WOW! – NEARLY 30 MANHATTAN BEACH RESIDENTS GO TO ER YEARLY TO REMOVE ‘FOREIGN OBJECTS’ FROM STRANGE PLACES:
How did that get there? Nearly 30 Manhattan Beach residents (adults) wind up in the emergency room yearly for having a “foreign object in the body” – making it the ninth leading cause of unintentional injuries that land people in the hospital, according to an analysis of local emergency rooms and urgent care facilities. In 2021, there were slightly under 30 emergency room visits for “foreign object in body.” Nationally, those objects include plastic swords and glow sticks in ears; magnets and diesel fuel up noses; and steak knives and video-game controllers down throats. Men with car keys and USB cords stuck in their penises also paid visits to the doc, according to the reports, along with women who sought medical help to fish soap bars and even spatulas out of their vaginas.
MB WEEKLY:
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
WITH MB POLICE CHIEF
RACHEL JOHNSON
PART TWO
Q: BEYOND WORK, DO YOU SPEND SOCIAL TIME IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I enjoy coming to Manhattan Beach for dinner or lunch as often as possible during my time off. And before you ask, I will not be picking a favorite restaurant! I love them all the same!
Q: WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE ON HIRING THOSE SEVEN ADDITIONAL OFFICERS APPROVED MONTHS AGO?
A: We continue to enjoy a robust pool of candidates for our sworn positions. In October, we had one officer graduate from the police academy and he is now in our Field Training Program. I am excited to report that we have another officer graduating from the academy on Friday, November 17th, and a lateral officer starting next week. We have candidates in the academy as well as several in various stages of the hiring process and in our Field Training Program.
Q: WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE QUESTION YOU ARE CONSTANTLY ASKED AS THE CHIEF OF POLICE IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: That’s a tough question! I think the question I am asked the most concerns calls for service or traffic stops that our community members observe. They will see enforcement activity and subsequently ask a question about the call when they see me. That is always a challenging question to answer because while our community members see only the traffic stop, traffic accident, or other activity before them, we log over 100 calls a day and I simply don’t hear about all of them. Certainly, if we have a noteworthy traffic collision that closes a road or a noteworthy event, I am briefed but so much of what our team does falls under the umbrella of “routine police work.” If I get an email about a call, I have the luxury of looking it up so I can respond appropriately, but when I am asked in person, I don’t always have the answers, which I don’t like. I like being able to provide our community with comprehensive answers to their questions.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Jennifer Huynh, M.Ed.
Principal Of Manhattan Beach Middle School
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THE PRINCIPAL AT MANHATTAN BEACH MIDDLE SCHOOL?
A: This is my 2nd year as principal at Manhattan Beach Middle School. Prior to that, I was an Assistant Principal at Mira Costa High School as well as Santa Ana High School for 3 years. Working in education has always been my dream job!
Q: WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE SCHOOL IN THE FIRST PLACE?
A: I have enjoyed working for the Manhattan Beach Unified School District and see this as a place to help cultivate personal and professional growth for students, staff, and the community. Coming from Costa to the MBMS gave me an opportunity to work with the younger grade levels. Middle school is a unique developmental time for students, and I am grateful to serve as their Principal and help them navigate a monumental phase in their lives. I feel fortunate to be able to serve my community at MBMS and work with so many amazing people every day.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?
A: One of the most challenging aspects of the job is the funding system for the State of California in a school district like MBUSD. We are lucky enough to have educational partners such as the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, MBX Foundation, and our PTAs, who help to provide much-needed extra funding every year. Because of these amazing partners and parents, we are able to offer high-quality learning experiences for our students.
Q: HOW MANY STUDENTS DO YOU HAVE AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL?
A: We have almost 1,200 students enrolled.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR WORK AT THE SCHOOL?
A: Our staff and students embraced a new bell schedule this year, which included time for our teachers to collaborate with each other and provide more individualized attention to students. I am extremely proud of the dedication and efforts of the MBMS staff in optimizing all of these opportunities. These initiatives impact our students in a positive way!
