MAYOR HOWORTH SNUBS MB WEEKLY; BREAKS TRADITION OF “ASK THE MAYOR” COLUMN:
In a surprising break from precedent, Mayor Amy Howorth has declined to participate in MB Weekly’s longstanding “Ask the Mayor” column, a tradition upheld by her three (3) immediate predecessors: Steve Napolitano, Richard Montgomery, and Joe Franklin. The popular column has provided Manhattan Beach residents a direct line to their elected leaders, fostering transparency and dialogue on critical local issues. MB Weekly editors expressed disappointment over the Mayor’s lack of engagement. “We are disappointed that the Mayor not only chose not to participate but has also opted not to respond to our requests,” they stated. “As the largest digital publication in the South Bay, we hoped she would see this, as the other mayors did, as an opportunity to connect with the public and offer transparency.” MB Weekly, known for its broad reach and community-focused content, has vowed to keep the offer open, inviting Mayor Howorth to reconsider her decision. The move has sparked conversation among residents who valued the column as a unique opportunity to hear directly from their elected leader on pressing community issues. “I am quite disappointed in the Mayor’s decision,” said a former mayor of Manhattan Beach who asked not to be named.
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MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Spin Cycle Supreme – Only 2% of MB Weekly Readers Go Old-School with Hand-Washing
In a surprising revelation from the latest MB Weekly reader poll, just 2% of readers say they wash all their clothes by hand, embracing a method that feels almost vintage in today’s appliance-heavy households. The remaining 98% rely on washing machines, which have become indispensable across the U.S. for their speed and convenience. Those who still hand-wash often cite reasons like garment preservation, water conservation, or personal preference, but they’re a minority. For most, the automatic spin cycle has transformed laundry from a chore to a background task, keeping hand-washing a specialty rather than a standard.
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
A demolished Parking Lot 3.
Nando Trattoria:
“Embrace the flavors of fall with our perfectly cooked, tender New York steak. Juicy & seasoned to perfection, it’s the ideal dish to warm up on a cool November day. Join us for a cozy meal that celebrates the season.”
www.NandoTrattoria.com
New DA Vows To Dismantle Gascón’s “Failed Social Experiment” In L.A. County:
In a decisive victory, newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is set to roll back the controversial progressive policies of his predecessor, George Gascón. Hochman, a seasoned federal prosecutor, promises a shift toward a “hard middle” approach, emphasizing fairness and public safety. Hochman’s first actions in office will include overturning Gascón’s sweeping directives, such as prohibiting juvenile offenders from being tried as adults, eliminating sentencing enhancements, and rejecting the use of cash bail for nonviolent felonies. While Hochman respects some of Gascón’s reform intentions, he believes they were applied too broadly, compromising justice and community safety. The election results reflect a broader national trend against extreme progressive policies in criminal justice, even in typically liberal regions. Despite Kamala Harris’s commanding lead in the county’s presidential vote, Hochman’s win underscores a clear mandate for change and a demand for a balanced, pragmatic approach to law enforcement.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Lawrence of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine.
New Outdoor Gym Brings National Fitness Court To Manhattan Beach’s Polliwog Park:
This week, Manhattan Beach unveiled its revamped National Fitness Court at Polliwog Park, marking a significant upgrade to the city’s beloved outdoor gym. The renovation project, which kicked off in July and was completed by September, features a state-of-the-art seven-station system that offers a full-body workout in just seven minutes. Funded partly by a $30,000 grant from the National Fitness Campaign, the new court promotes exercise without weights or machines, relying instead on body-weight training. The National Fitness Campaign, founded in 1979, aims to promote outdoor fitness by partnering with local communities. The upgraded facility replaces the original fitness station installed in 2008, offering a modern, inclusive space for residents of all ages and fitness levels to get active.
ASK MR. MB WEEKLY
Direct Answers To YOUR Questions
DEAR MR. MB WEEKLY: SINCE YOU BEGAN, WHAT STORY HAS GOTTEN THE MOST RESPONSE FROM READERS?
A: In the last two and a half years, many stories have captured the attention of our readers, but one series stands out for generating the most response by far. It was our in-depth investigation by Paul Wafer into the exorbitant salaries paid to Manhattan Beach government employees – a topic that struck a nerve across the community. Countless readers expressed gratitude for shedding light on what they perceived as a blatant misuse of taxpayer money. The response was overwhelming, with letters and emails pouring in from every corner of the city, including from four former mayors of Manhattan Beach. Each confessed that even they were shocked by the numbers in the articles. What made this story resonate was the sense of utter surprise it sparked among residents who believed in the efficient, responsible use of public funds. It wasn’t just the eye-popping figures that drew attention but also the revelation of a culture of excessive spending hidden in plain sight. Our readers proved that the community will rally behind the truth, demanding better from their elected officials when it comes to transparency and accountability. This series served as a potent reminder that local publications still hold the power to expose, inform, and inspire change.
