MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE
SPECIAL REPORT:
PERMIT BUREAUCRACY
& THE COST OF COMPLIANCE
A TALE OF TWO CITIES
by Name Withheld by Request
As a general contractor with four decades of experience in seismic foundation retrofits, we perform work under the California Earthquake Authority’s (CEA) Earthquake Brace and Bolt (EBB) program. I know the work itself is standardized. Yet, in late 2024, the permitting experience for two virtually identical EBB projects in neighboring Southern California communities revealed an astonishing disparity in efficiency and cost. This comparison highlights how local bureaucracy impacts project feasibility and homeowner expenses.
CASE STUDY ONE: Rancho Palos Verdes Estates (RPV), October 2024
The RPV project was efficient and traditional. I prepared the EBB-compliant plans and physically delivered them to the City’s liaison.
- Review Time: Two days.
- Permit Fee: $245.40
This streamlined approach, featuring a quick review and reasonable fee, allowed the homeowner to begin their essential seismic upgrade immediately, without undue financial or bureaucratic delays.
CASE STUDY TWO: Manhattan Beach (MB), October 2024
In sharp contrast, the identical MB project mandated electronic plan submission, resulting in a significantly slower, more expensive experience:
- Review Time: Four weeks (28 days).
- Permit Fee: $1,065.40
The Financial Disparity
The MB fee is more than four times the cost charged by RPV Estates, an $820.00 difference for the exact scope of standardized work. At $1,065.40, the permit represented an exorbitant 14.3% of the total project value. When questioned, the MB agency offered no justification for the high fee, a discrepancy that was impossible to rationalize based on the work’s complexity or duration.
Conclusion
This comparison is a clear illustration of regulatory bloat. RPV Estates proved that effective review of standardized safety work can be achieved quickly and at a fair cost. Sadly, Manhattan Beach doesn’t operate that way currently. When a municipality charges significantly more for an identical, minimal-risk project, it suggests their fee structure is designed to sustain an outsized or inefficient administrative apparatus. Ultimately, the homeowner, often utilizing public safety grant money, bears the burden of this governmental excess.
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MB WEEKLY – COFFEE TALK:
An exclusive MB Weekly video of “Coffee Talk” with Tracy Evans.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Mike Zislis
(Shade Hotel)
Q: LET’S GO BACK TO 2005… MICHAEL, TAKE US BACK 20 YEARS – WHAT WAS THE “LIGHTBULB MOMENT” THAT MADE YOU SAY, “YEP, I’M BUILDING A LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN MANHATTAN BEACH”? DID ANYONE LOOK AT YOU LIKE YOU WERE CRAZY?
A: Back then, there really wasn’t anything like Shade in the South Bay. Manhattan Beach was a casual beach town and the Metlox Plaza was a pottery workshop. I originally wanted to do a restaurant at Metlox Plaza and the city didn’t choose my concept. There was a space slated for a small boutique hotel, but nobody wanted to do the hotel because it had so few rooms. I had started as a brewer, then became a restaurateur, and building a hotel felt like the next progression for me. I believed that if we did it right, we could elevate the entire hospitality scene in the South Bay… and that’s exactly what we did.
Q: THE BIG LEAP, SHADE WAS A GUTSY MOVE. WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST BUSINESS GAMBLE YOU TOOK AT THE START… AND WAS THERE A MOMENT WHERE YOU THOUGHT, “UH OH, WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO?”
A: Building Shade was a huge leap of faith. I’d never built a hotel before. Restaurants and breweries, yes, but a hotel was a whole new world. Financing, design, operations… it was a major gamble. There were definitely moments where I thought, “What did I just get myself into?” especially as costs started stacking up and the project took shape. I had raised money before, but nothing at this scale and we were able to get 52 Manhattan Beach residents and family to invest who also believed the hotel would be a great idea to the downtown. I knew if we could deliver something truly special, where each person treated like royalty people would be respond, and they have.
“Back then, there really wasn’t anything like Shade in the South Bay” —- Mike Zislis
Q: STAYING COOL FOR 20 YEARS. TRENDS IN HOSPITALITY COME AND GO FASTER THAN BEACH TIDES. WHAT’S BEEN YOUR SECRET TO KEEPING SHADE FRESH, RELEVANT, AND STILL THE SPOT TWO DECADES LATER?
