Issue # 21 October 22, 2021
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- Editorial: No Tolerance for Hate
- Last Call: Skechers Friendship Walk
- City Council Meeting Recap
- MBUSD: Equity Audit Workshop Recap
- Filipino American Heritage Month
- Local Events
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For up to the minute updates, check out our social media!
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Editorial: No Tolerance for Hate
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There are several voices in our community who spoke vehemently against issuing an apology for Bruce's Beach, claiming that they were not there 100 years ago and, therefore, not responsible for the racist acts of the past. These same voices have spoken against MBUSD's efforts to incorporate equity, diversity, social justice and inclusion (EDSJI) into the schools, claiming it is too "left-wing," that it will lead to other undesirable changes, and that "we are fine" just the way we are.
However, the reality is that hate crimes continue in our town. Most recently, aggressive, hateful words were painted in red graffiti in front of the statue of the Martyrs at the American Martyrs' Church on 15th Street. Two weeks ago, MB United reported on anti-Semitic graffiti written on someone's car. In June, anti-Semitic graffiti was found at Mira Costa High School and, earlier this year, a racial slur was hurled at a Black surfer near the pier. These hate crimes reinforce the need for greater education and awareness both in our schools and in our community. MB United continues to support MBUSD's effort to bring EDSJI into the schools. The hate crimes we are witnessing suggest that adults might benefit from a similar focus. It is up to each of us to model tolerance and inclusion at home and in our community.
MB United condemns any and all hate crimes. No individual, no institution, and no place of worship should ever be subject to acts of hate. Not in Manhattan Beach. Not anywhere. This must stop immediately.
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Last Call for Skechers Friendship Walk: Join Our Team!
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Come walk with us! MB United has formed a team for the Skechers Friendship Walk taking place this Sunday, October 24th. This annual event is a 3.5 mile walk along the Strand, from MB Pier to Hermosa Pier and back, starting at 9 am. We would love for you to join us or support us! Click here to go to the MB United Team Page.
Since 2009, the event has raised more than $13 million to support public education and the Friendship Foundation. The Friendship Foundation assists children with special needs and their families through one-on-one peer mentoring and social recreational activities.
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City Council Meeting Recap
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Kindness Initiative: The meeting opened with recognition of Kelly Stroman, outgoing Chamber of Commerce CEO, for her kindness in creating the Chamber's Inclusion Committee. The Inclusion Committee met weekly to host listening calls, plan events, discuss issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, and explore ways the business community could be more inclusive. We wish Kelly the best in her new role as the Friendship Foundation's Managing Director.
Energy Efficiency in New Construction: After some discussion, City Council directed staff to come back with recommendations to require solar systems on new non-residential buildings as a means of improving energy efficiency and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Polliwog Park Playground Equipment Replacement Project: Contracts were approved for replacement of playground equipment. Construction is slated to begin in November with the anticipated completion date of May 2022, in time for next summer.
Cultural Arts Workplan:
- The Frieze Mural that wraps around the top of the Manhattan Beach Art Center was installed using a heat treated vinyl coating which has deteriorated. The vinyl will be replaced and the mural will be painted on the building.
- A large, digital screen will be installed on the wall in the City Hall lobby to replace a mural which was previously decommissioned.
- Staff was directed to come back with suggested design options to erect a permanent stage and pavilion in Polliwog Park for outdoor public events such as the Concerts in the Park and Shakespeare in the Park.
- Council voted unanimously to approve two rainbow art installations, though the original request was for just one crosswalk at the corner of MBB and Peck Avenue. Instead, a rainbow crosswalk will be placed at the intersection of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and the Strand. Recommendations for the location of the second installation in Polliwog Park will come back to Council at a subsequent meeting.
