Basics:
She graduated from Cal State University Long Beach with a bachelors degree in journalism, after receiving an associates degree in journalism from San Diego City College. She has worked for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the Daily Breeze, Mattel, Inc., RAND Corporation and Music Rhapsody. Her freelance stories have appeared in the Daily Breeze, The Beach Reporter, Palm Springs Life magazine, Life After 50 magazine and Patch.
E-mail: Liz.Spear@patch.com
Phone: 310-435-6010
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Hometown: Manhattan Beach, CA
Birthday: April 1
Bio: I grew up on Avenue D in South Redondo Beach and have been a a Manhattan Beach homeowner for the past 15 years. I received my bachelor's degree in journalism from Cal State University Long Beach after attending San Diego City College, where I earned an associate degree in journalism. I also attended El Camino College. I was the MVP of the Redondo Union High School girls basketball team all four years I played and league MVP my senior year. Redondo Union did not have a basketball team when I was to beginmy freshman year , however, because my mom said they should field a team or I would go to Mira Costa High School, Redondo began its basketball legacy. Throughout my childhood, my grandma lived two blocks up the street and my aunt and cousins across the street. My grandma was my favorite person in the world. I spent lots of time at her house, playing piano, spending the night, playing card games, watching great TV shows, talking, sharing our experiences and being loved. My mom, who had been a physical education teacher before staying home to have and raise kids, encouraged me to play sports and was a strong supporter of my efforts. I played baseball/softball, soccer and basketball and took tennis and piano lessons.
Beliefs: At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know.
Politics
▪ How would you describe your political beliefs?
I believe in people and in helping people. I lean a bit to the left but am open to hearing everything. I watch Fox News.
Religion
▪ How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?
I'm not religious, I'm spiritual.
Local Hot Button Issues
▪ What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
I think money for public schools is huge. Manhattan Beach takes great pride in its school system. I also think that dealing well with new homes and commercial projects is important to help MB retain its small-town flavor. Balancing growth that is inevitable with the needs of long-time residents is key.
Located in Metlox Plaza, Petros Manhattan Beach features Greek specialties and it's a Greek salad that's gained attention from LA.Eater.com.
The Manhattan Beach community is grappling with how to reopen public outdoor dining "parklets" as well as whether or not it's a good idea.
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory in effect through Tuesday. Read about what to expect so you can stay safe.
No burn day alerts are mandatory and issued when levels of fine particulate air pollution in the region are forecast to be high.
Make plans now to shop the Downtown Manhattan Beach Winter Sale next weekend, starting Fri., Jan. 22. Special offers from restaurants, too.
Listen to Manhattan Beach Mayor Suzanne Hadley live on "Powell To The People" on Monday, Jan. 18, on former MB Mayor Wayne Powell's show.
The Tree Section resident who attended Journey of Faith in Manhattan Beach passed in early January. You may add to an online tribute to her.
Free webinar featuring two local award-winning teens hosted by South Bay Cares will provide tips for daily action to fight climate change.
The "typical" Manhattan Beach home price is $2 million+, according to Zillow, whose annual list puts the city in the $1 million+ category.
Saturday's weather didn't quite break into the 80s like Friday's temperatures did but it was still a warm 79 degrees in Manhattan Beach.
City of Manhattan Beach City Hall will be closed for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday Jan. 18, but Waste Management will pickup trash.
Astute observers of the Manhattan Beach Pier noticed that the traditional Globe lights on the pier disappeared during the holiday season.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health reports the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 spreads more quickly and easily than other variants.
LA County Department of Public Health reported two additional COVID-19 deaths for Manhattan Beach. This marked the fourth death in 1 week.
As the number of COVID-19 cases in Manhattan Beach continue to escalate, so, too, has the number of deaths, with four in the past two weeks.
Warm January temperatures in the 70s on the coast in Manhattan Beach mean it's time to surf, swim, SUP, get outdoors with social distance.
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee will open a new location this summer in Manhattan Beach. The store will be the sixth Sidecar to open since 2013.
The January 21 free online Zoom offered by Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce features three prominent women who will discuss key issues.
Thefts and a vehicle burglary dominate the latest crime report from the Manhattan Beach Police Department. Discover where they happened.
Mayor Suzanne Hadley decided not to go against staff's recommendation to approve two holiday dates for the Skechers construction project.