Send your questions to Ask Mr. MB Weekly at: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
The new general manager at the Strand House.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Jeff Colen (Hermosa Beach)
Hatred has no place in our community. This morning, we found this sticker on the stop sign at the corner of Gould and Valley. I am deeply disturbed; as someone who is Jewish (and anyone else who shares that faith), public displays like this one reminds me of 1930s Germany. To the individual(s) who decided to post their ignorance illegally, take the time to study history before mindlessly airing your hatred.
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MB WEEKLY – MEET:
Meet Arianna
Arianna has been working (freelance) in Manhattan Beach since 2020. Feel free to send in your photos to MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Bertha Mae’s Brownies:
www.BerthaMaesBrownies.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Kerry Rizzo
Warning: Disgusting Incident at the car wash. Be Vigilant. I want to warn everyone about a disturbing experience I had recently. While vacuuming my car at the Shell station on Aviation and Artesia, I turned around and noticed a man watching me. And to my horror, he had his shorts down and was exposing himself in a very inappropriate way. He was driving a gray Kia, and I got his license plate number. 9HBJ139 The manager at the Shell station was accommodating. She reviewed the footage to capture the exact moment and pulled the license plate number to help identify this individual. If you know this person or have seen anything similar, please contact the Redondo Police Department. Let’s keep our community safe and make sure this kind of behavior is reported. Stay vigilant, everyone.
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** Kingston Trio leader Mike Marvin having lunch at JOEY in Manhattan Village.
** Community activist Larry Zimbalist at Joey in Manhattan Beach.
** City councilman Joe Franklin having lunch at Fishing With Dynamite.
** City Councilman David Lesser having lunch at Joey in Manhattan Beach.
JOIN THE MANHATTAN BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
The voice for business in Manhattan Beach.
www.ManhattanBeachChamber.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Wayne Powell (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
Congratulations to Councilmember Joe Franklin on his re-election and to Nina Tarnay and Steve Charelian on their Manhattan Beach City Council election! I know all three will serve our community well. We will have an outstanding City Council in the future, along with Mayor Amy Howorth and Mayor Pro Tem David Lesser. Thank you to Karen Komatinsky, Joe Marcy, and Brenda O’Leary for their willingness to run for City Council. I wish that Steve Napolitano had been elected as Superior Court Judge, and I thank him for his many years of exemplary service to our community. I hope we’ll see Steve serving our community in the future.
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IT IS TIME TO SPEAK UP!
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Pamela H (Manhattan Beach)
I’ve had enough of the grotesque rudeness of DoorDash drivers, and I’m not alone – at least six of my friends, all restaurant owners, share the same horror stories. These drivers, who should be professional couriers, have the manners of anthropoid apes. Restaurant staff are treated with absolute disdain. Imagine working hard to prepare food, only for a driver to shove their phone in your face without so much as a word. It’s as if they’ve forgotten that basic human decency even exists. It’s an epidemic of rude behavior that goes unchecked, leaving restaurant owners infuriated and contemplating leaving the platform. These drivers walk in, their faces glued to their phones, too self-absorbed to offer a simple “hello” or “thank you.” Instead, it’s a phone in the face, then out the door with an attitude of entitlement. DoorDash must take responsibility and set higher standards, or they’ll lose many restaurant partners because their staff is disrespected. Enough is enough.
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Discover The Perfect Family Meal At Rock’N Fish! Including FREE delivery!
Looking for a delicious and hassle-free dining option? Look no further than Rock’N Fish! This beloved gem unveiled their new ‘Sail Away’ family style take-out menu that includes free delivery or pick-up! It makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Only $55 for two or $75 for four, you can indulge in mouthwatering favorites like their Catch of the Day, Hickory Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Teriyaki Chicken, succulent Filet Skewers, flavorful Seafood Jambalaya and more. Each meal is curated to include warm sourdough bread or oak-grilled artichokes paired with a choice of salad and sides. Ordering is simple! Place your order online via TOAST and select the time you’d like your meal to be ready. Choose free delivery or simply pull up behind the restaurant for quick and easy pickup! Transform your weeknights with a delicious meal from Rock’N Fish. For the full menu and to place your order, visit (mb.rocknfish.com/menu/takeaway.shtml) today! You can call for more details and pre-order over the phone at: (310) 379-9900
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
November 7 to November 13, 2024
- 730 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 17 ARRESTS
- 12 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 43 CRIME REPORTS TAKEN
Notable Events:
** On 11/9/24 at approximately 9:50 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of 19th Street regarding a residential burglary report. The victim stated they had left their home at noon and returned several hours later to find the shattered rear glass door. Officers investigated and determined that a burglary had occurred. The primary bedroom was ransacked and approximately $100,000 worth of jewelry and handbags were taken. Surveillance footage captured three suspects approaching the home and leaving between 7:43 pm and 7:57 pm hours.
