Manhattan Beach Shows Support For Police, Fire Via Signs, Banners

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Generous donations have "poured in" and more signs and banners supporting the Manhattan Beach police and fire departments are available again, according to MB resident Judy Peng, who came up with the idea for the banners and yard signs and then designed them. Peng was one of several Manhattan Beach residents who were talking about their gratitude for the city's police and fire departments and the sign and banner idea from that, said resident Lee Phillips, also part of the team behind the grassroots effort.

The free signs and banners can be seen around town, posted in business windows, front yards, and other spots, and have become so popular, the group is on its fourth printing. Signs are available at several locations, including Current Events at 1140 Highland Avenue in downtown Manhattan Beach and Lulu's Nouvelle in Metlox Plaza. Posters and signs are also available at 2001 Pine Avenue on the front porch or call or text (310) 200-8018 and they will deliver your signs or banners.

"The police are grateful [for the signs and banners]," said Phillips by email. "We were distributing signs by Ercole's and some officers [not from MBPD] asked me if we were from the city [government]? I said no, we are just citizens doing this to support our officers; they were touched — they could not imagine anything like that happening where they work and he [one of the officers] asked us if he should apply for a job in MBPD — not sure how serious he was but it was very nice to hear."

Indeed, the accolades continue to pour in from residents, police and fire department personnel and community members, all of whom are excited to show their support for the city's first responders and their support staff.

The group, which consists of residents Lucia La Rosa Ames, Joe Franklin (who has pulled papers to run for City Council), Michael Michalski, Maureen Denitz, Peng and Phillips, has heard lots of thoughts about policing lately, especially in light of national tensions between police and people of color and they wanted the city's police and fire departments to know how much their work is appreciated and valued.

Here are some of the comments the group has heard from people:

• "My neighbor was burglarized before Xmas and I witnessed it and called police. The officers were so nice, and knowing my neighbor was distraught and helped her clean up. We take them for granted until it happens to you or your neighbor or family members. These signs are a small token of appreciation for the hard and difficult work they do daily throughout their careers, never knowing if they will make it home to their families. I’m so happy to be a part of this support effort!"
• "Our Police are terrific here in Manhattan Beach. They are here for us every day. It seemed like they needed to hear from Manhattan Beach residents how much they are appreciated."
• "I wanted to show my appreciation for MBPD and MBFD working through the pandemic. MBFD and MBPD responded to an emergency call and they were so calm, caring and compassionate during a very stressful time and that moved me to think about the signs. I did not feel my words were enough."
• "The vilification of the police, as part of a nationwide narrative that law enforcement is endemically racist, is both false, dangerous and destructive to public safety and security. We have seen that vilification even creep into the dialogue here in Manhattan Beach. Public safety is key to any community's quality of life and, indeed, its very survival. I support our police department and view them as our last line of defense against criminal opportunists."
• "2018 was a deadly year for school shootings. Parents demanded more security and the district invested in it. Mira Costa and MBMS need the PD. I frankly would not send my sons to Mira Costa if they took the PD off campus."
• "An MBPD officer lives around the corner from me, he is my neighbor. I sleep better knowing he is there."

Phillips told Manhattan Beach Patch that when distributing the signs they often here the following:

• "Thanks for doing this. We love our police force!"
• "I now have the COURAGE to show support for our First Responders. "
• "Taking a Stand. I, for one, no longer wish to be silenced."
• "I want to display the sign as a show of support for all our first responders, both police and fire. "