MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
ALARMING SPIKE IN ROAD RAGE AMONG SOUTH BAY DRIVERS
A recent MB Weekly reader poll finds that 27% of respondents report witnessing incidents of road rage either extremely or very often in the South Bay area. MB Weekly, the largest digital publication in the South Bay, continues to monitor issues impacting the community. This latest poll points to a troubling increase in road rage, reflecting our streets’ escalating stress and frustration. As traffic congestion worsens, so does the risk of confrontations, putting drivers and pedestrians at risk. “Additionally, the whole e-bike mayhem phenomenon is making the problem significantly worse,” said an MB Beach community member who asked to be unnamed.
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of South Bay
Dana Richards (Malibu Dana Activewear)
Q: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SUPERHERO?
A: Yes. Wonder Woman (obviously!). With her big heart, invisible plane, truth-telling lasso, gold cuffs, and matching tiara – she’s saving the world in style (a Malibu Dana tagline) while accessorizing like a boss. Iconic!
Q: DO YOUR PARENTS EVER EMBARRASS YOU?
A: Yes, absolutely. My dad thinks he’s a “professional dancer” (spoiler: he’s not). Whether it’s moonwalking to his own playlist or busting out moves at random, no one ever called him boring. 😉
Q: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE DINOSAUR?
A: Yes. T. rex! They have those adorable little arms! How can you not love a dinosaur that’s both terrifying and adorable?
Q: DO YOU KNOW WHY THE SKY IS BLUE?
A: Yes. It’s all about perception, right? Personally, I think it’s because of all the blue butterflies fluttering up there, making ripples of hope and magic.
Q: HAVE YOU EVER LIED TO YOUR PARENTS?
A: If I said no, would that make me a liar times two. Lol!
Q: DO YOU LIKE ICE CREAM?
A: No. I prefer gelato, because butterflies are lactose intolerant. It’s science.
Q: DO YOU LIKE BROCCOLI?
A: Yes with bacon. Absolutely. Without bacon? Is that even a thing?
Q: HAVE YOU EVER WON A CONTEST?
A: Yes. Fun fact: I was a spelling bee champion growing up! Turns out I’m great at spelling, yoga, and fluttering.
Q: HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED ON A SPORTS TEAM?
A: No. There’s no “I” in team, but I made my mark as a competitive gymnast. Great for refining my high kicks.
Q: Bonus question: WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE DINNER WITH – TAYLOR SWIFT OR ELON MUSK?
A: Obviously, Tay Tay! Her style is everything – the friendship bracelets, signature red lip, and turning every moment into a lyric from a hit song. Plus, real is rare, and I love her authenticity. Imagine the stories we’d share. Meow!
www.MalibuDana.me
The Rockefeller:
Burger Tuesdays
December: The Rockefeller Christmas Burger
Join us for Burger Tuesday, gourmet burgers for two bucks at all locations starting at 3pm (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!
*with purchase of a beverage $6 or more *no takeout, not available on Holidays
www.EatRockefeller.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Crazy holiday cars in downtown Manhattan Beach.
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT REVIEW:
by Darby Winston
The Kettle at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving dinner at The Kettle in Manhattan Beach is an absolute gem and an extraordinary value. The warm and inviting atmosphere made it feel like an actual family gathering, with attentive staff who brought the holiday spirit to life. The traditional Thanksgiving menu was flawlessly executed, from the tender turkey and perfectly seasoned stuffing to the creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy. The homemade cranberry sauce and fresh, buttery rolls were delightful touches, and the pumpkin pie was a delicious finale. The portions were generous, leaving everyone satisfied yet eager for seconds. What’s truly remarkable is the affordable experience – you could easily spend more preparing the same meal at home. The Kettle strikes the perfect balance of quality, comfort, and value, making it a standout choice for a stress-free and memorable Thanksgiving. For a festive and fulfilling meal, The Kettle is a fantastic choice.
