MB Weekly 09/12/2024

EMERGENCY

MANHATTAN BEACH PARKING LOT 3 NEEDS EMERGENCY DEMOLITION:

An important downtown Manhattan Beach parking facility will be demolished after experts found deteriorating steel elements. According to IDS Group, Inc., in Resolution 24-0105, the damage may be due to “water intrusion due to recent heavy rainstorms, and the proximity of the Structure to the ocean.” The City Council approved the demolition at a recent meeting. According to the City website: “As a result of the parking structure closure, the permit only parking restrictions have been temporarily removed in the Hill Section (PDF) as of Friday, September 6, 2024, to allow for additional parking for visitors and employees of local downtown businesses.” A staff assessment predicted the project would cost approximately $3 million, and take six to eight months to build a 70-space temporary surface parking lot.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Manhattan Beach City Manager Bruce Moe, who retired August 18th.


MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Nancy Miller
(Jimmy Miller Foundation)

Q: WHEN DID THE JIMMY MILLER FOUNDATION BEGIN?
A: The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation was formed in 2005, after the sudden suicide of Jimmy Miller. He was a beloved son, brother, friend, Los Angeles County Lifeguard, and owner of Pure Surfing Experience Surf School, which became the well-known Camp Surf that continues today. He was the ultimate water-man, who traveled the world surfing, teaching and writing articles for local press about his journeys. He paddled the Catalina Paddle, competed in Lifeguard Taplins and taught hundreds of South Bay Junior guards about the ocean and his passion for surfing. In 2004, a shoulder injury that kept Jim from going into the water and surfing and a difficult divorce combined to create a deep depression. In August of 2004, he took his life. Family and friends formed the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation with the mission to help those with trauma induced mental and physical illness heal, by combining the joyful and healthy sport of surfing with group therapy, led by a licensed therapist at each session. We truly believe that if Jimmy had been able to surf and experience the release of the endorphins and the happiness of being in the ocean environment, combined with “talk therapy” of a group of like-minded people, he would be alive today. We started the JMMF in the hopes that no-one would feel the hopelessness that led to Jimmy’s death. Today, twenty years after losing Jimmy, we will have more than 75+ Ocean Therapy sessions from San Diego to Oregon. We started with at-risk children from local agencies like Richstone, and by 2008, we were working with the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Pendleton, with Marines who had PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries. We then included other veteran groups up and down the coast. During Covid, we provided Ocean Therapy for hospital workers from Little Company of Mary and Torrance Memorial, who experienced PTSD and depression from being on the front lines of COVID. More recently, we started working with Special Needs young adults from Friendship Foundation and Mychal’s Learning Place. Our newest members of the JMMF family now include First Responders from Police, Fire and Dispatcher departments around Southern California.

Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING THE CHARITY?
A: The most challenging aspect of running JMMF is the realization how much all these groups and others need the mental and physical health provided by our Ocean Therapy. We get weekly calls from agencies and individuals who desperately want their “people” to experience Ocean Therapy. We would love to say “yes” to so many more who are in need. Funding for our programs includes lots of equipment, training of surf therapists, surf teachers, transportation, insurance, food, hats, volunteer training, and they are but a few of the expenses we incur each month. We have incredible volunteers, but we always need more. We like to say, “we are healing others and ourselves, one wave at a time.” We have been able to accomplish so much in the past 20 years, thanks to our strong and committed community support. The more you give, the more we can help those in need. www.jimmymillerfoundation.org

Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in Alexandria, Virginia.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: The Big Chill.

www.jimmymillerfoundation.org


MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Reveals 61% Support for School Cell Phone Ban – A Growing Trend Responding To Youth Mental Health Concerns:

In a recent MB Weekly Reader Poll, 61% of respondents voiced their support for banning cell phones in schools, reflecting a national trend driven by increasing concerns over youth mental health and social media’s impact. This year, states like Indiana, Louisiana, and South Carolina have enacted laws restricting student cellphone use during class or throughout the school day. Governors in these states advocate for “cellphone-free” learning to reduce classroom distractions and promote student well-being. While these bans are not a complete solution to the challenges posed by technology in schools, they show promise. Schools implementing these measures report higher student engagement and fewer phone-related conflicts and bullying. As the debate continues, the push for cellphone bans in schools may signal a broader shift in how technology is managed in educational settings.

Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


Nando Trattoria:

Prosciutto E Melone
24 months Devodier prosciutto di Parma, cantaloupe melon, frisée, figs, saba

www.NandoTrattoria.com


MB Weekly Swamped With Reader Reactions Over Manhattan Beach City Wage Exposé:

MB Weekly has been inundated with responses from over 500 readers following its recent exposé on city employee wages in Manhattan Beach. The story, which revealed startling figures on city compensation, sparked a wave of praise for the MB Weekly article, and shock and outrage at the contents. With tax increase ballot initiatives currently under consideration, the report’s timing has amplified concerns over fiscal management and transparency. Many readers expressed disbelief over the high salaries and benefits, questioning the justification for additional tax burdens. Others praised MB Weekly for shedding light on the issue, emphasizing the need for accountability and scrutiny of public funds.

Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Community activist Paul Wafer having an extraordinary dinner at The Strand House to celebrate his 44th anniversary. They enjoyed a lovely champagne, a special menu and delicious dessert.


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Brenda O’Leary (Manhattan Beach)
Candidate for City Council

I support Measure MMB, which raises our local sales tax by .5% to 10%. This is lower than the 10.25% charged by comparable cities such as Redondo and Torrance. MMB will increase our tax revenue by $5.3 million, with $3.2 million coming from visitors. I also support Measure RLS, which funds infrastructure. Manhattan Beach needs to update our schools. The State’s Proposition 2 would provide $8.5 billion in matching infrastructure funds for grades TK-12. If we have our Measure, MBUSD will qualify to receive ~$57M in matching funds.

Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


Hooked On Happy Hour:
Incredible Prices At Downtown Manhattan Beach’s Hook & Plow

Are you looking for the best happy hour deal in downtown Manhattan Beach? Look no further than Hook & Plow. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant coastal town, Hook & Plow has quickly become the go-to destination for those who crave top-notch drinks and irresistible bites at unbeatable prices. From Monday to Friday, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., you can indulge in their fantastic happy hour specials that are sure to please both your taste buds and your wallet. And if you’re looking to keep the good times rolling into the weekend, Hook & Plow extends their food and drink specials all the way from 3 p.m. to close every Sunday. Picture this: the sun setting over the Pacific, a cool ocean breeze, and you enjoying a refreshing cocktail or a chilled glass of wine, all at a fraction of the regular price. Pair your drink with some of their delectable appetizers, such as Scallop Crudo or Succulent Sliders, and you’ve got yourself a perfect end to a busy day or a fantastic way to start your evening. But don’t wait too long to experience the buzz. With prices this good, reservations are highly recommended. Call today and secure your spot at the best happy hour in downtown Manhattan Beach. Hook & Plow – where great deals and good times are always on the menu. Cheers!

www.TheHookAndPlow.com


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Hammitt handbag in Manhattan Beach.


MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:

“What I respect about MB Weekly is its unwavering independence. It’s a rare platform where all voices are heard – liberal, conservative, and middle-of-the-road. MB Weekly fosters genuine dialogue and diverse perspectives in an era where echo chambers dominate the media landscape. It truly lives up to its motto: ‘Once a week, but never weakly.’ MB Weekly is essential for those who value thoughtful, balanced local information.” —- Alan D., Hermosa Beach


Bertha Mae’s Brownies:

www.BerthaMaesBrownies.com


Apple Store Thieves Arrested In Manhattan Beach:

The Manhattan Beach Crime Summary

  • 885 CALLS FOR SERVICE
  • 19 ARRESTS
  • 24 COLLISIONS
  • 52 CRIME REPORTS TAKEN

Town Hall Meeting:
September 24, 2024
6 to 7 p.m. at Joslyn Center

Notable Events:
** On 09/01/24, officers responded to the 1200 block of The Strand regarding a residential burglary. The homeowners had arrived home and heard a male voice coming from inside. The homeowners walked in and were confronted by an unknown suspect who was standing in the kitchen holding a pool cue stick. The suspect came towards the homeowners swinging the pool cue stick and struck one on their arm. The homeowners fled out of the home and called police. Officers arrived and as they were setting up a containment, the suspect emerged from the lower level of the home out towards The Strand where he was quickly taken into custody. The homeowner who was hit with the pool stick sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment.

