Issue # 22 October 29, 2021
|
|
- City Council: Call to Action for Bruce's Beach Plaques
- Editorial: Unite Against Hate
- Reckoning with our History: Uyematsu Dedication
- Holiday Shopping with Purpose
- Upcoming Local Events
- Feeling Charitable?
|
|
For up to the minute updates, check out our social media!
|
|
City Council Meeting: CALL TO ACTION
Bruce's Beach Plaque Language
|
|
|
CALL TO ACTION
The Bruce's Beach History Advisory Board (HAB) needs your support! City Council will be voting on the HAB's recommendations for the plaques to be installed at two locations at Bruce's Beach - one on Highland Avenue and one on the Strand. Submit eComments before 5:30 pm on Tuesday, November 2nd, and, while in the eComments page, be sure to indicate your position (i.e., "Support"). It would be even more effective for you to also make a public comment at the meeting in support of the HAB's efforts and the current plaque language as presented. We urge you, the voices of Manhattan Beach, to speak up. We make it easy for you - click here to see our talking points.
This call to action is urgent, because there will be opposition to this plaque language from individuals who will effectively attempt, once again, to re-litigate the Bruce's Beach history, which was already fully acknowledged and accepted by City Council.
When the plaque language was initially presented last July, Council questioned it, and the HAB was tasked with refining the language. The revised plaque language is result of months of research and addresses City Council and public questions and concerns. Read proposed language for the two plaques here, along with other supporting documentation.
Other City Council agenda items
- Proclamation Declaring Nov 14 - 20 as United Against Hate Week.
- Recognition of Diana Skaar and Madeline Kaplan for their Efforts in Condemning Acts of Hate Against Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Members Through Sidewalk Chalk Art
- Draft 2020 Urban Water Management Plan/Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Click here for full Agenda for November 2nd City Council Meeting.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Editorial: Hate Has No Home Here
|
|
|
|
Three years ago, on October 27th, a shooter entered the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA, and opened fire, killing 11 people and wounding 6, including some Holocaust survivors. It was the deadliest attack against the Jewish Community ever perpetrated on U.S. soil. As the nation reeled in horror, locally, Jewish and non-Jewish community members were joined by the Mayor and City Council at the Pier as we held a candlelight vigil and collectively mourned. When tragedy occurs, Manhattan Beach comes together. It would be wonderful to say that hate crimes do not happen in our idyllic beach community, but they do. Time and time again. We have seen hateful graffiti and vandalism at our schools, places of worship and our homes. We hear disturbing examples of anti-semitism, racism and homophobia from our children who experience it firsthand at school.
We do not need to wait for tragedy to come together. It is our responsibility to ensure that hate does not ever have a home in Manhattan Beach. We have an opportunity to model behavior for our families, friends and neighbors that sends the message that hate and hate crimes will not be tolerated here. This begins with teaching our children about equity, diversity, social justice and inclusion (EDSJI) at home, as well as at school. How else can we bring about change? Using the oft-quoted words of Gandhi, we must “be the change” we hope to see. We cannot sit idly by as injustice takes place around us.
MB United was formed to advocate for a community that is welcoming and inclusive. United Against Hate Week (Nov 14 - 20) is approaching. Please join us as we unite against hate. This is our mission. Please make it yours.
|
|
Reckoning with our History: Uyematsu Dedication Ceremony this Saturday
|
|
|
|
|
History of the Uyematsu Family and Mira Costa
|
|
|
On March 31, 2021, the MBUSD Board of Education voted to fund the construction of a $4,000 monument honoring the Uyematsu family at Manhattan Beach’s Mira Costa High School Campus. Francis Miyosaku Uyematsu, known as the “Camellia King,” founded Star Nursery on the land where Mira Costa High School now stands. Uyematsu developed a variety of Camellia flowers that populate what is now Descanso Gardens. Tragically, during WWII, he and his family were interned at Manzanar War Relocation Center, a concentration camp where thousands of Japanese immigrants and their American-born children were detained.
After the war, Uyematsu was forced to downsize and ultimately sell his land in order to survive. The plaque represents the school district’s reckoning with its history, and is the result of years of activism by retired Mira Costa teacher Chuck Currier, who longed to tell Uyematsu’s tale. Camellia flowers were planted around the plaque with hopes that they will be blooming in time for the dedication. For more of this history, view the video above, produced by MB resident Lindsey Fox.
Assembly member Al Muratsuchi will be in attendance and the public is also invited to attend the dedication:
Mira Costa High School
1401 Artesia Blvd
Sat, Oct 30 at 9:30 AM
|
|
Holiday Shopping with Purpose
|
|
|
We encourage shopping "with purpose," and supporting local or small businesses and individuals, especially those who donate some of their proceeds to charitable organizations. With that in mind, we will be featuring shopping opportunities in our newsletter under this "Holiday Shopping with Purpose" header.
If you want to be featured in an upcoming newsletter, please email us at MBUnited90266@gmail.com.
|
|
|
Aliki Designs Holiday Sale
|
|
|
MB United member Denise Berger is the founder of Aliki Designs and designer of handmade Greek cord jewelry. Aliki Designs is inspired by Aristotle's ethic of a flourishing society grounded in Beauty, Truth, Goodness, and Unity. Each of its silver and gold designs are matched with one of those values, and most designs come with a positive intention.
A business focused on social responsibility, Aliki believes in "Giving It Forward Together (GIFt)," and donates 12% of all sales, and 21% of sales on the AlikiOne collection, to Environmental Charter Schools and the Roundhouse Aquarium. This holiday season, a 20% discount is being offered through November 15th. Shop online at www.alikidesigns.com and use promo code HOLIDAYS2021 or email dberger710@gmail.com to arrange an in-person visit. For more design inspiration, follow @allkidesigns on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
|
|
|
Sunday, November 7, 12:00 - 4:00 PM
EL CAMP
2150 Park Place, Unit 100
El Segundo, CA
Proceeds benefit Sew Swag and League of Women Voters.
Purchase tickets here
|
|
As this year winds down, we know there are many charities that can use whatever help we can provide. MB United has identified a new opportunity that is hyper local and focused on racial/social justice.
SoLA Surf, comprised of a group of students from MCHS and PVHS are sharing their love of the ocean, surfing and volleyball with children from South LA. They have partnered with CampSurf, are supported by the SoLa I CAN foundation and by donations. A $50 donation sponsors one surfer and their goal is to sponsor 60 surfers. This effort is student-led by MB students and is supported by a community-based organization that is African-American led. The link to donate for the year 2021 is here.
|
|
- 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
|
|
|
|
