MB Weekly Bonus Edition 01/19/2025

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Manhattan Beach financial consultant Dave Harris volunteering at Vetfest in Manhattan Beach.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

A happy team member from Urban Plates.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Donny Leeker of Manhattan Beach and Tanya Metcalf of Torrance.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Veteran MB police officer Steve Kitsios.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Alexa Altamura, founder of Un Caffe Altamura.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

An extraordinary salad at The Arthur J.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Sylvia, award-winning dog walker in the South Bay.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Jacob, the general manager of Slay Italian Kitchen.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Local Philanthropist Suzanne Rogers Karger.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Abby, hostess at Fête in Manhattan Beach.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Manhattan Beach Wine and Food Festival founder Shelby Russell.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Chris Kelly, general manager of Dive N’ Surf in Redondo Beach.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Odie the big-eared Chihuahua and Coco the ragdoll cat.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

A happy team member at MB Postal.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

A happy team member at Slay Steak + Fish.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Manhattan Beach Real Estate Entrepreneur Larry Kosmont.


CRIME • CITY • POLITICS:

** California has long been the epicenter of progressive experimentation, especially on issues of drugs, homelessness, and crime. However, the outcomes have painted a sobering picture: the homeless population has surged by 50% over the past decade, businesses in the Bay Area have shuttered due to safety concerns, and hundreds of thousands have fled the region since 2020. … Californians sent a resounding message: enough is enough. In a significant shift, 70% of voters statewide backed Proposition 36, which reclassifies repeated thefts under $950 as felonies rather than misdemeanors – a reversal of 2014’s Prop 47. Los Angeles elected a tough-on-crime district attorney, Oakland voters recalled their DA and mayor, and Mayor London Breed lost to moderate Dan Lurie in San Francisco. These actions reflect a broad, bipartisan call for accountability and safety, underscoring Californians’ demand for real solutions to these long over-due issues. —- Benjamin T. (Manhattan Beach)

** Congratulations to Joe Franklin on his well-deserved re-election! Having lived in our fair city for over 30 years, I have witnessed many campaigns, but I can honestly say I have never seen a candidate work as tirelessly as Joe. His dedication, integrity, and commitment to serving our community have been evident in every step he has taken. Whether meeting with residents, addressing concerns, or outlining his vision for the future, Joe showed up daily to earn our trust. His hard work paid off; every vote reflected his passion and relentless drive. Plain and simple, Joe Franklin earned this victory, and our city is better for it. By the way, nice car, Joe! —- Kathleen N.

** The ongoing crisis at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is a glaring failure of environmental responsibility and public health protection. For over three years, residents of El Segundo have endured persistent noxious odors and dangerous hydrogen sulfide emissions. Despite repeated complaints to the city of Los Angeles, air quality regulators, and local officials, no meaningful solution has been implemented. The largest wastewater treatment facility west of the Rockies, Hyperion processes 250 million gallons daily for millions of Angelenos. However, its proximity to El Segundo has subjected residents to a constant barrage of hazardous air. This prolonged exposure raises concerns about health, safety, and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight. Resident’s frustrations are justified: three years of inaction reflects a system prioritizing bureaucracy over community well-being. For these residents, the only apparent recourse may be leaving their homes – an unfair burden no one should face. —- Dennis B. (El Segundo)

** My neighbors routinely report hearing coyotes as predictably as the sunrise. This unsettling chorus has become a soundtrack to our mornings, raising a common and persistent question: What has the city done about it? Unfortunately, most neighbors feel the answer is “nothing helpful.” We understand coyotes are a part of urban wildlife, but when sightings and confrontations increase, it’s reasonable to expect effective action. Our animal control officers are likely well-compensated, yet the results seem scarce. Why is there no noticeable improvement? The safety of pets and small children is at stake, and the growing frustration within our community is a clear signal that more needs to be done. This isn’t just a wildlife management issue – it’s a quality of life issue. The City Council should address it with urgency and transparency. Our neighborhoods deserve to feel safe and know our concerns are met with explicit, noticeable action. —- Kate B.

