WELCOME TO OUR NEW “ASK THE FORMER MAYORS” COLUMN:
We’re excited to introduce “Ask the Former Mayors” in MB Weekly – a unique platform where you can send your questions directly to the former Mayors of Manhattan Beach. Expect honest, direct, and insightful replies that reflect their experience and knowledge. This is an excellent opportunity to gain deeper insights into the issues facing Manhattan Beach and the greater South Bay area. Your concerns and curiosity matter – ask away and let the wisdom of our city’s past leaders illuminate the path forward. Send in your questions, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Write to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
One of Manhattan Beach’s best MBPD interns.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Tina Phillips
(Kaminsky Real Estate Group)
Q: WHAT DREW YOU TO REAL ESTATE IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: Definitely my dad, Ed Kaminsky, and watching him go from having nothing, working hard and having great success!
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST COMPLICATED PART OF YOUR JOB POST-COVID?
A: I don’t find the job complicated at all. The best part about what we do is that you just have to change your strategy and flow with the market. We control our success and find solutions for anything complicated.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: My favorite spot is Un Caffe Altamura. The owner/chef is a food genius and extremely creative. She has a well curated menu that changes seasonally. For dinner, it’s definitely Fishing with Dynamite.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: Leo…roar! I’m a fire sign all day long.
Q: WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE DINNER WITH, GEORGE CLOONEY OR ELON MUSK?
A: Can I choose Snoop Dogg instead?
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG REALTORS WHO ARE STARTING?
A: Young realtors should have a mentor and need to learn the basics. You have to put in the work. This is not an easy business but if you can work hard and commit, you will be successful. There are great coaching programs out there as well. I started with the Mike Ferry Organization in 2009 and I’ve had a coach from there since. Without their program, I probably wouldn’t be doing this interview right now.
www.ITZSold.com
Slay Italian Kitchen:
Lasagna
Slow Cooked Beef Bolognaise & Béchamel, Grana Padano
www.SlayItalianKitchen.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
K-9 Troy and his handler, MBPD Officer Brian Cobian.
DONATE A PAIR OF USED SHOES AND GET A FREE $5.00 URBAN PLATES GIFT CARD:
MB Weekly and Urban Plates
Annual Used Shoe Drive for the L.A. Mission
January 15 – January 31, 2025.
We All Walk In Different Shoes
Annual Used Shoe Drive at Urban Plates – Manhattan Beach sponsored by MB Weekly and Urban Plates
Give, Get, and Make a Difference!
Please bring a pair of used shoes to Urban Plates in Manhattan Beach and receive a FREE $5 gift card as a thank you for helping our community. Your donated shoes will go directly to those in need at the L.A. Mission. Together, let’s walk the path of compassion and generosity!
- 📍 Location: Urban Plates, 2650 N Sepulveda Blvd
- 🗓️ Dates: January 15 – January 31, 2025
- 👟 Because every step matters
www.UrbanPlates.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Nicole, a happy server at Playa Hermosa Fish & Oyster Co.
Holiday Sale At Dive N’ Surf:
Get ready to dive into the best deals of the season:
- BLACK FRIDAY on December 20th – 30% OFF storewide
- December 3rd – December 31st – Enjoy 20% OFF storewide
Perfect time to grab those gifts (or treat yourself)!
Hurry, these deals won’t last long!
www.DiveNSurf.com
Manhattan Beach Goes Prime – The Butchery Quality Meats Carves Out New Spot:
The Butchery Quality Meats, Southern California’s premier butcher shop, is set to sizzle in Manhattan Beach. A recent liquor license application revealed the gourmet haven will take over the former Lindberg Nutrition at 1121 Artesia Blvd., according to reporting, marking the company’s fourth location. The Butchery’s expansion would join its Costa Mesa, Newport Coast, and Del Mar outposts owned by Brian Smith and Robert Hagopian.
MB WEEKLY – CHARTS:
Manhattan Beach Geography Chart.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lee Phillips
Fry’s Site Transformed – A Bold Vision for Manhattan Beach: Big changes are on the horizon for Manhattan Beach! The iconic old Fry’s Electronics site at Rosecrans and Sepulveda is set to be transformed featuring two apartment buildings – rising 10 and 7 stories tall. The proposed development includes 285 apartments, offering a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options, 57 units will be reserved as affordable housing. Residents can look forward to luxury amenities like a sparkling pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a rooftop deck for sunset views. Parking with two levels of subterranean spaces. The project is currently in preliminary review and won’t require Planning Commission or City Council approval, meaning it could move forward smoothly. What do you think about this reimagining of the Fry’s site? A bold step forward or too much for Manhattan Beach? Let us know!
