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.
USC gains 2 outstanding local female beach volleyball athletes, one from MB, who are sure to make an impact on behalf of the Women of Troy.
Election results for two open seats on Manhattan Beach Unified School District board continue to place Cathey Graves and Jason Boxer #1 & 2.
With three updates left in ballot counting before the Manhattan Beach City Council election is certified, one candidate maintains a lead.
The noted exhibit by Simon Ouwerkerk goes outside today so viewers may view firsthand art in the exhibit at the Manhattan Beach Arts Center.
His iconic photographic captures in the "Manhattan Beach PhotoWalk" series are available to Patch readers through Black Friday at 20% off.
The Manhattan Beach Police Dept. has released the latest week's crime report, which includes an auto theft and residential, auto burglaries.
One round of voting has determined who will be crowned 'The Best of Manhattan' in the annual Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce event.
COVID-19 cases are higher now than in the previous June-July surge in Los Angeles County.
The longtime Manhattan Beach resident shares why he thinks the current Manhattan Beach City Council should bypass Suzanne Hadley as mayor.
Two Guns Espresso is introducing a new breakfast burrito, their Holiday Blend coffee is now available to take home, or order Via Door Dash.
A professional singer & community engagement specialist with Kinecta Federal Credit Union, she is 1st woman of color to chair the chamber.
Suzanne Hadley is next in line to be Manhattan Beach mayor but she's been hearing whispers some folks may not want her to serve. Her reply.
Hahn explains why she chose not to attend the event; thanks Manhattan Beach resident & actor Vince Vaughn for his concern for kids' health.
The school board elect member is also the Co-VP of Health & Wellness at Mira Costa High School and is having her remarks read at rally.
A protest on behalf of Manhattan Beach & South Bay school kids & youth athletics draws ire of teacher, school board, city council members.
The actor, other Manhattan Beach residents are holding an event today at Polliwog Park to advocate for opening schools, sports activities.
Joe Franklin and Grettel Fournell are locked in a battle for the third and final seat open on the Manhattan Beach City Council.
The "Unplanned Event" was seen by Manhattan Beach residents living in the Tree Section, which borders the Chevron Refinery in El Segundo.
The Manhattan Beach resident is one of the organizers of the "Rally for the SAFE Opening of Schools and Sports Activities" this Wednesday.
The Manhattan Beach-based company's employees rate their work life at Kinecta highly, citing employee-driven volunteerism as just one plus.
