MB Weekly 09/03/2026

MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
MARK BURTON
(Candidate for MB City Council)

Q: HAVING SERVED AS MAYOR, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED – AND HOW WOULD IT SHAPE YOUR DECISIONS IF ELECTED AGAIN?
A: Having served as Mayor during my first term, I learned many important lessons, but the most important is simple: City Hall belongs to the residents. Councilmembers need to listen to residents, understand their concerns, and make decisions based on the best interests of our community, both today and for the future. I also learned how much leadership matters. Council must provide clear direction to the City Manager and staff, work effectively with colleagues, and conduct meetings so residents have a meaningful opportunity to participate. As Mayor, I believed important issues drawing significant public interest should be heard early in the evening, not at 11 p.m. after most residents have gone home. Transparency is equally important. City business should be conducted openly, with closed sessions strictly limited to matters permitted by law. If elected to a second term, I will work to restore a resident-centered Council culture based on servant leadership. Every major decision should begin with two questions: How does this benefit our residents, and is it in Manhattan Beach’s long-term interest? We work for the residents, not special interests inside or outside City Hall.

Q: MANHATTAN BEACH FACES GROWING COSTS AND CONCERNS ABOUT GOVERNMENT SPENDING. WHERE WOULD YOU CUT, CONSOLIDATE, OR DEMAND GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY?
A: One of my first proposals would be a hiring freeze for all City employees except public safety. My goal would be to reduce full-time staffing from its historic high of 356 to 300 or fewer within 24 months through attrition, vacancies, and consolidation, without layoffs. I would also direct the City Manager to identify options for reducing expenditures by 10% in every department and report those options to Council. This does not mean blindly cutting every department by 10%. It means requiring department managers to identify efficiencies so Council can determine where savings can responsibly be achieved without compromising essential services. I would also review consultant spending. Taxpayers should not pay outside contractors to perform work City employees can reasonably perform. Finally, the Council should examine the City’s management structure. I do not believe a city of approximately 35,000 residents needs layer upon layer of mid-level management. Fiscal responsibility isn’t about cutting for the sake of cutting. It’s about demanding value for every taxpayer dollar we spend.

Q: WHAT IS ONE CITY COUNCIL DECISION FROM RECENT YEARS YOU WOULD HAVE HANDLED DIFFERENTLY, AND WHY?
A: One example is the project referred to as the “Polliwog Pavilion” in Polliwog Park. Based on my review of the project documents, I believed the proposal effectively contemplated a second LA County Library facility in Manhattan Beach. I opposed it. I did not believe most residents wanted or needed a second County library facility, particularly in Polliwog Park. Polliwog is our City’s largest park and an important open-space resource for our community. The property is owned by MBUSD and leased to the City. Ultimately, the project did not move forward. But the larger issue is how City Hall makes major decisions. Significant proposals like this should be presented clearly and directly to residents from the beginning, with ample opportunity for public input before Council commits to a direction.

Q: RESIDENTS OFTEN FEEL MAJOR DECISIONS ARE MADE BEFORE PUBLIC INPUT IS SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE CITY HALL MORE TRANSPARENT AND RESPONSIVE?
A: I have a record on this issue, and I’m proud of it. During my first term on Council, I was instrumental in the adoption of Manhattan Beach’s Sunshine Policy and Open Government Initiatives, designed to increase transparency and public access to City government. Transparency shouldn’t depend on who happens to be sitting on the Council. Those protections should be institutionalized. If elected to a second term, I would seek to permanently embed the City’s Sunshine Policy and Open Government Initiatives into the Municipal Code and require periodic reviews of City practices for compliance with the Brown Act, California’s open-meeting law. Public input should never be treated as a procedural box to check after City Hall has already decided what it wants to do. Restoring trust requires Councilmembers who genuinely listen and remember whom they represent: the residents of our community, not special interests. Residents should never have to wonder whether a decision was already made before they walked into the Council chamber.

Q: WHAT GRADE WOULD YOU GIVE EACH OF THE CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL ON FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY?
A: I respect anyone willing to run for public office, but candidates should be evaluated primarily on their records. Based on those records, my grades on fiscal responsibility are:

  • Mark Burton: A
    During my first term, I was willing to say “no” when I believed spending was becoming excessive. I voted against the FY 2016-17/FY 2017-18 operating budget and supported limiting growth in full-time staffing.
  • Joseph Ungoco: B+
    Joseph served two terms on our Planning Commission and developed a reputation as a thoughtful commissioner who exercised independent judgment. He is campaigning as a fiscal conservative and has emphasized stronger Council oversight of City spending.
  • Amy Howorth: C-
  • Richard Montgomery: C+
    Howorth and Montgomery have extensive Council records after I left office. Residents should examine their votes on budgets, staffing, compensation, taxes, fees, and long-term financial obligations, particularly during the years after I left Council.

When I left office, Manhattan Beach had approximately 270 full-time positions. Today, staffing stands at approximately 357. Employees represent an ongoing financial commitment through salaries, benefits, and pension obligations. Also, after I left officel, employee pension obligations increased significantly. My standard is straightforward: Spend taxpayer money carefully, control the growth of local government, protect essential services, plan for long-term obligations, and demand measurable results for what we spend. That’s the standard I followed during my first term, and it’s the standard I would bring back to Council.

CLOSING REMARKS: With projected deficits in the coming years and a Council that too often fails to listen to residents, Manhattan Beach cannot afford more of the status quo. As a former Manhattan Beach Mayor and Councilmember and a former Senior Assistant City Attorney for Los Angeles, I have the experience to understand how City Hall works and the independence to challenge it when it isn’t working for residents. I’m asking voters for the opportunity to serve one final term focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety, transparency, and protecting the character of Manhattan Beach. City Hall belongs to the residents. I’ll fight to make sure it works for them. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 3.

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www.MarkBurton4Council.com

THE STATE OF MANHATTAN BEACH’S FINANCES – PART FIVE:
(An Exclusive Six-Part Series by Paul Wafer)

Public Safety: Our Largest Investment

Figure 5. Data and estimates summarized from the State of Manhattan Beach Finances report.

Police and fire services are among the most important responsibilities of local government. They also represent one of Manhattan Beach’s largest financial commitments.

Let me be clear: I strongly support maintaining excellent police and fire protection. Residents deserve outstanding public safety, and our employees deserve the training, equipment and staffing necessary to perform their jobs safely.

Supporting public safety, however, does not mean avoiding difficult financial questions.

Over the past two years I have examined staffing levels, overtime, compensation and operational practices within the Police Department. Much of my attention has focused on overtime because unusually high overtime can indicate vacancies, extended leave, staffing shortages, supervisory practices, special events or organizational inefficiencies.

The City’s 2025 payroll data showed two police lieutenants receiving approximately $125,000 each in overtime, while other lieutenants generally received between about $17,000 and $35,000. With base pay, other compensation and benefits, the total cost of the two highest-paid employees exceeded $500,000 each.

The Police Chief has provided important context. Her explanation included prolonged leave by an executive team member, acting assignments, newly promoted sergeants requiring additional supervision, vacancies and special-event planning. Those factors deserve consideration.

They also demonstrate why more transparent reporting is necessary. Residents should understand how much overtime is being paid, why it occurs, whether it is temporary or recurring, and what alternatives have been considered. The Council should receive regular overtime reports by rank, cause and organizational unit.

Every dollar spent on unnecessary overtime is unavailable for other public services or reserves. Conversely, every dollar needed to maintain effective public safety is an investment in the community.

The objective should not be reducing public safety spending for its own sake. It should be ensuring that staffing models, schedules, supervisory practices and labor agreements produce the safest and most cost-effective result.

Because public safety is so important, it deserves more financial oversight, not less.