** The chaos of e-bikes and scooters terrorizing the South Bay streets isn’t a transportation issue – it’s a parenting issue, plain and simple. These devices, zipping recklessly through crosswalks and sidewalks, are ridden by kids who lack the maturity, discipline, and awareness to handle them responsibly. Who’s at fault? Parents who treat these high-speed toys like harmless bikes ignore the responsibility that comes with their power. Where’s the accountability? Instead of teaching their children about road safety and respect for others, many parents seem to hand over these expensive gadgets with zero guidelines, trusting fate to sort it out. The result? Accidents, near-misses, and an entitled attitude that the world will get out of its way. It’s not dangerous e-bikes or scooters – it’s the unprepared, unsupervised, and often outright clueless riders on them. South Bay parents, it’s beyond time to step up. Teach responsibility before handing over the keys to chaos and potential danger. —- Janine G.


MB WEEKLY – LENS:

MBEF and community leaders with the newly honored donors at the Seeds of Knowledge recognition ceremony.


RESTAURANT REVIEW:

** The Pecorino e Tartufo soup at Nando’s Trattoria in Manhattan Beach is an absolute delight! This creamy, rich soup bursts with the perfect blend of savory pecorino cheese and aromatic truffle, creating a luxurious and unforgettable flavor experience. The velvety and indulgent texture makes it the ideal starter or light main dish. The presentation is elegant, and the aroma is enough to make your mouth water before the first spoonful. If you’re a truffle lover, this is a must-try. Nando’s has truly crafted a masterpiece – comfort food elevated to perfection! I highly recommend this to anyone visiting Nando’s —- Anthony L. (Manhattan Beach)


BE THE TALK OF THE TOWN!

TELL YOUR NEIGHBORS – ADVERTISE IN MB WEEKLY

88% of locals shop and spend locally. For as little as $100, reach your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.

An Extraordinary Bargain with No Wasted Audience:

  • Local, young, and affluent.
  • 68% of our readers are under 50 years old.
  • $128,000 average annual income.

For additional information, contact:
MBWeekly@TimeWire.net


MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

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)


MBW Bulletin Board

1. ** DEI = Destruction. —- Fred T.

2. ** My wife and I bought some greeting cards at the Hallmark store in the MB mall and were shocked to hear they were closing on February 24. We patronized Fran’s Hallmark in Hermosa often until the wonderful lady who ran it said her rent had increased so much she had to close. According to the young man at the MB Hallmark, their rent had tripled. I can’t verify that, but it sure is sad we no longer have a Hallmark store near us. The employees at both stores were always gracious and helpful. —- Joe F.

3. ** When the SLAY family restaurants started in St. Louis in the early 1940s, Fried chicken and BBQ was the staple. —- D.S.

4. ** We’re Hiring! The City of Manhattan Beach seeks a Senior Plan Check Engineer to lead plan reviews, ensure code compliance, and mentor staff in our Building Division. Be part of a vibrant, high-service-level coastal community. Qualifications: CA P.E./Architect license required, CASp preferred. —- Apply now: https://bit.ly/4iZTo1r

5. ** Ranked “one of the most influential business books of the last decade” —- www.BrokenWindowsBook.com

6. ** Coyote chaos in Torrance! Our dog was brutally attacked in our backyard! He barely survived, traumatized with four neck wounds. Enough is enough – these predators are OUT OF CONTROL. To all the “they were here first” folks: WRONG. I grew up here for 19 years without a single coyote sighting. FIX THIS! —- Name Withheld by Request

7. ** Kudos to Manhattan Beach residents who have opened their homes and assisted the Southland wildfire victims. Also, thank the brave firefighters (including our MBFD strike team) and first responders for their heroic efforts – shame on the individuals using this terrible fire disaster as inappropriate political fodder and fraudulent scams. Please be safe and refrain from outdoor activities due to the ongoing unhealthful air quality. —- Wayne P.

8. ** OK, here’s the deal: I’m 85 and have lived in over 20 places. MB is my 1st choice. I am sorry I didn’t get here sooner, and I am very disappointed that my parents didn’t raise me here. I’ll talk to my parents later. —- Tom A.

9. ** To Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass: Your diseased priorities, reckless decisions, and failed leadership have CREATED this epic, horrific, historic crisis. This disaster WILL DEFINE your political legacy. The people will not forget or forgive the chaos and suffering your choices have caused – accountability matters. Failed leadership has consequences. —- Kerri Z.

