MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
FASHION FORWARD?
66% SHELL OUT BIG ON ANNUAL WARDROBE SPENDING
A recent MB Weekly reader poll revealed that 66% of respondents spend between $1,000 and $2,500 annually on clothing. The survey highlights that style-conscious residents invest heavily in their wardrobes, reflecting a keen sense of fashion and a commitment to looking their best. With fashion being such a key element in Manhattan Beach’s coastal vibe, these numbers indicate the importance locals place on keeping their looks fresh and on point all year round.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Andy Abreu (Manhattan Beach Police Sergeant)
Here is an explanation of the three days, 12.5 hour work week. Many law enforcement agencies, including ours, adopted an alternative work schedule to enhance the city of Manhattan Beach’s efficiency and support our officers. For example, our patrol officers typically work three days, 12.5-hour shifts weekly, and one additional 10-hour shift every 28 days. This schedule allows us to maintain effective patrol coverage with fewer officers while ensuring our team can achieve a better work-life balance. These alternative schedules help us meet the community’s needs and make it easier for officers to spend more quality time with their families and focus on their well-being. They still total 160 hours in four weeks, equivalent to the traditional 40-hour workweek.
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
“This is Moxie, my 5 year old dog. She is a Bolognese (yes like the sauce). She is Italian, like me.” —- Lucia La Rosa
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Ed Kaminsky
(Kaminsky Real Estate Group)
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: Cleveland, Ohio
Q: WHEN AND WHY DID YOU FIRST ARRIVE IN THE SOUTH BAY?
A: 1980
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS POST-COVID IN THE SOUTH BAY?
A: The most challenging aspect for me is always the decision on how to continue to grow as a company and increase quality of service at the same time, it’s a challenge I absolutely love, it requires continuing to think differently and beyond what most people think about and then pouring into others including clients and delivering more then they expect and staff to teach those skills.
Q: WHAT IS THE SECRET SAUCE FOR YOUR SUCCESS?
A: Never being satisfied completely in all areas of my business, I continue to look for ways to improve what we did yesterday – today. How do we market better, how do we communicate better, how do we teach and coach better? Understanding we have not reached perfection and keeping your ego in check that you can be better allows us to improve each and every year.
Q: WHAT BOOK MOST IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
A: Early on it was Think and Grow Rich, it taught me no matter what I want to achieve and has nothing to do with just money, that it requires thinking and believing and that is the catalyst to everything. It is what moves people forward and it also moves people backwards if their thinking and beliefs are off. Today was the recent reading of Unreasonable Hospitality which is exactly what I think about every day.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Always loved the first Top Gun – but never get tired of the entire Godfather series.
www.ITZSold.com
Nando Trattoria:
These bay scallops are as fresh as they come, paired with Artemide rice, bell pepper sauce and Kaluga caviar.
www.NandoTrattoria.com
Pink Gavel, Big Job – Howorth Takes Helm In Manhattan Beach:
Calling a recess during the City Council regular meeting on October 15, incoming Mayor Amy Howorth banged her pink gavel. At the Tuesday night meeting, Howorth wore pink, her signature color, while other members of the council wore pink boutonnieres in her honor. This is Howorth’s third stint as Manhattan Beach mayor. “I truly appreciate the vote of confidence from my colleagues … you know, somebody says it’s a thankless job and I’ve never felt that way.”
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
As the current Treasurer for the Republican Central Committee for the 66th District, it is not surprising that Russ Lesser is supporting a fellow Republican. Yes, Joe Franklin cares about the residents of our community. Joe shows up! Joe is everywhere, every time! I can’t think of a former Councilmember who did so as much as Joe. However, I hope to see more leadership from Joe in listening to our residents and fighting for what they want. Here are some of Joe’s actions on Council during his first term that should be of concern: Joe voted to support a 2nd L.A. County Library in Polliwog Park; Joe voted to support moving forward with exploring a regional Aquatics Center in Polliwog Park, and, most troubling, Joe voted in favor of the City issuing $91 Million in pension obligation bonds resulting in our per capita debt rising from $500 to almost $3,000 and, disturbing, resulting in our City having to pay $5.5 [million] in debt service for 22 years. Also, we have the highest number of full-time employees in our City’s history, making the highest salaries in our City’s history. Hopefully, in his second term, Joe Franklin will demonstrate leadership skills and make the tough choices regarding staffing and wages.