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Mustang Power – Mira Costa Athletes Gallop Into College Sports’ Elite Ranks:
Mira Costa High School’s legacy of athletic excellence galloped forward this year, with 15 Mustangs committing to college sports programs nationwide: Sophie Guitron (Keiser University); Andrew Chapin, Cooper Keane, and Taylor Deckert (USC); Harrison Belden (University of Chicago); Win Gurney (Oregon State); Connor Jones (Arizona State); Lucas Schermer (UC Irvine); Mia Komsky (University of Oregon); Emily Pfaff (LMU); Kate Donnelly, Ellie Black (UC Davis); Fred Brown (Emory); McKenna Cooper (UCSB); and Alisa Lansky (UCSD). Once again, Mira Costa proves the Mustang tradition is one of relentless excellence and elite talent.
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
by Darby Winston
The Hook & Plow’s Lobster Sandwich
If you’re searching for the best lobster roll in Manhattan Beach, look no further than Hook & Plow in downtown Manhattan Beach. At $46, their Lobster Roll is a masterpiece worth every penny. Fresh, buttery lobster meat is lightly dressed with mayonnaise, chives, celery, and a hint of lemon, all nestled in a perfectly toasted brioche roll that adds the right amount of crunch. The balance of flavors lets the lobster shine, and every bite is rich and satisfying. Paired with crisp house slaw and golden French fries served alongside a zesty mustard aioli and house-made ketchup, this dish is a complete experience. The quality of ingredients is evident, and Hook & Plow’s commitment to sustainable, local sourcing elevates this classic to something exceptional. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make it all the better. This is the lobster roll to beat in Manhattan Beach for a taste of pure coastal bliss.
www.TheHookAndPlow.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Serena Viharo
With a heavy heart, I’m writing this. I went to take my boys to school this morning and saw a dead cat on the sidewalk. My son thought he was sleeping, but unfortunately, he wasn’t. We called Animal Control and picked him up. If this is your cat, I am very sorry. My neighbor might have a Ring to find out what happened possibly.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Lisa Hammett from Lido Di Manhattan Ristorante & Bar.
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
December 5 to December 11, 2024
- 666 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 11 ARRESTS
- 11 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 38 CRIME REPORTS TAKEN
Notable Events:
** On 12/5/24, at approximately 6:34 a.m., officers responded to a report of an in progress catalytic converter theft in the 1100 block of 3rd Street. The suspect vehicle, described as a silver hatchback (possibly a Volkswagen Rabbit) was occupied by two individuals who fled eastbound on 3rd Street. The victim’s vehicle, a 2007 Toyota Highlander, had the catalytic converter stolen previously.
** On 12/06/24, a detective was working retail burglary suppression in the 1700 block of Rosecrans Avenue along with additional personnel. The detective observed two subjects commit a theft from BevMo (1700 Rosecrans Avenue). The subjects entered a vehicle and were stopped by officers. The detective’s investigation revealed the two subjects were working together to commit thefts and had stolen a felonious amount of merchandise from the store. Both subjects were arrested and transported to the MBPD jail.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
Complacent Community Is Manhattan Beach – A complacent community? Do we just unquestioningly trust our Council? Maybe so. Here are some examples of what our residents didn’t know about. Most residents didn’t realize that our City’s full-time employees went from 278 to 328 in ten years, the highest total ever. Most residents didn’t know those employees were given the highest compensation in our City’s history, significantly more than adjacent City’s employees. Most residents didn’t know that our City borrowed $91 million to pay off pension obligations, resulting in debt payments of $5.5 million for over 20 years. After doing so, the unfunded pension obligations rose again to $28 Million. Most residents didn’t know the stormwater tax was for operational costs (i.e., employee compensation) rather than capital improvements. Most residents didn’t know the City wanted to build a second LA County Library in Polliwog Park. There are a lot of essential matters that our residents didn’t know about. Here’s why we may be a complacent community. First, our City is a great city. There isn’t much to complain about. Second, we all have a great sense of civic pride, so we are reluctant to criticize. Third, our local press focuses more on community events than serving as a “watchdog.” Fourth, our Council is sometimes less than transparent, likely to engage in “spin” when they sense our community would be opposed. Let’s pay closer attention to the actions of the Council. If more MB residents engage in City Council matters, we will have more transparency, accountability, and a better City Council.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MCHS Model United Nations Hosts 30th Annual LAIMUN Conference:
Mira Costa High School recently hosted the annual Los Angeles Invitational Model United Nations (LAIMUN) conference on December 7-8, bringing together 1,100 delegates from middle and high schools across Southern California. Over two days, students gathered to debate a wide range of global issues, tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. During the conference, delegates simulated United Nations discussions about global affairs, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. —- Superintendent’s Newsletter
MBUSD Has Been Named An “Honor Roll Scholar District”:
We’re thrilled to share that MBUSD schools have once again earned a spot on the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) “Honor Roll.” Even more exciting, Manhattan Beach Unified School District has been named an “Honor Roll Scholar District” – a testament to our commitment to academic excellence, continuous improvement, and closing achievement gaps. This recognition, now in its 10th year, is based on CAASPP data in reading, writing, and math and highlights schools that are preparing students for success in the workforce and life. —- ManhattanBeachUSD (Social Media)
MB WEEKLY:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
Intriguing People. Intriguing Community.
www.MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
HOW DIFFICULT IS PARKING IN DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN BEACH?
