MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Tom Williams (Manhattan Beach)
A Call for Comprehensive Traffic Solutions on Valley Drive: My open letter to the Parking and Public Improvements Commission + City Council.
Hi – I am Tom Williams, and I live at 609 N Valley Dr in Manhattan Beach. I’d first like to express my appreciation for your consideration in improving the local traffic conditions at 6th and Valley. I watch the daily near misses, sometimes hits, and the complete disregard by drivers from my office on what I contemptuously call the PCH bypass. I’d also like to state that I do not support putting in a flashing stop sign at this time. There are many reasons why, but the first is that before a vote to consider what traffic calming measures should be undertaken, a traffic study needs to be conducted to determine current traffic patterns, and then once again, after any calming measures have been implemented, to test their effectiveness. Furthermore, I’d argue that a flashing stop sign does not solve our traffic problems. The current stop sign is well declared on both sides of the road, it’s been stripped (even a wider stripe), it’s written on the road, and it’s announced 150 feet or so before with signage. I’d also argue that most violations occur not from people unaware that a stop sign exists but from willful disregard of it. Valley Dr, between MB Blvd and 1st, is currently designed to promote bad behavior, which needs to change. I’ve spoken to over 20 families in the 42 homes that front Valley between MB Blvd and 1st, and one message has resonated very loud and clear: people are fed up with the speed and reckless driving. They are fed up with being unable to safely cross the street to the greenbelt. They are fed up with their cars getting hit. They are fed up with vehicles traveling more than 40 miles per hour down the street. They are fed up with drag racing between 6th and 1st. They are fed up with the lack of accountability. I will present a physically signed petition currently, 24 homes out of 42 on this stretch of road. There has yet to be a single family who has declined to sign. The petition formally requests the City to perform a traffic calming study before taking action and presenting all available options. I believe radical engineering concepts need to be considered to improve the conditions in Valley:
- Reducing Valley/Ardmore to a single lane in both directions between MB Blvd and 1st and dedicating the right traffic lane for pedestrians, bike traffic, and emergency vehicles.
- Making Valley/Ardmore bi-directional between MB Blvd and 1st. To match the traffic flow in both the Tree Section and HB to Herondo.
- Add a crosswalk along the 6th on both Valley and Ardmore (And potentially other locations with known foot traffic). There are no crosswalks from MB Blvd to 1st (0.5 miles).
Fun fact:
- Ardmore – MB Blvd to Rosecrans has eight crosswalks (1.3 miles)
- Valley – MB Blvd to Rosecrans has eight crosswalks. (1.4 Miles) Emergency services friendly speed humps and other traffic calming infrastructure like chicanes.
There are knee-jerk emotions to speed humps, especially when it comes to emergency services, but this has now been well studied and can be engineered to both calm traffic and have minimal to no impact on response times. I have collected thousands of hours of video footage. I have also created hand-curated clips of some of the worst violators that I’d see with my own eyes. As of last week, I’ve invested over a hundred hours of my time and built a computer vision model that accurately picks out some of the worst offenders. To that end, I’d like to offer, instead of (or in addition to) a traditional traffic study, my footage and my time to work with the City’s traffic engineer to profile the vehicle data I am cataloging. I think that together, we’d come to a similar conclusion that most of these violations come from local traffic/commuter traffic. I know there is a stop sign very well, but I also know that it is merely a suggestion 99.98% of the time. I cannot begin to overstate just how bad the conditions are. It’s something that one has to consume in its totality to appreciate the situation’s perverseness. For example, here are data points from my review of the traffic patterns for only one day – 11/19/2024. If you are curious about what a video of over 400 cars running the stop sign looks like in a single day, and you have a large pot of coffee.
For all 54 minutes of it, click here:
https://youtu.be/qTpc89B0PSM
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Misty Frazier and Cindy Carvel, prominent real estate agents in Manhattan Beach.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Shant Samuelian & Chris Lee
(MyReaa)
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
SHANT SAMUELIAN: I have lived in Manhattan Beach since 2013.
CHRIS LEE: I have lived in Manhattan Beach since 2008.
Q: EXPLAIN YOUR NEW ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVENTURE TO OUR READERS?
A: I’m thrilled to introduce MyReaa, an AI-driven real estate platform designed to transform property analysis. My co-founder and I both grew up in Manhattan Beach, attended Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS) and Mira Costa High School, and later studied at USC. Our diverse backgrounds – my Armenian heritage and my co-founder’s Korean roots – have greatly influenced our entrepreneurial journey, shaping our approach to business and community.
