ALONE?
Rabbi Yossi –NO
Tara Klein –YES
Patricia Jones –NO
Q: HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN MONEY FROM YOUR PARENTS’ WALLETS OR PURSES WITHOUT INFORMING THEM?
Rabbi Yossi –YES … and then I informed him afterwards. 🙂
Tara Klein –Never
Patricia Jones –NO
Q: DO YOU BELIEVE IN ALIENS?
Rabbi Yossi –NO
Tara Klein –UNDECIDED
Patricia Jones –YES
Q: IS VANILLA YOUR ONLY FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Rabbi Yossi –NO
Tara Klein –MY FAVORITE IS CHOCOLATE CHIP
Patricia Jones –NO
Tin Roof Bistro:
Our Calamari Fritto Misto is a dipping delight like no other. Go for a spicy sprint with the calabrian sugo or a creamier taste with the lemon aioli!
www.TinRoofBistro.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Steve Revel
Manhattan Beach
Allow me to inform you that almost half of millennials feel using the wrong pronouns for a transgender person should be treated as a crime, in case you have any doubts about how insane young people have become recently. According to a survey done by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for Newsweek, among respondents 25 to 34 years old, 44% supported the proposal, while only 31% opposed it. The remaining 25% of survey respondents either said they had no opinion or were unsure.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Day At The Beach:
Saturday, September 9th, 2023
MANHATTAN BEACH
www.PSILoveYouFoundation.org
WELCOME TO MANHATTAN BEACH – DUNKIN’:
Katherine (left), a happy team member at the new Dunkin’ in Manhattan Beach. Meet Kevin (top right) the general Manager at the new Dunkin’ in MB and a happy team member (bottom right) from new Dunkin’ in MB.
Dunkin’ is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee, espresso, breakfast sandwiches and donuts. The world’s leading baked goods and coffee chain, Dunkin’ serves more than 3 million customers each day. With 50+ varieties of donuts and dozens of premium beverages, there is always something to satisfy your craving. Dunkin’ is proud to serve Manhattan Beach for all breakfast and snacking needs. Stop by today to try a classic favorite or a new featured product.
www.DunkinDonuts.com
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Stewart Fournier
Real Estate by the Beaches
Q: REGARDING CRIME, DO YOU BELIEVE MANHATTAN BEACH RESIDENTS ARE SAFER TODAY IN THEIR PERSONS AND PROPERTY THAN AT OTHER TIMES? IF SO, WHAT JUSTIFICATION COULD BE FOR MBPD CHIEF JOHNSON’S REQUEST TO EXPAND HER FORCE OF SWORN OFFICERS BY 11% FROM 65 TO 72, A PROPOSAL THAT COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED? HAD YOU BEEN ELECTED TO COUNCIL, WOULD YOU HAVE JOINED IN THE COUNCIL’S UNANIMOUS VOTE?
A: Chief Johnson aptly expressed that her pre-existing resources, before the approved increase in staff, enabled her to uphold the safety of the City. Given the current fervent concerns of the public, unlike any time in the past 46 years of my residence here, the City Council found it imperative to take action. Thus, when queried about the financial provisions for enhancing her staff’s efficiency, the Chief proposed what that enhancement might entail, offering a comprehensive blueprint. It’s worth noting that, in response to a fact-finding inquiry from Councilperson Lesser, she never asserted that an influx of resources would inherently decrease crime. While I would have readily supported her plea for additional funding for the Police Department based on her evaluation, my 13-year tenure as a volunteer member of the Department has convinced me that refraining from making a promise linking resources to crime statistics was a judicious decision. The addition of more Police Officers undeniably contributes to a heightened sense of security; however, it alone cannot guarantee a reduction in criminal activity. … To read Stewart’s full comments, email him at stewart@stewartfournier.com
Q: AMY HOWORTH RECENTLY REGRETTED SUPPORTING GEORGE GASCON’S ELECTION AS DISTRICT ATTORNEY IN 2020. DID YOU ALSO SUPPORT HIS ELECTION, AND IF SO, DO YOU SHARE A SIMILAR REGRET? HOW WOULD YOU RATE HIS IMPACT ON PUBLIC SAFETY IN LA COUNTY, SPECIFICALLY MANHATTAN BEACH, OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS?