Food: A • Service: A • Hospitality: A
www.TheKettle.net
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Kasey Stinson and her 5th child, Evangeline. They live in North Redondo. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net —- Paul Wafer
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Fred Taylor (Manhattan Beach)
As Barak Obama said… “Elections have consequences.” And it couldn’t be more true today. A spear was driven into the heart of woke politics on November 5th. The Convict & the Hillbilly won a decisive landslide over open borders, restricted fossil fuel supplies, electric car mandates and toxic Marist ideology and gender transition promotion in our own schools. I was part of a passionate group of parents advocating tradition American family values to MBUSD for 3 years. We asked for the pornographic book, “Gender Queer” to be taken down from their website and stop the promotion of the book by a Costa English teacher. We were told we were book banners. We asked to be part of the E-equity, D-diversity, SJ-social justice & I-inclusion Committee. We were told to pound sand. We asked that the intrusive Panorama student surveys be “opt-in” rather than “opt-out”. More sand! When several residents, myself included, received a “Cease and Desist” letter from the MBUSD attorney, Dr Bowes and the Board in 2021 refused to acknowledge who and why the legal assault was triggered. Well, we finally won.
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Lido Bakery:
Home of the Most Extraordinary Wedding Cakes
Lido Bakery first opened its doors in 2003. Ernesto Valenzuela started Lido Bakery with his mother, Evelinda, with the dream of bringing back what had become a rarity: the neighborhood bakery. Inspired by a sense of commitment to our community, Lido Bakery offers a full range of baked goods – each carefully crafted with the finest natural ingredients. “We also bake in a little bit of love with every bite!”
www.LidoBakery.com
Touchdown Transformation – Mira Costa High Unveils Stadium Way Upgrades:
The MBUSD Board of Trustees has officially approved the completion of the Mira Costa Stadium Way project, according to their social media.
The upgraded entrance to Waller Stadium now features enhanced accessibility, a welcoming plaza, and beautiful aesthetics. Highlights include:
- Clear signage for easy navigation
- Modern lighting
- Accessible pathways and seating
- New benches
- Permeable pavers to improve drainage
- Redesigned trash areas to support better waste management
- A new merchandise stand, ticket booth, and refreshed paint and branding
https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanBeachUnifiedSchoolDistrictMBUSD
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Mayor Amy Howorth, flanked by Councilmembers Joe Franklin, Steve Napolitano, and Mayor Pro Tem David Lesser presided over the 39th Annual Pier Lighting last Wednesday. Napolitano’s son, Roman, threw the switch that lit the pier. —- Photo by Wayne Powell (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Heather D. (Hermosa Beach, Registered Nurse)
For months, telehealth company Hims & Hers has promoted the idea that obesity is a medical condition best treated with drugs like Ozempic, pushing for insurance coverage. Their ads reflect a growing narrative from the public health industry: obesity is a genetic disorder, mainly outside individual control. This perspective dismisses decades of behavioral science showing that overeating and under-exercising are primary contributors to weight gain. Instead, labeling such discussions as “fat-shaming” shifts focus from personal responsibility to systemic solutions. The insistence that obesity is solely genetic aligns with broader societal trends: medicalizing behavioral issues and concentrating authority in the hands of elites. By framing obesity as a condition requiring expensive interventions, the narrative transfers agency from individuals to technocratic systems. This approach avoids uncomfortable truths about lifestyle choices while profiting from the problem. If America hopes to reverse its obesity epidemic, leaders like RFK Jr. must challenge this paradigm, empowering individuals over pharmaceutical dependency.
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IT IS TIME TO SPEAK UP!
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Manhattan Beach Middle School Scores Top 100 Spot In National Rankings:
Manhattan Beach Middle is ranked #100 in California Middle Schools. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare their students for high school, according to USNews.com.
Ranking Factors – How Manhattan Beach Middle placed statewide out of 2404 schools ranked in California.
