April 8, 2021
Hello Chamber Friends,

WOW! This week Governor Newsom announced that by June 15th, the state might be able to fully reopen. Albeit with strict guidelines and keen preparation, June 15th can't come soon enough. Let's keep our eye on the goal of a safe and open summer! Have a read of the CA Dept of Health, Beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy here.

Please remember, that the LA County Department of Health will issue the guidance and the protocols for further reopening at each step of recovery and reopening.

Kelly Stroman, President/CEO
APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
Child abuse is a hidden epidemic that knows no boundaries. It happens across cultural lines and in families of all education and income levels. The stress caused by poverty, a lack of emotional support, and limited resources, however, may increase the risk in some families.
  • A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.
  • Almost five children die every day as a result of child abuse.
  • About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
  • Nearly two-thirds of people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused as children.
  • Children who experience child abuse & neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as juveniles and 30% more likely to commit violent crimes.

Richstone Family Center is a non-profit social services agency that offers many programs and support for children from birth to 18 and for parents in their teens to grandparents in their sixties. Get involved
SLAY HOSTS CHAMBER DINNER WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS
David Slay, Owner of SLAY Steak & Fish House and Slay Italian, provided a wonderful feast and perfect table for conversation for the first Chamber Dinner Series on March 23rd. Chamber members Michael Levine and George Elias (co-owner Founded 1912), were joined by Chamber CEO Kelly Stroman and MB resident and philanthropist Jeff Serota (Local Love for MB).

The dinner series was developed by famed publicist/author/businessman, Michael Levine of Michael Levine Media and MBCC's Kelly Stroman with the intent of gathering community leaders and business people to break bread and discuss all things Manhattan Beach. The next dinner is planned for April 13th. Who will join Michael and Kelly? What will the next topic of conversation reveal? Cheers to connecting!
EL CAMINO COLLEGE HONORS "DISTINGUISHED WOMEN OF 2021"
The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate MBCC members, Cindy Byrne, Linda Reeves and Tina Sarafa, Co-founders of the Manhattan Beach/South Bay PFLAG. All three were honored and inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame at El Camino College on March 31st.
 
Cindy (lawyer), Linda (social worker), and Tina (psychotherapist) are proud moms of LGBTQ+ children. Together they founded the nonprofit local chapter of PFLAG chapter in 2018, providing families with easy access to support and services, educates parents and the community on the needs and rights of LGBTQ+ loved ones, and advocates with schools and organizations on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. The work of Cindy, Linda, and Tina have provided a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Their work in the South Bay has saved lives by empowering people to live authentically and out loud. Well done!
BODY AND BRAIN V. SAFETY
Their novel, fun, and can get you around town faster. They are a wonderful eco-friendly means of transportation. They are safe if the rider knows and follows the rules. The number of e-bikes around town has exponentially grown during the pandemic and particularly in the past 6 months... with that increase has come safety concerns and many accidents. Last week a youth suffered a serious accident, resulting in significant emergency-level trauma. You have one brain and one body, please protect it.

The City’s Police Department created a PSA via social media about skating, bicycle, and scootering use on sidewalks in the downtown Manhattan Beach area. See here for your reference.

To sign up and begin receiving MBPD text alerts to your phone or email, use the Sign-Up link below or text the number 888777 (in the "To" field) with the message "MBPOLICE" (in the message field).
E-BIKE SAFETY REMINDERS -MBCC BLOG BY TOM TORI
Electric bikes allow bike riders of different fitness levels to ride together with ease. It can be fun and healthy. Bike riding of any type, including electric bike riding, is inherently dangerous. Electric bikes are generally heavier and can go much faster than traditional bikes, the rider must be able to operate the bike safely and know how to handle the bike.

At Manhattan E-Bikes, we're always looking for ways to improve rider safety. Here are some rules and recommendations we share with our customers to make their ride as safe as possible. This is not an exhaustive bike safety list and general common sense should always be used:

  1. always wear a properly fitted bike helmet
  2. one rider per bike, unless your bike was designed for passenger(s)
  3. obey all traffic laws (i.e. use safe speeds everywhere you ride, including the beach bike path for electric bikes and regular bikes)
  4. DON'T ride against traffic
  5. DON'T ride on sidewalks
  6. generally, use rear brake to slow and stop bike; carefully use front brake and rear brake simultaneously for greater braking power, if necessary; do not use front brake by itself
  7. use headlights, especially after dusk and at dawn when lighting is slight
  8. when riding (i.e. beach bike path), as you approach other bike riders and/or pedestrians, assume someone will jump in front of you, stop abruptly or slow down and delay the flow. Ride defensively and be aware at all times.
  9. Slow your roll when pedestrians, traffic, children or animals are present

Check your bike and make sure your bike is safe to ride. Review bicycle safety resources.

Bike riding is good exercise, social and fun. Ride responsibly. Learn more about Tom Tori and Manhattan E-bikes by watching this short video that YEA Graduates, Jake and Justin Oliak, founders of of Beach Brothers Video produced. Click here.
TAX DEADLINES EXTENDED
IRS: The Internal Revenue Service has announced that individuals have until May 17, 2021 to meet certain deadlines that would normally fall on April 15, such as making IRA contributions and filing certain claims for refund. Check with your accountant or financial advisor for further clarification and guidance.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE SOUTH BAY?
If you are a member and are hosting a webinar, have an announcement to share, streaming live fitness classes, or have a virtual event coming up, please send us the details or upload it to your MBCC member portal.

Chamber & Member Events

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
NEW JOB LISTINGS
  • Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach & zinc@shade Lounge is hiring for all positions | Apply Now
  • Rock’N Fish is hiring for all positions | Apply Now
  • The Strand House is hiring for all positions | Apply Now
  • BREWCO is hiring for all positions | Apply Now
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LOCAL PRESS RELEASES
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MANHATTAN BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MISSION STATEMENT
The Manhattan Beach Chamber is an association of businesses, other entities and individuals organized to encourage a strong local economy and quality of life by promoting commerce, sound government and an informed membership and community.

VISION STATEMENT
The Chamber will be the acknowledged leader in enhancing business, education and development through a cooperative link of community spirit. As we move into the 21st Century, all area businesses and organizations will consider membership an investment in their success.