At MyReaa, our mission is to empower real estate professionals to make faster, more informed decisions. Our first product is an AI-powered chat feature that serves as a personal real estate analyst. It provides quick answers, insightful recommendations, and helps users navigate complex topics like zoning laws, California housing regulations, market trends, and much more. And the best part? It’s completely FREE! You can try MyReaa’s AI Chat today on our website: myreaa.com.
We are also developing an advanced AI-powered Property Proforma Generator that will allow users to generate detailed property proformas in under 60 seconds. This powerful tool will combine essential data like zoning laws, market trends, building codes, underwriting criteria, and comparable sales/rents to provide a comprehensive analysis of a property’s potential. Based on these proforma numbers, the platform will automatically generate Offering Memorandums (OMs), assisting with decision-making and presentations. We’re eager to launch this soon and provide a powerful, AI-driven solution that enables real estate professionals to quickly and accurately assess investment opportunities with ease.
We’re truly excited about the future of MyReaa and our commitment to equipping real estate professionals with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving market.
Q: WHO DO YOU BELIEVE WOULD MOST BENEFIT FROM YOUR NEW BUSINESS?
A: MyReaa is tailored for real estate professionals, including developers, investors, brokers, and analysts working with properties in Los Angeles. It’s especially beneficial for those who require fast, accurate financial projections and zoning insights. By simplifying complex analyses, MyReaa empowers users to make informed decisions quickly, enhancing their productivity and competitive edge in a dynamic market.
Q: IS RUNNING A BUSINESS MORE COMPLICATED THAN YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE?
A: Absolutely, running a business is more complicated than we expected; in many ways we didn’t anticipate. We thought the focus would primarily be on the core business activities, but instead, much of our time goes into managing staff, dealing with legal and paperwork, and handling marketing efforts. These are critical but often unexpected parts of the journey. If we had to sum it up, starting a business is like chewing glass. My co-founder and I work 100-hour weeks, powered by a steady stream of Red Bull and coffee, but we’ve found a rhythm and actually enjoy the process. Working well together makes the challenges easier to tackle and the wins even more rewarding.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
SHANT SAMUELIAN: Ready Player 1
CHRIS LEE: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Q: WHAT’S YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
SHANT SAMUELIAN: Taurus
CHRIS LEE: Pisces
www.MyReaa.com
Tin Roof Bistro:
Escape to Tin Roof Bistro and immerse yourself in the vibrant food scene of Manhattan Beach. With its inviting exterior and cozy ambiance, this culinary haven promises an extraordinary dining adventure that will leave you craving for more.
www.TinRoofBistro.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
The legendary Altamura real estate boys.
Chamber of Commerce – Manhattan Beach Business Survey Aims To Hit the Mark:
The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce has rolled out a new membership survey, seeking to uncover its diverse business community’s needs, priorities, and challenges. Designed to shape future Chamber initiatives, the survey invites members to weigh in on critical areas such as networking opportunities, advocacy efforts, and resources needed for growth.
www.ManhattanBeachChamber.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Russ Lesser (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
I was elected to the Manhattan Beach City Council in 1978. The town has changed a lot since then. Back then we were shocked that someone had paid $100,000 for a house on the Strand. We said, “If this continues no one will be able to afford to live here.” Last week I attended a City Council meeting because a discussion of the Neighborhood Watch program was on the agenda. My wife Charlotte founded the program in 1980 and has been the director for 44 years and I wanted to be there to support her. The program began with a fifth grade boy from Meadows leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. He did it in the way I learned in Kindergarten at Grandview in 1945. “Please stand. Place your right hand over your heart. Ready, Begin.” Then 5 second grade girls received awards from the fire department for their project on home fire safety. Unbelievably cute. Then the board members of the Hometown Fair were recognized for the great job they did. Then the council went on with their business in a very professional way, polite and respectful of each other’s thoughts and ideas. Wow, how refreshing. Then I attended the Veteran’s Day celebration on 11 11 at 11:11 in the morning. The police department raised the flag. The middle school chorus sang the National Anthem. Boy Scout troop members led us in the Pledge and two gave short speeches. Bob Holmes, former mayor and Army Captain who served in Vietnam gave a great talk. Our Mayor Amy Howorth ran the meeting, did a great job, and there were many in attendance. After these two events, I realized that while our town has changed a lot in the past fifty years, much has stayed the same. We are still a “small town” with small town values. Neighbors are friends. We support each other. We support our schools. We support charities. Our public safety departments do a great job. Our parks are beautiful. All of us are very lucky to live here.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Tim Hageman (Retired Captain, MBPD)
While I understand why some officers prefer the 3/12.5 schedule, I disagree with Sergeant Abreu’s assertion that it helps the MBPD better meet the community’s needs. Having served in law enforcement for 33 years (30 with the MBPD – nine as a captain), I advocate for the 4/10 schedule. Shifts for the 3/12.5 schedule are 6:00 am to 6:30 pm and 6:00 pm to 6:30 am. An example of shifts for the 4/10 schedule is 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, 3:00 pm to 1:00 am, and 10:00 pm to 8:00 am. The overlapping shifts allow for targeted patrol efforts during critical times, which can enhance the presence and effectiveness of patrols, improve community interaction through foot beats, and potentially deter crime. Having managed both schedules, along with my knowledge and experience, I believe the benefits of the 4/10 schedule better serve and meet the community’s needs. At the same time, achieve a better work-life balance.