- Reading Proficiency Rank – #80 (tie)
- Math Proficiency Rank – #83 (tie)
- Reading Performance – Somewhat Above Expectations
- Math Performance – Somewhat Above Expectations
“Manhattan Beach Middle did better in math and better in reading in this metric compared with students across the state. In California, 43% of students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 33% tested at or above that level for math,” according to the report.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Christmas tree lighting at Manhattan Village.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Susan Smith (Hermosa Beach)
South Hermosa Beach Hill: Hi neighbors, this is the first time something like this has happened to me, so I wanted to share it. I purchased my husband’s Christmas gift (a Japanese whiskey) online through BevMo because the stores around here did not have this specific whiskey. This service cost $20 for delivery, and they asked for a driver tip. I paid for a good tip and paid the delivery fee. I was handed an empty box instead of my order. I have contacted BevMo and the shipper company; they are “launching an investigation.” I have video evidence of this box being empty. Has anyone had this experience? Hopefully not; I am just warning you all that this is possible when you order through this service.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Edgar B. (Manhattan Beach)
The City doesn’t have a revenue problem. The City has a spending problem.
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MB WEEKLY – CHARTS:
Population of 8 South Bay Cities.
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
November 21 to November 26, 2024
- 612 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 17 ARRESTS
- 12 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 35 CRIME REPORTS TAKEN
Community Police Academy, CPA, Registration open November 26
There were six vehicle burglaries this week …
- 4 Catalytic Converter thefts
- 2 vehicle burglaries: Equipment stolen from a truck bed & Burglary occurring in El Porto
Notable Events:
** On 11/21/24 at approximately 10:09 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop for vehicle code violations in the 1400 block of Rosecrans Avenue. Two male adults occupied the vehicle. The driver was on parole and the passenger had a misdemeanor warrant. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately $700 in stolen clothing (items had security sensors still attached to them), PCP, methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Both subjects were arrested for various charges.
** On 11/22/2024 at approximately 12:30 p.m., officers responded to the 4400 block of Highland Avenue regarding a residential burglary. The victim stated the suspect was in the garage putting on the victim’s clothes and throwing items around. Officers arrived and detained the suspect without incident. The suspect appeared to be either under the influence of drugs or having a mental health episode. The suspect was wearing the victim’s shoes and a bracelet they found in the garage. The suspect was transported for a mental health evaluation and a crime report was taken. The report will be submitted to the district attorney’s office for filing.
** On 11/26/24 at approximately 4:39 p.m., officers were dispatched to the El Porto parking lot to investigate two vehicle burglaries. One of the victims followed the suspect vehicle to the Manhattan Village Mall. An officer located the suspect vehicle exiting the mall at Village Drive and Rosecrans Avenue. When the suspect saw the officer’s emergency lights activate, the suspect fled from the officers, driving eastbound on Rosecrans Avenue. Due to the suspect vehicle’s erratic driving, coupled with the officer’s obtaining the suspect’s license plate, no vehicle pursuit was initiated. This investigation is still ongoing.
** On 11/27/24 at approximately 1:08 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 1800 block of Rosecrans Avenue. Three subjects occupied the vehicle. The driver had a suspended license and the other two passengers did not possess valid licenses. The officer gained consent from the registered owner (passenger) of the vehicle and during their search, officers discovered a loaded 9mm firearm. All three occupants were arrested and transported to the MBPD jail for booking.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
Retired MBPD Captain Tim Hageman was spot on in advocating for the 4/10 deployment schedule for MBPD patrol officers. It is a “force multiplier”, resulting in better deployment of our patrol officers. Also, instead of a minimum deployment of 4 patrol officers, MBPD should increase its minimum deployment to 6 patrol officers on certain days. If MBPD did both, we would see more regular patrols in Downtown MB, North MB, our MB Mall and, most importantly, in our neighborhoods. This increases the “presence” of patrol officers in the best way to deter and prevent crime. Quite simply, it would make us safer.
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WHO READS MB WEEKLY?
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Russ Lesser (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
I find MB Weekly very informative and interesting. What I like about it is that it really shows that our town is a great place to live and has a lot of talented and interesting people in it. It also shows that despite differences in opinions, we can all work together to keep it great.