A: “Check In to your room…. And out of your routine” that is how we want our guests to feel and what I am constantly challenging my team to do. The key to staying relevant is never getting too comfortable. We’ve always listened to our guests, paid attention to what’s happening in hospitality trends, and evolved without losing our identity. Shade has always been about that perfect balance: modern and luxurious, yet relaxed and rooted in the beach lifestyle. Our marketing team does an incredible job keeping things fresh and fun. One of my favorite touches is the “cool” welcome at check-in where guests are greeted with a seasonal frozen boozy cocktail, and kids get a blue Otter Pop and a Shade branded “Sunny the duck” to take on their vacation adventures and travel home with them. It’s those little moments that make a big impression. We also just completed a major renovation – all 38 rooms, event spaces, the rooftop pool, plus a brand-new bar, updated restaurant and terrace, and a completely refreshed website. I am really proud of it all. If you haven’t stopped by in a while, now’s the time. Our new menu is fantastic and our $10 daily happy hour has quickly become a local favorite because it’s 3-6PM 7 days a week. At the end of the day, it’s me and my team’s creativity, passion, and energy that keep Shade going strong.
Q: MORE THAN A HOTEL SHADE ISN’T JUST A PLACE TO STAY – IT’S BECOME PART OF THE MANHATTAN BEACH VIBE. WAS THAT CAREFULLY PLANNED, OR DID IT HAPPEN MORE ORGANICALLY? ANY FAVORITE “COMMUNITY MOMENTS” THAT STICK OUT?
A: That community connection was very much intentional. Just steps from the best restaurants and shops, and 3 blocks from the beach with its iconic pier, Shade is where downtown buzz meets beach living. I always wanted Shade to be more than just a hotel…, it’s a place to celebrate, to connect, to be part of Manhattan Beach life. From weddings to fundraisers to our famous Sunday brunches, Shade has been part of people’s biggest life moments. We have people from all over the community gathering with us daily. Whether it’s a business meeting over coffee or hanging out at the rooftop pool deck. It is too hard to pick out just one favorite moment… I have loved our NYE celebrations, hosting fundraisers for our local schools, and seeing loved ones tie the knot. We’ve also been proud to donate our space and services to countless events for the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation and Torrance Memorial. Those organizations mean a lot to me personally, and being able to support them through Shade has been incredibly rewarding.
Q: LOOKING AHEAD ALRIGHT, CRYSTAL BALL TIME – WHAT DO THE NEXT 20 YEARS LOOK LIKE FOR SHADE? ARE WE TALKING NEW EXPERIENCES, UNEXPECTED TWISTS… MAYBE EVEN ANOTHER WILD IDEA THAT MAKES PEOPLE RAISE AN EYEBROW LIKE THEY DID IN 2005?
A: Since Shade consistently operates at such high occupancy, we’re proposing an additional 24-room wing on the former Lot 3 site downtown. We believe this would be the most effective use of the space, not only creating much-needed guest accommodations, but also generating valuable underground parking revenue and additional hotel TOT tax to benefit the city’s finances. I’m genuinely excited about this project and optimistic that we can bring it to life. It really feels like a win-win for everyone!
JOEY Manhattan Beach:
From intimate gatherings to full buyouts, ask us about our private events and large party availability today.
MB WEEKLY – HISTORY:
The Way We Were. Manhattan Beach 1950s.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
Tara Klein Nordyke (Manhattan Beach)
The Butterfly Fly Strong Foundation recently hosted a successful dinner at SLAY Steak + Fish House, supporting women with breast cancer through advocacy, awareness, and action. I feel fortunate to have a substantial support system, but I recognize that not everyone is as lucky as I am to have a robust network of loving and committed friends, family, or a spouse. As a survivor or as a founder, Malibu Dana, would say, “a new butterfly,” this was my first Breast Cancer fundraiser. Being in a room filled with beautiful and strong survivors/butterflies who have experienced the challenges of having their lives turned upside down was incredibly empowering. Breast cancer creates a metamorphosis, and those of us lucky enough to kick it to the curb are forever changed. The journey of survival involves coping with changes to one’s body, hair, health, and spirit while working, and managing the pressure to be grateful for the diagnosis, all while dealing with stress about scans and exams. A generous friend made the evening even more special by donating in my name. Suzanne Sharer, a friend I met through volunteer work, and I have been fighting cancer simultaneously. Following her lead, I donated in her name. Thank you to fellow survivor Christina Schlenk for inviting us to attend, as she works diligently to spread support and love! To learn more about this beautiful organization and what they do to support and advocate, here is the – https://www.butterflystrongfoundation.org
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MBUSD Attendance Soars to 97.32% – A Remarkable Jump for Local Schools:
Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) is celebrating a significant achievement this fall: an impressive 97.32% attendance rate for Quarter 1, up from 95.39% at the same time last year. District officials applauded students, parents, guardians, and teachers for their collective effort in ensuring students are present and engaged. “Regular attendance is the cornerstone of academic success,” an MBUSD spokesperson noted. The district also reminded families of the distinction between chronic absenteeism – missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason – and truancy, which applies to unexcused absences or tardiness. Both can negatively impact learning and trigger state interventions. Families are encouraged to plan vacations around the school calendar and maintain open communication with teachers.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Annie Pho
(BLISS NAIL LOUNGE)
Q: WHEN DID YOU FIRST CREATE BLISS NAIL LOUNGE IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: Bliss Nail Lounge was created in 2017 with a simple dream to bring a touch of beauty, relaxation, and self-care to the Manhattan Beach community. What started as a small passion project has now grown into a place where clients can unwind, feel pampered, and leave feeling confident and renewed.