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The seats in the booths at Chili’s in the Manhattan Village. Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Steve Charelian (Manhattan Beach)
In 2019-2020, the City faced an Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) of about $89 million, mainly due to obligations for current, separated, and retired employees. This liability occurs when CalPERS does not achieve its annual return target of 6.8%. Concerned about the escalating UAL, which was expected to increase payments by up to $1.0 million annually under a non-fixed payment schedule from CalPERS, City Finance Staff working through the City Manager and City Council in 2020 to explore ways to manage rising pension payments through Pension Obligation Bonds (POBs). The City Finance Staff worked with its Municipal Advisors to develop a strategy to reaffirm its AAA rating from S&P in 2021. This effort led to the issuance of approximately $89 million in POBs, secured at a low interest rate of 2.72%, with fixed annual debt payments of $5.5 million. By issuing POBs, the City was able to move away from a ramped-up payment schedule, shorten its amortization period, resulting in projected taxpayer savings of about $39 million. Without the action of issuing POBs in 2020, payments to CalPERS would have reached over $9.0 million annually by 2028, rather than the current fixed $5.5 million, and UAL payments would have continued to escalate in the following years. To further proactively address future UAL, the City implemented a Pension Policy that allocates 60% of the annual savings from the $39 million toward future UAL and 40% toward capital improvements for City infrastructure. Since the bonds were issued in 2021, the City has accrued additional UAL due to CalPERS not meeting the 6.8% investment return target. This is why the City established a Pension Policy to allocate 60% of the annual savings from the POBs to future UAL. The City provided about nine opportunities over a year period for the public to learn and provide public comment about POBs through public meetings, along with a dedicated webpage on the City’s website for comprehensive information.
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MB WEEKLY – MEET:
Meet Carla G., Manhattan Beach
YES OR NO QUESTIONS
- Do you like sharing food? –NO
- Do you tell your pets everything? –NO
- Do you talk in your sleep? –NO
- Would you ever want to be famous? –YES
- Do you know how to swim? –YES
- Are you afraid of spiders? –YES
- Have you ever stayed up all night long? –YES
- Do you know how to play poker? –NO
- Have you ever been on TV? –NO
- Do you floss daily? –YES
Tin Roof Bistro:
“There’s no greater luxury than a good pasta dish.”
– Marcella Hazan
“Savor the richness of our Lamb Bolognese with Pappardelle! Homemade pasta, sautéed spinach, and a 12-hour sauce, this dish is comfort food at its finest.”
What wine would you pair this with?
www.TinRoofBistro.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach)
Mr. Franklin provided the same old arguments of other politicians. Surely he can’t be suggesting that Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Torrance don’t all have the same hiring issues. Why are our average salaries per employee 10-17% higher than theirs? Hiring the best takes more than money, it takes a good work culture, good work processes, work flows, technology, innovation and management. Money and more people is not always the answer. I am for more police presence and local fire, partly to get the overtime reduced. It is not safe for people in these public safety jobs to be working such long hours. I hope the council picks a new city manager with a track record of a good culture, efficiency, and innovation.
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Chef David Slay And The Butterfly Strong Foundation Raise $54,000:
“I am incredibly grateful for the magic we created together at the launch of The Butterfly Strong Foundation. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $54,000! Your contributions mean everything to those still fighting this disease. A heartfelt thanks to Chef David, Gale, and the Slay family for their love and support. @fetebyslay. This Foundation was born from my journey with breast cancer, fueled by the hope I discovered along the way. Together, we are creating ripples of change that can become a tidal wave of impact in the breast cancer movement. I am excited to announce that our ‘Honor a Butterfly’ donation program is now live on our website! This initiative will honor loved ones affected by breast cancer and empower our mission to assist those in need. We are just getting started. With your continued involvement, we can bring more light and hope to the world. With gratitude for every breath, Malibu Dana” – https://malibudana.me/collections/butterfly-strong
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Robert H. (Manhattan Beach)
The entire City of Manhattan Beach owes significant gratitude to Paul Wafer (photo above) for his extraordinary work exposing the obscene salary levels awarded to city employees. Wafer has shed light on a deeply concerning issue previously hidden from public view through his tenacious efforts. His findings raise serious questions about the city’s financial priorities and accountability to its taxpayers. Now that the city has been caught red-handed, it will be fascinating to see how they respond. Will they implement meaningful reforms or attempt to sweep the issue under the rug? Thanks to Wafer, the community is now watching closely. P.S. All of the candidates for City Council have been embarrassingly silent!