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Dive N’ Surf:
The Holiday Savings Start NOW!
Enjoy 20% off storewide from Nov 22–Dec 2
with a special Black Friday bonus
of 30% off storewide on Nov 29!
Don’t miss out – the best deals of the season are here!
www.DiveNSurf.com
Dine & Donate – Urban Plates and MB Weekly Team Up for a Canned Food Drive Supporting L.A. Food Bank:
In a delicious act of kindness, Urban Plates in Manhattan Beach has partnered with MB Weekly to host a community-powered canned food drive benefiting the Los Angeles Food Bank. The initiative, running through the end of the month, invites locals to bring canned goods of any type to Urban Plates, with each donation rewarded with a special thank-you: a complimentary $5.00 Urban Plates gift card. Highlighted on www.MBWeekly.net, this collaboration blends the satisfaction of great food with the joy of giving back. South Bay residents are encouraged to join forces, turning every contribution into a step toward alleviating hunger across Los Angeles. “We hope to see our donation barrels filled to the brim,” the spokesperson for Urban Plates said. “This initiative is about neighbors coming together to create a meaningful impact, one can at a time.” The Los Angeles Food Bank www.lafoodbank.org, which supports hundreds of thousands of needy families, will directly benefit from the donations collected. Urban Plates encourages diners to participate, making their meals even more meaningful by giving back to the community. Let’s make this season one of giving and gratitude. Stop by Urban Plates, bring a can, and be a part of something bigger. For more information, visit www.UrbanPlates.com.
Watch Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFiHoNlCK8Q
Cafe Vida:
Cafe Vida WEEKEND Brunch Specials
Located at 2250 Park Place El Segundo
Entrance through the Bay Club Lobby
Free Parking
Mon-Thursday 7am-8pm / Friday 7am-3pm / Saturday-Sunday 9am-3pm
*Holidays may affect hours of operations
www.CafeVida.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Cathy Hobart (Manhattan Beach)
LA’s homelessness crisis – it’s about a broken system clinging to failed policies.
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IT IS TIME TO SPEAK UP!
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Ed Kaminsky (Prominent South Bay Realtor)
Interesting comment [MSNBC host Jen Psaki claimed during an interview that transgender individuals 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”]. I have zero issues with what people want to claim they are; it’s their decision. However, after working with pro athletes for almost 30 years, I can tell you that when you meet some, some barely look human. They are authentic muscle, speed, strength, and fierceness specimens. I wouldn’t want to be hit by any of them; I think I would break into a hundred pieces. I can’t imagine putting any of them onto a field with women, no matter how strong they are. Her comment seems borderline insane to me that there is no threat to safety. I suggest this reporter step onto a football field once and test that theory. Good luck, and be sure to have a Coroner nearby.
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Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
November 14 to November 20, 2024
- 720 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 8 ARRESTS
- 16 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 33 CRIME REPORTS TAKEN
Notable Events:
** On 11/15/24 at approximately 3:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to a male waving a knife in the parking lot of the Hangar Inn. Officers arrived on the scene and were met with conflicting stories from witnesses but eventually detained three subjects. It was determined that a road rage incident led to a confrontation in which a knife was possibly brandished by one subject leading the other to brandish a large kitchen knife. No one was injured and there were no independent witnesses that could substantiate what truly occurred. A crime report was taken and MBPD Detectives are following up on the case.
** On 11/17/2024 at approximately 3:37 p.m., officers were dispatched to a call of a parked vehicle found with apparent bullet holes in the 500 block of Meadows Avenue. Officers arrived and confirmed three apparent bullet holes in a parked vehicle. The owner of the vehicle verified it was parked at the location on 11/15/2024 and was found before the call for service with the newly inflicted damage. The victim’s vehicle was unoccupied at the time and no injuries or other property damage were reported. The immediate area was canvassed and surveillance video was obtained.
** On 11/18/24 at approximately 5:31 a.m., officers were dispatched to the south side of the 1700 block of Rosecrans Avenue regarding a commercial burglary that occurred overnight at a construction site. Officers determined that the suspect(s) broke a padlock to a fenced-in area and stole tools.