NEXT WEEK: A ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE

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AN OPEN LETTER TO POLICE CHIEF RACHEL JOHNSON:
by Name Withheld by Request
(MB Homeowner & Business Owner)

Dear Police Chief Johnson: Manhattan Beach should embrace drones as a force multiplier for public safety. With police departments confronting staffing shortages, drones can respond rapidly, survey dangerous scenes, locate suspects, protect officers, and provide information before personnel arrive. Current restrictions that prevent cameras from recording lawful, plain-view activity while traveling to and from calls sacrifice an extraordinary crime-fighting opportunity. Privacy matters, but public spaces are public. Sensible safeguards, transparency, strict retention rules, and independent oversight can protect civil liberties without blinding policing. Drones should also patrol neighborhoods suffering repeated nighttime burglaries, robberies, and vehicle break-ins; monitor parks, schools, synagogues, and critical infrastructure; and coordinate with cameras and license-plate readers to track wanted suspects until officers arrive. Chief Johnson, I urge you to lead a public discussion about expanding responsible drone use. Manhattan Beach can protect constitutional freedoms while using available technology to deter crime and keep residents, businesses, and officers safer.

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Tin Roof Bistro:

Watermelon & Feta Salad
Brings together arugula, watermelon, feta, pistachios, cucumber, red onion, and caper herb vinaigrette for the ultimate summer bite.

3500 N Sepulveda Blvd | (310) 939-0900 | www.TinRoofBistro.com

MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Linda Reinstein
(President & Co-founder of Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization)

Q: AFTER TWO DECADES OF ADVOCACY, WHAT REMAINS THE GREATEST OBSTACLE TO FINALLY BANNING ASBESTOS IN THE UNITED STATES – POLITICS, INDUSTRY INFLUENCE, OR PUBLIC INDIFFERENCE?
A: The greatest obstacle to finally banning asbestos in the United States has been the political influence of industries that continue to profit from asbestos, compounded by a regulatory system that moves far too slowly. The science is unequivocal: asbestos is a known carcinogen, there is no safe level of exposure, and asbestos-caused diseases are preventable. Public indifference is not the problem. Most Americans are shocked when they learn asbestos has not been fully banned. They reasonably assume our government took that action decades ago. After more than 20 years of advocacy, I am encouraged by the growing bipartisan support for the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act. In August, Senator John Curtis of Utah joined Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon to advance a comprehensive federal ban. Their leadership demonstrates that preventing asbestos exposure is not a partisan issue – it is a public-health responsibility.

Q: HOW DID LOSING YOUR HUSBAND, ALAN, TO MESOTHELIOMA TRANSFORM YOUR PERSONAL GRIEF INTO A GLOBAL PUBLIC-HEALTH MOVEMENT?
A: When Alan was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2003, our family entered a world we never knew existed. We had never heard of mesothelioma, and we were devastated to learn that his cancer was caused by asbestos exposure and could have been prevented. Alan died in 2006, leaving behind me, our daughter, Emily, and an enormous void in our lives. Grief gave us a reason to begin, but love and hope have sustained the work. In 2004, the Reinstein and Larkin families came together to co-found the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. Doug Larkin’s family had also experienced the devastating loss of a loved one – his father-in-law – to mesothelioma. Together, we understood that patients and families needed education, community, and a voice in the decisions affecting their lives. … No family should lose someone they love to a preventable asbestos-caused disease.

Q: WHAT DANGEROUS MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ASBESTOS EXPOSURE PERSIST TODAY, AND WHAT SHOULD EVERY HOMEOWNER, WORKER, AND PARENT KNOW TO PROTECT THEIR FAMILY?
A: The most dangerous misconception is that asbestos is a problem of the past. It is not. Asbestos can still be found in homes, schools, workplaces, public buildings, consumer products, and infrastructure throughout our Manhattan Beach community and across the nation. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed during renovation, demolition, repair, maintenance, or a natural disaster, microscopic fibers can become airborne and inhaled. This year, as our nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, we are reminded of the enduring consequences of toxic exposure. … Homeowners should never cut, sand, drill, scrape, remove, or otherwise disturb materials they suspect may contain asbestos. Before renovating or demolishing an older property, they should hire a trained and licensed asbestos professional to inspect and test the materials. … Parents should ask whether their children’s schools have asbestos-management plans and whether those plans are being followed. These issues will be central to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s 21st Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, taking place September 25–26 in the Washington, D.C., area. … The essential message is simple: if you think a material may contain asbestos, do not disturb it. Stop, have it professionally evaluated, and protect everyone who may be exposed. Awareness must lead to prevention – and prevention saves lives.

www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org

Zebrowski Group:

“A trusted advisor, a community fixture, and someone
who takes pride in helping families make meaningful moves.”

(310) 678-7158 | Brett@ZebrowskiGroup.com | www.ZebrowskiGroup.com

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lucia La Rosa Ames

For more than a month, a man has camped on the lawn of the Manhattan Beach County Library. Outreach workers have offered him shelter and housing. He has refused every time. He has been quite aggressive toward those trying to help. When asked to enforce the City’s anti-camping ordinance, the City Manager told Mayor Franklin it was impossible: county property, no tent, no jurisdiction. The ordinance says otherwise. MBMC Chapter 4.140, adopted by City Council in 2018, explicitly names the Manhattan Beach County Library and all adjacent public areas as covered public property. It expressly includes blankets and bedrolls. City has jurisdiction and no tent is required. Police Chief Rachel Johnson confirmed this week that MBPD has jurisdiction and will enforce. She deserves much praise for a law based response. The City Manager has said nothing. Public confidence requires more than silence. The Council needs to resolve this conflict publicly. Now.

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Bliss Nail Lounge:

A luxury nail salon located in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach.

1830 N Sepulveda Blvd | (424) 278-9993 | BlissNailSepulveda.com

THE MB WHISPERER:

***Bloody hard to find an honest construction company. Two friends used Bella Builders and emerged pleased – with their homes and wallets intact. In contracting, that practically qualifies as a miracle.   ***You’re not officially a South Bay neighbor until you’ve visited Dive N’ Surf. Until then, you’re merely renting the ZIP code.   ***Saint and Second may be the most beautiful restaurant in Manhattan Beach. Fortunately, the food doesn’t force you to survive on scenery.   ***Delaying a difficult conversation never makes it easier. It merely gives the problem time to hire an attorney.   ***Why does Manhattan Beach do so little about the coyote problem? Calling the city feels less like seeking help and more like leaving a voicemail in outer space.   ***Taking your socks off at the office seems offensive; arriving without them passes for style.   ***And thank God Bliss Nails has started banning pets. A pedicure should not require a rabies waiver.   ***Have a tip for The MB Whisperer, send it to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE VIDEO:
The Pace Report with Jessiqa Pace

Let’s Find the Geocache with Jessiqa Pace, exclusively for MB Weekly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch

Lido Bakery:

Home of the Most Extraordinary Wedding Cakes
“We also bake in a little bit of love with every bite!”
(310) 545-8955 | 3001 N Sepulveda Blvd | www.LidoBakery.com

Manhattan Beach To Honor 9/11 Victims And Heroes:

The City of Manhattan Beach will hold its annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Friday, September 11 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the city’s memorial, located at the southwest corner of 15th Street and Valley Drive. Hosted jointly by the Manhattan Beach Fire and Police Departments, the ceremony will honor those who lost their lives, recognize the bravery of first responders, and reflect upon the enduring impact of September 11, 2001. Valley Drive between 13th and 15th Streets will be closed in both directions from 7 to 10:30 a.m. The community is invited to attend.

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

MANHATTAN BEACH FOOD & WINE TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE:

Friday – Sept 25 / Saturday – Sept 26 / 7-10 PM
Exclusive Event … Festival Tickets Going Fast … Two Nights. One Incredible Culinary Experience.

https://www.manhattanbeachfoodandwine.com/tickets

Bella Builders:


www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com

MB WEEKLY – COMMUNITY:

www.SetTheTableLA.com

MBW Bulletin Board

1. ** The Hermosa Beach Education Foundation is teeing up its first golf fundraiser, The Strand Classic, on Sept. 16 at Los Verdes Golf Course. The volunteer-led nonprofit hopes the event will generate new revenue while attracting additional volunteers and local business partners to support Hermosa Beach schools and students throughout the community. —- Editor’s Note

2. ** Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman traded attacks over homelessness, public safety, and their records at City Hall. Meanwhile, Los Angeles continues spiraling into chaos. Honest to God, if these two morons are the best this city can offer for mayor, perhaps Los Angeles truly deserves to fail. —- Glenn S.

