Ava Nicols
Editor in Chief
Home is a loaded word. To some, it might mean the house they live in, the people they surround themselves with, or the town where they grew up. I am so lucky to call Manhattan Beach my home right now, but I fear that in the coming years, each time I come back to visit its special, homey nature will continue to be chipped away.
Manhattan Beach is not Los Angeles; it is a flourishing beach suburb where your backyard is a long stretch of tan and blue, after-school ocean dips and strand walks are normal and supporting small businesses is necessary. It is a blessing to live and grow up in the safe “bubble” of the South Bay, but how long will it be before this bubble pops?
I began to feel changes in our home when places like my favorite childhood aquarium were remodeled and iconic ice cream store Manhattan Beach Creamery was put in competition with a new shop across the street. Downtown has more chain restaurants than local ones, and the ones that are left are slowly phasing out. It is saddening to see establishments and long-time local favorites that characterize our home stripped of their authenticity.
Perhaps there is an intention behind all this: to cater to younger generations with the hope it will boost tourism. But is that any way to honor the unique history of Manhattan Beach?
Having served a local restaurant for almost all of high school, I’ve met many community members who were here when Manhattan Beach was just a sleepy surf town. I wish I could’ve seen what it was like years ago before the South Bay became a must-see tourist stop in LA.
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