MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
GEORGE WASHINGTON TOPS LIST FOR DREAM DINNER
If South Bay residents could sit down with any past president, most would choose the father of our country. In MB Weekly’s latest reader poll, George Washington narrowly edged out Abraham Lincoln as the most desired dinner companion among America’s deceased leaders. Washington, revered for his steady hand in guiding the nation’s birth, captured the top spot. Lincoln, admired for his courage during America’s most divisive conflict, followed close behind. Poll organizers noted that while Thomas Jefferson, Ronald Reagan, and John F. Kennedy drew respectable mentions, the symbolic weight of Washington and Lincoln dominated results.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE VIDEO:
An exclusive MB Weekly video of Mercado in Manhattan Village.
https://youtu.be/pL33mXVvARY
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Bob Beverly
(Shellback Tavern)
Q: SHELLBACK HAS BEEN CALLED A “LIVING ROOM FOR MANHATTAN BEACH LOCALS.” WHAT DO YOU THINK GIVES THE TAVERN ITS ENDURING SENSE OF COMMUNITY, AND HOW HAVE YOU PRESERVED THAT SPIRIT THROUGH DECADES OF CHANGE IN THE SOUTH BAY?
A: Our long time staff is made up of the best people available. Our crew like myself are lifetime Manhattan Beach natives or long time locals who have grown up in the South Bay. We are a part of the community and love being involved with local events. Business is simple. Offer a decent product at a fair price in a friendly environment, you can’t go wrong. By following those simple guidelines our clientele continues to flow in the doors.
Q: THE TAVERN SITS JUST STEPS FROM THE SAND. WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE OR SURPRISING STORY YOU’VE WITNESSED SPILL IN FROM THE BEACH INTO SHELLBACK OVER THE YEARS?
A: What stands out in my mind is my constant amazement of the high quality clientele we have maintained over the years from the local work force and shop owners to the beach people, sports stars, movie stars, music legends, political leaders and business icons. Everyone all hanging out together having a good time like at great block party!
Q: MANHATTAN BEACH HAS TRANSFORMED DRAMATICALLY – RISING REAL ESTATE VALUES, NEW RESTAURANTS, AND A CHANGING DEMOGRAPHIC. HOW HAS SHELLBACK ADAPTED WHILE STILL KEEPING ITS OLD-SCHOOL, NO-FRILLS CHARACTER?
A: That is the biggest challenge we face. As a 73 year resident of Manhattan Beach, my goal is to maintain something from the old Manhattan Beach I grew up in. I look out at the Pier every morning. It is a view I have witnessed since the 1950’s. That iconic Pier and it’s beauty keeps me grounded to not sell out.
“Our crew like myself are lifetime Manhattan Beach natives …” —- Bob Beverly
Q: OWNING A BAR FOR DECADES MEANS SEEING GENERATIONS OF CUSTOMERS. HAVE YOU NOTICED DIFFERENCES IN HOW TODAY’S YOUNGER CROWD SOCIALIZES COMPARED TO THE REGULARS OF 20 OR 30 YEARS AGO?
A: Everyone wants to have a place to get away from the struggles of daily life. People want to go where the staff knows their name and are always welcome. My staff masters this because that is who they are. The best crew around. We are just so fortunate that our game plan attracts very best in customers!
Q: LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT DO YOU HOPE SHELLBACK’S LEGACY WILL BE IN MANHATTAN BEACH 50 YEARS FROM NOW – AN ICONIC WATERING HOLE, A COMMUNITY ANCHOR, OR SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY?
A: My hope is that 50 years from now people are still finding life partners and hanging out with old friends and classmates having a good time.
Q: DO YOU SEE AN ADEQUATE POLICE PRESENCE IN DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I see things happening all around town which would have never been allowed in earlier years. I see such a lack of respect for what is right and for laws on a daily basis. I would like to see a more proactive policing policy. I believe it is time for the soft law enforcement gloves to be put away and a much more aggressive back to basics get tough no nonsense enforcement. Our officers are capable of doing this with a smile on their face. Being a member of the police department is not easy. Let’s untie their hands and let them do their job.
www.ShellbackTavern.wixsite.com/mysite/about-us
MB WEEKLY:
CORDIALLY INVITES YOU
TO AN EVENING OF
SOPHISTICATION AND SCENT
Inspired by Istanbul ATELIER REBUL Depuis 1895
Bella Beach – Sept 30, 2025 5:30PM to 7:30PM
RSVP (213) 293-8282
A gift of $1,000 will be donated to the Neptunian Womans Club
Burglars Carve Roof, Loot Gold In Century-Old Manhattan Beach Jewelry Store:
Police are investigating a brazen burglary in Manhattan Beach after thieves struck South Bay Gold, a franchise that in more than a century of business had never seen such a heist. Between midnight and 4 a.m. on September 1, suspects entered the store at 2413 N. Sepulveda Blvd. by cutting a hole in the roof, authorities said. Once inside, the burglars stole an undisclosed amount of gold and other valuables. Manhattan Beach police said investigators were still assessing the total loss, which store owners described as unprecedented. Employees from a neighboring business discovered the gaping hole in the roof later that morning and alerted both police and the store. Detectives are now reviewing evidence and seeking leads to identify the burglars behind this rare and costly crime.