10. ** The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce stands with those who are suffering from the fires, and with those who are fighting them. We are in the process of devising a plan to support the impacted communities. We will bring you the details through our social media channels shortly. —- David A.

11. ** The only difference between the Three Stooges and the leadership of the L.A. city government is that at least the Stooges were funny. —- Dave H.

12. ** For most of history, spiders could only build their webs on rocks or plants. —- Gwendolyn P.

13. ** Helping a friend displaced by the Palisades fires, I saw this Hermosa Beach rental jump from $22K/month to $30K – an outrageous 36% hike overnight. While many offer kindness in crisis, this greed is a terrible look. Profiting off tragedy is shameful. Do better. Link —- T.K.

14. ** Stunt Choreography Basics: Channel your inner action star! Join our beginner class to master dynamic fight sequences, cinematic moves, and safe techniques inspired by film and TV. Great for fun, fitness, or aspiring performers. Starts January 24, Fridays, 10-11 AM, —- Manhattan Heights Park

15. ** Ripple Effect: Opening Reception: Join us at the Manhattan Beach Art Center on Friday, January 24, from 5 PM to 7 PM for the complimentary opening reception of Ripple Effect. Celebrate art and creativity with the community. 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd. —- Admission is free!

16. ** Amid all the chaos, here’s a quick but important question: Do you know your nearest fire hydrant? Emergencies strike without warning, and a little awareness can make all the difference. Take a moment to locate it – you’ll thank yourself later! —- Melody A.

17. ** With the campaign yard signs burned up, FEMA workers won’t know which houses to skip. —- Oscar A.

18. ** My wife’s nonprofit (Our Village) at (3848 W Carson St #115, Torrance, CA 90503) is taking donations of toiletries and funds for the LA fires. If you’d like to donate, please drop off toiletries or contact mfyfe@ourvillageslc.org to donate funds. —- Brad F.

19. ** Spectrum has the WORST customer service in the world —- A.L.

20. ** I’m good at liking things. Whether it’s art, people, food, places, books, movies – when I enjoy something, I enjoy it intensely. When eating a good meal, I appear so emotionally affected that my wife sometimes confuses my expression for sorrow. My wife once said to me, after watching me react to hearing a Fiona Apple song for the first time, “I wish everyone could enjoy something as much as you’re enjoying this right now.” —- Sasha C.

21. ** A predictable script plays out every time a major failure occurs – whether it’s the Secret Service’s lapse in Pennsylvania, Harvard’s plagiarism scandal, or Kamala Harris’s election loss. Conservatives point to DEI’s involvement, and the Left reacts with outrage. We’re told DEI is either indispensable or irrelevant, depending on convenience. As L.A. burns and its DEI-infected Fire Department flounders, the same denials echo. How long will this game of deflection and finger-wagging continue? —- Bruce R.

22. ** When air quality takes a sudden nosedive, protect yourself with broccoli! Packed with antioxidants and compounds like sulforaphane, broccoli helps detoxify harmful pollutants from your body. It’s a simple way to support your health when the air outside isn’t. Add it to your meals and breathe easier. —- Dr. Kim H.

23. ** This mayor cut the fire department budget by $17 million. I’ll bet she needed the money for DEI salaries and programs and, of course, for housing, education, and health care for illegals. Maybe if she had spent the $17 million on the fire department and added $17 million more to hire more firefighters and equipment, those 2,000-plus homes would still stand today. —- Name Withheld by Request

24. ** There’s a new Happy Hour in town at Brewco Social! Enjoy $10 bites, beers, wines, and cocktails from 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays. Gather your crew and make it the happiest hour of your day! Don’t miss out on these tasty deals! —- Brewco

25. ** California has no money for firefighting because they spend it all on millions of illegal aliens. And their minds are focused 24/7 on open borders, DEI, the “woke” agenda, pronoun seminars, reparations, etc. —- Leslie B.

Comment / Hire / Share / Promote / Barter / Discuss
The MB Weekly Free Bulletin Board is your place to communicate for free with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach. Send your message (maximum 50 words) to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net