3. ** Did you know? Did you know that MB Weekly is the largest (by far) digital publication in the South Bay! —- Editor’s Note

4. ** Obviously, progressives found it easier to capture the humanities than STEM. Hard sciences demand measurable proof; ideological theories cannot hide forever. In softer fields, activists can invent assumptions, conduct biased studies, declare victory, then revise the theory whenever facts interfere. It’s intellectual tap-dancing: lather, rinse, repeat – without accountability or truth. —- Dr. Samuel K.

5. ** Each week, the MB Weekly FREE Bulletin Board receives several hundred community submissions. We love seeing what Manhattan Beach residents have to share, but space allows us to publish only 30. To keep the board fresh, useful, and varied, we also work hard to avoid repetitive postings whenever possible. So, readers, keep sending in your posts! —- Editor’s Note

6. ** MBPD recently arrested a DUI driver after he ran a red light at Marine Ave. & Sepulveda Blvd. and caused a collision. His BAC was 0.16%. Through Labor Day, extra officers will patrol for impaired drivers. Please designate a sober driver or use rideshare. See a drunk driver? Call 9-1-1. —- MB Police Department

7. ** Can you honestly imagine our nation with no prisons, police defunded, no ICE, and national rent controls? We’d live in a literal HELL HOLE. —- Fred Taylor, Manhattan Beach

8. ** Once again, Ms. Lucia La Rosa is “spot on.” As a former contract City Attorney, Mr. Jenkins certainly knows the advantages a Chartered City has over a general law city. Charter City authority is outlined in the State’s Constitution, and it is commonly referred to as “Home Rule” or analogized as a city’s Constitution. Whereas a general law city’s authority is set by statute. —- Mark Burton

9. ** From the MB Weekly Book Club: Book recommendation – Shop Class as Soulcraft by “philosopher-mechanic” Matthew Crawford is a thoughtful, compelling celebration of craftsmanship, self-reliance, and meaningful work. This 2009 bestseller challenges our screen-dominated culture and reminds us of the dignity found in working with our hands. Smart, provocative, and surprisingly timely – an essential read for modern life. —- Earline W., El Segundo

10. ** I know Stewart Fournier is a loyal hard-left soldier, but I am confused about why his silly writing comes across as so bitter and snotty. He must be a ton of fun at family gatherings. —- S.H., Manhattan Beach

11. ** Winston Churchill was 62 years old when he first became Prime Minister of England. What are you doing at 62? —- Claire H., Manhattan Beach

12. ** Richard Montgomery’s interview reveals a candidate with the fighting spirit, experience, and determination needed to tame Manhattan Beach City Hall. At a time when residents are demanding greater accountability, fiscal discipline, and common sense, Richard appears ready for the battle. Go, Richard, go – Manhattan Beach needs a fighter now more than ever. —- S.N., Manhattan Beach

13. ** Well, the unruly kids on e-bikes – popping wheelies, cutting off cars, and terrorizing South Bay streets – have now made the CBS Evening News. Local police need dedicated enforcement units. Impound the bikes, fine the parents $1,000 per violation, and end this reckless nonsense before somebody gets killed. —- Oren T., Hermosa Beach

14. ** Seeking a part-time computer assistant comfortable with both Microsoft/Windows and Apple/Mac systems. Approximately 10 hours weekly, with flexible scheduling. Help with everyday business technology while gaining exposure to the stock market. Salary commensurate with experience and skills. Please send your background and availability. —- (310) 989-7150 | Mng1941@aol.com

15. ** Another MB Weekly Book Club recommendation: Hard Times: An Illustrated Oral History of the Great Depression by Pulitzer Prize-winning Studs Terkel. I unexpectedly discovered this remarkable book and couldn’t put it down. Through hundreds of firsthand accounts – devastating, funny, and unforgettable – ordinary Americans reveal how they survived history’s darkest days. —- Timothy T.

16. ** Big Brother is coming to Manhattan Beach, courtesy of ParkMobile. The app may collect your name, phone number, payment details, license plate, location, and parking history – and share some of it for marketing. Skip the app. Use the physical kiosk to protect more of your privacy and avoid the 35-cent convenience fee. —- P.W., Manhattan Beach

17. ** One-bedroom apartment available just one block from the Manhattan Beach Pier, November 1–December 1 only. Approximately 650 square feet, fully furnished, with a private patio. No laundry, microwave, dishwasher, or pets. Rent depends on length of stay. Pictures available after an initial call. Interested? Email Theresa at Ucladoc@elc.edu for more information.

18. ** In the last year, hundreds of new readers from Torrance have joined the MB Weekly readership army. Welcome! —- Editor’s Note

19. ** Honestly, I’m sick and tired of city leaders “jive-talking” their defense of our City Manager’s outrageous compensation. More than $300,000 a year, plus luxury benefits, to manage a city of only 35,000 residents? It’s insulting. Stop spinning, stop making excuses, and quit the crap! —- S.H., Manhattan Beach

20. ** The California Department of Justice has NO POLICY for investigating illegal voting referrals; the Secretary of State doesn’t even track when voters are removed for being non-citizens. So much for election integrity! —- TJF, Manhattan Beach

21. ** Trump’s offer to immigrants of $1,000 and an airplane ticket home finally paid off Friday when Prince Harry and Meghan agreed to self-deport. —- Dan K.

22. ** Facing a budget hole that could reach $4.2 million, Hermosa Beach is suddenly embracing the very thing it spent a decade banning: short-term rentals. When City Hall needs cash, yesterday’s menace becomes tomorrow’s revenue stream. Asking government to quit spending is like asking an alcoholic to stop drinking – apparently impossible. —- T.G., Hermosa Beach

23. ** GET INVOLVED AT COSTA – Looking for a way to stay involved at Mira Costa? Please consider signing up to be a volunteer! There are lots of opportunities before, during and after school throughout the year. Come have some fun on campus, meet other parents and support the Mira Costa Community. Please reach out to VP of Volunteers Jennifer Gale with any questions.

24. ** Dating online sucks! —- Darlene M., Redondo Beach

25. ** Bernie Sanders has spent decades turning irritation into ideology, grievance into government, and shouting into a political brand. He complains about millionaires, became one, then quietly upgraded his outrage to billionaires. Socialism’s greatest salesman is a wealthy career politician forever yelling that prosperity is unfair. —- Dr. Daniel K.

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MB Weekly 08/27/2026

MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
AMY HOWORTH
(Candidate for MB City Council)

Q: MANHATTAN BEACH SPENDING HAS RISEN SHARPLY OVER THE PAST DECADE. WHAT SPECIFIC CUTS OR REFORMS WOULD YOU SUPPORT TO CONTROL COSTS WITHOUT REDUCING ESSENTIAL SERVICES?
A: As a Mayor and City Councilmember during the past decade, I have worked diligently to control spending. No one wants essential services cut, and essential services are Police, Fire, AND Public Works for our streets, water, and sewers, Parks & Recs for our teen and senior programs, and, yes, the Finance Department for controlling expenditures. We live in a wonderful city with a small town vibe. While crimes against people & property are down, it doesn’t feel that way if residents in Manhattan Heights & Liberty Village are worried about burglaries. We need to continue to implement technology in addition to our police department to help make our city safe for all.

Q: RESIDENTS ARE INCREASINGLY CONCERNED ABOUT HIGH SALARIES, PENSIONS, AND MANAGEMENT GROWTH AT CITY HALL. WHERE DO YOU BELIEVE COMPENSATION HAS BECOME EXCESSIVE?
A: There is nothing more expensive than a bad, poorly performing employee. We must pay market rates for the South Bay to attract quality people to provide the high level of service expected in our community. You don’t pay 1990’s salaries for 2020’s performance. We can manage headcount through attrition, and, while I have ideas of where to save, I need to keep my “powder dry” for negotiations with other City Council members to agree on budget priorities.