A Hand Up, Not A Handout – How MBSafe Keeps Encampments At Bay:
Manhattan Beach stands out in Los Angeles County for its clean beaches, safe parks, and absence of sprawling encampments. The reason? MBSAFE – Manhattan Beach Safe Alternatives for Everyone. Formed in 2018 by five longtime residents – Rita Crabtree-Kampe, Dr. Lee Phillips, Lucia La Rosa Ames, Debbie Van Ness, and Lew Thomashaw – MBSAFE was born from a simple philosophy: “A Hand Up, Not a Handout.” Working with city leaders, they secured a full-time outreach worker and access to SHARE! Collaborative Housing beds, providing immediate shelter and long-term solutions. Today, MBSAFE and city partners have reunited families, connected individuals to rehab and housing, and offered urgent support when people are ready to accept help. Their work proves grassroots action can spark real, lasting change.
www.MBSafe.org
Nando Trattoria:
Good food, a full table, and the people you want to share it with. Nights like this remind us why we love what we do – hosting moments that feel special without needing much more than a great meal.
www.NandoTrattoria.com
MB WEEKLY – HISTORY:
Who Was Arthur J?
Arthur J was more than a name on a restaurant sign – he was a symbol of resilience and hospitality. Born in the crucible of the Great Depression, Arthur J served as a bombardier and navigator in World War II before channeling his zest for life into a career in food and hospitality. Introduced to the business through his father-in-law’s Chicago coffee shops, he later moved his family to Los Angeles in 1948. There, he ran the MGM Studios commissary, charming Hollywood elites with his infectious personality. In 1952, Arthur J opened the first of many Ben Frank’s coffee shops on the Sunset Strip. With his son Tom, he expanded into beloved landmarks like The French Quarter in West Hollywood and The Kettle in Manhattan Beach, before launching Mimi’s Café in 1978. Today, his children and grandchildren honor his legacy through The Arthur J, a Manhattan Beach dining room named in his honor.
www.TheArthurJ.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Alex Lee (Manhattan Beach)
I wanted to share a serious incident that happened on our block (N Herrin Ave, between 19th and 21st Street) sometime between the evening of August 12th and the afternoon of August 14th. Two of our vehicles were vandalized while parked on the street. Based on the damage, it looks like a skateboard or similar object was used. Unfortunately, my cameras didn’t catch the perpetrators because of the positioning, which limited visibility behind the cars. The total damage is nearly $50,000; one vehicle was declared a total loss, and the other requires significant repairs. While driving through the Pennekamp neighborhood recently, I noticed a blue W166 Mercedes GLE with almost identical damage, exact position, and impact points (left rear quarter panel and door). When I spoke with the owner, they confirmed the vandalism occurred during the same timeframe, suggesting that it may not be an isolated incident. MBPD is involved, and they’ve asked neighbors to check their cameras for any suspicious activity during this timeframe, especially groups of kids on e-bikes, who have also been causing disturbances in the neighborhood recently with the TikTok-inspired “door-kick challenge”. If you find anything, recent surveillance footage, please reach out to me directly, or you can contact MBPD Officers R. Pech or J. Diaz at 310-802-5140 and reference report #25-2067.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Public Safety In Focus – Town Hall With Manhattan Beach Police Chief:
A special town hall meeting on public safety will take place on Thursday, September 18, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Jocelyn Center, located at 1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach. The event will feature Manhattan Beach Police Chief Rachel Johnson, who will address pressing community safety and security issues. Residents will have an opportunity to hear directly from the city’s top law enforcement official on crime prevention, emergency preparedness, and current public safety initiatives. Organizers encourage community members to attend, ask questions, and share concerns in an open forum. The gathering aims to strengthen trust, transparency, and cooperation between the police department and residents.
https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/police-department
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Mayor Pro Tem Joe Franklin at the beach, celebrating the PS I Love You Foundation annual event.
MB WEEKLY – QUESTIONS:
Saint & Second Restaurant
Casper Khamphouy General Manager
Q: SAINT AND SECOND HAS SUCH A DISTINCT PERSONALITY – WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND ITS DESIGN AND MENU, AND HOW DO YOU SEE IT FITTING INTO THE MANHATTAN BEACH DINING SCENE?