Q: YOU HAVE JUST OPENED A NEW, LARGER LOUNGE IN MANHATTAN BEACH. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO DO THAT?
A: Over the years, we’ve been so blessed with amazing support from our loyal clients. The new, larger lounge was a way to give back to our community by creating a space that feels even more luxurious and welcoming. We wanted to offer our guests more comfort, more services, and a truly elevated experience a place that feels like an escape right here in the South Bay.
Q: WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS POST-COVID?
A: The most challenging part has definitely been finding and keeping the right team members. After COVID, the industry shifted so much it’s been a learning process to rebuild with a team that shares the same passion and care for our clients. But through it all, it’s also reminded me how strong and supportive this community truly is.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SPECIAL FEATURES THAT BLISS NAIL LOUNGE OFFERS ITS CUSTOMERS?
A: At Bliss, we focus on custom nail designs, trend-forward techniques, and using the cleanest, most natural products possible. Our team is constantly training and learning so that we can bring the newest styles and healthiest options to our clients. More than anything, we take pride in creating a space that’s warm, clean, and uplifting where everyone feels taken care of from the moment they walk in.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in Vietnam, and I carry a lot of inspiration from my roots. The values of hard work, hospitality, and attention to detail that I grew up with are the same ones I bring into everything we do at Bliss Nail Lounge.
URBAN PLATES THANKSGIVING:
Turkey Family Meal $104.95
(to-go only, serves four) Available 11/25-11/27
Herb-roasted turkey breast, mushroom stuffing, roasted brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry relish, rustic bread. Served hot and ready to eat.
www.UrbanPlates.com/thanksgiving
CALIFORNIA’S NEW HOUSING LAW, THE HOTLY DEBATED SENATE BILL 79, HAS SPARKED DEBATE ACROSS THE STATE, BUT ITS IMPACT IN MANHATTAN BEACH IS EFFECTIVELY ZERO:
** Ed Kaminsky (Kaminsky Real Estate Group): California’s Senate Bill 79 (SB 79) is designed to encourage higher-density housing near major high-frequency transit stations – specifically rail, light rail, or true dedicated-lane bus rapid transit. Because Manhattan Beach does not have transit hubs that meet the law’s definitions, SB 79 currently has no direct impact on zoning within our city. However, there is growing concern in Manhattan Beach regarding other high-density housing initiatives, such as development activity along Rosecrans & Highland and proposed or potential density increases along Sepulveda Boulevard. These projects are tied to different state housing mandates and local planning processes, not SB 79. California unquestionably needs more housing supply. The challenge is ensuring that these solutions are implemented responsibly and with local conditions in mind. A uniform statewide approach often overlooks community impacts such as:
- Increased traffic and congestion
- Limited parking availability
- Added strain on water, utilities, and emergency services
- Pressures on school capacity and overall public infrastructure
- Preserving the local character that residents value
Manhattan Beach is a highly desirable coastal community with infrastructure that was never designed for dramatic density expansion. Thoughtful, collaborative planning is essential to balance statewide housing goals with what is sustainable and safe for our residents. I am monitoring the impact on our City, although it does feel like a steam roller of decisions are being made without full regard to local communities feedback, and impact.
** Lee Phillips (Manhattan Beach Community Activist): Housing policy in California often advances in increments. That being said, the current bill means that if a future transit line or high-frequency bus route is ever planned in Manhattan Beach, it could open the door to larger housing projects. Even without an immediate impact, properties near potential transit corridors may already be drawing speculative interest.
** Bob Holmes (Former Manhattan Beach Mayor): However, other previous legislation passed by our legislature and signed into law by our Governor has taken massive amounts of zoning and land use decisions way from local cities. Just take a look at the entirely inappropriate huge HighRose development at Rosecrans and Highland. Our local City Council was powerless to stop that project thanks to our Assembly, State Senate, and Governor and their social engineering.
Bobcat Carpet & Fabric Care:
Cleaning Is Our Business! No job is too big!