** On 11/20/24 at approximately 9:28 p.m., officers responded to the 1500 block of 8th Street regarding a residential burglary. The residents returned home to find the upstairs bedrooms ransacked. The timeframe was between 4:15 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The suspect(s) point of entry was a second-story door. No suspect information is available and detectives are looking for anyone who lives in the area to review their surveillance video. The loss at this time is three $1,000 gift cards.
MB Weekly:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
“My boyfriend preferred watching sports to reading MB Weekly. I’ll miss him.” – C.S., Manhattan Beach
The largest (by far) digital publication in the South Bay.
www.MBWeekly.net
The Hook & Plow:
It’s Burger Thursday!
www.theHookandPlow.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
MB Weekly’s “Ask the Mayor” column was an essential and fun public service. As residents, we got to know and learn about our Mayor’s views regarding important city matters. I sincerely hope Mayor Howorth reconsiders her position and agrees to communicate with our residents by participating in “Ask the Mayor.” As our City’s leader, I think it may be incumbent on her.
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MB WEEKLY – End Notes:
Last week, our new Mayor commented about a recent MB Weekly article on her Facebook page. She criticized MB Weekly for “shaming” and “bullying.” Our story, which seemingly upset the Mayor, is accurate. We had written to the Mayor three separate times to enquire whether or not she would like to continue the tradition of the three previous Mayors by doing a question-and-answer column for MB Weekly. Instead of declining, the Mayor did not respond. MB Weekly is unclear as to how this could be classified as “shaming” or “bullying.” The Mayor is, of course, entitled to her feelings about MB Weekly, but because someone disagrees with something, it is not necessarily “bullying” or “shaming.” We were hoping the Mayor would use the “Ask the Mayor” column as a platform to reach the large MB Weekly audience, and the invitation remains open. As for the upcoming “Coffees with the Mayor,” we would happily promote them as we have done with previous mayors. We wish the new Mayor only good things in her new role.
1. ** Let me see if I understand this correctly – Fattest, sickest country on Earth concerned new health secretary might do something different. —- Tom (Ace) L., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Kamala Harris should call Dave Ramsey Show for advice after blowing $1 billion in three months. —- Devin D., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Why Is the National Book Award going to a publisher of antisemitic books? W. Paul Coates, the father of Ta-Nehisi Coates, is getting a lifetime achievement award tonight from people who don’t want to talk about what he’s done. —- Judith C., Manhattan Beach
4. ** Ranked “one of the most influential business books of the last decade” —- www.BrokenWindowsBook.com
5. ** I saw two drag queens smoking a cigarette in the bathroom at Hennessey’s. —- Rebecca G., Manhattan Beach
6. ** I saw a coyote in my backyard about 5:15 a.m. I used an air horn to frighten it away. In El Segundo, I reside on the 1200 block of Maple. —- Name withheld by request, El Segundo
7. ** The most important conflict in the West is not between Democrats and Republicans. It’s between liberals and progressives. —- Omar S., Hermosa Beach
8. ** Israel versus Evil – 2023. A new critically acclaimed book. —- amazon.com
9. ** Love the continued support and pressure on the new council. I hope they listen! —- Paul W., Manhattan Beach
10. ** I was in Trader Joes on Manhattan Beach Blvd. yesterday afternoon when a woman stole a woman’s wallet from her purse. Be extra careful during the holidays. —- Laci P., Manhattan Beach
11. ** I wish I could find someone to tickle me! —- Jacob P., Manhattan Beach
12. ** It’s a little surprising there isn’t a driving test between getting licensed and being elderly. —- Darla H., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Thanksgiving? More like Thanks-grieving! Americans are choking on inflation, dodging crime, and drowning in endless global chaos. And what’s for dessert? Political brawls at the dinner table between “woke warriors” and “MAGA mobs.” The real fear isn’t just falling apart – it’s realizing that unity is the fantasy and division is the norm. —- Tiffany G., Manhattan Beach
14. ** “Once a week, but never weakly.” www.MBWeekly.net. Sign up to receive it for free if you’ve got the guts. —- www.MBWeekly.net
15. ** Due to high prices, Americans will overeat less than usual this Thanksgiving. —- Jonah D., Hermosa Beach
16. ** Private equity giant Blackstone has acquired Jersey Mike’s in El Segundo. Will this mean lower prices or higher quality? Or perhaps both? As a fan of their sandwiches, I’m curious – and maybe skeptical. What do you think? Share your thoughts! —- Kendra W., El Segundo
17. ** Award-winning Social Media team – focused on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, LinkedIn, and YouTube. —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
18. ** Join us for a Thanksgiving feast at Lido Di Manhattan! Indulge in a delicious meal with family and friends. Book your reservation today! —- lidodimanhattan.com
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