A: Each Saint & Second reflects its community. In Manhattan Beach, the coastal ambiance and relaxed sophistication inspired our design and menu – light, airy spaces paired with chef-driven, seasonal dishes. It’s elevated yet approachable, a natural fit for the neighborhood.
Q: MANY RESTAURANTS TALK ABOUT “COMMUNITY” AS A CORE VALUE – WHAT DOES COMMUNITY MEAN TO YOU AT SAINT AND SECOND, AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE THIS PLACE A TRUE NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITE?
A: For us, community means creating a place where everyone feels at home. Warm, genuine hospitality is at the heart of Saint & Second – we welcome every guest, new or familiar, with the same enthusiasm. Our goal is to be more than a restaurant; we want to be a neighborhood gathering place.
Q: IN A TOWN ALREADY FILLED WITH BELOVED RESTAURANTS, WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL SURPRISE PEOPLE MOST WHEN THEY WALK THROUGH YOUR DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME?
A: Guests will be surprised by the balance we strike – elegance and style paired with a welcoming, relaxed feel. The design seamlessly reflects Manhattan Beach’s coastal aesthetic, while the menu and experience offer something fresh and distinctive.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: Dallas, Texas
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Top Gun
www.SaintAndSecond.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Coyote resting on the 200 block of 15th Street.
Lido Di Manhattan:
Visit us in Manhattan Beach and experience the perfect blend of Italian tradition and California freshness.
www.LidoDiManhattan.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
In response to the escalating chaos after 2 a.m. in our oceanfront parking lots, long-time resident Bob Beverly, owner of the Shellback Tavern, called upon our City leaders to “…make a change in Manhattan Beach”. As many of us know, the most dangerous place to be in Manhattan Beach is at our oceanfront parking lots, our Pier, and The Strand after 2 a.m. when our downtown bars and restaurants close. Criminal activity is open, blatant, and rampant. In fact, on hot summer nights, gang members or others gather at the end of the pier to do drugs in private. My wife and I were shocked and offended to read MBPD Chief Johnson’s dismissive response to the concerns raised by Mr. Beverly in MB Weekly. In fact, several other residents and I are growing tired of what can only be described as her “spin” responses. The phrase “are you going to believe your lying eyes or me” seems her standard reply.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
God Knows … Sign Up For Free:
www.MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach Community Activist)
Comment on Rachel Johnson’s response: Manhattan Beach Police Chief Rachel Johnson’s vapid response to Bob Beverly’s concerns regarding the parking lots near the pier, and downtown in general, show just how out of touch she is with the citizens in our community.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
BELLA BUILDERS:
A Local Residential Builder
ADU’s and New Homes
Manhattan Beach and The Palisades
Full Service From Concept To Completion
www.BeautifulBuilder.com
www.FirewiseHomes.com
Vinny@beautifulbuilder.com | 310 809 4999
WHO READS MB WEEKLY:
Kelly Stroman, executive director of the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association. Sign Up For Free:
www.MBWeekly.net
Parenting Pro Tip – Student Self-Advocacy Takes Center Stage At Mira Costa:
Mira Costa High School is reminding families that one of the most valuable lessons students can learn isn’t in a textbook – it’s self-advocacy. In a new Parent Tip released this week, administrators emphasized that when students encounter challenges in class, the first step should be for them to speak directly with their teacher, whether before or after class or during office hours. If the issue remains unresolved, parents are encouraged to follow a tiered process carefully: first contacting the teacher, then the student’s counselor, followed by the appropriate grade-level Vice Principal, and finally, if necessary, Principal Huynh. By encouraging teenagers to voice their own needs and concerns, Mira Costa hopes to strengthen independence, confidence, and communication – essential tools for success in college, career, and beyond.
SPEAK UP…:
In MB Weekly FREE Bulletin Board
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
*Comment *Hire *Share *Barter *Rent *Sell *Promote
Talk to all your neighbors in the South Bay for FREE In the MB Weekly FREE Bulletin Board. Maximum 50 words. Send in yours to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (50 words)
1. ** To your stomach, all potatoes are mashed potatoes. —- Hayden A.
