Word on the Street: Waxman on BRAC, MB Chamber welcomes new businesses

Over 150 Da Vinci Science High School students were honored last Friday for completing a 10-unit finance course covering credit scores, insurance, student loans, mortgages, taxes, and 401k’s. The web-based financial management program by EverFi Technology was underwritten by Beach Business Bank. Da Vinci is a college preparatory school at 135th Street and Aviation Boulevard in Hawthorne. For more about the school visit DaVinciSchools.org. For more about Beach Business Bank visit BeachBusinessBank.com

Waxman opposes new LA Air Force Base review

In a break with President Obama, 33rd Congressional District representative Henry Waxman has expressed “strong opposition to the proposal in the President’s Budget for FY 2014 to establish another Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) in 2015.”

In 2005 the Representative Jane Harman and local business leaders were able to prevent the Los Angeles Air Force Base from being closed.

In his statement last week, Waxman expressed concern that the El Segundo base might be targeted again.

“One of my top priorities is to protect the mission of the LA Air Force Base. The significance of the LA Air Force Base is the Space and Missile Systems Center… The advancements in technology that were born and developed in the South Bay have made our country safer. The base is the hub of the Southern California aerospace and defense industries, and it supports thousands of jobs in the private sector.”

Waxman added that the cost of the 2005 BRAC process exceeded its cost savings.

“Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report last year showing that the 2005 BRAC …implementation costs… will exceed by billions the anticipated long-term savings.”

Plaza ES rounds off $1 million Ed Foundation gift

Plaza El El Segundo will make a $100,000 contribution to the El Segundo Education Foundation on Tuesday, May 14. The donation represents fulfillment of a multi-year, $1 million pledge Plaza El Segundo made when it opened in 2006.

The El Segundo School District has lost over $4 million in state funding since Plaza El Segundo opened. The losses have been offset in part by increases in business contributions to the ed foundation from $450,000 in 2005 to $900,000 in 2009.

Shorewood Realtors Manhattan Beach — Celebrating the opening of Shorewood Realtors new office at 916 Manhattan Avenue in downtown Manhattan Beach last Wednesday were (front row) Shorewood Realtor Tyler Wolf, Manhattan Beach Chamber members Sandra Schnitzler, and DeAnn Flores Chase, Manhattan Beach council member Wayne Powell, Shorewood co-owners Larry Wolf and Arnold Goldstein, general manager Mike Collins, chamber member Jennifer Goldstein, Downtown Business Improvement District’s Mary Ann Varnia and Shorewood human resources director Laura Banta. (Back row) chamber member Katie Kruft, Shorewood Realtors Michele Hopkins and Rick Bender, chamber president James O’Callaghan, Shorewood Realtor Susan Kaminski, chamber member Stefanie Dacy and council member Council member Mark Burton. For more information visit Shorewood.com. Photo by Lee Craft

Re/Max Estates Property opens MDR office

ReMax Estates Properties celebrated the opening of its Marina Del Rey office with a Cinco de Mayo party on Friday, May 3.

The new location includes several offices, a “flex” area and a training center. Marina Del Rey is the fourteenth residential office in broker/owner Sandra Sanders Estate Properties group.RE/MAX Estate Properties Corporate Office is in Malaga Cove.

Snip-its El Segundo — Celebrating the opening of Snip-its Kids Hair Salon and Spa last Wednesday, May 8 were (kneeling) past Manhattan Beach Chamber chairperson Jennifer Goldstein and owner Johanna Riguad and her daughter and (standing) Manhattan Chamber chairperson DeAnn Flores Chase, chamber ambassador Stefanie Dacey, chamber president James O’Callaghan, chamber board member John McLellan, Snip-its owner Derek Rigaud-Owner and his daughter and owners Susie and Fred Riguad. Snip-its offers not just hair cuts, but also birthday parties, spa services, hair care products and toys. 730 S. Allied Way (Suite E), El Segundo.
(310) 322-7647. SouthBayLA@snipits.com. Photo by Amy Berg

MB residents to receive fire extinguisher training

A fire extinguisher training system was presented to the Manhattan Beach Fire Department by Lockton Insurance executive vice president Mark Zwickel on Saturday during the department’s annual community open house. The department will use the system to train residents on using their home and business extinguishers. Zwickel is a Manhattan Beach resident.

Oasis Thai Massage — Traditional Thai dancers helped Oasis Thai Message owner Fon King (holding scissors) celebrate the opening of her new Manhattan Beach location last Wednesday. Manhattan Councilman Wayne Powell (red tie) and members of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce joined in the celebration. Photo by Tamar Gillotti

SB Mini raffles S Coup for PTN

South Bay Mini has offered the Pediatric Therapy Network a 2012 Mini Cooper S Coup to raffle off as a fundraiser. Tickets are $25 or five for $100. The ticket forms is available at pediatric therapynetwork.org and must be mailed to PTN, 1815 West 213rd St, Suite 100 Torrance, Ca. 90501. An anonymous donor has made a dollar for dollar grant for up to $10,000.

Health District seeks advisors

The Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is seeking residents to serve on its advisory committees. Committee members serve two-year terms. Meetings are generally held quarterly and scheduled for evenings. ACommittee members must reside in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach. Applications must be submitted by Monday June 3 for terms that begin July 1.

The following committees are seeking candidates:

Community Health Committee: Monitors the availability of community health resources and recommends areas for programs and services.

Strategic Planning Committee: Advises the district board on missions and goals.

Finance Committee: Works with the board to ensure the district’s financial health.

Committee members must reside in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach. Applications are available at www.bchd.org/committees or BCHD’s main office (514 N. Prospect Ave., 3rd Floor, Redondo Beach, CA 90277)

Applicants must also submit a resume. Community members with questions about the positions or application process should call Gloria Carroll at (310) 374-3426, ext. 213. Completed applications may be faxed, emailed, delivered or mailed to: Beach Cities Health District, Committee Appointments, 514 N. Prospect Ave., 3rd floor, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Fax: (310) 376-4738. Email: Marilyn.Rafkin@bchd.org