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Vote Joe Franklin:
Visit www.VoteJoeFranklin.com to see all his
Positions and Accomplishments on Important Issues in our City like
Public Safety – Homelessness – City Finances – E-Bike Safety and more!
“Joe is a believer in Manhattan Beach, as we all are,
and as anyone in our position should be.
But Joe, for sure, wears it on his sleeve,
and his effusiveness is contagious to those around him.
He’s a great ambassador for Manhattan Beach.”
—- Steve Napolitano
To See More Endorsements For Joe Franklin Visit:
https://www.votejoefranklin.com/endorsements
[Advertorial]
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Fun at night in Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
ISRAEL vs. EVIL 2023:
A New Critically Acclaimed Book
www.Amazon.com
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
October 10 to October 16, 2024
- 775 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 15 ARRESTS
- 22 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 47 CRIME REPORTS TAKEN
Notable Events:
** On 10/11/24 at approximately 3:00 p.m., an officer was conducting a proactive foot patrol on the Manhattan Village property when they were told by a citizen of a theft that just occurred from the Van’s store and the witness pointed towards the suspect walking away with a stolen skateboard. The officer attempted to detain the suspect to further investigate the theft and the suspect fled from the officer and arriving officers. Officers were able to detain the suspect and recover the stolen skateboard.
** On 10/11/24 at approximately 8:45 p.m., a residential burglary occurred in the 1600 block of 21st Street. The suspect(s) removed a screen from an upstairs window, entered through a possibly unlocked window, and stole miscellaneous jewelry and handbags.
** On 10/14/24 at approximately 2:57 p.m., officers were dispatched to a vehicle burglary in the 800 block of Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Officers arrived on scene and through their investigation, they determined a theft from a vehicle and an assault with a deadly weapon occurred. As the suspect vehicle was fleeing from the scene one of the suspects used one of the passenger doors to hit a person trying to intervene in the suspects getting away. The suspect vehicle fled east on Manhattan Beach Boulevard from John Street.
** On 10/15/24 at approximately 9:35 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1100 block of Magnolia Avenue after the homeowners arrived home and found the rear slider door was shattered. Officers arrived and determined that a residential burglary had occurred and found that the upstairs master bedroom had been ransacked. The loss included cash, jewelry, and purses.
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How Well Do You Know Manhattan Beach?
Q1: Average winter temperature in Manhattan Beach?
A. 32º F \ B. 66º F \ C. 55º F
Q2: What is the population of Manhattan Beach?
A. 42,356 \ B. 34,668 \ C. 100,626
Q3: How many households are in Manhattan Beach?
A. 13,313 \ B. 15,673 \ C. 128,487
ANSWERS:
Q1: Temperature: Average temperature is 55º F in winter.
Q2: Population: 34,668 (2020 US Census Bureau estimate from 2020 base of 35,610).
Q3: Households: The City has 13,313 households.
