Shock
MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach)
I researched the City of Manhattan Beach’s salary budget to see how fiscally responsible we are and to understand the need for a ½ cent sales tax increase. I looked at the State of California’s report on government compensation to get accurate information. For comparison, I looked at 2017 data to see how inflation and City employee growth have affected our budget. The numbers reflect the total salary and benefits package but include no unfunded compensation.
Here are just a few of the highlights from the data:
- In 2023, there were a total of 9 employees with compensation of over $400,000, costing the City $3,762,099.
- In 2023, there were 25 employees with compensation between $300,000 and $400,000 at a total cost of $9,643,606.
- In 2023, 57 employees made between $200,000 and $300,000, totaling $14,112,013.
- In 2023, 146 employees made between $100,00 and $200,000, totaling $20,187,947.
- There was a total of 320 full and part-time employees making less than $100,000 at a total cost of $9,423,706.
- The City audit report shows the “authorized” Full-time positions but does not address the part-time positions.
- In 2017, there were 294 full-time authorized positions, which has increased by 11.6% to 328 in 2023.
- The total number of employees, including part-time and turnover, in 2017 was 574, and that decreased by 2.7% to 558 in 2023.
- The decrease was mainly due to eliminating several low-wage and part-time staff and substituting additional higher-salary positions.
- The total compensation increased by 28%, or $12,477,616 over this 6-year period.
- Management, including Directors, Administrators, Assistant Administrators, Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants, Supervisors, and Engineers, increased from 47 in 2017 to 70 in 2023 for an increased cost of $6,534,351. (Half of the total salary increase)
Karen Bass, the Mayor of Los Angeles, has a total compensation package of $311,000. The City of Manhattan Beach has over 30 employees making more.
Do we need to increase our sales tax, or do we need to look at our current staffing and salary levels, as well as overtime controls, and make some hard decisions?
I would like to see how all the candidates for city council would like to address this issue.
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
A new store in Downtown Manhattan Beach, King Claw.
MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
WITH MICHAEL GREENBERG
(Skechers President & Co-Founder)
(PART TWO)
Q: DO YOU FIND IT EASY TO ASK FOR HELP?
A: Without the help of others, life would be different for me today. I am a believer that nothing great is created on an island alone. I acknowledge that we could not have built Skechers into the global footwear brand it is today without the knowledge and help of thousands of individuals who contributed their vast amount of creativity, insight, hard work, and love for our company. Furthermore, asking others for help allows them to contribute and be an integral part of our growth, which I believe is rewarding for them as well as for me. My parting words would be to surround yourself with those smarter than you – and check your ego at the door.
Q: WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY?
A: My wife, Paula, and I never miss the opportunity to start the morning off with quality one-on-one time over a cup of coffee, just connecting about life’s ups and downs, moving forward together, and chatting about the big and little moments in our world. Togetherness is one of life’s sweet treats.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: Manhattan Beach is unique in the sense that it is a small community with an abundance of excellent restaurants. Living here is a blessing in that there is no need to leave our enchanted village for a delicious place to eat. I frequent many of the restaurants here in MB and think that they are a destination for those outside the community as well the heartbeat of the community. During the COVID lockdown, I watched our town come together and contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to our struggling restaurant operators and their employees, and it’s something that our community should be very proud of.
Q: DO YOU LIKE BEING SURPRISED
A: The joy of a surprise comes from seeing the joy in the individual giving you that amazing moment. The thought, care, time, and effort they took for me. It can be as small as a gift from one of our international partners or as big as an incredible trip to Mexico that Paula took me on.
www.SkechersFriendshipWalk.com
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
60% of K-12 Parents Fork Out $600+
for Back-to-School Shopping
A recent MB Weekly reader poll reveals that 60% of Manhattan Beach parents with children in K-12 spend more than $600 per child on back-to-school shopping. For the school year, parents are opening their wallets wider than ever, driven by rising costs of essentials like clothing, technology, and supplies. This significant expenditure reflects growing financial pressures on families, with many expressing concerns over the increasing demands of back-to-school preparation. The poll highlights the financial strain on households, mainly as inflation drives up prices.
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The Rockefeller:
Join Us For Weekend Brunch
“Pork Belly Benedict” – Two poached eggs, roasted garlic tomato, cheesy grits, grilled asparagus, bacon hollandaise, garnished with parsley.
www.EatRockefeller.com
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Karen Komatinsky
(City Council Candidate)
Q: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO RUN FOR CITY COUNCIL?
A: I have grown to love public service and after spending the last 15 months as a City Commissioner for Parks and Rec, I have gained a unique window of insight that helped me realize I could put all of my experience and enthusiasm to work at the next level!
