MB Weekly 10/10/2024

MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach)

(PART THREE)

A few weeks ago, I shared data on the Manhattan Beaches salaries and compared them with those of local cities. The stories turned out to be a bombshell in the City. That data showed that our compensation is higher, on average, than the local community. Sadly, Mayor Franklin attacked me personally rather than providing data to refute my information. I will refrain from doing the same, but I will offer more data from the State of California to clarify.

This week, I will provide data on the ten positions with the highest compensation, non-police, and non-fire in Manhattan Beach and compare them to those in Hermosa, Redondo, El Segundo, and Torrance. In some cases, there was no comparable position. For example, Manhattan Beach has a Human Resources Director and a Human Resources Manager. Most cities, except for El Segundo, only had a Director or a Manager, not both. The same holds for the Parks and Recreation and Finance positions; Manhattan Beach has a director, and some have managers. Additionally, Torrance is a much larger city; one would expect them to have higher salaries in most positions. However, Manhattan Beach was higher in 6 of the 10 positions.

The data below shows that Manhattan Beach was either the highest or second highest in 8 out of 10 positions. If you total all of these positions, Manhattan Beach paid approximately $700,000 more than Hermosa Beach and Redondo, $600,000 more than El Segundo, and $300,000 more than Torrance’s.

The Data is as follows:

  • City Manager – The highest was Torrance at $406,581, and the lowest was Hermosa Beach at $338,632. Manhattan Beach was second lowest at $352,580.
  • Public Works Director – The highest was Torrance at $317,041, and the lowest was Hermosa Beach at $259,190. Manhattan Beach was second highest at $316,119.
  • Finance Director/Manager/CFO – The highest was Hermosa Beach at $335,781, and the lowest was El Segundo at $141,944. Manhattan Beach was second highest at $303,605.
  • City Clerk – The highest was Manhattan Beach at $296,905, and the lowest was El Segundo at $52,833.
  • Park and Recreation Director/Manager – Manhattan Beach was highest at $276,057; the lowest was Redondo Beach at $112,051.
  • City Engineer – Manhattan Beach was the highest at $272,858; the lowest was Redondo Beach at $221,395.
  • Human Resources Director – The highest was Redondo Beach at $277,442 (they do not have a manager position), and the lowest was Hermosa Beach at $0 (they only have the manager position). Manhattan Beach was third highest at $261,551 (they also have a manager position).
  • Human Resources Manager – The highest was Manhattan Beach at $239,214; the lowest was Redondo Beach and Torrance, which do not have a Manager role.
  • Community Development Director – The highest is Torrance at $262,659, and the lowest is Hermosa Beach at $119,133. Manhattan Beach was the second highest at $227,799.
  • Building Official – Torrance was the highest at $262, 659 and Hermosa Beach was the lowest at $119,133. Manhattan Beach was second highest at $227,799.

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


This Weekend Is The First Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Event On October 11-12:

This weekend, October 11 and 12, 50 renowned North American chefs will attend the South Bay’s first Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival. A 40,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion in Manhattan Village will showcase South Bay to Mexican chefs’ cuisine. Each night will include 25 chefs. Creator Shelby Russell said they’re looking to build this into something meaningful for years to come. “This is an amazing chef lineup, something I haven’t seen in California in years.” Chef David LeFevre, founder of M.B. Post, Fishing with Dynamite, and The Arthur J in Manhattan Beach, visited a friend in 2002. He said he saw the beach and said, “I’m moving here.” He is excited about sharing a wonderful place that he loves, and with other chefs that he knows are coming in, “and then sharing it with people from all over, not only Los Angeles but all over the country.” The Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (C-Cap), a charity that “empowers underserved teenagers by providing education, mentorship and scholarships,” will benefit from the event.

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Manhattan Village
Click on link for entry fees and more information
www.ShopManhattanVillage.com/ManhattanBeachFoodWine


MB WEEKLY – NO REPLY:

MB Weekly has received many complaints from residents and business owners in the downtown area about a lack of police presence. MB Weekly wrote twice to each candidate for City Council, asking for their opinion on the problem. Of the six candidates, only one replied, Mayor Joe Franklin. All other candidates offered no reply.


MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Grace Adams
(Executive Director Roundhouse Aquarium)

Q: Do you believe in unconditional love?
A: YES, absolutely.

Q: Have you had a bad relationship in the past?
A: YES

Q: Have you ever broken up with someone over a text message?
A: NOPE

Q: Have you ever dated someone your family did not like?
A: NOPE

Q: Have you ever forgotten a partner’s birthday?
A: NEVER

Q: Would you ever tell a white lie to your partner?
A: MAYBE

Q: Do you believe in giving each other space in a relationship?
A: YES

Q: Do you believe in marriage?
A: YES! I have been married for 30 years!

Q: Are you a morning person?
A: SORT OF

www.RoundhouseAquarium.org


Joey Restaurants:
A Home-Cooked Thanksgiving Dinner
Minus All The Cooking

Turkey Dinner $210 – Serves 4 to 6 people

Including: Oven Roasted Turkey with Gravy | Caramelized Apple and Sage Stuffing | Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Butter Glazed Harvest Carrots and Yams | Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Fall Kale Salad | Dinner Buns | Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest | Fresh Baked Apple Pie with Ice Cream.


www.JoeyRestaurants.com/Thanksgiving


MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
63% Say Their Biggest Financial Regret Is Buying Real Estate

An exclusive MB Weekly reader poll revealed that 63% of respondents regret purchasing real estate, citing rising mortgage rates and unexpected maintenance costs as the explanation. “The prices in Manhattan Beach are outrageous,” said Meg T., a long-time Manhattan Beach resident. “You must be rich enough to own property in Manhattan Beach, and most people can’t afford that luxury.”

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


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Campaign signs galore in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Russ Lesser (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)

Joe Franklin is running for re-election to the Manhattan Beach City Council. I don’t think a more dedicated person has been on the council for many years. You see Joe all around town helping people, meeting with people, etc. He really cares about the residents of Manhattan Beach. We are voting for three city council positions this year, and it is clear that Joe should be one of them. He has done a great job.

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


Downtown Manhattan Beach Gets 58 New Parking Spots:

The closing of Lot 3 in Downtown Manhattan Beach affected parking, prompting the city to find more. To ease Downtown parking issues, 58 extra parking places will be introduced in the coming weeks. New parking slots include:

  • Valley Drive (17th and 18th Streets): 14 additional parking spots
  • Valley Drive (18th–20th Streets): 21 new parking spots
  • Manhattan Avenue (14th–15th Streets): 3 new parking spaces
  • Manhattan Avenue (11th Street to Manhattan Beach Boulevard): 4 new parking spots
  • Manhattan Avenue north of Manhattan Beach Boulevard: 3 new parking spots
  • Manhattan Avenue (10th–11th Streets): 1 new parking space
  • Parking Lot 1 (Bayview Drive at 10th Street): 4 new spots
  • Manhattan Beach Boulevard (east of Morningside Drive): 1 new parking spot
  • Parking Lot 7 (Valley Drive south of Manhattan Beach Boulevard): 7 new spots

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)

Did you know our pension debt is more than $80 Million, with the City paying $5.5 Million yearly for 22 more years? The City’s proposed sales tax increase will generate $5.3 Million yearly. Hmm? Coincidence? I think not. In addition to the over $80 Million in pension debt, the City has a ballooning unfunded pension obligation of over $28 Million. That’s a whopping $108 Million in pension debt and unfunded pension obligation! This is gross financial mismanagement. After 2017, the City’s unfunded pension obligation ballooned in a few short years from $38 Million to $80 Million. In response, the City issued $91 Million in Pension Obligation Bonds (POBs) in 2021 despite the recommendation from the Government Finance Officers Association that cities should never issue such risky financial instruments. Since the City issued these POBs, the City’s unfunded pension obligation has risen to over $28 Million. With the same size city and population, our staffing level of full-time employees has gone from 268 to 328 with escalating salaries resulting in many employees making over $200K, $300K, and even $400K. This is not sustainable or financially prudent. We need new Councilmembers who will make the hard choices regarding staffing and salaries.

