Manhattan Beach Leaders Reflect On 2020, Look Forward To 2021

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Public officials in Manhattan Beach definitely had their hands full in 2020 due to the pandemic and racial tensions. Manhattan Beach Patch asked a few of them to weigh in in 100 words or less on 2020 and 2021, in any way they wanted. Here are the final two of comments of the ones I received.

Jason Boxer, board member of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District

"2020 was a consequential year, colored by empty grocery store shelves, distance from loved ones, and unprecedented economic disruption. Bitter partisanship intensified these experiences, estranging us from one another in a time of great need. I wish to suggest a remedy as we begin to process our resulting loneliness and loss: camaraderie. We can buy groceries for our immunocompromised neighbors. We can wear masks and fortify our collective safety. We can listen to people who don’t look or identify like us. If we do, we’ll find blind spots of understanding, grow our capacity for empathy, and begin healing together."

Steve Napolitano, Manhattan Beach City Council member

"My hope is that we take the best from 2020 and leave the bad behind. Yes, it sucked and it was downright deadly and continues to be, but it also made us take walks, spend more time with our families, slow down and reprioritize—and remember the importance of simple things, like kindness, generosity, patience and the power of a good sunset. Let's not take the good for granted in 2021. As Henry would say, 'When it's bad out there, it's good here. When it's good out there, it's great here. '"

PREVIOUSLY: Manhattan Beach Leaders Reflect On 2020, Look Forward To 2021

PREVIOUSLY: Manhattan Beach Residents Reflect On 2020 & Look Forward To 2021