** Between 08/30/24 to 09/03/24, officers responded to the 3600 block of Bell Avenue (US Army National Guard) regarding a burglary. The reporting party entered the armory and confronted the suspect who was leaving the restroom area. The suspect ran out of the buidling towards Sand Dune Park and out of sight. The reporting party discovered an office had been rummaged through and a box labeled “Unit Funds” was open with money missing. Through the officer’s investigation, it was determined there was no forced entry to the building.

** On 08/30/24, officers responded to the 1100 block of Manhattan Avenue regarding a vehicle theft which just occurred. An officer found the vehicle abandoned in the 3000 block of Morningside Drive (Hermosa Beach) … With the assistance of Hawthorne Air 55 and Hermosa Beach Police Officers, the subject was located … The subject was on probation in Orange County for an unlisted offense, PRCS (Post Release Community Supervision) for extortion and had two felony warrants for vehicle theft. The subject was arrested for vehicle theft.

** On 08/28/24, officers responded to the 400 block of 5th Street regarding a residential burglary. The victim parked their bicycle in the garage and returned on 08/29/24 to discover the bike was stolen. Officers reviewed surveillance video and from the camera angle the garage door could not be seen so it is unknown if the garage door was open or closed, however, the suspect entered and exited the garage quickly with the bicycle. There was no forced entry discovered to the garage door.

** On 08/24/24, The property manager of his apartment complex reported a carport burglary to police on August 24. The property manager said the suspects left the carport with various goods and fled in a white vehicle. The apartment building’s tenants were alerted and said nothing was stolen. Hermosa Beach police found the white vehicle moving along Pacific Coast Highway and Pier Avenue about 5 a.m. The culprits were never located when the truck was abandoned in the city.

** On 08/23/24, A big theft at the Apple Store led to two arrests. Police came to the Apple Store on August 23 after workers reported a suspect hiding things and departing without paying. Store security said police they knew the man from past crimes. MBPD apprehended a second suspect for organized retail theft.

** On 08/25/24, After receiving business burglary reports, officers arrived to the 1600 block of Marine Avenue on August 25. A Parks and Recreation staffer reported a looted clubhouse checkout booth and damaged glass to police. Investigators seized a dried blood drop from the interior window shade as evidence. Police reported no lost property.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Manhattan Beach Creamery in downtown Manhattan Beach.


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Joe Marcy (Manhattan Beach)
Candidate for City Council

As leaders, we have a responsibility to cultivate an inclusive environment where people feel safe, seen, and heard regardless of their background. In my experience as a non-profit executive and city commissioner, I’ve seen firsthand how a focus on bringing diverse voices to the table can ultimately lead to strong decision making. I view diversity more broadly than just race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. As a city council, we need to hear from residents at all socio-economic levels, from native residents and from those new to our community, from residents of differing educational backgrounds, and from residents of all ages. It’s our job to listen to every voice, even if they represent a small minority. But let me be clear – I am not running as a “DEI candidate.” I’m asking for your vote based on my qualifications, experience and judgment, and I believe I’m the best person for the job.

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MB WEEKLY – MEET:

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MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:

WELCOME TO THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AT MIRA COSTA…
“Don’t make the same mistakes I did, son. Make the exact opposite ones. Then push your child to do the same, and so it shall go, back and forth like some great, cosmic, overcorrecting yo-yo.”


MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE COMEDIAN?

Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.

Send your reply to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)


Bulletin Board

1. ** Pay $6000/month in rental and get broken into! Get used to it, says realtor … this is the new normal. —- Debbie F., Manhattan Beach

2. ** How about this as a new idea – Google Maps Adds New “Traveling With Kids” option that automatically schedules stops at every single restroom along route. —- Hillary S., Manhattan Beach

3. ** Welcome to the Woke Olympics! The 2024 Paris Olympics went off the rails with drag queens mocking the Last Supper, athletes forced to eat vegan food, and biological men winning gold medals in women’s boxing. I will never watch any Olympic games until a full apology is issued. —- Sally A., Manhattan Beach

4. ** I agree with you, Mark, that we need local control. Sacramento doesn’t always know what we need. Also, I applaud you for taking the time to get involved in our community. —- Ed M., Manhattan Beach

5. ** Putting Kamala Harris in charge of the government is like putting an arsonist in charge of the Fire Department. —- Ido A., Manhattan Beach

6. ** I checked over Grow’s former location and almost sobbed. They’ll be missed. —- Janice P., Manhattan Beach

7. ** I agree with Mark Burton on the local City Charter. —- Steve N., Manhattan Beach

