Community Corner
MANHATTAN BEACH TOWN HALL MEETING - Saturday Dec. 7th
Come Join the Second Community Discussion, "Reflect on the Past, Give Meaning to the Future: Continuing the Conversation" (PDF) press release.
Come Join the Second Community Discussion, “Reflect on the Past, Give Meaning to the Future: Continuing the Conversation”
Saturday, December 7, 2013
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Manhattan Beach, CA On Saturday, December 7, 2013, the City of Manhattan Beach will host the second “Reflect on the Past, Give Meaning to the Future,” a day of free community discussion at the Joslyn Community Center, 1601 North Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach.
Part history, part information exchange, and part Town Hall meeting, the event will build upon the well-received community discussion last year. It will bring Manhattan Beach residents together to explore the City’s history and help create the next chapter in its story. All are invited to attend, no advance reservations or tickets are necessary, and attendees are welcome to come and go throughout the day as their schedules permit.
The event, which was organized by Mayor David Lesser and a group of volunteers, will allow residents to learn about the City’s past from a distinguished group of long-time residents including three former Mayors and envision its future with high school student participants in the Manhattan Beach Mayor’s Youth Council. Former Mayor Jan Dennis will sponsor a free lunch for participants, during which residents will have an opportunity to learn about our local community organizations through a “Community Information Exchange.”
- - 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon: Morning sessions will explore the history of the City with a keynote presentation and a moderated discussion with a panel of notable community leaders who will explore themes and events that distinguish Manhattan Beach. The event will begin with an acknowledgment of the historic date of December 7, 1941.
- - 12:00 Noon to 12:30 PM: Attendees are invited to enjoy a free lunch sponsored by former Manhattan Beach Mayor Jan Dennis and participate in a “Community Exchange” with representatives of local organizations who will be on hand to discuss their groups’ missions, background, and activities.
- - 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM: Afternoon sessions will explore future possibilities for the City through break-out groups led by high school student participants in the Manhattan Beach Mayor’s Youth Council. Ideas generated during the day are scheduled to be presented to the City Council on December 17, 2013.
Mayor David Lesser, who has sought during his mayoral term to increase public involvement in the City’s decision-making, encouraged Manhattan Beach residents to attend the event on December 7th. “This special event responds to requests by residents to build upon the community discussions begun last year about the history and future of our City,” he said. “The City Council and volunteer organizers of this year’s community event encourage residents to join this unique gathering of neighbors to explore our past and envision our future.”
Besides Mayor Lesser, residents planning this year’s event include former Mayor Jan Dennis, former Manhattan Beach Unified School District Trustee, Manhattan Beach Mayors Youth Council Director, and Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commissioner Nancy Hersman, Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commissioner Tom Allard, retired Mira Costa High School Teacher and Manhattan Beach Senior Advisory Committee Chair Kate Nelson, and Manhattan Beach Historical Society President Gary McAulay.