MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Manhattan Beach Chamber President David Archer with recently re-elected City Councilmember Joe Franklin.
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A veteran at Vetfest in Manhattan Beach.
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Larry Zimbalist, Chairman, Bond Measure RLS.
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Ally, server at The Hook and Plow.
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Peter Kim owner of Sloopy’s and recently elected City Councilmember Steve Charelian.
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Taylor, server at Slay Steak + Fish House.
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John Acker, Manhattan Beach Rotary Club president.
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Rabbi Yossi Mintz of Redondo Beach, California.
PERSONAL ISSUES IN MANHATTAN BEACH:
** My boyfriend’s mom has dementia, and he asked me and my kids to move in with him, promising marriage in exchange for my quitting my job to take care of his mother. I immediately felt it was a disaster waiting to happen. Caring for someone with dementia is incredibly challenging, and doing so while raising two teenagers seemed like a terrible idea. I refused, fearing the emotional toll it would take on my family. He has since placed his mother in a nursing home, but our relationship has changed. His mom can be abusive, hitting and biting, which would have only worsened the situation. Living with her would have strained our relationship and caused undue stress on my children. My boyfriend treats me differently, and I struggle to open up to him. I’m sad and unsure of how to navigate this difficult situation. —- Rhonda T. (Manhattan Beach)
** Over-parenting in Manhattan Beach has reached levels of absurdity destined to raise a generation of snowflake brats wholly unequipped for the real world. Parents here coddle their children to such extremes that kids can’t experience a single disappointment without Mommy or Daddy swooping in to save the day. It’s as if adversity is now a dirty word, and instead, we’re molding a society where every child is told they’re a genius, regardless of effort or merit. Let’s be honest: this modern style of helicopter parenting is exhausting, not just for the adults but for the kids too. And worse yet, it’s not backed by anything beyond a misplaced sense of superiority. For millennia, children thrived by simply being part of larger social groups, learning from their elders and peers, and not from being micromanaged 24/7 by anxious parents and guardians. A day of benign neglect, where kids can figure things out independently, is much closer to how humans evolved. What’s following – emotionally pre-screened playgrounds? Over-parenting is not raising resilient children; it’s manufacturing fragile little adults incapable of handling life’s inevitable challenges. —- Darby Winston
** How do I politely tell my friends and family to leave their dogs at home? I love hosting at my house on the Strand, and though I don’t have a pet, I genuinely enjoy animals. When people ask to bring their dogs, I’m usually OK with it – my ground floor is linoleum, so that I can handle the inevitable sand and water. But last year, my niece and her husband arrived for the weekend with their huge, long-haired dog – without even asking! I figured I could manage, but when bedtime came, they let that dog sleep in the upstairs guest room bed! I was stunned. Who does that? It’s not that I dislike dogs, but come on – at least ask first, and keep them out of the bedrooms! My house isn’t a kennel, and I’m not here to pick dog hair off the sheets. It’s time to set boundaries, people: dogs belong at home. —- Dana B. (Manhattan Beach)
** Seventeen years ago, in El Porto, I experienced a mental breakdown that altered the course of my life. For three years, my husband stood by me. However, the medications prescribed to manage my condition caused me to gain over 100 pounds. Despite trying multiple diets, I have been unable to lose the weight. To reconnect with him, I once suggested that we hold each other and see where it might lead. His response was cruel: “I’m no longer attracted to you. You knew I wasn’t attracted to larger women when we married.” From that moment, my respect and love for him began to erode. Our relationship has since devolved into a hollow partnership. We now live on opposite ends of the house, occupying separate rooms and sharing nothing meaningful. When he enters my space, he does so without knocking, asserting that he does not need to do so in “his” house. I, however, always knock before entering his space, adhering to boundaries he doesn’t reciprocate. His arrogance and disregard for my feelings feel unbearable. Though we maintain the appearance of marriage, I no longer feel it. He calls me “baby,” but I’ve clarified that I want him to stop. Pretending hurts me, and I long to feel seen and respected again. —- Name withheld by request (Manhattan Beach)
** It’s infuriating to think that my daughter, whom we’ve raised with open communication, felt the need to hide an entire part of her life from us. She’s kept this Instagram account secret for three years – since she was a minor! Worse, I’m actively blocked from it. Not only does this feel like a betrayal of trust, but it raises questions about what content she’s posting and who’s viewing it. I understand she wants privacy and independence, but the deliberate act of blocking me is frustrating. I thought we had a stronger connection than that. It’s hard not to feel hurt and disappointed by the secrecy. Why did she think she couldn’t share this part of her life? This isn’t about invading her privacy; it’s about ensuring her safety, and I’m just stunned that I’m locked out of that. —- Name withheld by request (Manhattan Beach)
** I had a five-year relationship with a man who, despite our shared memories, broke my trust through infidelity. The wound is deep, yet I find myself caught between the ache of betrayal and the remnants of love that linger. I’m willing to forgive, maybe even to begin again. But my children – my anchors and my constant – disapprove vehemently. Their voices, filled with protectiveness, insist on an ultimatum that slices deeper than the initial heartbreak: reconnect with him and risk losing them. Their stance feels harsh, and my heart fractures further at the thought of choosing between potential happiness and the love of my children. The fear of being alone, the gnawing dread that I might not find love again, weighs heavily. Is it selfish to long for companionship when the cost might be their trust? Life feels like an unforgiving crossroads where each path holds an emptiness I’m not sure I can bear. —- Eleanor C. (Manhattan Beach)
** For thirty years, I’ve shared a friendship with a couple who live here in Manhattan Beach and, despite their functioning exterior, struggle with alcoholism. They work, socialize, manage a household, and meet their responsibilities. However, once or twice a month, they fall into heavy drinking, and I often find myself on the receiving end of an incoherent, rambling call from the wife. I suspect these binges happen more often, though, thankfully, not every incident leads to a late-night call. While I understand that I may be one of the few people who will listen, these calls have begun to wear on me emotionally. Each conversation feels like a heavy burden, with the same familiar, slurred grievances, leaving me feeling drained and conflicted. I want to support my friends, but I’m reaching a point where I may need to set boundaries for my well-being. —- Gwendolyn C. (Manhattan Beach)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Double Chocolate Torte, brown sugar streusel, fresh seasonal berries, chocolate ganache, Fosselman’s Dulce de Leche ice cream at Tin Roof Bistro.