We clean Residential and Commercial locations.
(310) 575-3197 | info@bobcatcarpetcare.com | www.BobcatCarpetCare.com
MB SAFE – A HISTORY:
MBSAFE began as an unincorporated group of local residents who believed in finding a compassionate, community-based solution to the growing number of unhoused individuals in Manhattan Beach, rather than adopting the cookie-cutter approach proposed by the L.A. County consultant. Lucia La Rosa Ames and Lee Philipps, both members of the City Task Force, worked closely with the city administration to identify and secure funding for a regional approach to homelessness. Building on that effort, Lucia and Lee, along with Debbie Van Ness and Rita Crabtree Kampe, went on to found MBSAFE. They also wish to recognize the support for this by Richard Montgomery as a city council member and by Joe Franklin – who at that time was just a dear neighbor – and three members of our original board whose contributions were essential in our early days: Lewis Thomashow, our first CPA; Michael Mickealski, our first agent of service; and Elyse Gura, who played a key role in drafting our first business plan. Though they no longer serve on the board, we remain deeply grateful for their dedication and generosity in helping shape the foundation of MBSAFE.
Bella Beach Kids:
Fashionable clothes, unique toys and one of a kind gifts both kids and parents will enjoy. Baby Shower Items. Cool Tween styles for Girls and more.
www.BellaBeachKids.com
MB WEEKLY – Q & A:
Ira Goldstone
(Treasurer of MB SAFE)
Q: WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITH MB SAFE?
A: I am CFO/Treasurer. I manage, track and acknowledge all income expenses and Donations.
Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED?
A: Rita reached out to me. We had met through her husband Stefan as he and I were classmates in Leadership Manhattan Beach.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB?
A: Keeping track of all the the funds spent in support of the homeless in our community.
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I have lived in Manhattan Beach for 31 years.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: Born in NYC and moved to LA in 1983 and Manhattan Beach in 1994.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: Nicks, Joeys, Uncle Bills, Simmzys and Slay.
WHAT IS THE “SECRET SAUCE” TO MANHATTAN BEACH REAL ESTATE:
** John Altamura (Altamura Real Estate): Regarding MB RE. Always remember that structures decrease and Land Increases. Very, very, infrequently does the land in MB go down. Land in MB is generational.
** Ed Kaminsky (Kaminsky Real Estate Group): Manhattan Beach continues to show resilience and balance heading into the final quarter of 2025. Inventory has held steady year-over-year, with 79 homes currently for sale – exactly the same number as this time last year. However, sales volume has dipped 35%, from 34 homes sold last year to 22 this year, reflecting the slower pace we’re seeing nationally. Despite the drop in transactions, prices remain stable. The average price per square foot is up about 2.3% from last fall, showing modest appreciation and continued buyer confidence. The brief surge in activity following the Los Angeles fires last spring has normalized, and pricing has leveled into a sustainable trajectory. Homes that are well-priced and show well are still selling quickly – the average days on market sits around 32. Sellers and buyers are now more aligned, with list-to-sale price ratios tightening compared to earlier in the year. With roughly three to four months of inventory, Manhattan Beach remains on the edge of a seller’s market – steady, competitive, and driven by lifestyle demand rather than speculation.
BELLA BUILDERS:
A Local Residential Builder
ADU’s and New Homes
Manhattan Beach and The Palisades
Full Service From Concept To Completion
www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com
Vinny@beautifulbuilder.com | 310 809 4999
Where Fire Meets Finesse – The Arthur J’s Timeless Sizzle In Manhattan Beach:
Just a few blocks from the ocean, The Arthur J stands as a mid-century modern steakhouse masterpiece – and a favorite among discerning diners and Redditors alike. One fan raved, “I’m not sure I’ve had a better steak. It’s the one I keep coming back to.” Named after the founder of Mimi’s Café, The Arthur J blends classic sophistication with culinary precision. Its wood-fired grill turns Kansas City strip steaks and Japanese wagyu into edible art, complemented by sauces like chimichurri and black truffle butter. The menu’s supporting cast – Caesar salad, beef fat fries, and a globe-spanning wine list – earns equal applause. With praise from The Infatuation and Eater Los Angeles as one of L.A.’s best steakhouses, The Arthur J has become the go-to spot for date nights, celebrations, or anyone chasing steak perfection in the heart of Manhattan Beach.
