Manhattan Beach Residents 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 two of those comments.

Karen Komatinsky, former Manhattan Beach Unified School District board member

"Let’s remember that all has not been lost in 2020, as we are all working towards survival during unprecedented and historic times. I hope for patience and perspective in the New Year because the ideas of analysis, opinion, trends, measure sticks and judgment are no longer applicable going forward."

Bill Fournell, former Manhattan Beach Unified School District board member

"2020 challenges us to live up to the definition of community. A divisive political environment, a pandemic that sickens and kills indiscriminately, the impact of isolation and economic decline, and the cold truth that we are still living our country’s racist history have tested what we thought we knew about each other. We have been dared to define who 'we' are versus 'them'. But community gives us our sense of belonging. Our ability to sacrifice for each other, to understand perspectives, to differentiate fact and opinion, and to forgive. We can step out of our bubbles to meet each other where we are, not where we believe others should be."

Stay tuned for more thoughts on 2020 and 2021 and if you'd like to send one in for consideration, please email it to Liz.Spear@Patch.com and keep it to 100 words or less.