94% OPPOSE UNLICENSED CHAOS:
MB READERS UNITE AGAINST ROGUE VENDORS IN DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN BEACH!
“Where the HELL are the police?”
In a striking revelation from the latest MB Weekly Reader Poll, 94% of participants have vehemently voiced their opposition to unlicensed vendors peddling food in the heart of Downtown Manhattan Beach. The survey, designed to gauge public sentiment, has underscored discontent among residents and business owners regarding the unchecked presence of street vendors in this iconic coastal locale. The poll’s straightforward query, “Are you comfortable with unlicensed vendors selling food in Downtown Manhattan Beach?” elicited a resounding “no” from a massive majority, prompting an urgent call for action. Readers, dismayed by the lack of police oversight in the downtown area, were heard exclaiming, “Where are the police?” This outcry reflects a collective demand for increased law enforcement presence to curb unauthorized vending activities and maintain order. The poll exposes the community’s frustration with unregulated street vending and sparks a crucial conversation about the necessity for stringent regulations. Concerns about public health, safety risks, and the potential impact on compliant local businesses have thrust this issue into the spotlight, compelling residents to rally for a solution to reclaim the charm of Downtown Manhattan Beach. A long-time MB Business owner screamed: “WHERE THE HELL ARE THE POLICE?”
MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW:
Russ Lesser Interview Part 01
(Part 02 Next Week)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7U-GWouEZI
Urban Plates In Manhattan Beach And MB Weekly’s Shoe Drive for Homeless – A Triumphant Success:
In a powerful display of community unity and compassion, Urban Plates in Manhattan Beach teamed up with MB Weekly for a remarkable shoe drive to benefit the homeless population. The initiative has proven hugely successful from January 15 to January 31, with hundreds of used shoes collected for donation to the Los Angeles Mission. Each person donating a pair of used shoes received a $5 gift card to Urban Plates. Urban Plates and MB Weekly sincerely thank the residents of Manhattan Beach for their overwhelming support and generosity. It is heartening to witness a community coming together to make a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. While the shoe drive may have ended, Urban Plates and MB Weekly encourage the community to continue their acts of kindness. Whether volunteering, donating, or simply reaching out to those in need, every effort contributes to the betterment of society. For more information about Urban Plates, visit www.UrbanPlates.com.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
A sign by the beach. Feel free to send your photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Brian Kelleher
The Hook & Plow
Q: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN UP A RESTAURANT IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: One of my first jobs when I moved to the South Bay over 25 years ago was working at a restaurant that once stood a mere 100 yards away from our newest Hook & Plow location in Manhattan Beach. I always enjoyed working in such a cozy little beach town and the clientele that frequented were always so incredibly kind. It was a family style restaurant and I always thought that if I could one day open a restaurant and welcome those that made my job so enjoyable, it would be something special. With it now having been so long since those days, I’ve actually welcomed a few of those guests from back then but now they’re accompanied by not only their kids who are grown, but also grandkids as well. It’s an amazing feeling when that happens. Time flies when you truly enjoy what you do.
Q: WHAT DOES THE CONCEPT OF HOOK AND PLOW STAND FOR?
A: Since day one we have always strived to be a place that had “a little something for everyone.” We are a spot where you can come with a friend and enjoy a burger and a beer and right next to you could be a couple celebrating their 20th anniversary with a Tomahawk steak and a tasty bottle of Napa Cab. The next table over could be a family of five enjoying a fun family night out. No matter what the occasion, we can be that place you come to relax, celebrate, indulge or just sip and people watch.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RUNNING A RESTAURANT POST-COVID?
A: I’d have to say that the most challenging part of the business post-COVID would be staffing. I just feel that a lot of people in the industry relocated when times got tough and found that they were happy in their new place. We’ve been fortunate to have been able to put an all-star staff together at the Manhattan location. It’s been a tough couple years all around but hopefully in 2024 things will become a little easier for everyone in the business.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Alright. I have to name 2 here. One, because it’s just an amazing classic and the second because it’s one that pulls at the heart strings in many ways. The first is Shawshank Redemption. I know I know. Who doesn’t like that movie. It’s just an amazing story with amazing performances by legends. The story telling, emotional depth and the tale of hope overcoming despair. Just incredible. The second movie many people may not have seen or heard of. It stars Jack Lemmon, Ted Danson and many others that turn into stars. It’s called “Dad.” It’s one that you keep a few Kleenex close by when you watch. It reminds one that sometimes we don’t pause to carve out the time to appreciate the importance of relationships in our lives until it’s too late. But it’s never too late. Bonus, part of it was filmed in my hometown of Duxbury, MA.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: I’m a Virgo. I don’t know much about the signs but I’m told I’m almost exactly what they say a Virgo should be like. Hope that’s a good thing.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO EAT AT HOOK AND PLOW?