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1. ** LAX Terminal 5 Shutting Down for Demolition – Terminal 5 at Los Angeles International Airport officially closes as part of a major revitalization ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. JetBlue, Spirit, and American Airlines have relocated to Terminals 1, 2, and 4, respectively, clearing the way for demolition to begin. —- Editor’s Note
2. ** Good news for Manhattan Beach! SB 79 won’t apply here – there are no transit hubs and minimal bus service. Even better: only one incomplete 7-story apartment proposal exists in the Sepulveda Corridor from an out-of-town developer unfamiliar with our city. Let’s hope it never “pencils out” and stays unbuilt. —- A.T., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Personally, I don’t think television will ever be perfected until the viewer can press a button and cause whoever is on the screen’s head to explode. —- Angie S.
4. ** Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is dumber than a rock. —- Ann H., Hermosa Beach
5. ** Hermosa Beach residents will soon find it easier to obtain beach-area parking permits. Following complaints about last year’s strict requirements, the City Council voted 3–2 to accept leases and utility bills as proof of residency. The previous rules had reduced the number of permits issued from 8,926 to just 5,901. —- Editor’s Note
6. ** The MB Weekly Free Bulletin Board is an incredible platform for anyone in the South Bay community who values authentic, uncensored conversation. I love it because it’s filled with the real, unfiltered comments of real people. You get a sense of the genuine pulse of the neighborhood – whether it’s thoughtful insights, humor, or unexpected opinions, it’s all there. The diversity of voices makes it a must-read for staying connected to what matters locally. Seeing a space where people feel free to express their thoughts openly is refreshing. Highly recommend! —- Grant S. (Hermosa Beach)
7. ** Hermosa Beach residents are rallying to bring a dog park to town. “Bark for a Park” organizers aim to raise over $300,000 for the project, to open it in 2026. Supporters gathered Oct. 28 at The Deck, inspired by what chair Tara Gerow called Hermosa’s “sense of community.” —- Editor’s Note
8. ** MB residents were promised more sworn patrol officers in 2022. In fact, MBPD was going to go from 65 sworn to 72 sworn. Yet, it hasn’t happened. Why not? —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
9. ** One of the more infuriating hallmarks of modern wokeness is the smug “read a book” retort from self-anointed social justice scholars. I’ve read plenty – at Oxford and Harvard. However, disagreement is often viewed as ignorance in their worldview: no debate, no discourse, just moral vanity masquerading as intellect. —- Sally R., Hermosa Beach
10. ** I would like to see the memo justifying substituting public service “officers” for sworn police officers. If you believe you can swap them out, why not do more of it and use the difference in salaries to hire even more public service officers? Not! —- James M.
11. ** Listen to this one: my next-door neighbor (El Segundo), who’s a seemingly sane grandmother, took her two kittens in for a dental cleaning under anesthesia and claims that the kittens are mad at her for taking them to the vet. Sicko! —- Bo S., El Segundo
12. ** Great MB Weekly video on the MB Safe tribute anniversary. I was sick with a cold and couldn’t attend, but the video made me feel like I was there. Great job, MB Weekly! —- Trish H., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Parents want schools to be places of education, not indoctrination. Period! —- Lesley M.
14. ** A lovely couple thought it was perfectly fine to toss their mushy dog poop – untied bag and all – into my recycling bin. My wife smelled it while hauling the bin back. Pick it up? Fine. But at least tie the bag and use the trash! Lazy. Disgusting. Rude. —- Alice M., El Segundo
15. ** Congratulations to Lucy Hanahan DaGiau on 25 successful years of creating beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces at ROCK GODDESS JEWELRY. Follow ROCK GODDESS @luciadagiau21 on Instagram. —- Bob D.
16. ** I am so glad I am not married to Meghan Markle. —- Oscar L., Manhattan Beach
17. ** A 22-year longitudinal study tracking 73,000 adults found that just 15 minutes of daily walking extended life expectancy by 2.5 years compared to sedentary adults. —- Arnold Sank, Hermosa Beach.
18. ** Looking for home Physical Therapy? Contact Dr. Garret Wong, Mana Mobile Physical Therapy/El Segundo, https://www.manamobilept.com/services/mobile. He even brings the workout therapy table and more with him – excellent – ask him re the KT tape for pain reduction – may be a game changer! —- The Wizard, Manhattan Beach
19. ** MB Weekly reader question: What’s the best hiking trail in the South Bay? Send your reply to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net.
20. ** California continues to rank near the bottom in per-pupil funding, and Manhattan Beach schools face an even greater challenge – receiving $5,000 less per student than the statewide average. With less than 23% of our property taxes supporting our public schools, community funding through parcel taxes and MBEF is essential to help bridge the gap. Your support of the 2025-2026 MBEF Annual Appeal is vital. Every gift, no matter the size, sustains the educators and programs that enrich every child, every day, including yours. —- MBUSD
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