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: My husband, Chris and I moved to the eastside of Manhattan Beach in 2001. We have raised 2 kids here through MBUSD schools. This is such a resourceful and supportive environment as we now have my senior mother living with us.
Q: WHAT BEST QUALIFIES YOU TO JOIN THE COUNCIL?
A: I served on the MBUSD School Board for 10 years and have managed large scale budgets, programs, staff and facilities. During my tenure, I was a part of the leadership that successfully managed 3 facility bond campaigns, delivering them on time and on budget. Additionally, I have been an Executive Human Resource Professional for over 25 years and have deep experience in recruiting/strategic planning, negotiations, employment law and union relations. I pride myself on the people part of my background and experience because I work at building relationships through outreach, listening and creating opportunities for others to get involved.
Q: FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING MANHATTAN BEACH IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
A: Throughout the City, we have buildings that are showing their age and needing a great deal of attention. Our community expects and deserves to have safe and modernized infrastructure. As the closure of Lot #3 will be a project that the City Council will have to address in the very near term, there will be other infrastructure projects to consider. I bring long range and facility master planning experience and would be interested in tackling these issues in a thoughtful, well planned and highly communicated manner.
Q: DO YOU FEEL AS SAFE TODAY IN MANHATTAN BEACH AS YOU DID FIVE YEARS AGO?
A: I do feel safe living in MB. We have a very good Police Department and I believe our police department works tirelessly for our community every day. I appreciate the emphasis and education from the Police Department surrounding how to deter personal property crimes. As these types of crimes are down, I also appreciate the Neighborhood Watch community as this is yet another facet of keeping our neighbors safe (and close). I do value the efforts of our Police Department and HR team with the hiring of a bike patrol safety team. I do like these extra measures when I am downtown during the busy season (summer).
Q: WHAT ISSUE DO YOU DISAGREE WITH THE CURRENT COUNCIL?
A: I would be interested in seeing more research and investigation put into e-bike legislation and understanding possible best practices from other communities, even those beyond the South Bay. As E-bikes are mostly found in coastal communities in California, along with today’s owners age ranges, there are numerous cities experiencing similar issues surrounding traffic law enforcement, bike lanes and protocols as well as youth use. While this is not a criticism as much as I am curious if we can do more to understand this rapidly growing industry that is woven into community safety.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: I was born in Detroit, Michigan and was raised and attended school in Oxford, Michigan.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR ASTROLOGY SIGN?
A: I am a Leo.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: ‘Grease’, ‘Mama Mia’, or ‘White Christmas’ – I do like a good sing-a-long musical!
www.Komatinsky.com
by Kaley S. (Manhattan Beach)
Tin Roof Bistro’s Happy Hour is a steal! The low prices of drinks and appetizers are unbeatable, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. The cocktails are well-made, and the selection of tasty bites is impressive for the jaw-dropping low prices. You won’t break the bank here if you’re craving a refreshing drink or a quick snack. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, adding to the overall experience. If you’re looking for great deals without sacrificing quality, Tin Roof Bistro’s Happy Hour is where you need to be. Don’t miss out on these fantastic bargains – you’ll leave happy and satisfied, just like me and my posse.
www.TinRoofBistro.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Fred Taylor (Manhattan Beach)
The Bizarre Adventures of Nathan Hochman… I never voted for Soros-backed George Gascon and eagerly attended the Nathan Hochman fundraiser in mid-July here in Manhattan Beach. It was one of his most attended events to date, and I’m told that we raised over $80,000 for his campaign. I believe MB residents want crimes prosecuted. Nathan’s presentation was impressive. Contrasting Gascon, who does press conferences solo, he promised to highlight the winning prosecutor of each winning case. On day one, he would ask prosecutors what they needed. It’s all about making their job successful. To me, that sounds like servant-styled leadership.
I suspected he was a Democrat, but I’m interested in a DA who is pro-victim, pro-the ‘people’ and not pro-criminal. It turns out that Nathan was a Republican and had turned independent. While some purists may be troubled by that, I give him kudos for attempting to appeal to both sides of the spectrum. Then a local earthquake shook up this race: He endorsed Harris-Walz last week, the poster kids of “Defund the Police.” Stupid on steroids. Why would he endanger the conservative following he needs to win? And mean tweets aside, how can any principled Republican endorse Harris-Walz? To me, his character is in serious question. I’ll still vote for him, and I sincerely hope you do too… only time will tell how this lapse in judgment will affect how he runs the DA’s office. But, he’s light-years better than Gascon, who’s abandoned law and order in our county.