Q: YOU HAVE SUPPORTED ADDITIONAL TAXES AND FEES. WHY SHOULD RESIDENTS PAY MORE BEFORE THE CITY PROVES IT HAS EXHAUSTED EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE SPENDING?
A: My husband and I are painfully aware of how badly prices have risen over the past few years. We have cut back in our household budget and feel the pinch. While Manhattan Beach is an affluent community, we’ve got senior citizens on fixed incomes and young families fighting to afford housing costs. Our local businesses are affected by each price increase whether in goods & services, rent, labor costs, or business fees & taxes. Any increase I’ve voted for I have thought long and hard about. Yes, I want to reduce spending, but our city must still get business and construction permits processed in a timely manner. Parking fees were raised only after surveys showed we were below other local cities, and we have changed pricing to reflect lower demand non-summer hours. We can’t be nearsighted about water & sewer fees that haven’t kept up with the inflated costs of repairing our city’s infrastructure. Fiscal stewardship requires balancing current operating costs with sufficient revenue to keep our AAA bond rating.

Q: WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PROMISE YOU MADE DURING YOUR CURRENT TERM – AND CAN YOU POINT TO MEASURABLE EVIDENCE THAT YOU FULFILLED IT?
A: Having a vision for what we want our community to look like in 25 years is vital. I voted to buy the US Bank site in downtown MB to give our city control over the development that is built there, with an eye to making it revenue-generating. When parking lot # 3 became unsafe, I worked to get parking spaces restriped and keep parking available to support our businesses. I said I would support our residents and business community and I have, and I’ve remained consistent in my efforts to preserve our small town feel for the next generation.

Q: IF RE-ELECTED, WHAT IS ONE DECISION YOU WOULD MAKE DIFFERENTLY FROM THE CURRENT COUNCIL MAJORITY, EVEN IF IT PROVED POLITICALLY UNPOPULAR?
A: I am personally against building high rise apartments on Sepulveda Blvd. However, I will not agree to legal action by City Council to block it, which would result in our city being sued and put at substantial financial risk no matter how popular that idea is for some. Our efforts must be to work with other cities and municipalities to get Sacramento to change this abomination in urban planning, not via quixotic lawsuits that only create financial risk for our city.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

www.AmyHoworth.net

THE STATE OF MANHATTAN BEACH’S FINANCES – PART FOUR:
(An Exclusive Six-Part Series by Paul Wafer)

Is City Hall Becoming More Efficient?

Figure 4. Data and estimates summarized from the State of Manhattan Beach Finances report.

When City departments present their annual budgets, they provide dozens of statistics describing their workload. Building inspections, permit applications, recreation registrations, public records requests, emergency calls and many other activities are carefully tracked.

Those numbers are useful, but they answer only one question: How busy is the City? They do not answer a more important question: How productive is the City?

Productivity measures evaluate results relative to resources. Examples include inspections completed per inspector, permits processed per employee, fleet work orders per mechanic, projects completed per engineer, or personnel actions processed per Human Resources employee. Unit-cost measures could show the cost per inspection, permit, lane mile maintained or recreation registration.

My review found that several departments have experienced legitimate workload growth, particularly Public Works and portions of Community Development. Other departments have seen relatively modest workload changes despite increased staffing or expenditures. That does not prove inefficiency, but it identifies questions that deserve management review.

The staffing changes are significant. Since FY 2011-12, Community Development staffing has increased approximately 105 percent, Human Resources 50 percent, Fire and Public Works about 32 percent each, Police about 23 percent, and total City staffing about 34 percent.

This does not mean City employees are not working hard, the issue is whether management and the City Council have enough information to determine how effectively resources are being used.

Private businesses routinely measure productivity because they must remain competitive. Local government should do the same, not to criticize employees, but to identify improvements, justify future staffing requests and demonstrate accountability to taxpayers.

Each department should report a small set of meaningful productivity measures and compare them with prior years and similar cities. Taxpayers should know not only how much work is being done, but how efficiently it is being accomplished.

Better information leads to better decisions. Measuring productivity may be one of the most valuable reforms Manhattan Beach could adopt.

NEXT WEEK: PUBLIC SAFETY – OUR LARGEST INVESTMENT

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MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Cell Phone Shocker – Young MB Readers Tap, Swipe And Stare 100+ Times Daily

Call it the “WTF?” generation: Wake. Tap. Fixate. A new MB Weekly Reader poll reveals that respondents aged 18 to 29 open or check their cellphones at least 100 times every day – roughly once every ten waking minutes. That means breakfast, work, school, dates, traffic lights and even bathroom breaks now come with a glowing screen attached. The smartphone is no longer merely a communication device; for many young adults, it has become a digital appendage. Experts have long warned that compulsive phone checking can disrupt concentration, sleep and face-to-face relationships. Yet the habit continues, powered by social media alerts, text messages, emails and the nagging fear that something important – or entertaining – might be missed. The informal MB Weekly poll is not scientific, but its results raise a serious question: Are young people controlling their phones, or are their phones controlling them?

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

JOEY Manhattan Beach:

Nothing Says Summer Like Ceviche & Your Favorite Spritz
3120 N. Sepulveda Blvd | (310) 546-1163 | www.JoeyRestaurants.com

MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Patricia Blakemore
(Elite Collective Realty)

Q: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION BUYERS AND SELLERS CURRENTLY HAVE ABOUT THE MANHATTAN BEACH REAL ESTATE MARKET?
A: The biggest misconception I hear right now is that this market still moves the way it did a few years ago, that pricing is driven purely by momentum, and any well-located property will sell itself. That is not the market we are in today. Buyers have become far more discerning. They compare price per square foot across streets that most people assume are interchangeable, and they are patient when a property does not show them real value. On the seller side, I often see the assumption that any renovation adds dollar-for-dollar value at resale. It does not. Manhattan Beach has become a market of nuance – street, orientation, proximity to the Strand, even which side of Sepulveda a home sits on can shift a valuation by six figures. My role is to bring the data and read those nuances correctly, so my clients are never guessing. They are deciding with clarity.

Q: BEYOND LOCATION AND SQUARE FOOTAGE, WHAT TRULY SEPARATES AN ORDINARY MANHATTAN BEACH PROPERTY FROM ONE THAT COMMANDS AN EXTRAORDINARY PRICE?
A: Square footage and location get a property into the conversation. What commands an extraordinary price is everything beyond the spec sheet – light, flow, and how a home feels the moment someone walks through the door. I have seen two nearly identical homes on the same block sell hundreds of thousands of dollars apart because one told a story and the other did not. Craftsmanship that is timeless rather than trendy matters. So does thoughtful outdoor living in this market, a well-designed patio or rooftop deck is not a bonus, it is often the deciding factor. And presentation matters more than most people realize: how a home is prepared, photographed, and positioned in the marketplace directly shapes the final number. Extraordinary pricing is never luck. It is the result of intention, at every stage.

Q: AFTER WORKING WITH SO MANY SUCCESSFUL CLIENTS, WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE EMOTIONAL – AND OFTEN DEEPLY PERSONAL – SIDE OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME?
A: Every transaction I have been part of, at any price point, has an emotional current running beneath the numbers. Selling a home often means saying goodbye to a chapter where children grew up, where holidays happened. Buying one means stepping into a new version of life, and that carries real vulnerability, even for the most accomplished, decisive people I work with. What I have learned is that my role is not only strategy and negotiation, it is holding space for that transition with discretion and genuine care. The clients who feel most at peace with their decision are the ones who felt heard throughout the process, not just advised. That is the part of this work I take most seriously. Results matter, but so does the way we arrive at them.

www.EliteCollectiveRealty.com

Saint & Second:

Enjoy Saint & Second’s New Brunch Menu
Featuring housemade Smoked Salmon Benedict, Steak & Eggs,
Giant Cinnamon Roll and more! Join us every Saturday and Sunday at 10am.
Lunch | Dinner | Weekend Brunch | Weekday Social Hour
Locally Sourced Seasonal Cuisine | Innovative Cocktails | Hundreds of Handpicked Whiskeys | Masterfully Curated Wine List | Private Dining Room Available
3160 N. Sepulveda Blvd. | (310) 759-3160 | www.SaintAndSecond.com

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Fred Taylor (50 Year MB Resident)

Who’s drinking the Kool-Aid and who’s serving it?? In early June, our city Finance Director introduced the new budget. She showed a $10.9 million deficit, a revenue shortfall. When the 2026-2027 budget was finally adopted, it showed a $2.7 million surplus. WOW! How? But just like you and I, we have reserves set aside for contingencies and emergencies. Things break and stuff happens. So does the city. This time, they dipped into those reserves by about $8.8 million dollars, making it “look like” we have a surplus. But, we don’t have a surplus. We took from “savings.” Then we’re treated to one minute and 37 seconds of Kabuki Theater by our City Manger telling us the city finances are in good shape, never mentioning the $8.8 million dip into reserves. I take huge exception to her injecting herself into our CC election. The word “disingenuous” comes to mind. Truth be told, two years ago, we had a balanced budget; and in the face of a huge $6.5 million sales tax bump in 2025, we’re now nearly $9 million in the hole. That’s a $15.3 million swing. Who’s accountable???