8. ** The 24-hour news cycle can make you feel like you live in an upside-down world. What is happening to our beloved America? What does the future hold for our government, our institutions, and the very fabric of our republic? The lunacy of the left and constant woke agendas in every facet of culture – from gender confusion and overt sexualization of young kids to demanding reparations for slavery and stoking fear about a climate crisis – is enough to make you cry. —- Dr. Craig H., Manhattan Beach

9. ** Basically, nothing works in Los Angeles County. We needed a federal judge to maintain law and order and basic common sense. —- Justine B., Manhattan Beach

10. ** “We Should Get Together Sometime,” man tells friend before ignoring him for the next twenty years. Weird! —- Coby S., Manhattan Beach

11. ** The Strand House serves the best Margarita in the South Bay —- Jenna R., Manhattan Beach

12. ** The Fish Bar serves the best Margarita in the South Bay. —- Marilyn A., Manhattan Beach

13. ** Yep, I vote to lock Gascon up. —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach

14. ** The increase in sales taxes is due to a rise in salaries, pensions, and benefits for the new labor contracts in 2026. The Council will give bargaining instructions for those labor contract negotiations. Of course, the City’s narrative is that the 1/2 cent sales tax increase is for better city roads, infrastructure, etc… however, this increased revenue will go into the General Fund to primarily cover increased labor costs. —- Mark B., Manhattan Beach

15. ** As for the sales tax increase in Manhattan Beach, my intense observation is when people are spending other people’s money, especially in government, they become like Alcoholics who can’t stop and want just one more drink, always justifying the addictive behavior with poetic, pandering words. When it is enough, they want to go to 10%; how about 12%? How about 15%, how about 20%, when is it enough? When is it time to say no? The answer for government is never. —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach

16. ** … two biologically male boxers won gold medals in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics. No one women’s organization protested. Think about this for a minute. —- Tim G., Manhattan Beach

17. ** Parking, parking, parking, parking, parking, parking, parking, parking ~ There is no f–king parking in downtown! —- Jennifer H., Manhattan Beach

18. ** About that awful photo in downtown Manhattan Beach, how ‘bout one of us who sees that to clean it up. We don’t need gov’t to do everything!! —- Fred T., Manhattan Beach

19. ** David Slay is the hardest-working man in Manhattan Beach. —- Ann S., Manhattan Beach

20. ** Despite California spending $24 billion over the past five years, homelessness has increased by 40%. As Doctor Phil would brilliantly ask: “How’s that working out for ya?” —- Tom D., Manhattan Beach

21.** Manhattan Village Olive Garden parking lot: WTF? Nine police vehicles are inspecting a U-Haul truck. —- Suzanne C., Manhattan Beach

22. ** The Trader Joe’s management must be a jerk. Workmen replaced the entryway floors on Saturday night around 11 pm with chainsaws and noisy instruments. Everyone’s awake. —- Oliver C., Manhattan Beach

23. ** Scan of my teenager’s body reveals he is 97% Flamin’ Hot Cheeto —- Glo A., Manhattan Beach

24. ** The International Olympic Committee allowed Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting – who were disqualified from last year’s Women’s World Boxing Championships after failing gender tests – to receive gold medals. Sickening! —- Carla H., Manhattan Beach

25. ** I believe most Republican voters understand the downside of President Trump, but the majority of Democrats have no f–king idea what Kamala Harris stands for. —- Tal M., Manhattan Beach

26. ** Elias is a great waiter at Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach Village. —- Seymour L., Manhattan Beach

27. ** Today, I visited R.B.’s new Aldi. Very disappointed. Roomy, spacious aisles within the shop. I wanted more brand stuff. The staff was terrific. Plenty of parking. More typical food stores, please. —- Heidi R., Hermosa Beach

28. ** I was shocked when I saw your photo of the cherished MB historic house in Polliwog Park. It is in disrepair and strewn with weeds and trash. We live nearby, and it’s a disgrace. The MB Historical Society needs to maintain it, or the city needs to step in and clean up this eyesore. —- Sharon A., Manhattan Beach

29. ** … two broke into our house yesterday morning. Make sure you get a security system. It happens just like that! —- Marlene R., East Manhattan Beach

30. ** Remember MBUSD’s school buses? It was fun traveling the bus to MBI (now MBMS). Does anyone know why the district fired them? —- Taylor H., Manhattan Beach

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