Reflection on past, give meaning to future
Continuing the community dialogue that began at last year’s inaugural event, Mayor David Lesser and the city are hosting the second annual “Reflections on the Past, Give Meaning to the Future” town hall this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Joslyn Center. The forum, which will be moderated by former mayor Steve Napolitano, will feature former mayor and historian Jan Dennis as the keynote speaker. Dennis will sponsor a free lunch for participants, during which residents will learn about local community organizations. For more information, visit citymb.info.
Holiday free parking
Per the City Council, on-street and city parking lot meters will be bagged for three weeks beginning this Friday until Friday, Dec. 27. Time limit restrictions will still be enforced, and the county-owned pier and El Porto area are not included. Meter bagging is a holiday tradition in Manhattan Beach as an effort to attract shoppers and visitors to downtown.
Annual holiday fireworks
This Sunday from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the 25th annual Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival takes place at the pier. The nationally-acclaimed family event will showcase performances by the Hyperion Outfall Serenaders and Mira Costa High School students, including the color guard, choir, orchestra, cheer team and jazz ensemble. For children, the Skechers Snow Park and Holiday Bounce Park will be available. The holiday fireworks show, which begins at 7 p.m., will go forward, rain or shine. For the schedule of events, visit mbfireworks.com.
Spaghetti with firefighters
The Manhattan Beach Fire Department is inviting the community to join its firefighters for an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner prior to the fireworks show this Sunday. Dinner will be served from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the fire station located at 400 15th Street. The cost is $10 for all the spaghetti you can eat. Proceeds will go to local charities.
Music at the Mall
More than a hundred Mira Costa band members will take over the Manhattan Village mall on Saturday, Dec. 14 from noon to 4 p.m. to provide holiday tunes for shoppers and diners.
This is the second and last “Music at the Mall” event for this year, an effort to shine a light on the high school’s comprehensive band programs as well as raise funds for its instrument fund. Clusters of them will be stationed in six locations around the mall: California Pizza Kitchen, Corner Bakery, next to Tin Roof, the north and south mall entrances and the center court, with Santa Clause. Each station will have a gift box for cash and check donations.
Participating restaurants will donate 15 percent of proceeds from diners who bring in the event flyer (available at miracostabands.com). Raffle tickets will be available in the center court.