A: So before we opened in Manhattan, my favorite was easily our breakfast burrito. It’s unique, so flavorful and you don’t leave hungry. But … since opening Manhattan, my new favorite is our Lobster Roll. It’s overflowing with east coast lobster meat, hint of mayo to hold things together and a lightly toasted brioche hot dog bun to hold in all the goodness.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RESTAURANTS THAT YOU ENJOY IN THE MANHATTAN BEACH AREA?
A: There are so many great restaurants in MB that it’s hard to name a couple but I’ll try. I truly appreciate and enjoy what Sylvie and her team are doing at Love & Salt. I love a place where when you tell people about it, you don’t know if you should mention how great the food is first or the staff. That to me is the sign of a well-run establishment. When grabbing a tasty bite and a beer with a bud, Simmzy’s is one of my go-to’s. Mike and his team have got it figured out on many levels. No secret there.
www.TheHookAndPlow.com
Tin Roof Bistro:
In the world of gastronomy, hearty and delicious food is the language that transcends borders, speaks to the soul, and creates memories that linger long after the last bite.
www.TinRoofBistro.com
MB WEEKLY – READER RESPONSE:
THE LOS ANGELES TIMES HAS ENDORSED DISTRICT ATTORNEY GEORGE GASCON FOR REELECTION
** Our D.A. George Gascon is the worst D.A. Los Angeles County has ever had. He will not prosecute misdemeanors nor allow his Deputy D.A.s to accompany crime victims to parole hearings as every predecessor has permitted. Manhattan Beach has approx. three hundred misdemeanor arrests, which Gascon will not prosecute, and he will not allow us to hire our own City Prosecutor. Criminals operate with little fear of consequences in Los Angeles County. Ask your favorite small business owners and neighbors: “Do you feel more or less safe since Gascon became D.A.?” With its endorsement of Gascon, the Los Angeles Times continues its rapid descent into irrelevance. —- Bob Holmes (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
** I’m disappointed with the Los Angeles Times endorsement of District Attorney George Gascón for reelection, but their support for him is not surprising. Many in the DAs office have lost confidence in Gascón’s ability to lead, resulting in some challenging him in the 2024 election. As the District Attorney, Gascón is responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses on behalf of the People; however, Gascón has failed to fulfill his obligations to represent victims and their families. There has to be consequences for people who choose to be involved in criminal activity and there must be ramifications for the District Attorney who fails to hold them accountable for their actions. It’s time we put an end to the lawlessness in Los Angeles County. We must hold Gascón accountable for his failure to uphold his responsibilities as District Attorney and this can be done by making sure Gascón is not reelected in November 2024. —- Tim Hageman (Retired MB Police Captain & Host of Behind The Line Podcast)
** George Gascon has been a disaster as Los Angeles District Attorney. One example is that he refuses to prosecute misdemeanors such as shoplifting. In addition he does not allow cities to hire their own prosecutor or contract with another city. This hurts cities like Manhattan Beach that doesn’t have a city prosecutor. Nathan Hochman is a former prosecutor who worked in the U.S. Justice Department and is running for District Attorney. I asked him if a city felt that the District Attorney’s office was not doing the job that a city felt was appropriate would he allow the city to get their own prosecutor. He put in writing that he would not stand in the way of a city hiring their own prosecutor or contracting with another city. To my knowledge he is the only candidate who has stated this. I am supporting him for district attorney. —- Russ Lesser (Former mayor of Manhattan Beach)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
IPOEF picked 9th graders Charlotte Fan, Wyatt Newbill, and 12th grader Taylor Ryan for the 2024 “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” competition. Just nine finalists were chosen nationwide. The national competition aims to boost the entrepreneurial careers of three Mira Costa students.
Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin Responds To Bruce’s Beach Park Bronze Plaque Theft:
“It is very sad that these thieves fail to honor and respect history with this theft. It is more than a piece of bronze, but rather an important symbol of community which enabled us to move forward. Unfortunately, we join other cities in L.A. County that have endured the loss of historically significant bronze plaques. Our Council condemns this pitiful act and the city will replace the missing plaque as soon as possible while our Police Department continues their intensive work to bring the suspects to justice.” —- Joe Franklin (Manhattan Beach Mayor)
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Meet Tim Hageman
Retired MB Police Captain
& Host of Behind The Line Podcast
“WOULD YOU RATHER” INTERVIEW
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER BE ABLE TO SPEAK EVERY LANGUAGE IN THE WORLD OR BE ABLE TALK TO ANIMALS?