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. ** Does blowing your nose make cold symptoms worse? —- Hector J.
2. ** I had a nightmare that I died of rabies after an encounter with bat. —- Noah T.
3. ** I hate businesses that don’t accept cash. —- Taylor H.
4. ** Since they first opened, I have frequently visited The Green Temple in Redondo Beach. Excellent cuisine and welcoming service are always provided. Steve and Elena, the proprietors, are outstanding. —- Floyd P.
5. ** I’m growing in my concern for the Pete Hegseth nomination. His history of out-of-control alcoholic behavior is very troubling. —- Fred T.
6. ** Let me see if I understand this correctly. In just a few months, we’ve lost two of our longest-serving City Council members, our city manager, the financial director, and now the Fire Chief. That’s a significant exodus of critical leadership – the people we rely on to maintain our city’s stability, safety, and progress. Yikes! —- Andy H.
7. ** A robber broke the gym lock while I was working out this morning at Torrance 24 Hour Fitness (Crenshaw/PCH) and took my possessions, including my silver Toyota Prius key fob. In the end, the criminal found my automobile and took it. I took every precaution, yet the robber was incredibly daring to take my car. —- Kaley A.
8. ** Karine Jean-Pierre is easily the most incompetent, pathetic White House press secretary ever. Yes, my friends, you guessed it, another D.E.I. hire. —- Dana W.
9. ** Richard Montgomery is celebrated for his remarkable recall of city affairs over 20 years and his exceptional talent for forging relationships. His leadership as mayor during the pandemic’s early days showcased the vital importance of regional collaboration, solidifying his reputation for deep knowledge of municipal operations. He will be missed. —- Lee T.
10. ** Criminal defense attorney, husband, and devoted father of four Robert Eugene “Bubsy” Courtney, 89, passed away at home in Hermosa Beach on December 1, 2024. He was a SAG member and actor in Rock Pretty Baby (1956). —- Editor’s Note
11. ** Airlines are shameless! They rake in billions from sneaky “junk fees” for bags and basic human decency – like sitting with your child and flying out of California? Prepare to be gouged. It’s legalized exploitation, and this 55-page Senate report finally pulls back the curtain. Enough with the corporate greed! This is bull-s—t! —- Tawny K.
12. ** A consortium of debt-holder investors now owns California Pizza Kitchen in Manhattan Beach, and their interest in customer service is as cold as a prison warden’s heart. Expect about as much warmth and hospitality as you’d find in solitary confinement – because profit spreadsheets don’t care if your pizza arrives with a smile, even if a robot serves you. —- Holly W.
13. ** Today, a stranger’s kindness warmed my heart. I joked about wishing for a gift card at Vons while he bought two. After paying, he surprised me with a $30 card! I thanked him as he left. That’s the true Christmas spirit! I’ll pay it forward. —- Marlene S.
14. ** Bill Clinton said there was truth in the assessment that being overly woke had hurt his party. Duh! —- Hans F.
15. ** A car can be used as a refrigerator in the winter. —- Alex G.
16. ** Thank God for our neighbor’s early morning walk. He spotted brazen thieves on Ave G stealing catalytic converters and alerted the RBPD! Thanks to his quick action, these criminals didn’t get away with it. Total thefts: 3. Stay vigilant, neighbors – we’re stronger together against these lowlifes! —- Daisy F.
17. ** When did evidence-based healthcare become controversial? The UK is right to ban puberty blockers for kids if risks are “unacceptable.” We protect children from cigarettes, alcohol, and dangerous meds – why not irreversible treatments? Adults can decide for themselves, but kids deserve safeguarding, not ideology disguised as healthcare. —- Dr. Andrew H.
18. ** A four-hour nap is a lot, but four hours of sleep is not. —- Jane D.
19. ** Ed Kaminsky, thank you for standing up for women and girls. Forcing girls to compete against male-bodied athletes at any age or level is wrong. It’s not hateful or bigoted to say so. —- Alison S.
20. ** I don’t get the hype around Hammitt handbags. The leather peels, the finish wears off, and customer service disappoints. Plenty of better bags are out there for less. Not worth it! —- Sarah K.
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