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: I am a huge fan of movies that inspire people to do great things for their community. Some of my favorites include Freedom Writers, Forrest Gump, and The Pursuit of Happyness. Growing up, I absolutely loved the Disney classic, The Lion King.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: I am a Libra.
www.MBMSwaves.com
The Rockefeller – Burger Tuesdays:
Join us for Burger Tuesday, gourmet burgers for two bucks at all locations starting at 3 p.m. (until we run out!). Our chef rotates the burger recipe each month, using only the highest quality ingredients. See you every Tuesday for the best deal in the South Bay!
www.EatRockefeller.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Gerry T. Morton
Former President Of The Rotary Club
The 2023 Trans-Pacific Yacht Race was the 52nd running of the 2560-mile sailboat competition from Los Angeles to Honolulu. The event is a pinnacle in yacht racing and attracted 58 teams this year. I had wanted to do this event since I was a kid and finally had my chance this year. It was like an 11-day relay race where we took quick naps before returning to work, rotating with other crew members through each job. The first hour of each three-hour shift requires trimming the sails for maximum speed, the next hour is on the helm steering the boat, and the final hour is on the grinder, where you hand grind to bring the sail in against the power of the wind. Then we get a 3-hour nap before doing it again. Night shifts were the most challenging – 1 hour at the wheel in pitch black and strong winds required a lot of focus. The race began with upwind sailing for five days, then turned to beautiful downwind “champagne sailing” for the rest of the race. We came in 28th out of 52 official finishers. The crew bonded and supported one another, all agreeing that it was a phenomenal experience!
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Later This Year, Manhattan Beach’s Gallery 208 Will Close:
Manhattan Beach Gallery 208 will close on Dec. 31, less than a year after opening. However, co-founder Dennis Jarvis said two new displays will help close the fine arts venue’s brief history. Jarvis, who created Spyder Surfboards 40 years ago, said, “It was fun, but it was also one of the more challenging things I’ve done in my life.” Jarvis and artist Chip Herwegh founded Gallery 208 in January to display their work and that of local and visiting artists. The first of two final concerts opens Friday, Nov. 17. That exhibit, “Andy Warhol X Dennis Jarvis,” will feature Jarvis’ new work and La Jolla’s Tim Bessell’s art surfboards with licensed Warhol, Scharf, and Pollock art. According to a news release introducing the new boards, Bessell’s work has been exhibited worldwide, and the Warhol series is in conjunction with the Andy Warhol Foundation.
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL: 78% PLAN TO SPEND LESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON DUE TO THE ECONOMY
As the holiday season approaches, the ultra-affluent Manhattan Beach buzzes with anticipation, yet an undercurrent of economic concern lingers. The MB Weekly Reader Poll unveiled a sobering reality – 78% of the readers believed they would tighten their festive budgets due to the economy. The local shops, adorned with twinkling lights and festive displays, will feel the weight of this collective apprehension.
Send your comments to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Manhattan Beach Studios:
Here Is A Small Bit Of What We Do
Manhattan Beach Studios has two of the most innovative stages for creatives of all walks of life! Located just minutes away from the beach, LAX, restaurants and more, it’s comfortable, equipped with a laid-back vibe and tons of gear for your most serious photo and video production needs, along with customer service that’ll make your day as smooth as can be. We have fun being a part of your success! From stage rentals to full production services, we can lend an experienced hand to those who are in need of anything at all. Just drop us a note! We help get you past the finish line.
www.ManhattanBeachStudios.net
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Phillip Cook
Financial Advisor, Manhattan Beach
CAN YOU SNEEZE WITH YOUR EYES OPEN?
–NO. Not possible.
ARE YOU REALLY A GOOD DRIVER?
–Decent, YES. Really good, probably not.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SO TIRED YOU FELT DELIRIOUS?
–NO.
WOULD YOU EAT A WORM IF YOU WERE DARED?
–NO. Not enough reward.
CAN YOU CURL YOUR TONGUE?
–NO.
DO YOU ALWAYS LAUGH AT YOUR OWN JOKES?
–YES, I have a good sense of humor.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN MAD AT SOMEONE BECAUSE OF A DREAM YOU HAD?
–NO, that would be stupid.
DO YOU LIKE TO SING LOUDLY WHEN YOU’RE BY YOURSELF?
–NO one, not even me, wants to hear me sing.
www.CookAndAssoc.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Downtown Manhattan Beach’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration drew hundreds on Wednesday, November 15, despite early evening rain.
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
by Darby Winston
Cafe Vida At The Bay Club
Cafe Vida at the Bay Club in El Segundo is a hidden spot that deserves to be discovered. Nestled within the Bay Club, this secret local favorite offers a healthy dining experience with its diverse and accessible menu. The bright ambiance creates a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you step in. The food is consistently well done, showcasing a range of options from breakfast to dinner, each dish containing flavor and freshness. What sets Cafe Vida apart is the good food and the reasonable prices, making it a fine value for the quality you receive. The fact that it’s a bit of a well-kept secret, tucked away inside the Bay Club, makes it worth notice to people outside the Bay Club. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast from the club or a local looking for a delightful meal, Cafe Vida is a hidden culinary treat worth uncovering.