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

THE MB WHISPERER:

***Honest to God, I hardly ever see customers at Smashburger in Manhattan Village or Burger Lounge on Sepulveda. Empty! Are they selling burgers – or operating witness-protection safe houses?   ***And can someone explain Chili’s in Manhattan Village? Surrounded by upscale restaurants, it sits there like a flip-flop at a black-tie dinner. Sadly, somehow, the baby back ribs carry on.   ***Craving chicken and waffles? Bruxie on Rosecrans delivers the sweet, salty, crispy goods – and no, syrup is not optional.   ***Two enthusiastic thumbs up for Estell Boutique in downtown Manhattan Beach, where style still matters and browsing can become buying remarkably fast.   ***If you eat at Urban Plates twice a month, get the Plate Pass. Refusing it is practically financial malpractice.   ***Meanwhile, the servers at JOEY are so gorgeous, diners may forget what they ordered – or whom they came with.   ***Finally, Dive N’ Surf remains a genuine South Bay institution: authentic, enduring and refreshingly immune to whatever trend TikTok invented this morning.   ***Have a tip for The MB Whisperer, send it to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

PAID POLITICAL AD

Mark Burton for Council 2026:

California’s Open Meeting Law is the Brown Act. It provides: “In enacting this chapter, the Legislature finds and declares that the public commissions, boards and councils and the other public agencies in this State exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business. It is the intent of the law that their actions be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly… A City Council member who violates the Brown Act is guilty of a misdemeanor.”

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Bumper sticker…

Dive N’ Surf:

Stop by Dive N’ Surf and stock up on everything you need for the school year, your next dive, or your next beach day. Swing by Dive N’ Surf located in Redondo Beach.
504 N Broadway, Redondo Beach | 310-372-8423 | www.DiveNSurf.com

Fired Up! Tin Roof Bistro Wins MB Weekly’s Best Wood-Fired Pizza Award:

MB Weekly readers have spoken – and Tin Roof Bistro has earned top honors for serving the community’s BEST WOOD-FIRED PIZZA. Located in Manhattan Village, Tin Roof Bistro has long been a South Bay favorite, combining a warm neighborhood atmosphere with fresh ingredients, creative flavors, and pizzas prepared in a traditional wood-fired oven. The intense heat produces the signature combination pizza lovers crave: a crisp, lightly charred crust with a tender center and bubbling, perfectly melted toppings. The MB Weekly “Best of…” Reader Awards celebrate exceptional local businesses selected by the people who know them best – their customers. This recognition reflects Tin Roof Bistro’s commitment to quality, consistency, and hospitality. Whether diners prefer a classic favorite or one of the restaurant’s distinctive specialty pizzas, Tin Roof Bistro continues to deliver a memorable meal. Congratulations to Tin Roof Bistro – MB Weekly readers’ choice for BEST WOOD-FIRED PIZZA!

www.TinRoofBistro.com

MANHATTAN BEACH FOOD & WINE TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE:

Friday – Sept 25 / Saturday – Sept 26 / 7-10 PM
Exclusive Event … Festival Tickets Going Fast … Two Nights. One Incredible Culinary Experience.

https://www.manhattanbeachfoodandwine.com/tickets

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Name Withheld by Request (A Manhattan Beach Parent)

This is selling at our local toy store in the Manhattan Village mall. Not appropriate for my eight-year-old! She asked me what it was, and I don’t even know how to begin to respond to that, but they are marketing it as it’s in the front window.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

Bella Builders:


www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com

MB WEEKLY – COMMUNITY:

www.EsperanzaMB.com

MBW Bulletin Board

1. ** I spoke with the manager of a popular Manhattan Beach restaurant whose 35-year-old brother was killed by a drunk driver. The woman responsible received one year in jail, only served six months, and got five years of probation. Think about that. Seriously. Now imagine it was your brother. —- L.M., Manhattan Beach

2. ** That Reader Poll revealing that two-thirds of South Bay readers under 30 favor socialism is absolutely nauseating. My best friend came from Cuba and knows the brutal reality these clueless young people romanticize. Their ignorance of history, freedom, and economic reality is staggering. America is sleepwalking toward disaster. —- Nova W., Redondo Beach

3. ** I can’t wait for this year’s Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival! Last year’s event was absolutely fantastic – delicious food, talented chefs, wonderful wine, and an unforgettable atmosphere. It was one of the highlights of the year. If this year is anything like last year, we’re in for another spectacular celebration! —- F.A., Manhattan Beach

4. ** The Mira Costa Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) Board leaders, including PTSA Co-Presidents and Mira Costa parent leaders, Pennie Stepczyk and Angie Smith, welcome you to a new school year at Mira Costa High School. We encourage everyone to engage and be part of the Costa Community because we are truly stronger together. We look forward to sending you updates on the latest news and events every Monday morning. We hope everyone has an amazing year! Go Costa!

5. ** E-BIKE SAFETY CLASSES ON AUGUST 29TH – There are still a few spots available for the MBUSD E-Bike Safety Certification Classes held at Manhattan Beach Middle School on August 29th. Register here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A4AAEA928A3FF2-64435408-mbusd

6. ** LOOKING FOR PART-TIME WORK? MBX AFTERSCHOOL ASSISTANTS WANTED – MBX is seeking enthusiastic and dependable Site Assistants to support our elementary school After School Program. This is a paid, part-time position that is a great opportunity for high school or college students, retirees, parents, guardians, aspiring educators, or anyone who enjoys creating a safe, engaging, and enjoyable after-school experience for elementary-aged students while supporting program operations. Contact kay@mbxfoundation.org

7. ** Put your sweet tooth to good use and mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 26th from 1-8pm. Stop by Manhattan Beach’s new gelato shop, Bacio di Latte, and enjoy a scoop or two for a great cause. Bacio di Latte is partnering with MBEF to donate 20% of in-store sales during the event to support our Manhattan Beach public schools. Bring the family, try your favorite flavor, and give back with every delicious spoonful.

8. ** The Farmers Market at the Manhattan Village was so much fun! Fresh artisan bread, fruits and vegetables, specialty foods, and more. Can’t wait for Thursday! —- A.A.M

9. ** I read the Democratic Socialists’ program. It begins like a Sandals brochure: no bills, no debt, free healthcare, housing, and leisure. Where’s my wristband and unlimited guacamole? Then comes “fight the boss,” abolish police, prisons, the Senate and Electoral College, replace the presidency and Supreme Court, nationalize industries, and rewrite the Constitution. That escalated quickly. If we’re rebuilding society, I request three bedrooms, a pool, and an ocean view on the Manhattan Beach Strand, please. —- Darren H., Manhattan Beach

10. ** NOW HIRING: Construction Project Coordinator! Join a fast-paced team overseeing multiple active job sites, quality control, materials, crews, schedules, and project details. Construction or field supervision experience is preferred. Must be organized, proactive, and communicative. Pay: $25–$35 per hour. In-person position. Send your résumé to office@davidclaire.com

11. ** Drug deals. Fires. Trash. What has El Segundo become? This is unacceptable, dangerous, and heartbreaking for residents who care about our community. Please report every incident through MyLA311. The more people who document and report these problems, the faster officials will be forced to respond and clean up the area. —- D.A., El Segundo

12. ** Automatic folding side mirrors make it easy to find unlocked cars. —- C.A., Hermosa Beach

13. ** Comment #20 in the 8/16/2026 issue: SH complains that “no one…can explain…” and compares the MB City Manager’s salary to the US Vice President. The explanation is pretty simple. Market rates are paid to attract talented individuals. Compared with other City South Bay Managers, MB is about 1.05% above average, indicating a market rate. BTW, the VP’s salary is set by Congress (not the market), and they give him a 9,000-square-foot, 33-room house rent-free. —- Allen Kirschenbaum, Manhattan Beach

14. ** Redondo Beach is getting a refreshed welcome to King Harbor. The City Council has approved a new gateway sign that will preserve the familiar design while adding modern lettering and the city’s updated logo. Work begins this month, with completion expected by November – a facelift for an iconic waterfront entrance. —- Editor’s Note

15. ** What’s truly hilarious is watching leftists rail against capitalism for the high cost of living while remaining strangely silent about the outrageous cost of higher education. This industry overwhelmingly benefits and employs their ideological allies. Apparently, expensive groceries are capitalist greed, but crushing student debt is merely tuition. —- Lawrence D.