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


MB WEEKLY – MEET:
Meet MIA (Manhattan Beach)
YES OR NO QUESTIONS

  • Have you smoked at least one cigar in the last year? NO
  • Have you smoked at least one cigarette in the last year? YES
  • Do you crack your knuckles? YES
  • Have you been to the chiropractor at least once in the last year? NO
  • Do you get migraine headaches? NO
  • Do you have any tattoos? NO
  • Have you ever dated a married man? NO
  • Do you ever sleep with socks on? NO
  • Do you chew gum? OCCASIONALLY BUT NOT OFTEN

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Audrey Ritterman (Manhattan Beach / 37-Year Resident)

Thank you, Paul Wafer, for bringing this fiscal issue to our city’s attention. If possible, we, the Manhattan residents, would like to request the city to give us a breakdown of salary, benefits, and pension for each employee so we can assess the details, including full-time and Part-time positions. The details will give us an accurate picture of what is happening with our city’s Employee compensation packages, which I realize pensions take a large chunk of. However, residents must think about our first responders, firefighters, and police, who put their lives on the line daily. They expose themselves to the long-term effects of smoke chemical exposure and traumatic long-term Physical injuries or dealing with unpredictable individuals who can cause severe bodily harm or death. So we must ask what price can we put on these psychological and physical tolls endured by these individuals who take on these volatile positions. How do you put a price on that for our public safety and well-being, especially during these times of irrational policies from the L.A. District Attorney? But for all the Management, administrators, accountants … and part-time employees, let’s see the real numbers in the city and the M.B. school district … including the benefit package and the dreaded pensions. Then, we can discuss whether we have inefficiencies in the four square miles we call home.

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


Bertha Mae’s Brownies:

www.BerthaMaesBrownies.com


Mayor Franklin Calls Out DA George Gascon:

In a bold and direct statement, Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin has placed the blame for the dwindling police presence in the city’s downtown squarely on the shoulders of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon. “The issue lies squarely at the feet of, you guessed it, George Gascon,” said Mayor Franklin. He pointed out that multiple offenders arrested by the Manhattan Beach Police Department are being released without prosecution due to Gascon’s controversial directives. This frustration prompted Franklin to vote for a “No Confidence” measure against Gascon in the city council and to back the recall effort against him. Mayor Franklin has also supported Nathan Hochman, Gascon’s opponent in the upcoming November 5th election, urging residents to vote for change. “Our police department is doing their part,” Franklin added, “but it’s impossible to maintain order when repeat offenders are continually set free.” He emphasized the need for proper prosecution or diversion programs, warning that public safety remains at risk unless action is taken. MB Weekly continues receiving many complaints from residents and business owners about the lack of police presence in the downtown area.

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


MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Joe Marcy (Candidate For City Council)

Being Proactive in the Community: We have to do better; we are Manhattan Beach! Across the board, we need to be more proactive and get more aggressive on our timelines. As a MB native, I’m passionate about our community and I’m ready to work to get things done. We need new leadership that will set a different tone, prioritizing efficiency. Let’s look at a few examples of where leadership has fallen short in the past: Downtown Lot 3 Parking Structure – Deficiencies were found in 2022. We didn’t take action until its closure in 2024. In 2019, pier railings were rusted, corroded and a liability to our beachgoers. It took City Council 4 years to approve and install. In 2015, council decided to address inconsistent wayfinding and signage. 9 years later, the project is incomplete and has actually been made worse. We have new signage installed, but only on limited intersections. Outdoor Dining was approved in 2020 due to the pandemic, but we should have considered the long-term plan much earlier. A task force wasn’t established until 2023 and due to the parking lot structure 3 closure, a solution is likely delayed further. In 2021, Bruce’s Beach made national headlines. Regardless of how you may have felt about it, people around the nation questioned who we are as a community. In my heart, I know we are a city of kind, philanthropic, and caring people – and our generosity has a global impact. We needed leadership to be prompt and aggressive with that messaging. While Council promised a public art installation, it is likely delayed to 2025 or later. Inconsistent handling of legacy events – The City of Manhattan Beach should be covering all security and third-party security fees for our legacy events. It’s for the safety of our community and we do not cut corners when it comes to protecting our loved ones. If I get the opportunity to serve on City Council, I promise that I will: Always push for more aggressive timelines / Review currently delayed projects / Be more proactive in tackling some of our toughest issues / Get AHEAD of potential future problems.

