Manhattan Beach About Town & Police Beat

Under the Manhattan Beach Pier by Jefferson Graham

Unity in the community 

The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free Zoom forum titled “Unity in the Community: Expressing Our Differences” on February 3 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The Unity forum will offer a safe space for conversations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I) with leaders and shakers who advocate and practice D.E.I in their professional and personal lives. Guests will learn the latest initiatives in industries such as entertainment and media, human resources, technology, dducation, health care, and more. Co-hosting are Tamala Lewis of Dignity Health Sports Park-AEG, joined by MB Chamber Chairperson  of the Board, Jill Dunn. Panelists have yet to be announced. 

City of MB access 

Based on the continued increase in COVID-19 cases and community transmission rates, Manhattan Beach City Hall will continue appointment-only access until January 31. 

City online services and in-person appointments are available. For a complete list of online City services, or to make an appointment, please visit Manhattan Beach City Hall Appointments at CityMB.info.

The Police and Fire Department lobby will be closed to visitors until January 31. However, the Police and Fire Departments are always accessible to the public. In the event of an emergency, dial 911. For general inquiries, call MBPD’s main line at (310) 802-5140 or MBFD’s main line at (310) 802-5200.

Public works services will not be affected, and  in-person recreation programs, parks, tennis courts, fields and community centers will remain open. 

Car burglaries, thefts 

According to Manhattan Beach Police Department reports, eight vehicles were burglarized between January 8 and 12, and three reported stolen. In addition, one business and one house were burglarized, while eight thefts were reported, ranging from a stolen wallet to cryptocurrency fraud. 

“We have started off the new year on a negative note, with a lot of crimes,” said MBPD Community Affairs officer Christopher Ineguez in his weekly Neighborhood Watch report. 

Ineguez pointed out a connection between the car thefts and burglaries —  most occurred in the El Porto parking lot. 

“It is pretty safe to assume that based on my training and experience, these criminals who stole a vehicle outside of Manhattan Beach and visited the El Porto parking lot, did so with the intent to commit additional crimes such as burglarizing vehicles, possibly stealing another vehicle, or stealing something accessible to them such as a bicycle, e-bike, or unattended packages from neighboring homes,” he said. 

Ineguez said criminals regularly peruse the El Porto parking lot because surfers frequently hide keys near or under their vehicles. 

“I assure you that MBPD is well aware of this and is trying to combat this by having patrol officers conduct frequent patrol checks to deter crime as well as assigning officers undercover in the parking lot to catch these criminals in the act,” he said. ER 

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