16. ** Fifty years ago today, Ronald Reagan delivered one of the defining speeches of his life. Addressing the 1976 Republican National Convention, he asked what Americans a century later would find in our time capsule. Would they see courage, resolve, and faith – or a nation that failed its defining test and moment? —- S.H., Manhattan Beach

17. ** The Immigration Professor, serving clients since 1989, is hiring a full-time, on-site Law Practice Manager in Culver City – salary: $90,000–$120,000, plus medical insurance, PTO, and IRA matching. Management experience preferred; Spanish and legal technology skills are bonuses. Send your resume to robert@immigrationprofessor.com. Please share with qualified candidates.

18. ** My girlfriend and I just broke up over our irreconcilable political differences. We’re both Democrats. —- Luke P.

19. ** “Teen takeovers” are not harmless youthful gatherings. When mobs block streets, damage property, assault people, or terrorize neighborhoods, authorities must act decisively. Enforcing the law is not racist; it is responsible government. Excusing criminal behavior only guarantees more victims, greater chaos, and young lives permanently ruined by reckless choices. —- S.N., Hermosa Beach

20. ** An electronic monument sign welcoming visitors to Hermosa Beach moved closer to reality this week after winning Planning Commission approval. The proposed eight-foot-tall, 12-foot-wide sign would stand outside the historic Community Center, replacing the Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway marker removed in 2019. City Council approval is still required. —- Editor’s Note

21. ** The WNBA is getting what it deserves. Eight men, including 2 former NBA players, are now preparing to enter the 2027 WNBA draft in response to the league’s weak eligibility policy and unwillingness to say what a woman is. This is what self-ID looks like. —- Alison S., Manhattan Beach

22. ** In your interview with MB City Council candidate Richard Montgomery, he repeats the same niceties everyone wants to hear. However, during his 4 terms (16 years) on the City Council, he accomplished nothing (but takes credit for others’ actions). He supported the problems he complains about (including wasteful spending and city employee salary inflation). It’s time to elect new leadership with transparent, cost-effective proposals to improve our city, not longtime establishment politicians who do nothing except further their own commercial lobbying special interests. —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach

23. ** If you have a tattoo, your immune system is fighting a microscopic battle it can never quite win. Macrophages – the body’s cellular garbage trucks – swallow the ink, but pigment particles are too large and stable to destroy. When those cells die, the ink spills out, and fresh macrophages swallow it again. This endless cellular relay keeps tattoos visible for decades. Laser removal works by shattering pigment into smaller fragments the body can gradually clear away. —- Clay T.

24. ** Prime Torrance Boulevard office space available after a 25-year tenant retires! This self-contained, approximately 500-square-foot space features a private entrance, bathroom, HVAC, and exceptional visibility to 37,000 passing cars daily. Perfect for a small business with one or two employees. – 4825 Torrance Boulevard – Call 562-395-4416 for details.

25. ** We have a saying in our house: Our job isn’t to get you into Harvard; it’s to get you into Heaven. —- Julia T.

Comment / Hire / Share / Promote / Barter / Discuss
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MB Weekly 08/20/2026

MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
RICHARD MONTGOMERY
(Candidate for MB Council)

Q: WHAT IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING MANHATTAN BEACH, AND WHAT SPECIFIC ACTION WOULD YOU TAKE DURING YOUR FIRST 100 DAYS?
A: The City of Manhattan Beach has a spending and headcount problem not a revenue problem. Our current financial position (both real and perceived) is the single biggest challenge facing Manhattan Beach today. The fact that over $10 million has been removed from our reserves this year for the first time in city history. NO cash reserves were used in the Great Recession nor during COVID! Why now? Residents deserve a complete explanation!!

Q: CITY SPENDING AND STAFFING HAVE GROWN SUBSTANTIALLY. WHERE WOULD YOU REDUCE COSTS WITHOUT COMPROMISING PUBLIC SAFETY OR ESSENTIAL SERVICES?
A: The Great Recession and COVID are recent examples of how I learned as the mayor how city government could do much more with less. We stopped all hiring except for public safety or critical personnel for our infrastructure, we did not replace any retiree positions, we delayed vehicle replacement for five years and three years for computers. No staff travel or education seminars unless required by state law. Perform a study on each city department indicating metrics for how many staff members does each department actually require (1) and the same for mid management (2). Finally, DO NOT HIRE AN UNNECESSARY ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER OR ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF FOR ANY REASON!

Q: HOW WOULD YOU BALANCE STATE HOUSING MANDATES WITH PRESERVING MANHATTAN BEACH’S CHARACTER AND QUALITY OF LIFE?
A: Although current state law blocks any city attempting to stop housing, we should be meeting with the new assembly member and state senator candidates to make sure they will push for a revision to these state housing mandates (1) and meet with any proposed developers to discuss community impacts before a decision has been made on the proposed project.

Q: WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR PREVIOUS SERVICE ON THE CITY COUNCIL, AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY THIS TIME?
A: I learned a few key lessons in my previous service on city council:

  1. DO NOT HIRE AN UNNECESSARY ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER – When I joined the council in 2017 I made the motion to remove the Assistant City Manager position immediately. And call the $2 million home loan given to the assistant city manager by the previous city council DUE! That was $2 million dollars that was part of city reserves and was “unavoidable for any city emergency”!
  2. Add staff only as required not because we can. Each new employee hired will cause a pension obligation that adds to our future debt.
  3. Serving as Mayor during both the Great Recession and COVID, you learn that funding and supporting our police and fire departments is critical. Also supporting your local businesses and maintaining the city infrastructure (water and sewer)!
  4. Never use your cash reserves for anything except a true emergency!!

Q: AT THE END OF YOUR TERM, WHAT MEASURABLE ACHIEVEMENT WOULD CONVINCE RESIDENTS THAT ELECTING YOU WAS THE RIGHT DECISION?
A: My first achievement will be to successfully address and correct the budget issues facing this current council. Another achievement would be to successfully reduce staff size while not negatively impacting resident service levels and communication. Actually replacing the three-level parking garage downtown to provide parking to residents and visitors so they can shop dine and enjoy Manhattan Beach! I would stop spending more money on consultants and studies and get it done! Finally, providing experienced crisis leadership if a crisis occurs!

Q: WHEN YOU SEE THE CITY MANAGER OF MANHATTAN BEACH HAVING AN ANNUAL SALARY HIGHER THAN THE GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA, HOW DO YOU REACT?
A: The Governor gets a free house with all utilities paid, a free car with a California Highway Patrol officer as his driver and other benefits that are not considered in his salary. Our City Manager should have clear measurable quantifiable performance goals and standards as should the other department heads. The salary of our city manager must be in line with other SoCal city managers of similar sized cities. Our City Manager should also have clear measurable quantifiable performance goals and standards as should the other department heads. But more importantly, does the city council, residents and businesses believe that the city manager is performing well and leading her staff ?? Six month performance reviews should be required and signed off by the entire city council with any issues presented and tracked.

www.Montgomery4Council.com

THE STATE OF MANHATTAN BEACH’S FINANCES – PART THREE:
(An Exclusive Six-Part Series by Paul Wafer)

The Reserve Story: Looking Beyond the Headlines

Figure 3. Data and estimates summarized from the State of Manhattan Beach Finances report.

City officials often point to Manhattan Beach’s reserves as evidence that the City’s finances remain strong, that is only part of the story.