1. ** I love Sloopy’s Beach Café. —- Omar T., Manhattan Beach
2. ** If you already have a nice chunk of home equity, getting into Manhattan Beach is more accessible than for a first-time buyer. First-time buyers would do best to start in a less expensive area to build equity and then move up. —- Terry W., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Job Opening: Part-Time Salesperson for MB Weekly: Join the largest digital publication in the South Bay – MB Weekly! We’re seeking a motivated salesperson for a part-time, commission-based role with flexible hours and remote work. If you have excellent written communication skills and a passion for media, this is your chance to grow with us. Represent a well-established platform that reaches thousands and thousands every week! Interested? Contact us at MBWeekly@TimeWire.net. —- Learn more at www.MBWeekly.net
4. ** Does anyone else see Mira Costa’s test results falling below Redondo Union’s? Redondo scored 79.5% in English, while Mira Costa scored 67.5%. Mira Costa got 58.5% in arithmetic, somewhat better than Redondo’s 54.9%. I always assumed Mira Costa was the best South Bay school, but these stats disagree. —- Logan D., Manhattan Beach
5. ** I’m looking for a roommate to share three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two car garages. Rent is $1443.50, and gas, electricity, and Wi-Fi are about $100 each. Property management requires a credit check and security deposit of $1443.50. Don’t miss out! Available to view Saturday from 12-3 or Sunday afternoon. Cross streets of Artesia and Aviation. —- For rental information: RBapartments2005@gmail.com
6. ** I was at Islands last night and had two burgers, two big beers for $68 pre-tip – crazy! I won’t be back! —- Darren C., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Shake Shack and El Segundo have perhaps the most unfriendly, unhappy-looking staff of any fast-food restaurant I’ve ever visited, including McDonald’s and Taco Bell. My kids call it the S—t Shack. —- Gloria M., Manhattan Beach
8. ** Last summer, I walked down the beach at 7 am Sunday with my swimming group for a Pier swim. There was Joe, all alone, collecting trash. —- Adam G., Manhattan Beach
9. ** As an adult, there’s nothing stopping you from buying and enjoying a birthday cake when it’s not your birthday. —- Lucy Z., Manhattan Beach
10. ** I love MB Weekly. —- Joyce A., Manhattan Beach
11. ** Join us on Saturday, October 26th, for Halloween fun, food, crafts, costumes, and a few scares in our Haunted House! Where: Manhattan Beach Community Church, 303 S Peck Ave. Time: From 6 to 9 pm. The mellow hour for little ones starts at 5 pm. The event is FREE and for ALL AGES! —- Wendy F., Manhattan Beach
12. ** One bedroom, one bath plus office, and kitchenette are for rent adjacent to Redondo Union High School, which is $2,000 plus a security deposit (utilities included). Unit is the lower level of a single-family home locked off with a private entrance. No pets, street parking. Walking distance to the beach, King Harbor, and shopping. —- brendan.mcarthur@jll.com
13. ** Everyone paying attention knows that more people are coming across the US border from foreign countries than ever in American history. Over 10 million illegal immigrants have invaded our country since the start of the Biden-Harris administration. This border crisis increases violent crime, undercuts Americans’ wages, and pumps drugs like fentanyl into our towns and cities – killing our children and devastating communities. If it continues, that’s the end of the United States, the country you grew up in. Forever. Irreparable. —- Dr. Harris B., Manhattan Beach
14. ** I see our Councilmember David Lesser supporting yet another tax increase. —- Raj A., Manhattan Beach
15. ** Sharif El-Mekki envisions a world where ‘same-race teachers teach all black students.’ He is backed by the Gates Foundation, NBC Universal, Nike, and the Bezos Family Foundation —- Helen G., Manhattan Beach
16. ** Watch your little pets. A coyote was seen westbound on 121st St. near Felton Ave. on 10/15 am. I found cat bits on my grass today (10/16). Tail and apparent hind leg. —- Arthur L., El Segundo
17. ** WTF is wrong? People walk their dogs while on their phones looking down. If they have earplugs, they can’t hear other people trying to communicate with them. If you try to tell them to stop while you go in another direction, they just keep walking toward you. —- Oliver D., El Segundo
18. ** My Oura ring sucks. —- Tony P., Manhattan Beach
19. ** Watching women politicians gleefully give up the rights of women and girls has been one of the most shocking and depressing elements of the disaster, that is, gender ideology. We were proud of the strong women who ran for office, regardless of party affiliation. Their betrayal now is an absolute affront. —- Name withheld by request, Manhattan Beach
20. ** BRAVO! Paul Wafer for President. Let’s get a panel of MB citizens together and get this circus turned around. There is too much fat in our city’s workforce and compensation. This is a classic example of the fox guarding the hen house. —- Tom A. Manhattan Beach
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