HOW MANY CUPS OF COFFEE DO YOU DRINK A DAY:
** 2 cups every morning! —- Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach)
** One gets the job done —- Larry Zimbalist (Chair of Measure Repair Local Schools)
** Just one cup —- Marvin Mack (Urban Plates)
** Zero —- Phil Cook (Financial Advisor Manhattan Beach)
** One —- Tracy Evans (Owner of Set The Table LA)
** Only about three per week and they are decaf. I just like the taste. Good Boy Bob! —- Joe Franklin (MB City Councilmember)
** Zero … I was at a New Year’s Eve party in 1965 and we were talking about how we were drinking way too much coffee, so four of us made a pact to never drink coffee again, and I have stayed true to that pledge. —- Russ Lesser (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
** Zero —- Bob Holmes (Three Terms Manhattan Beach Councilman/Mayor & 55-year Manhattan Beach Resident)
** Just one. —- Charlotte Lesser (Neighborhood Watch)
** Although I have met a lot of people over coffee these days, I am trying to keep it to maybe a half a cup of coffee during this campaign cycle! —- Karen Komatinsky (City Council Candidate)
** I usually drink 2 cups of BLACK coffee per day. Coffee is one of the best antioxidants when drinking without sugar or cream. —- Peter Kim (Sloopy’s Beach Cafe)
** I love coffee and coffee is part of my daily rituals – so – with very few exceptions I drink 2 Americanos in the morning (6:30 am & around 10:30 am) and 2-3 expressos in the afternoon: one after lunch/one around 3 and the last one around 6 pm. I bought this phenomenal machine – the Breville Barista Express Expresso Machine – which grinds the beans right before brewing and there is nothing better. —- Lucia La Rosa (Community Activist)
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WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR FAVORITE BAGEL IN THE SOUTH BAY:
** Noahs —- Mark Burton (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
** I am a big fan of avocado toast (from OffSet Coffee or Bluestone Lane) but I do love The Farmhouse bagel from Noah’s once in a while. —- Karen Komatinsky (City Council Candidate)
** My favorite bagel is Noah Bagels. Bread and Bagel is a very close second. —- Lucia La Rosa (Community Activist)
CRIME • CITY • POLITICS:
** As marijuana legalization sweeps the nation, doctors are now grappling with the fallout from a rapidly expanding $33 billion cannabis industry. This isn’t the mellow weed of Woodstock; today’s cannabis is supercharged, packing a punch that many users can’t handle. Tens of millions of Americans casually partake, either for medical reasons or just to unwind, and most don’t hit snags. But as the potency climbs and chronic use skyrockets, we’re seeing a surge in serious health issues that were barely on the radar a few years ago. The real kicker? Public health messaging is weak, state regulations are full of gaps, and federal roadblocks choke off vital research. Consumers and even doctors are left to guess the risks. The damage being done is far more profound than the feel-good headlines suggest, and it’s about time we address this escalating public health crisis head-on. —- Dr. William Harrell (Manhattan Beach)
** I’ve observed local City Council campaigns for over two decades, but I’ve never seen one run with the precision and tenacity of Joe Franklin’s re-election bid. Franklin’s campaign was nothing short of a masterclass in grassroots organizing, showing a relentless work ethic that paid off in a landslide victory. It felt like he was everywhere at once – meeting with residents, attending community events, and connecting personally with voters. This wasn’t the result of flashy ads or lofty promises but of genuine, sustained effort. He listened, engaged, and made himself accessible seven days a week. Joe Franklin’s campaign wasn’t just a success but a shining example of what dedication and hard work can achieve in local politics. His victory is a testament to the power of being genuinely present and involved in the community he serves. —- Otto V. (Manhattan Beach)
** In last week’s edition, you mentioned the importance of meeting attendance for City Council and I wholeheartedly agree with you. To be clear, I personally have been consistently attending bi-weekly Council meetings since back in February, 2024, and I am also thankful that the City meetings (including Commission meetings) are made available via Zoom and through Spectrum. It is so important for residents to have access to all parts of the City while recognizing that not every can or may not want to attend an actual meeting. I do enjoy the meetings as there are many nuances and the participants’ personalities often surface in meetings. I can only hope that over time others will attend and see how our local government works! —- Karen Komatinsky (Manhattan Beach)
** About the issue of increase cost of salaries and benefits. UC Berkeley Labor Center found that the increase in salary and benefits is tied to the unionization of public employees – which in Manhattan Beach happened long time ago and not under the watch of this City Council. So, what does Burton propose? Is he against the Unions now? or does he want fire someone? and who does he want to fire? For example, I SURELY do not want the city to fire anyone from MBPD or the MBFD… My point is complaining is easy and obvious – finding solutions is the hard part. Burton does not offer any solution. —- Lucia La Rosa (Manhattan Beach)
** On 10/31, around 9:30-10 pm, numerous streets near the 1600 and 1700 blocks of Gates through 3rd Street were vandalized by 4-5 teenagers with knives or box cutters. They slashed the tires of 4 cars on Gates and Herrin, then two tires on a Cybertruck, cut Halloween inflatables on 1700 block of 2nd, slashed the back two tires on a vehicle on 1700 block of 3rd, and then stole solar Halloween decorations and cut an inflatable ghost on 1600 block of 3rd. Numerous police reports have been filed, and we want anyone with similar vandalism to file a police report. They took another one this morning and are considering this one significant incident. If you were affected, please file a police report and contact me. Also, please contact me IF ANYONE HAS FOUND A CUT WHITE GHOST INFLATABLE on the Street. This may be the discarded ghost inflatable that was stolen on 3rd Street. If anyone in the area can look at their security footage to see if you can see these teenagers, we would love to send that footage to the police. At 9:40 pm, they were running east on 1700 block of 2nd Street. At 9:46 pm, they were headed west on 1600 block of 3rd Street. They are wearing? Skeleton-themed clothes and some masks. Thank you for your help in apprehending these culprits. —- Letitia L. (Manhattan Beach)
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1. ** The other night, my family and I went to California Pizza Kitchen at Manhattan Village, and it was a disaster. Crowded, understaffed, and felt like a chaotic, poorly-run McDonald’s. To top it off, the male manager was walking around dressed like a slob with his shirt bursting out – completely unprofessional. And that’s the Manager. Never again! —- Ezra A., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Simm’s Wine Club – What a cool idea! —- Lindsay W., Manhattan Beach
3. ** George Gascón’s tenure as DA leaves behind a costly legacy, with taxpayers now on the hook for numerous lawsuits from prosecutors alleging mistreatment. This is another example of the severe consequences of his failed policies and reckless leadership, which Los Angeles residents will pay for long after his departure. —- Aaron B., Hermosa Beach
4. ** Find YOUR Why —- www.MichaelLevineConsulting.com
5. ** Musk Tweets map of Harris winning No-Voter ID states. —- Sara H., Manhattan Beach
6. ** Social justice warriors hate dentists because they make your teeth straight and white. —- Lucas T., Manhattan Beach
7. ** To MB Weekly – Thank you for giving us access to your readers. You allowed us to speak evenly about the R.S.L. measure. As you know, an overwhelming majority of people have passed it. —- Larry Z., Manhattan Beach
8. ** Hi neighbors, I have a one-bedroom, one-bath for rent in a two-bedroom 2, two-bath apartment in Torrance. Close to the beach and shopping areas. It is a gated community with a gym, pool, and laundry facilities. It also includes a parking space. Please get in touch with me for more information. It will be available on Dec 1st. —- marykfallon@hotmail.com
9. ** Paul Wafer … The guy has been right so far; why swap horses now? Let’s get the data, do the comps, and make necessary changes according to the acquired data. —- Tom A., Manhattan Beach
10. ** I agree with Paul Wafer! —- Steve N., Manhattan Beach
11. ** I really, really, really, really hate loud, obnoxious drunk people in restaurants! —- Sally A., Manhattan Beach
12. ** Three-Quarters of U.S. adults are now overweight or obese. —- Dr. Judith R., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Don’t sit on the toilet for more than 10 minutes! —- Paul S., Manhattan Beach
14. ** It’s easier than you might think for teens to buy restricted e-cigarette devices online. —- Hildy Z., Manhattan Beach
15. ** Israel Versus Evil – 2023. A new critically acclaimed book. —- amazon.com
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