A city’s reserves are much like a family’s savings account. Having money set aside is important, but equally important is understanding why those savings are increasing or decreasing and how much is truly available.

The City’s financial reports include several different reserve measures. Total General Fund balance includes all categories reported in the fund statements. The Government Accounting Standards board (GASB) unassigned balance is the accounting category not legally restricted, committed or assigned. A third measure, which I call practical discretionary balance, recognizes reserves and internal designations that the City intends to preserve even though they may remain technically unassigned under accounting rules.

These numbers tell very different stories. The total General Fund balance rose to about $40.4 million in FY 2024 before declining in FY 2025. The audited unassigned balance fell from approximately $35 million in FY 2024 to $23.6 million in FY 2025. After recognizing City policy reserves and other internal designations, the amount that was practically undesignated at the end of FY 2025 was extremely limited, close to zero.

Some of that decline resulted from one-time capital decisions, particularly the purchase of 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard before reimbursement through bond financing. That was not simply an operating loss, and it is important to acknowledge the distinction.

Nevertheless, the FY 2026-27 budget projects an operating surplus while simultaneously reducing General Fund balance by approximately $8.8 million after transfers. A budget can therefore appear balanced at the operating level while still reducing financial flexibility.

Reserves exist to protect the community during recessions, disasters and unexpected events. They can also support major one-time investments. What they should not become is a recurring substitute for matching ongoing revenues with ongoing expenses.

Manhattan Beach still has a strong financial foundation. The challenge is preserving it.

NEXT WEEK: IS CITY HALL BECOMING MORE EFFICIENT?

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Sports Divide – 78% Say No

A new MB Weekly Reader Poll found that 78% of South Bay respondents found it unacceptable that transgender athletes compete on sports teams that do not correspond with their sex at birth. The results reflected the ongoing public debate over fairness, inclusion, safety, and competitive standards in youth, school, and professional athletics. Supporters of sex-based team eligibility argue that biological differences can create competitive advantages, particularly in women’s sports. The survey did not ask respondents to explain their reasoning, but the decisive margin suggested the issue remained deeply important to many South Bay residents.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

Tin Roof Bistro:

Melon Wrapped In Prosciutto?
Our Prosciutto Wrapped Melon features Prosciutto di Parma, Weiser Family Farms melon, saba, EVOO, lemon zest, and basil.

3500 N Sepulveda Blvd | (310) 939-0900 | www.TinRoofBistro.com

Serve, Set, Immortalized – Volleyball Stars Took Their Place On Manhattan Beach Pier:

Athletes and fans packed the Manhattan Beach Pier recently for the opening celebration of the 66th Manhattan Beach Open. During the Volleyball Walk of Fame Red Carpet Ceremony, plaques were unveiled honoring defending champions Taryn Kloth Brasher, Kristen Nuss Cruz, Chase Budinger and Miles Evans. All four had competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and credited coaches, spouses and teammates for their success.

NAME THREE (3) OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH:

Top Row: Misty Frasier, Ed Kaminsky
Bottom Row: Susan Pacini, Wysh Weinstein

** MISTY FRASIER (Kiwanis Club President): 1. Toranj | 2. Lidos | 3. Uncle Bill’s

** ED KAMINSKY (Kaminsky Group): 1. Fishing with Dynamite | 2. The Arthur J | 3. Slay Steak & Fish

** SUSAN PACINI (Global Real Estate Advisor): 1. Tin Roof | 2. El Gringo | 3. Hook and Plow

** WYSH WEINSTEIN (MBUSD Board Member): 1. Arthur J | 2. Simmzys | 3. Nicks

The Butchery:

Every cut of meat and every specialty ingredient
is chosen for its unrivaled quality and taste.

1121 Artesia Blvd. | (310) 374-3671 | www.ButcheryMeats.com

MB WEEKLY – INTERVIEW:
Michael Zislis
(15th Anniversary of The Strand House)

Q: FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, WHAT DID YOU ENVISION THE STRAND HOUSE BECOMING – AND IN WHAT WAYS HAS THE RESTAURANT SURPRISED EVEN YOU?
A: Fifteen years ago, my original thought was simple: I wanted to create a restaurant on the beach with great food. Every restaurant on the sand that I had been to had let me down in some way, so I knew we could do it differently. I hired some of LA’s top chefs to consult on the menu, and over the years we’ve continued to invest heavily in our culinary program. Our Culinary Master Series was an incredible part of that. It has given our chefs the opportunity to work alongside some of the best chefs in the country and bring those experiences back to The Strand House. With the volume we do, consistency is our motto. Every dish and cocktail that goes out has to be made with the same level of care and love. But what has surprised me the most is the recognition beyond LA. I’ll travel outside of California and someone will tell me they know The Strand House. That still shocks me. To hear that it’s on people’s official LA bucket lists is something I never could have imagined 15 years ago.

Q: THE STRAND HOUSE ENJOYS ONE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S MOST SPECTACULAR LOCATIONS. HOW HAVE YOU ENSURED THAT THE FOOD AND HOSPITALITY REMAIN AS MEMORABLE AS THE VIEW?
A: It comes down to never staying idle. We are constantly training, constantly researching and constantly looking for ways to improve. We hire the best management we can, and we invest in our team and our equipment. We recently added some state-of-the-art equipment that has made a real difference in the kitchen, from equipment that allows us to make our own snow ice for desserts to an incredible griddle that helps us make the fluffiest pancakes. At the same time, there are certain things you just don’t mess with. We still have some of our original signature dishes, like the hamachi, branding and TSH donuts. Those dishes have become part of who we are. And above everything else, our number one core value is friendliness. We want to treat people the way we want to be treated. That starts with hiring people who genuinely care about hospitality and creating an environment where that comes through in every guest interaction. The view gets people through the door, but it’s the food, the people and the experience that bring them back.

Q: AFTER 15 YEARS OF CHANGING TASTES, ECONOMIC CHALLENGES, AND FIERCE COMPETITION, WHAT IS THE SECRET TO THE STRAND HOUSE’S STAYING POWER – AND WHAT DOES ITS NEXT CHAPTER LOOK LIKE?
A: We never stop learning. For our 15th anniversary, we completely remodeled The Strand House and actually shut the restaurant down to do it. That was a big investment, but we felt it was important to give the restaurant a fresh chapter while staying true to what people love about it. My brother David takes our chef team to Michelin-starred restaurants once a month. With all of the incredible restaurants here in Manhattan Beach and throughout LA, we are constantly researching, developing and challenging ourselves to be better. David and I also travel quite a bit, and we’re always bringing back inspiration from our experiences, whether it’s something we see in a restaurant, a new technique, a design detail or simply a different way of thinking about hospitality. And then, of course, there’s our team. That is probably the biggest secret to our staying power. Honestly, I don’t see the next chapter as a dramatic change. I say that because I feel so strongly about the team we have in place. Between Chef Chris, our incredible management team led by Jason, and the people who have helped build this restaurant over the years, I don’t see that changing anytime soon. The forward has already been written over the past 15 years. We’ve had the highs, the challenges, even the drama including COVID. But we made it through all of it. Now, I think it’s time to enjoy the book…

www.TheStrandHouseMB.com

Who is in charge of the cleanliness of our street signs?

Car-Nage In Manhattan Beach – Auto Thefts Surge As Hyundai, Kia Owners Sound Alarm:

Manhattan Beach police are warning residents after five vehicles were stolen during a single week, marking the city’s highest weekly total since at least July 9. The thefts, reported Aug. 6 through Aug. 12, brought the five-week total to 10. Police say thieves have particularly targeted Hyundai and Kia vehicles, although officials did not disclose the makes or models stolen most recently. MBPD is urging residents to remain vigilant, secure vehicles, and report suspicious activity immediately.

Elite Collective Realty:

What if you knew exactly what a home was worth before everyone else did? That’ the standard at Elite Collective – market intelligence delivered before decisions, not after. Buyers and sellers move with more leverage, less risk, and better returns. Curious what that really means for your next move? Let’s talk.