** On 11/10/24 at approximately 8:11 p.m., officers responded to a residence on Village Circle regarding a residential burglary report. The victim stated they secured their home prior to leaving on 11/8/24 and returned to find the rear glass door was shattered and several rooms inside the home ransacked. Coins and personal property were stolen.
** On 11/11/24 at approximately 9:17 a.m., officers responded to a residential burglary report in the 1900 block of John Street. The victim informed the officers that the residence, which is currently for sale, was left locked and secured on November 9, 2024. Upon returning home at 8:00 p.m., they discovered the rear glass door had been shattered. At this time, no loss has been reported.
Sloopy’s Beach Cafe:
This Week’s Special on Tuesday
50% off any Chicken Sandwich with French Fries all day
Take out or Dine in Only. Not on the Apps.
Mention MB Weekly to get your discount
www.SloopysBeachCafe.com
Watch this special video:
https://youtu.be/9R6Y2JFd5wQ
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Suzanne C. ( Manhattan Beach)
Having known nothing about the salaries of Manhattan Beach city workers, I must offer extraordinary praise to MB Weekly for shedding light on this vital issue. Their commitment to transparent reporting has exposed the unpleasant reality of these outrageous wages. Bravo to Paul Wafer for his meticulous work in uncovering the facts. Shame on the City Council and candidates for sidestepping the topic. MB Weekly, your journalism is a beacon of accountability in our complacent community.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
The Hook & Plow:
It’s Burger Thursday!
This Week’s Special:
French Smashburger
bordelaise sauce, American cheese,
carmelized onions, roasted garlic aioli
$10 all day! Get your first beer for $1!
www.theHookandPlow.com
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
ARE YOU SLEEP-DEPRIVED?
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)
1. ** Kamala Harris was a weak, replacement-level candidate. Trump’s win is mostly Biden’s fault (and the idiot cowards in his party), not hers. Still, she was a sub-mediocre candidate in a year when Democrats needed a strong one. I am a sad Democrat! —- Harris R., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Spirit airline window panes hit by gunfire. After Spirit filed bankruptcy, the police expanded the investigation to include shareholders. —- Dick R., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Funny thing about getting older, your eyesight starts getting weaker, but your ability to see through people’s bullshit gets much better. —- Greer H., Manhattan Beach
4. ** I hate Resy! —- Toni F., Manhattan Beach
5. ** Enough – DEI, Pronouns, Woke Agenda, Men in Women’s Sports, Open Boders! —- Leslie C., Manhattan Beach
6. ** I went to dinner tonight at a small beach cafe in Manhattan Beach. I wanted to eat dinner and read, but unfortunately, a large group of screaming kids and their parents made my evening almost unbearable! I don’t understand parents who think nothing of others and allow their brats to torture others. —- Alexandra C., Manhattan Beach
7. ** A man from Redondo Beach was arrested on Friday, Nov. 15, concerning a suspicious package left at the Torrance Courthouse this week. The 56-year-old man was arrested on the 2200 block of Belmont Lane on suspicion of using a destructive device, which was found at the courthouse on Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said. —- Editor’s Note
8. ** HBPD teen detained after e-bike chase. I listened to this teen boy cry after he ran from the police for multiple blocks, ending with him crashing at 200 blocks of beach. Tell your teens to teach them to follow traffic laws or pay the price. —- Holly T., Hermosa Beach
9. ** You missed the boat on bagels. Noah’s is a chain, and Manhattan Bread is a locally owned treasure that makes the best bagels in South Bay and most of Los Angeles. Courage in Silver Lake wins top honors for L.A.’s best bagels. —- Jefferson G., Manhattan Beach
10. ** I love MB Weekly! I wait for it in my inbox every Thursday. —- Tabatha H., Manhattan Beach
11. ** Wanted: A florist in the South Bay. MB Weekly is looking to feature a florist in the South Bay. Any recommendations? —- Write to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
12. ** Police are investigating at least three robberies of taco stands and a food truck in the South Bay area of Los Angeles that occurred late Friday night, Nov. 15, authorities said. The first crime occurred at 11:42 p.m. at Torrance Boulevard and Denker Avenue, near the city of Torrance. Two employees of a taco stand were assaulted and robbed by three men between the ages of 20 and 25, according to Officer Norma Eisenman of the Los Angeles Police Department. —- Editor’s Note
13. ** Don Lemon is a moron. —- David L., Manhattan Beach
14. ** MSNBC host Jen Psaki claimed during an interview on Sunday that the issue of men pretending to be women playing in sports against girls was not an “issue” while later admitting that it does happen and claiming that there is no “threat to safety or fairness.” —- Name withheld by request, Manhattan Beach
15. ** “Once a week, but never weakly.” www.MBWeekly.net. Sign up to receive it for free if you’ve got the guts.
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