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MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CONVERSATION TO HAVE BEFORE YOU DIE?
Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
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1. ** Manhattan Beach’s e-bike safety program is a great start, but let’s get real: fourth and fifth graders shouldn’t ride e-bikes in traffic. Mixing 10-year-olds with cars and trucks is reckless, even with training. Safety begins with common sense – keep young kids off e-bikes until they’re ready to handle the risks! —- Hope E.
2. ** I dated the boss. I ended up marrying him – the best bad choice ever. —- Name withheld by request
3. ** The Sole at Slay Steak and Fish is a perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful culinary masterpiece. A dish that delights the senses every single time. —- Shannan G.
4. ** Small-town politics can feel like Thanksgiving dinner at a dysfunctional family’s house. —- George L.
5. ** I once made a $27m mistake at work… I pulled a number from the wrong report. —- Omar G.
6. ** Slang goes out of fashion quicker now because adults have access to social media. —- Arthur O.
7. ** I walked by a drunk driver last night – completely reckless and selfish. HBPD was on it, pulling out a dozen beer bottles from the car. Kudos to our amazing police force for keeping us safe and cracking down on these dangers. Grateful for their vigilance in Hermosa Beach! —- Ezra J.
8. ** Dear MB Weekly: Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for all you do in the community. —- Heidi R.
9. ** Mira Costa is a good school. —- Harvey D.
10. ** Check out Burger Lounge on Sepulveda … very tasty! **What’s up with the former Arclight Theaters? When are they reopening? **What’s planned for the Fry’s Site? **What’s the timing and plan for replacing the DTMB parking structure? —- Daniel C.
11. ** Some of the MB Weekly Bulletin Board posts are weird. Hilarious but weird. —- Cathy C.
12. ** Duh! Tim Hagerman is right. Who in God’s name thought a three-day workweek for police was a good idea for public safety? It’s a recipe for problems and a lack of presence. We need consistent law enforcement – not a part-time presence. Public safety isn’t optional, nor should our officers’ schedules be. —- Clay T.
13. ** Hey Neighbors! We are having a garage sale at our home ahead of a remodel. Nearly everything must go, and we offer many high-quality, recently purchased pieces. To take a look at some of the items, please visit bestgaragesaleever.com. —- Courtney H.
14. ** New York Deli in Torrance is a delight. The food is fresh, portions are generous (sandwiches can easily be two meals), and the staff is always helpful and friendly. It is a perfect spot for a satisfying meal with a welcoming atmosphere. —- Carla H.
15. ** Dear MB Weekly – Thanks for printing my long article, especially on Thanksgiving. I have received a lot of nice emails and texts about it. We are lucky to live in a) Manhattan Beach and b) The USA. —- Russ L.
16. ** I went to Dollar Tree on Imperial & Hawthorne on Thanksgiving Eve, and WOW – shoplifting chaos! 10 out of 15 customers just waltzed in with their bags to steal. It felt like The Twilight Zone. Thieves, like zombies, roamed freely. What’s happening to our nation? No rules, no shame – pure madness. —- Grant S.
17. ** Only 14% of American 8th graders are proficient in history. —- Paul T.
18. ** Last week’s release of the L.A. County Auditor-Controller’s report on LAHSA’s financial practices exposed a stunning mismanagement and inefficiency pattern. With 16 significant findings, the audit paints a grim picture of an agency overwhelmed by its dysfunction despite its critical role in managing homelessness funding for Los Angeles. From missing contracts and untracked payments to misusing restricted funds, the report reveals systemic problems that question LAHSA’s ability to fulfill its mission. —- Cathy H.
19. ** Because of the election, have family members or friends disowned you? Have we lost the ability to disagree and still be civil with one another? —- Tim G.
20. ** The arrogance of the staff at Terranea in Palos Verdes is astounding. They act like guests should bow with gratitude for merely being allowed on the property. Hospitality? It’s more like hostility. It’s a luxury resort, not a favor. A little humility and genuine service could go a long way. —- Kent S.
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