Patricia Blakemore Broker/Owner | (844) 475-0999 | www.EliteCollectiveRealty.com

2026 Homeless Count – Community Action Makes a Difference:

by Lee Phillips (MBSAFE Board Community Advocate)

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who takes the time to submit homeless outreach requests through the app. Every request is an opportunity to connect someone experiencing homelessness with services – and hopefully, a safe place to stay. A special thank you to Maira and Rita, as well as the MBPD homeless officers, for the dedication and hard work they bring to our community. This is proof that the MBSAFE model works. When a community comes together, everyone can play a part. We may each help in different ways, but every effort matters, and every action can make a difference. Thank you to everyone who supports MBSAFE and believes in our mission. Together, we can continue making Manhattan Beach a safer, stronger, and more compassionate community.

[MBSAFE Board: Rita Crabtree-Kampe, Lee Phillips, Lucia La Rosa Ames, Debbie VanNess, Ira Goldstone]

WHO READS MB WEEKLY?

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Bruxie on Rosecrans:

“Kids Eat Free”
2181 Rosecrans Ave B, El Segundo
www.Bruxie.com

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
By Daryn Smith

I am shocked to read that a majority are in favor of the death penalty! There is no way to bring someone back when DNA or other evidence surfaces and clears them. If you have never served on a jury, you may be ignorant of how humans let their biases override evidence and the judge’s instructions to the jury; additionally, weaker jury members can be easily swayed by a strong personality who has their mind made up. It is much more expensive to have someone sentenced to death with the years of appeals vs imposing life in prison with no possibility of parole ever. Lastly, unfortunately, though, in the minority, black and brown people are more likely to be convicted and sentenced to death than white folks, which is another reason to stop the death penalty. Only God should have the power to take a life, and that includes the death penalty and abortion, in my opinion.

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1. ** What I respect most about MB Weekly is its independence and commitment to being unbiased. It presents the facts, shares different perspectives, and trusts readers to reach their own conclusions. Amen to that! I don’t need anyone telling me what to think. Give me the information – I’ll make up my own mind. —- S.H., Manhattan Beach

2. ** As a former Mayor of Manhattan Beach, I can say without hesitation: the current City Council appears unwilling to hold the City Manager accountable for a record of unimpressive performance. Manhattan Beach deserves lower costs, energetic leadership, measurable results, and consequences. —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach

3. ** The City Manager’s video was misleading and had to be refuted. —- Paul Wafer, Manhattan Beach

4. ** I like Joe Franklin and Steve Charelian, and I voted for both. But their weak response to Manhattan Beach’s outrageous spending has been deeply disappointing. Taxpayers deserve watchdogs, not spectators. I expected them to challenge runaway costs, demand accountability, and fight much harder for fiscal discipline at Manhattan Beach City Hall. —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach

5. ** Disappointing! For the second consecutive year, Los Angeles officials want to raise Zoo admission prices – this time to $29 for adults, $24 for children, and $26 for seniors. At a time when families already face crushing costs, even an afternoon at the zoo is becoming an endangered species for working people. —- Riley H., Hermosa Beach

6. ** Democratic leaders are not defeating the socialist left; they are negotiating their surrender. Establishment candidates may reject its least electable faces while quietly adopting its language, ideology, and priorities. The DSA is driving the car. “Moderate” Democrats are merely debating the speed limit and route ahead. —- Oscar A.

7. ** We’re proud to announce the official opening of Elite Collective, a boutique brokerage serving buyers and sellers throughout Los Angeles County. Every real estate decision deserves strategy, discretion, precision, and care – not merely a transaction. Strategy First. Results Always. Patricia Blakemore, Managing Broker | (844) 475-0999 | elitecollectiverealty.com | CalDRE #02079554

8. ** The “W” in WNBA stands for “Women’s,” yet the league refuses to define “woman.” This is not complicated – it’s cowardice. If eligibility is limited to women, the WNBA has a duty to say what that means. Hours of bureaucratic hand-wringing produced only evasions, hypocrisy, and an insult to female athletes everywhere. —- Dee W., Manhattan Beach

9. ** Manhattan Beach residents must speak up now. Two seven-story housing projects are advancing along dangerous, heavily trafficked Sepulveda Boulevard, where six fatalities occurred in five years. With City Hall claiming its hands are tied, the community must appeal directly to the developer. Join the protest for safety and responsible development. —- Phillip W., Manhattan Beach

10. ** For the first time, more Americans use marijuana daily than smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol daily. That is not harmless progress – it is a cultural warning. Legalization was sold as adding another choice. Instead, marijuana is becoming America’s dominant everyday intoxicant. —- Dr. Elgin T., El Segundo

11. ** I dare any sober person to defend this: Our Police Chief earns a higher salary than the Vice President of the United States. In contrast, our City Manager earns more than the Governor of California. How can anyone justify this? City Hall owes taxpayers an explanation, not to mention an apology. I’m waiting – and listening closely. —- S.H., Manhattan Beach

12. ** I’ve never felt more like a criminal than walking into a movie theater trying to sneak food in. —- Oliva E.

13. ** Torrance Fire Department is hiring! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbwX3YkgGAQ/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

14. ** Telling men they can’t use the women’s bathroom is not g*nocide —- Dr. Susan C.

15. ** Bravo to Debbie Van Ness for her powerful comments in MB Weekly last week. I know Debbie personally, and she is the definition of a straight shooter – honest, fearless, and unafraid to speak hard truths. Bless her for caring so deeply. Manhattan Beach is truly fortunate to have her voice. —- J.A., Manhattan Beach

16. ** California’s mess is the natural consequence of one-party rule. With no meaningful opposition inside government, no competing interests challenge failure, expose excess, or demand course corrections. Whatever serves the party becomes the priority, while accountability vanishes, bad policies multiply, and ordinary Californians ultimately pay the price. —- Dr. Thomas N., Torrance

17. ** California tops yet another shameful list: retail destruction. From 2020 to 2025, an astonishing 23 million square feet of stores were demolished – more than any other state. That’s not “progress.” It’s an economic distress signal flashing red while Sacramento’s smug political class keeps congratulating itself – and voters suffer. —- Jon P., El Segundo

18. ** America’s children aren’t growing up – they’re being managed. Tracked by apps, chauffeured to endless activities, and forbidden to leave their own street, too many teenagers never experience independence. The movie Stand by Me reminds us that childhood requires risk, freedom, friendship, and, crucially, time beyond adults’ suffocating gazes. —- Caitlin A.

19. ** I just finished Jody Rosen’s Two Wheels Good: The History and Mystery of the Bicycle, and do recommend it. Whether you love bicycles, hate them, or dodge them in traffic, Rosen delivers a lively, fascinating ride through their history, mystery, culture, and controversy – from the earliest prototype more than 200 years ago to today. —- Julianna F., Hermosa Beach

20. ** California’s independent voters are growing fast – and confounding both parties. They aren’t uniformly moderate, predictable, or even reliably engaged. Some reject partisan extremism; others distrust the entire system. Heading into the midterms, these politically untethered voters represent both a mystery and a prize campaigns can no longer afford to ignore. —- Editor’s Note

21. ** I think you’re a nice enough guy, too, John Acker. —- Michael Jenkins, Manhattan Beach

22. ** Dear MB Weekly – Interestingly, you choose to edit me in a fashion comparable to Fox News. How about letting the entire response speak for itself? BTW, my last post on Nextdoor received over 7,000 views, so the “word salad” commenter should retire. Also, the photo of the MB Police car is from the mid-70s. I know because there is a good chance I bought it when it was retired at the hometown fair. Accuracy has never been your objective. —- Stewart Fournier, Manhattan Beach

23. ** Fred Taylor calls city salaries “outrageous,” yet strongly supports Joe Franklin, a five-year councilmember, and Steve Charelian, who spent 17 years managing Manhattan Beach finances. Fair questions follow: What did Franklin do to restrain spending? What warnings or reforms did Charelian propose? Simply blaming incumbents solves nothing. Residents deserve to know which officials prepared budgets, advised the council, and failed to sound alarms. Without understanding the broken process, Manhattan Beach is destined to repeat it. —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach

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25. ** We are shocked that only 68% of our South Bay neighbors support the death penalty. It should be 100%. Who believes it is moral for a vicious murderer to receive three meals a day, medical care, and shelter – while an innocent victim lies in a grave and grieving families serve a life sentence? —- Don and Jean T., Hermosa Beach

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