A: I had the privilege of meeting District Attorney Jackie Lacey at the City Club in L.A. before her election, and I would wholeheartedly vote for her “once again,” regardless of the timing of her potential candidacy. Unfortunately, District Attorney Gascon’s administration has demonstrated regrettable ineffectiveness in its communication, implementation, and consideration for victims. I personally encountered this shortfall. Among the eighty-eight cities in L.A. County, each possesses a distinct narrative that I do not claim to fully comprehend. However, what I can attest to is that in Manhattan Beach, the community’s perception of his engagement with our locality lacks the required focus, leading to a widespread sense of vulnerability in the face of shifting criminal trends. I share this perspective.
Q: AFTER THE SCHOOL PARCEL TAX THAT YOU CHAMPIONED FAILED DRAMATICALLY LAST YEAR WITH 68% OF RESIDENTS VOTING NO, YOU STATED ON SOCIAL MEDIA THAT YOU WERE OPENLY BITTER ABOUT THE RESULT; IT “ABHORS” YOU (YOUR WORD) THAT SEVERAL COUNCIL MEMBERS OPPOSED THE TAX AND THAT YOU FELT YOU HAD TO EXPLAIN TO YOUR SCHOOL-AGE CHILD THAT SCHOOL FUNDING WAS “A FIGHT IN THIS TOWN.” IN HINDSIGHT, DO YOU REGRET MAKING THOSE STATEMENTS? WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM MEASURE A’S RESOUNDING DEFEAT?
A: California currently holds the disheartening rank of 48th in education funding, and Manhattan Beach stands out as one of the most underfunded school districts out of thousands across the state. This fact is undeniably “abhorrent,” especially considering our position as the fourth-largest global economy. Any politician who campaigns against such staggering statistics should seriously reassess their priorities, particularly when juxtaposed with our area’s sky-high property values. I stood as the sole candidate who possessed the confidence to candidly address the impending challenges our school funding will face in the coming years, despite facing overwhelming political opposition. I remain committed to championing our children’s education. …
Q: WHEN YOU RAN FOR COUNCIL LAST YEAR, YOU GOT 890 VOTES, LESS THAN 3% OF THE TOTAL. WHY WEREN’T THE VOTERS MORE RESPONSIVE TO YOUR MESSAGE? WILL YOU RUN AGAIN NEXT YEAR?
A: Congressman Ted Lieu, State Senator Ben Allen, and Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi did not make a doorstep visit to endorse me in this densely democratic town. They rightfully threw their support behind Amy Howorth and David Lesser, whose messages closely mirrored mine. … Being endorsed by over 800 citizens was an unequivocal honor, and the resonance of my recent post on Nextdoor, garnering 20,000 reads, further bolsters the triumph of my campaign slogan, “A New Voice for Manhattan Beach.”
As for the future, the decision of whether I will run again in 2024 remains undecided.
Once again, to read Stewart’s full comments, email him at stewart@stewartfournier.com
www.RealEstateByTheBeaches.com
Portion Of $950M U.S. DoD Grant Goes To El Segundo Tech Business:
The U.S. Department of Military recently awarded a portion of a multimillion-dollar contract to an El Segundo military technology business. The Joint All Domain Command and Control project, also known as JADC2, is a strategic warfighting concept that connects all U.S. military branches’ data sensors, shooters, and related communications devices. The Indefinite Delivery and Indefinite Quantity contract, worth up to $950 million in total, will fund the work of the local tech startup Picogrid and other companies on improving the project.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Michele Lilley
Manhattan Beach
Be careful. I was robbed at a CVS parking lot and stopped a woman being robbed a week later … the police say it’s happening several times a day. The Manhattan Village, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods … mainly target women. Everyone should know this, but for some reason, no one seems to know until, like me, they are robbed. They are fast and very sneaky, so please be aware.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