2. ** Torrance police arrested Genna Magliocco and Charles Womack on felony child-endangerment warrants tied to the tragic death of a 1-month-old girl fatally bitten by a dog last fall. Authorities confirmed the arrests were made without incident. Both remain jailed, awaiting arraignment. —- Editor’s Note
3. ** Yikes. Los Angeles County’s beaches are vanishing fast. Dockweiler State Beach, near LAX, is eroding at a rate of 4.5 feet per year. While erosion is a natural process, climate change is accelerating it – rising seas, stronger storms, and relentless waves are reshaping our coastlines. —- V.G., El Segundo
4. ** In November 2023, Congressman Ted Lieu voted against censuring Rashida Tlaib despite her support for Hamas on October 7. Congressional records confirm his decision. Accountability matters – and the public deserves to know – source: Clerk.House.gov. BTW, he donated $1,000 to Rashida Tlaib in 2019: Source: Fec.gov. —- Melissa Toomin
5. ** Gender affirming ideology consumes MBUSD. —- Fred Taylor, Manhattan Beach
6. ** Looking for a way to stay involved at Mira Costa? Please consider signing up to be a volunteer! There are numerous opportunities available throughout the year, both before, during, and after school. Have some fun on campus, meet other parents, and support the Mira Costa Community. Please reach out to VP of Volunteers Jennifer Gale with any questions.
7. ** On Wednesday, 9/17, from 5:30-7:30 pm, the Mira Costa High School College & Career Center (CCC) invites you to attend the annual College Knowledge Night at Mira Costa. The evening will begin with a choice session tailored to your interests, followed by a keynote speaker presentation on the benefits and opportunities of out-of-state college options. Wrap up the evening by connecting with college reps at our mini college fair.
8. ** Join us Saturday, September 27th, for a fun-filled day of Pickleball to support our Manhattan Beach public schools! Hosted by the Manhattan Country Club, the Manhattan Wine Auction Pickleball Tournament is perfect for amateur and competitive players alike – great prizes, including exclusive Reserve Room tickets for the 2026 Manhattan Wine Auction. Cost is $300 per team. Learn more and register here today!
9. ** Spectrum tried to rob me blind – $160 ballooned to $300! Insanity. I pulled the plug and switched to Fire TV Stick on all three TVs. Now I’ve got endless free channels, tons of pay options, and my total is only $150 a month. Cheaper, smarter, better. Goodbye, Spectrum, forever! —- Lucy Y., El Segundo
10. ** People think the Supreme Court is about promoting justice. It’s really about judging what the law requires. —- R.B., Hermosa Beach (Third-year law student)
11. ** Ms. Stroman might treat the constantly malfunctioning escalators at Metlox with more urgency if she personally knew the pain of arthritis. For seniors and those with mobility challenges, “just take the stairs” isn’t an option – it’s a daily struggle. —- Lili B.
12. ** Democrat Sen. Warnock has the gall to pin the measles outbreak on Health Secretary Kennedy while ignoring the real cause, the flood of illegal alien shelters in cities like Chicago. Millions of unvetted, unvaccinated migrants shipped nationwide by Biden’s reckless policies are to blame. Measles is just the beginning. —- Dr. A.H., Redondo Beach
13. ** Did anyone else in MB see a Waste Management increase this month? Mine went up about $2.70 – not huge, but I’ve read that under Prop 218, rates could climb much more in the future. —- Ashley T.
14. ** Regarding the Coyote problem, you must submit reports to the CA Department of Fish and Game to draw attention to this issue. Just last week, someone was walking their dog when it suddenly came up, took the dog, and ran away with it – Wildlife Incident Reporting System – Home —- Cindy A.
15. ** Inform yourself about the planned 28th Street Infiltration Project, which will take 2 years to complete and requires the early 2026 closure of Manhattan Ave at 26th-28th Streets and the Parking Lot at Bruce’s Beach. Public outreach and knowledge of this Project are NON-EXISTENT! https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/public-works/engineering-division/subsurface-infiltration-drainage-project —- J.U., Manhattan Beach
16. ** I took my child to Lilienthal Park in Redondo Beach, and what a disgrace! A group of rude, reckless teenagers had trashed the playground. Soda and Red Bull were spilled all over the equipment. Kids deserve safe, clean spaces – not sticky chaos created by inconsiderate teens. —- Name Withheld by Request
17. ** A 20-year-old man was hospitalized after being shot in a McDonald’s parking lot in Hawthorne on Thursday night. Police responded around 9:20 p.m. to 3571 W. Rosecrans Ave. and found him wounded amid multiple shell casings. A K9 unit assisted in searching the scene as police investigated. —- Editor’s Note
18. ** If everyone likes you, you have a serious problem. —- Hope E., Hermosa Beach
19. ** MB Weekly has contributed a strong voice for open, honest, and civil dialogue to the South Bay. Thank you. —- Dr. Leslie W., Hermosa Beach
20. ** At long last! The Manhattan Beach City Council finally agreed to look into humane goose deterrents – fencing, repellants, lasers, signs, even citations. Took them long enough! Residents have begged while the geese ruled like feathery tyrants. Maybe, just maybe, common sense is waddling back into City Hall. —- S.F., 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.