Saturday, December 7, 2013
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Free Admission - No Reservations Needed
Joslyn Community Center
1601 Valley Drive
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

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.”

Distinguished Speakers
Three former Mayors, including author and resident historian Jan Dennis (Keynote); Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe’s Deputy Steve Napolitano (Moderator); Body Glove International President Russ Lesser, former Manhattan Beach Unified School District Trustee and Mayors Youth Council Director Nancy Hersman; Manhattan Beach Library Commissioner and former Mira Costa High School Principal Gary Hartzell; retired educator and artist John Scott; columnist and former Beach Reporter publisher and editor Paul Silva; and high school student participants in the Manhattan Beach Mayor’s Youth Council.

Vision and Organizing Committee
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.

Contact
For more information, please contact the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448 or via email.