** Commercial real estate entrepreneur Larry Kosmont visited Gallery 208 in downtown Manhattan Beach.
** Veteran financial planner and investment counselor, Phil Cook, having dinner at SLAY Steak & Fish.
** Popular columnist, Mike Michalski, having lunch at Urban Plates in Manhattan Beach.
** Veteran theatrical manager, Heidi Rotbart, having lunch at Nando’s in Manhattan Beach.
** Distinguished Speakers L.A. Partner, Kathy Winterhalder, having dinner at Joey’s restaurant in Manhattan Village.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
El Segundo’s Louis Lappe (19) celebrates as he rounds second after hitting a solo walk-off home run off Curaçao’s Jay-Dlynn Wiel during the sixth inning of the Little League World Series Championship game in South Williamsport, PA, August 27.
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:
“How I Spent My Summer …”
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Closeup of the new Manhattan Beach Pier sculpture. Leis were placed on the monument for its dedication. Please share your photos: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Sara Garcia
(El Segundo)
Ever wonder where all your tax dollars go? Well, one Los Angeles city fire commander received a meager $169,489 in regular compensation last year. According to information from the state controller, he earned $510,301 more than three times that amount in overtime, bringing him a total of $699,478. According to the data, this made him the “Most Prolific Overtime Earner Among California’s 327,000+ City Employees, 2022,” another fire captain from L.A. The city was the runner-up, earning an astounding $409,724 in overtime and his regular compensation of $160,892. Total wages come to $583,585. Furthermore, neither sum includes the $50,000 or more that the city contributes toward each employee’s health and retirement benefits. Not far behind, a Corona fire captain earned more than $300,000 in overtime among the cities in Riverside County. That was more than twice what he typically made. Remember that the next time some smooth-talking politician comes along and asks you to “invest” just a little bit more.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
IN AUGUST 2021, REDONDO BEACH UNIFIED STUDENTS WERE WELCOMED BACK TO SCHOOL BY SIGNS WRITTEN IN EACH OF THE 22 LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN THE DISTRICT. DOES A SCHOOL’S DECISION TO SPEAK TO THE STUDENT IN 22 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES DIVIDE OR UNIFY THE SCHOOL AND STUDENT?
Send your vote – Divide? Unify? Unsure? To: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – BONUS CONTENT:
Only available on MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Welcome to Mira Costa High School. Please share your photos: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Maureen Miller – R.I.P.:
MB RIP Manhattan Beach resident Maureen Kelley Miller passed away at home on August 1 from metastatic breast cancer. She was 69. Maureen graduated from Wakefield HS in 1972, Fisher JC in 1974, and UCLA in 1983 with a BA in Economics. In 2016, Maureen retired after 34 years of service at TRW/Northrop Grumman as a Finance and Business Director in the space and defense area. Over the last 25 years Maureen dedicated herself to the fight against breast cancer, which had claimed her sister Kathy, via the 3-Day (60 mile) Walks. Having walked 35 such events, Maureen raised over $120,000 and was a founding member of the Wild Women Walking for a Cure team that has raised over $1 million dollars, according to legacy.com.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
El Segundo’s Jaxon Kalish, right, poses with the team and victory banner after defeating Needville, Texas, 6-1, in the Little League World Series’ U.S. championship game in South Williamsport, PA.