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


MBW CRIME

One year after Manhattan Beach Police Officer Chad Swanson was killed in the line of duty in a multi-vehicle traffic crash on October 4, 2023, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigation prompted the Los Angeles District Attorney to charge a suspect with vehicular manslaughter for his involvement in the fatal crash. Raymond Eugene Sanders of Compton is charged with one count of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, a misdemeanor. If convicted as charged, he faces up to one year in county jail. On October 4, at approximately 5:19 a.m., Officer Swanson was fatally injured in a multi-vehicle crash on the northbound 405 Freeway in Carson, after being thrown from his department motorcycle. Sanders is accused of improperly securing boxes of lighting fixtures to his truck, causing several to fall onto the roadway. Investigators determined improper securement as a key factor in the crash.


Weekly Crime Summary
September 26 to October 2, 2024

  • 807 CALLS FOR SERVICE
  • 16 ARRESTS
  • 13 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
  • 46 CRIME REPORTS TAKEN

Halloween Trunk or Treat
Police Department Parking Lot off of Valley Drive
Thursday, October 24, 2024 – 5 to 8 p.m.


** On 09/27/24, at approximately 12:34 a.m., officers responded to the 1500 block of 9th Street regarding three subjects (dark clothing, hoodies, masks, gloves, and one carrying a backpack) that were seen on video surveillance attempting a residential burglary. Officers responded to the area and quickly established a perimeter after one officer observed a subject walking eastbound in the 1600 block of 9th Street and another officer observed a subject running southbound between the houses in the 1600 block of 10th Street. Officers contacted the owner of the residence in question and confirmed a crime had occurred. Neighboring agencies responded to assist. Patrol K9’s and a drone was utilized in an attempt to locate the suspects. No suspects were located. This is an ongoing investigation.

** On 10/01/24, at approximately 3:30 a.m., an officer observed a bicyclist come out of the residential neighborhood near Redondo Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The officer attempted to stop the subject for committing vehicle code violations, however the subject fled on the bicycle near Manhattan Heights and a containment was established. The subject fled into a residential yard in the 1600 block of 11th Street. Officer arrested the subject and they were transported to the MBPD jail.

** Between 09/27/24 and 09/28/24, a commercial burglary occurred in the 500 block of N. Sepulveda Boulevard. The business owner returned and discovered skincare products were missing from inside the store, and stated the store was secured the night before. The lockbox on the front door containing the business’ keys was missing. No signs of forced entry and no surveillance cameras. This is an ongoing investigation.


MBW QUIZ
How Well Do You Know Manhattan Beach?

Q1: How many acres of major park land in Manhattan Beach?
A. 48 acres \  B. 155 acres \  C. 298 acres

Q2: How many miles of paved streets?
A. 256 miles \  B. 120 miles \  C. 688 miles

Q3: How many miles of storm drains does Manhattan Beach have?
A. 200 miles \  B. 55 miles \  C. 18 miles

ANSWERS:
Q1: Parks: There are 48 acres of major park land in Manhattan Beach, in addition to the 21 acre Manhattan Beach Parkway.
Q2: Paved Streets: There are 120 miles of paved streets.
Q3: Plumbing: The City has 18 miles of storm drains and 110 miles of sewers.