Food: B+ • Service/Self-Service: B • Atmosphere: B+
www.CafeVida.net
Manhattan Beach Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Franklin to Continue “Ask the Mayor” Tradition in MB Weekly:
MB Weekly, the largest digital publication in the South Bay, known for its unbiased community engagement, is set to continue its essential tradition of the “Ask the Mayor” column in the MB Weekly. Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Franklin, who will be officially sworn in this January, will take the lead in answering direct questions from the community. The “Ask the Mayor” column has long been a staple in MB Weekly, providing residents with a direct line to city leadership. With Mayor Pro-Tem Franklin at the helm, the column is expected to continue its tradition and evolve into a collaborative effort involving key figures in the city. Joining Mayor Pro-Tem Franklin in this endeavor will be the Manhattan Beach Police Chief and the City Manager.
This trio of leaders aims to create an “Ask the…” column, incorporating direct questions for the Mayor Pro-Tem and the Police Chief and City Manager. This dynamic approach addresses a broader range of community concerns and fosters a deeper connection between city officials and residents. “We believe in the power of open communication and transparency in local governance. The ‘Ask the…’ column will provide an inclusive platform for our residents to have their questions answered directly by key figures in city leadership,” expressed Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Franklin.
The column will be driven by questions submitted by MB Weekly readers in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities. This inclusive approach ensures that the concerns and inquiries of a diverse range of residents are heard and addressed. Residents are encouraged to submit their questions for the “Ask the…” column through the MB Weekly, fostering a sense of community participation and shared responsibility in shaping the future of Manhattan Beach. Write to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
To Sign Up To Receive MB Weekly For FREE, Visit:
www.MBWeekly.net
“Once a week, by never weakly.”
MB WEEKLY – FUNNY SIGNS:
Walgreens, Manhattan Beach. Feel free to send in your funny sign photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton
Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach
There is just something wrong, terribly wrong, with our City holding what seems like a sham election during the Holiday Season, especially when they are asking our residents to approve a second stormwater tax with over a 500% increase, annual CPI increases, and no sunset clause. That’s a forever increasing tax. The City rejected having this election during a general election because a general election would require a 2/3 vote for approval whereas this sham election during the Holiday Season only requires a 50% vote for approval. You should know that I strongly supported and voted for LA County’s Safe and Clean Water Act, Measure W, that imposed a parcel tax on all MB property owners back in 2019. Since that time, the total amount of Measure W taxes collected is more than $250 million per year. Just last year alone, MB property owners paid $1,029,106 in Measure W parcel taxes. To date, our City has received tens of millions of Measure W funds for stormwater projects, with tens of millions more to come. Measure W funds the City’s 28th Stormwater Infiltration Project that covers 60% of the stormwater runoff in our City. Measure W also provides the City with $400,000 per year for stormwater projects. Finally, all of the City’s applications for Measure W funds for stormwater projects have been approved. What is truly disturbing is the City in its campaign to have our residents approve such an outrageous increase in a second stormwater tax failed to mention anywhere the millions of Measure W funds they are receiving, and will continue to receive for years to come, for stormwater projects. Not a peep! That’s being less than honest by omission and deliberately misleading. To many MB property owners, it’s just plain outrageous. With MB property owners already paying a forever parcel tax for stormwater projects that provides our City with tens of millions of dollars now, and in the future, there is no need for a second stormwater tax. Vote NO on the City’s second stormwater tax.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – MEET:
Meet Zelda
A Hermosa Beach Resident Since 2019
WOULD YOUR RATHER QUESTIONS (Food)
Hamburgers or hot dogs. – HOT DOGS
Spaghetti or Pizza. – PIZZA
Orange juice or Diet Coke. – DIET COKE
Salad or dessert – SALAD
Indian food or Mexican food. – INDIAN
Pasta or steak. – PASTA
Ice cream or cake. – ICE CREAM
The 5th Annual California Great Santa Stroll:
Saturday December 9th • 9AM • Hermosa Pier Plaza
This 5K fun run, walk or stroll along the strand brings together hundreds of supporters all festively dressed to raise funds and support for Mychal’s Learning Place, a 501c3 nonprofit organization helping youth and young adults with developmental disabilities achieve their goals and dreams. The first 750 adults to register will receive a Santa Suit, and the first 200 kids to register will receive a festive t-shirt and surprise from Squishmallow. This festive, fun, family friendly day will feature photos with Santa, face painting, cookie decorating, caricature art, and so much more! You can register now at:
SantaStroll23.funraise.org
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“Coffee shop tipping-mania in Manhattan Beach.”
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
DO YOU PLAN TO READ THE NEW BARBRA STREISAND MEMOIR (OVER 1,000 PAGES)?
Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
Send Your Comments To: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
1. ** I would rather drink Drano that watch a Nicolas Cage movie. —- Audrey L., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Hi Neighbors, Kinecta customers, beware! My account was compromised. Someone stole $7,000 from my bank account. My ATM card account and password were stolen. —- Alice M., Manhattan Beach
3. ** MBUSD got the local paper {Beach Reporter} to view death threats against Jews as a minor misunderstanding among young people. This is after labeling it as protected speech. The school board and superintendent need to understand that no one is fooled! As for crime, apparently we have none. The crime reports for MB remains absent from the paper. I love living in Lake Wobegon. —- Dan S., Manhattan Beach
4. ** Dining at Fusion Sushi. The last time we went to this restaurant was terrible. As a giant cockroach raced across the floor, we approached manager Dan. Instead of an apology, we got rudeness. —- Ashley S., Manhattan Beach
5. ** The Bank of America just steps away from the surf on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach will close its doors in February – after more than 90 years in the city. —- Editor’s Note
6. ** Clown is the only legitimate profession that’s also an insult. —- Roman H., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Nothing fun or cool ever sounds fun or cool in court. —- Erica T., Hermosa Beach
8. ** Warning! Vista, the restaurant near the Hermosa Beach Pier, needs a warning label. After eating there a few weeks back, my credit card bill showed a hefty tip I hadn’t approved. I called the restaurant four times before the manager answered. Jeremy, the manager, stated he would call me after investigating. It was Thursday. He seemed unapologetic, and I’m horrified at my treatment, given that I shared a serious issue. I sent another follow-up email without response. —- Cole S., Hermosa Beach
9. ** Unless you love Domino’s, the service at Oath Pizza in El Segundo leaves much to be desired. —- Danielle R., El Segundo
10. ** I agree. Well put, Mr. Fred Taylor. —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach
11. ** Good article today in MB Weekly from Mr. Fred Taylor. He probably didn’t know this, but 85 years ago, Germans destroyed 2,000 synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses. Today, they are the only people who have outlawed rallies for HAMAS. That’s not just change. That’s progress. —- Lewis S., Redondo Beach
12. ** End DEI. It’s not about diversity, equity, or inclusion. —- Bette T. PhD, Manhattan Beach
13. ** Yes, No cell phones while schools are in session. And don’t tell me you need them for emergencies. That doesn’t fly. —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach
14. ** It is essential to keep the school issue alive in the public’s consciousness until it is resolved properly. People are losing the prudence to distinguish right from wrong. It is scary —- Lucia L., Manhattan Beach
15. ** The chant “from the river to the sea” is a fixture at pro-Palestinian protests. Excuse me while I vomit —- Andrea E., Manhattan Beach
16. ** Barack Obama flew in from Martha’s Vineyard to say, “Guys, the war’s kinda Israel’s fault!” Yes, man, we’re all guilty. Hamas is like us. I respond and need to learn to breathe deeply before composing emails; Hamas live-streamed child torturing. All of us have issues. Obama: “If you want to address the problem, you must accept the truth. You then realize nobody is innocent and that we’re all guilty.” Tango requires two. Hamas slaughtered infants directly; I never changed the toilet paper. —- Tom K., Manhattan Beach
17. ** Some women are toxic. That’s not a fashionable statement to make, especially within the last ten years, but just because it’s not fashionable doesn’t mean it isn’t true. In fact, if it isn’t fashionable to say, that probably means it is more likely to be true. —- Darla H., Manhattan Beach
18. ** Let’s face it: Santa Monica has become a trash pit! —- Haley W., Manhattan Beach
19. ** A couple dumped trash at Western and Corwin. When they saw me filming, they stopped. Reporting to non-emergency police. The cop I phoned requested city trash cleaning. —- Henry E., El Segundo
20. ** Why do runway models always look so grumpy? —- Regina B., Manhattan Beach
21. ** Can someone please explain to me why so many morons place photos of their pets on Nextdoor? This must be some type of fetish. —- Dr. H. Stephen G., Manhattan Beach
22. ** March against Hamas, not in defense of it. “Free Palestine – from Hamas!” would be a nice sign to see. —- Bob W., Manhattan Beach
23. ** Manhattan Beach has significantly benefited from MB Weekly’s evenhanded coverage of serious issues instead of biased articles and unbalanced coverage. —- Renee S., Manhattan Beach
24. ** The only thing “wild” about the Wild Folk market is its prices! —- Arthur N., Manhattan Beach
25. ** My husband is indeed an idiot. —- Faye R., Manhattan Beach
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