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City Council General Info
- Regular City Council meetings are routinely held at 6:00 pm on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month
- The public has two chances to speak at a City Council meeting: one during "public comments" at the beginning of the meeting, the other in public comments during the specific item
- You can email all five Councilmembers: citycouncil@manhattanbeach.gov
- The agendas are posted on the Wednesday prior to each meeting here
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MBUSD: Equity Audit Workshop Recap
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MBUSD Board hosted its highly anticipated EDSJI (Equity, Diversity, Social Justice and Inclusion) Workshop on Oct 20 to review the findings and recommendations in the Equity Audit Report by CLEAR (see workshop presentation). Both the School Board and EDSJI committee members emphasized that the audit report is just one input and additional community input will be sought before any decisions are made.
Public comments were overwhelmingly in support of EDSJI. Similar to the last school board meeting, student public comments were the highlights.
- Garrett Nose, a MCHS Senior, who introduced himself as having conservative views, believes EDSJI is an extension of preparing for "a future outside of the bubble." He stressed the importance of diversity of opinion and said, "[I]t is important to let us develop as our own individual human beings." He emphasized the importance of EDSJI to critical thinking: "I'm now able to look at different viewpoints, analyze [them] and take [them] in from my own lens." (listen to his public comment)
- Ameena Campbell, MCHS student and President of the Black Scholars Union, shared that she has personally experienced racism and many micro-aggressions at MCHS. She stated that "[M]any students of color are scared to say anything and don’t feel they have anyone to go to." She applauds the School Board's efforts with EDSJI and is sharing her story to show how important it is for the community to support it. (read her public comment on page 5)
- Natalie Lynch and Ben Gneiser, Student Members of MBUSD School Board and MCHS students, stated that a vast majority of the students are interested in learning more about EDSJI, and about others' experiences, emphasizing that such exposure will help prepare them for college and learn more about the world. (listen at the 2:40:40 mark)
The Workshop included a discussion of equity vs. equality, a topic that has been a source of contention for those who oppose EDSJI. Board Member Jason Boxer and MBUSD Asst. Superintendent Irene Gonzalez-Castillo explained how equity is designed to provide tailored resources to students, supporting the opportunity for excellence in education for all. (listen to the discussion at 2:01:03 mark)
As a next step, the EDSJI Committee will meet in November and December. (see upcoming schedule) Between the committee and staff recommendations, there will likely be some proposed action items. Committee members were asked to make at least a one year commitment, but there will be some spots opening on the EDSJI committee in January. Application information is forthcoming.
For more context on why diversity initiatives have received increased focus at MBUSD (and other school boards across the nation), see former MBUSD Superintendent Dr. Mike Matthews's blogpost on Critical Race Theory.
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Filipino American Heritage Month
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Filipino American Mural at Unidad Park titled Filipino Americans: A Glorious History, A Golden Legacy
Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian American group in the nation and the third-largest ethnic group in California, after Latinas/os and African Americans. The celebration of Filipino American History Month occurs in October to commemorate the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California.
Learn more about Filipino American heritage form the Filipino American National Historical Society.
Click here to learn about events honoring Filipino American History at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles.
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Many Upcoming Local Events!
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On Saturday, November 6, TEDxManhattanBeach will present, “The Future Re-imagined,” from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm at Mira Costa High School. This year’s event includes a speaker presenting creative solutions for homelessness, as well as an MCHS Senior who is a member of the MBUSD EDSJI Committee and who formed a local MCHS chapter of the national organization, “Diversify Our Narrative.” These are just two of the many exciting speakers. To buy tickets and get more information, visit the TEDx website.
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Sunday, November 7, 12:00 - 4:00
EL CAMP
2150 Park Place, Unit 100
El Segundo, CA
Proceeds benefit Sew Swag and League of Women Voters.
Purchase tickets here
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- If you would like us to consider showcasing your event, send us an email at mbunited90266@gmail.com.
- Interested in getting more involved with MB United? Send us an email at mbunited90266@gmail.com and let us know what interests you.
- If you were sent this newsletter by a friend, you can subscribe here
- For previous issues and resources, click here
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