Bulletin Board

1. ** Students across our nation are being cheated from attaining a quality education by misguided bureaucrats, corrupt teachers unions, and anti-American activists infiltrating our schools. While political leaders promote “gender fluid” restrooms and abandon academic standards, our communities continue to fall apart. —- Howie S., Manhattan Beach

2. ** I was visiting a friend at Franklin and Wilshire in the People’s Republic of Santa Monica. I walked four short blocks to Ralph’s on Bundy, got a bag of chips, and returned to my friend’s place. In that short walk, I bumped into 11 drifters, 4 of which were quite aggressive – yelling, threatening, running toward people, etc.; one was stabbing a wall nonstop with what looked like a screwdriver right outside CVS. Welcome to Santa Monica! —- Bob T., Manhattan Beach

3. ** For women, aging is like a horror film. —- Melanie M., Manhattan Beach

4. ** Kamala Harris is the standard-bearer for our current Washington elites. They are betting on her to “keep the game going!” —- Haley W., Manhattan Beach

5. ** I love In and Out Burger and went to the one in El Segundo. Unfortunately, it was filthy inside, and I had to chase down the manager to get someone to clean the tables. Very disappointing. —- Holly W., El Segundo

6. ** Six people granted clemency by Trump as president have been accused of another crime. —- Dave K., Manhattan Beach

7. ** How come the Manhattan Beach City Council votes five to zero on everything? Doesn’t anyone ever disagree with anything? I sense that they are not a bunch of free thinkers. —- Patty L., Manhattan Beach

8. ** El Segundo Dollar Tree debuted on Thursday, but I didn’t notice any vegetables like at Ninety-Nine Cents Only today. It appears most items cost $1.25. —- Rebecca S., Manhattan Beach

9. ** MB Weekly is looking to spotlight a florist in the South Bay. Any recommendations? —- Send to MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

10. ** Award-winning dog walker in the South Bay. Winner “Best of Los Angeles Award 2023.” Experienced personal care – walking your dog and pet sitting. —- Call Silvia at 310-714-9877

11. ** The best way to end a regional war is to win it. —- Jake L., Manhattan Beach

12. ** My mother-in-law will be in L.A. for three months and is looking for a place to rent and use as an art studio. Please see below and contact her if you are interested or know someone who is! Thanks. I am a mature, responsible artist looking for a workspace for January, February, and March. If you have a garage or A.D.U. that is not being used, I would pay up to $2,000/month rent. The space should be at least 200 sq. ft, have some light, and have access to a sink or an outdoor spigot. My contact information is Ellen, 413 237-2666 for text, ellengrobman@gmail —- ellengrobman.com

13. ** Is diversity our greatest strength? Ask Western Europeans, who, over the last decade, have endured a tidal wave of immigration from the Muslim Middle East and Africa. —- John B., Manhattan Beach

14. ** MB Weekly is interested in featuring a car wash in the South Bay area please send any suggestions directly to —- MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

15. ** Book your holiday event before Oct 1, 2024, to lock in your preferred dates and enjoy a complimentary treat for each guest. Our dedicated event teams are here to cater to your every need and make this holiday season memorable! —- Joey Restaurant, Manhattan Beach

16. ** I love Sloopy’s Beach Café in El Porto. —- Jess H., Manhattan Beach

17. ** These tiny lads on e-bikes harassing others in a group is becoming a concern. It resembles 1950s motorcycle gangs! The other day, one of these small shithead groups encircled my husband’s car at an Artesia stoplight and yelled F you and other expletives. Where are the police? —- Jeremy S., Manhattan Beach

18. ** Coyote Sighting: It has been reported that throughout Manhattan Beach, coyotes have been seen during the day and night. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife notes that pet food and open garbage left outside can attract coyotes. If you see a coyote, please report it immediately to the MBPD Animal Control at 310-802-5159. —- Editor’s Note

19. ** Doctors will no longer ask “Who Is The President?” to test for concussions since honestly, nobody is really sure right now. —- Emma H., Manhattan Beach

20. ** I certainly don’t always agree with Mark Burton. Still, I believe the city of Manhattan Beach owes him an outstanding debt of gratitude for consistently raising inconvenient truths to our council. —- Abraham C., Manhattan Beach

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