The Moffiett legacy
Tom Moffett, the producer of the Manhattan Beach holiday fireworks show, was recognized by the City Council on Tuesday night. Moffet took over the fireworks show after the passing of his father, Pete, who founded the beloved holiday event four decades ago.
“Many of us who have lived in the community can remember when this was just a smaller event,” said Mayor Pro Tem David Lesser. “It was started by Tom’s late father Pete, among other businessmen. It’s just a thank you to our community, but it’s grown into something much, much more. It is impactful for our entire region. It’s a free, open event to really celebrate the holidays, and means a tremendous amount. Tom has carried on this legacy.”
Moffett was visibly moved by the recognition because of how much the fireworks show has been a part of his life.
“This thing is an emotional event for me, because I’ve attended ever since I was eight years old, and I am now 43,” he said. “Unfortunately, I lost my father about two and a half years ago, so it was an incredible honor to step in and take over for a show that I’ve gone to ever since I was a kid, but it’s also the heart of the show — giving back to the community.”
Longstanding businesses
The City Council on Tuesday night honored 64 businesses which have been operating in Manhattan Beach for 20 to 50 years. Each was presented with a commemorative plaque. Mayor Pro Tem David Lesser praised the achievement of these longstanding businesses as part of the fabric of Manhattan Beach.
“We depend on you to help support our community,” Lesser said. “It’s one thing to know the business cycle, where there’s ups and downs. But particularly over the last five years, there’s been really challenges, with the pandemic, with inflation, with so many challenges.”
All totalled, 166 businesses were recognized, including those who have been in business five, ten, and 15 years.
“You are definitely the landscape of our community,” said Councilperson Steve Charelian.
Those honored for 50 years in business were Asian Arts, Auto Meister, Gary M. Lazarus OD, PhD Inc., the Shellback Tavern, and Westcoast Land Company.
Those honored for 40 years in business are Barney M. Hom, DDS; Chang’s Acupuncture Clinic;El Sombrero #2; Jay Stephenson A.I.A.; Magic Rainbow Pre-School; Manhattan Meats; Michael J. Devine & Assoc, Inc.; Oceanside Camera Repair; Olympic Cleaners; and Vivian F. Credidio, PHD.
Those honored for 30 years in business were California Pizza Kitchen; California Tanning Salons, Inc.; Equity Management Company; Johnny Rockets; Oceanographic Teaching Station Inc.; Studio K Hair Designs; The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf #22; Tomaro Architecture Inc.; Victoria’s Secret #612; West Coast Center for Orthopedic Surgery.
Those honored for 25 years in business were Barnes & Noble Booksellers Inc.; DeMich Concrete Co.; E-Escrows Inc.; Il Fornaio; Jennifer M Honey, Law Offices; Jiffy Lube #2000; JWM CPA & Company; Le Sorelle Salon;Manhattan Auto Center; Mud Honey; Old Navy #6043; Recreational Equipment Inc-REI; Ripe Design Inc.; Supercuts; The Beehive;Trader Joe’s #106; and West Coast Orthopedic Surgery Medicine.
Those honored for being in business 20 years were Banc of California; Bartosik & Telford; Bond & Associates; Boyd’s Limousine Service Inc.; Citibank; El Gringo Manhattan; First Manhattan Mortgage; Harris & Associates; Jon R. Miller, DDS; Journey of Faith School; Katwalk; Lido Di Manhattan; Manhattan Beach Dental Esthetics; Ortho Mattress #37; Patricia J. Panucci, DMD, MS, APDC; Residence Inn Manhattan Beach; Riley Arts; Sephora USA, Inc.; Skechers USA, Inc.; Sylvia Gayed Accountancy Corp.; The Comic Bug; and US Bank. ER