MB – BULLETIN BOARD:
1. ** Thank God for columnist Mike Michalski! He is a strongly needed voice of sanity in a world gone mad. As a crime victim in Manhattan Beach, I thank him for his tireless work to help make us all safe in Manhattan Beach. —- A.G. (Name Withheld by Request)
2. ** Are you worried about your future? Turn on the TV or scroll through social media, and it’s hard not to be. But is there a brighter side to the story? —- Marian Z., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Netflix hit “Painkiller” shows how Purdue Pharma’s greed and deceit fueled a nationwide opioid epidemic. —- Jane P., Hermosa Beach
4. ** My bowels don’t love vacations as much as I do. —- Dr. Harvey G., Manhattan Beach
5. ** The series “Painkiller” should be required viewing in order to vote in the next election. —- Stewart Fournier, Manhattan Beach
6. ** You cannot subsidize irresponsibility and expect people to become more responsible. —- Claire H., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Beach Cities Health District reported that Redondo Beach primary school pupils’ childhood obesity rates have plummeted to their lowest point in 16 years. —- Editor’s Note
8. ** Officials say LAPD lost more than 430 officers in their first year-and-a-half. And we wonder why crime is up? —- Garrett S., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Permanent politicians should finally retire and the best way to do that is through term limits and mental competency tests. —- Mike G., Manhattan Beach
10. ** Hurricane Hilary descended upon Southern California this recently as media hysteria and alerts of “life-threatening floods” sent residents into a panic. Nearly everyone complied with instructions to shelter in place, even though one look outside would have assured any rational person there was nothing to fear. —- Dennis K., Manhattan Beach
11. ** The last day of 2023 will be 123123. —- Ali B., Manhattan Beach
12. ** At the age of 60, Snoop Dogg will be 420 in dog years. —- Terrace P., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Furious…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. —- Howie V., Hermosa Beach
14. ** Manhattan Beach Blvd. between Aviation Blvd. and Redondo Ave. may have flooded. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is flushing a big regional drinking water supply pipe. Flushing will continue for several days to provide a high-quality, reliable water supply. Our teams monitor this job. Water supply to homes and businesses will not be affected during this repair. For questions, email communityrelations@mwdh2o.com or call 213-217-7262.
15. ** If justice existed, Donald Trump would have taken Dorian Gray’s Mug Shot —- Howell R., Manhattan Beach
16. ** I got a referral to a massage therapist from a physical therapist here in Manhattan Beach. I called the massage therapist twice, and of course, she didn’t pick up either time or return either call. Are most massage therapists this flaky? —- Brooks R., Manhattan Beach
17. ** I just bought a new pair of good walking shoes from the Village Runner in Manhattan Beach. I must say the people there were terrific: smart, helpful, knowledgeable, and gracious. Highly recommend! —- Fran C., Manhattan Beach
18. ** Honest to God, my next-door neighbor reminds me of Bob Barker dressed in drag. —- Ann-Marie V., Manhattan Beach
19. ** After hitting rock bottom, I learned that it’s never too late to take responsibility and change your life. —- Milo T., Manhattan Beach
20. ** The best bakery in the whole South Bay is Lido Bakery on Sepulveda Blvd. — www.LidoBakery.com —- Patty L., Manhattan Beach
21. ** We are an elderly couple who are wary of strangers. A scammer left after my husband informed him that we had not gotten the delivery via the door. Two shipments with different names arrived a few days apart a few years ago. It was a swindle. There are so many scams/thefts that we wanted to let everyone know in case they’ve had a similar situation. —- Hank G., Hermosa Beach
22. ** Even as a Democrat, I have to say I was impressed with Nikki Haley at the recent Republican debate. —- Monroe L., Manhattan Beach
23. ** Driving north on Sepulveda at Manhattan Blvd. at 12:15 pm, I observed numerous police cars at the Wells Fargo branch on the North West corner. —- Tim R., Manhattan Beach
24. ** A few cobras in your home will soon clear it of rats and mice. Of course, you will still have the cobras. —- Arlene H., Manhattan Beach
25. ** Go Beyond the Headlines for Free —- www.TheDataExaminer.com
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