A: Speak every language in the world.
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER ALWAYS FEEL HUNGRY OR ALWAYS FEEL TIRED?
A: Always feel hungry.
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE THE ABILITY TO BE INVISIBLE OR TO READ PEOPLE’S MINDS?
A: Read people’s minds.
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE TO USE SHRIMP-FLAVORED TOOTHPASTE OR DEODORANT THAT SMELLS LIKE CHEESE?
A: Deodorant that smells like cheese.
Q: WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE DINNER WITH KAMALA HARRIS OR RICHARD SIMMONS?
A: Richard Simmons.
www.BehindTheLinePod.com
Manhattan Beach’s Light Gate Sculpture Unites Nature, Art, And Community:
The sun descends into the water and appears dead center of the Light Gate sculpture at the top of 14th Street between City Hall and the library two times a year, in November and January. Residents and others try to record the exact moment the sun appears in the keyhole. Light Gate by Harries Heder was commissioned for Manhattan Beach’s centenary. The glass and stainless steel construction was updated in 2019.
Bertha Mae’s Brownies:
www.BerthaMaesBrownies.com
Vice President Kamala Harris Gives Speech During A Campaign Reception In Manhattan Beach:
On Wednesday, January 24, Vice President Kamala Harris announced to the attendees at an early-evening campaign event in Manhattan Beach that she planned “to be on the road full time for the next 10 months to do what needs to be done.” “Everything is at stake this election,” Harris told supporters at the residence of Moez Kaba and Bjorn Lundberg, with former President Donald Trump poised to win the Republican nomination and face off against Democratic incumbent President Joe Biden later this year.
** Friendship Foundation Managing Director Kelly Stroman having lunch at Urban Plates in Manhattan Beach.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lexi A. (Manhattan Beach)
Tipping has become the unexpected star in the bewildering circus of modern etiquette. We’ve entered an alternate universe where every transaction demands a financial encore. Will I soon find a tip jar next to the stirrups and speculum at my gynecologist’s office? “Great pelvic exam, Doc, here’s an extra 20%!” It’s absurd! Tipping started innocently enough at restaurants, but now it’s infiltrating every nook and cranny of our lives. Do I tip the mail carrier for successfully delivering my bills? Tipping madness, I hate it.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MBPD Stops Stolen Automobile With Stolen Plates, Items, And IDs:
Three suspects were apprehended on Sepulveda Avenue near Chili’s by Manhattan Beach Police for driving an unreported stolen car with two stolen license plates and Target merchandise. MBPD detained them on January 6 after a brief but meandering chase that began at Olive Garden. All three suspects were arrested for identity theft, and two had warrants. MBPD officers responded to a call concerning an unknown man inside a construction site on January 7. After being arrested for burglary and identity theft, this defendant was evaluated for mental health. In a third instance on January 8, MBPD officers discovered a stolen vehicle in a nearby city. After an MBPD traffic stop, the neighboring agency nabbed the culprit. The MBPD continues to caution citizens of car window smashes in street and driveway parking and not to keep obvious things in their cars. Eight car burglaries occurred January 4 – 10. One robbery, one vandalism, three home burglaries, and seven thefts were reported to MBPD.
WHO READS MB WEEKLY?
Restaurant mogul Michael Zislis.
www.MBWeekly.net
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Clay Tobias
The issue of homelessness in California worsens each year despite the outrageous financial investments made to address the crisis. Recent data reveals that nearly a third of the nation’s homeless population now resides in the state, with a 6% increase in homelessness. Despite pouring billions and billions into what is tragically referred to as the “Homeless Industrial Complex,” the problem is exacerbating rather than abating. This complex, comprising various organizations, programs, and initiatives to address homelessness, has grown substantially in size and cost. While the problem is worsening, lots of people are making lots and lots of your money. However, the efficacy of these endeavors is increasingly clearly ineffective. The soaring expenses without commensurate reductions in homelessness underscore the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of the strategies employed, urging politicians to explore innovative and more effective, even tougher solutions to alleviate the unsustainable crises that have existed for years in California.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
City Manager “Q & A” Column On Hold:
After numerous efforts contacting the Manhattan Beach city manager Bruce Moe, he informed us through his assistant that he is too busy to continue his Q&A column for MB Weekly at this time. We of course, accepted his decision with disappointment.
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
DO YOU SUPPORT CITY LAWS THAT RESTRICT AIRBNB RENTALS?
Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
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1. ** Today I’m so grateful for MLK and, speaking of 1963, for no video cams at the 6th grade Minstrel Show I emceed in Glendale. —- Tony L., Manhattan Beach
2. ** One father is more than a hundred school principals! —- Mateo C., Manhattan Beach
3. ** South Bay crime is not a problem? Rethink your thoughts. In South Bay, a double carjacking pursuit is over. Parking lot of Carl’s Jr. after allegedly colliding with a pedestrian. —- Mia C., Hermosa Beach
4. ** I’m sorry to share this kitties, but Randy’s Donuts and El Segundo were filthy and had a constipated-looking staff. The donuts are great, however! —- Emma R., El Segundo
5. ** Bless Mark Burton. I don’t always agree with him, but he constantly fights for a better Manhattan Beach. You can’t say that about a lot of people these days. —- John A., Manhattan Beach
6. ** I keep a running list of issues on which either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party is out of step with public opinion. For Republicans, abortion now tops my list, followed by Donald Trump’s attitude toward democracy. For Democrats, I think immigration policy has moved to the top of the list. —- Liam C., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Avoid Redondo Beach Club Pilates scams. They will fraudulently coerce you into signing up for $129-169/mo for 4-8 classes/mo by saying, “Fine to cancel anytime,” but when you cancel due to legitimate reasons like “unemployment” and “moved 25 miles from the studio,” the manager will threaten to charge an extra $129 unilaterally for four unusable classes expecting a 2-hour commute for classes that are always overbooked and waitlisted! —- Mia R., Hermosa Beach
8. ** The spread of the poison cleverly titled DEI has led to a great deal of censorship and bullying in the name of ensuring safe spaces. —- Evelyn R., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Tif is a good waitress at The Tin Roof. —- Amelia L., Manhattan Beach
10. ** An off-duty security guard was shot in the stomach and killed in the parking lot of a South Bay restaurant early Wednesday morning, according to reports. The Hawthorne Police Department told Fox 11 that the victim was identified as Eddie McAllister by family members. —- Editor’s Note
11. ** I miss Howard Cosell. —- Abe Y., Manhattan Beach
12. ** I am a clutter freak and want to stop. —- Alice W., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Not to leave car doors unlocked and anything small/medium of value in sight… crooks are always on the prowl. —- Howie C., Manhattan Beach
14. ** Another word salad from Stewart F. and a screed from Mark B. Those guys are both so consistent. —- J.M., Manhattan Beach
15. ** I wouldn’t hire Harvard’s former president, Claudine Gay, to be a cashier at the Kettle on slow nights. —- Deborah K., Manhattan Beach (a proud supporter of Israel)
16. ** Chief Johnson and the MBPD have overseen a decrease in crime in Manhattan Beach of 40% (MBPD Website) in the last year. Yet all I see on MB Weekly is how crime is out of control, one incident at a time. Thank the next officer you see in Manhattan Beach so they know you understand the “truth” about their current and continued successes. —- Stewart F., Manhattan Beach
17. ** I disagree with the recent MB Weekly Reader Poll showing readers strongly favoring the dismissal of Harvard’s President Claudine Gay —- Steven N., Manhattan Beach
18. ** In a new report, the University of California, Berkeley, spends $25 million on 400 DEI staff. Welcome to the DEI Industrial Complex. —- Dr. Clarence H., Manhattan Beach
19. ** I watched The View for the first time today. I think Sunny’s parents named her before they got to know her. —- Ezra G., Manhattan Beach
20. ** If you want crime to stop in L.A. County, vote for Nathan Hochman for District Attorney. —- Amelia K., Manhattan Beach
21. ** An anonymous donor had pledged $15,000 for this year and the next two years – for Juneteenth celebrations in Manhattan Beach. Now, who might that be? —- Michael M., Manhattan Beach
22. ** Our totally Democratic-controlled California is now providing full health insurance, free, to all undocumented (illegal) immigrants. Full scope Medi-Cal, called Medicaid in other states, covers primary and preventive care, specialists, prescription drugs, and other services. Stop voting your tribe, and next time, vote your values. —- Robert H., Manhattan Beach
23. ** Biological men who self-identify as females (also referred to as “transgender women”) are invading women’s sports, robbing female athletes of opportunities, and infringing upon their rights. Young women are being deprived of scholarships, championships, and even personal safety all in the name of creating a “safe and inclusive” space for transgender women. —- Signed, Sophia G., Manhattan (a proud mother of three girls)
24. ** At Redondo High School today, my son’s e-bike was stolen. His chained bike was in a rack. Chains were cut and left on the ground. Welcome to the new world. Thanks, George Gascon. —- Lon A., Redondo Beach
25. ** Can anyone remember Manhattan Beach’s sand being this awful almost the whole way along the beach? —- Toby B., Manhattan Beach
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