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Now Hiring Boomers. A sign by a frustrated shop in Hermosa Beach.
MB WEEKLY – READER COMMENT:
“We look forward to reading MB Weekly each week for its independent, unbiased coverage of our community. It doesn’t pull any punches and certainly lives up to its passionate motto: ‘Once A Week, But Never Weakly.’ MB Weekly is thought-provoking and diverse perspectives … keep us informed and engaged. Its commitment to independence and community focus is unmatched, making it a reliable source of news and information and a vital part of our routine. With MB Weekly, we always know we’re getting the full story, delivered with clarity and conviction.” —- Stella, Kyle & Sienna (Manhattan Beach)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Shrimp cocktail at The Arthur J in Manhattan Beach.
Missing Person Found, Ladder Used For Break In:
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
August 15th thru August 21st 2024
The latest Manhattan Beach Police Department crime summary is below.
- 867 service calls
- 26 arrests
- 19 traffic accidents
- 48 reported crimes
Notable Events:
** On 08/16/24, officers responded to the 100 block of Manhattan Beach Boulevard (Shellback Tavern) regarding a battery. The victim was punched by the suspect during an argument. The suspect fled the scene and returned a short time later. Officers reviewed surveillance video of the battery and the suspect was arrested and taken to the MBPD jail.
** On 08/16/24, at approximately 2:52 am, officers responded to the 700 block of 31st Street regarding a residential burglary. At approximately 2:30 am, a suspect was seen attempting to gain entry into residences by a witness. The suspect entered a residence and walked around for a few minutes before leaving. A juvenile (teenager), in the living room at the time saw the suspect briefly and thought it was one of their parents. The suspect exited the residence, but reentered a short time later. The original witness who observed the suspect earlier in the neighborhood called the police. Upon arrival, officers noted the suspect appeared disoriented. He was transported to the MBPD jail where it was discovered he was a missing person, and he was then taken to a hospital for treatment and a mental health evaluation.
** On 08/20/24, officers responded to 3400 N. Sepulveda Boulevard (Macy’s) regarding an Estes robbery. A known shoplifting suspect recognized by employees was inside the store and selected clothing items and entered a fitting room. The suspect exited the fitting room empty handed and no clothing was left behind. The suspect exited the store and Loss Prevention attempted to detain the suspect. The suspect punched the Loss Prevention Officer in the arm and ran away. This is an ongoing investigation.
** On 08/21/24, officers responded to a burglary alarm and when they arrived they noticed the front door was unlocked. During this time, the homeowner was in the MBPD lobby to report that he saw 2 male suspects carrying a ladder on his property. Officers did not locate anybody in the home but discovered that entry was made via the second-floor balcony. The primary bedroom was ransacked. This is an ongoing investigation.
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
The City of Manhattan Beach may have found a solution to its Begg Pool problem. The 60-year-old pool is at the end of its useful life, and Bay Club has agreed to explore building a new aquatic center on city land that residents will have priority access to.
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
WHAT ARE YOUR SPACE-SAVING SECRETS?
Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
Send your reply to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
1. ** Lazy marketers have skinny kids! —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
2. ** I just discovered Baleen Kitchen at Hotel Portofino in Redondo Beach. It is a great place, and what a view. —- Roman F., Hermosa Beach
3. ** Eight Hermosa Beach residents have requested city council nomination papers from Hermosa Beach City Clerk Myra Maravilla, indicating they are contemplating seeking election to the Council in the November 5 general election. —- Editor’s Note
4. ** I agree with Tom A.’s commentary. The real problem is it doesn’t bother the District [Superintendent Bowes] or the school board. When I complained, I was told it was the teacher’s freedom of speech. —- Fred T., Manhattan Beach
5. ** At the Paris Olympics, female boxers were forced to compete against Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who were disqualified from last year’s Women’s World Boxing Championships after failing gender tests. What a sick, sick world! Where the Hell are the feminist groups protesting? —- Holly W., Manhattan Beach
6. ** Check out the radical CalMatters. —- www.CalMatters.org/about
7. ** NFL training camp fever is in full swing across Southern California. —- Reggie L., Manhattan Beach
8. ** Mayor Franklin: How could you possibly support the sales tax increase? —- Les A., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Help Wanted: Part-time, entry-level positions available at one of the country’s most prominent P.R. and Branding firms. —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
10. ** Illegal immigrants will soon be able to get state cell service subsidies. Happy about that? —- Damian G., Manhattan Beach
11. ** A 40-year-old professional lady who worked from home in Redondo was discovered dead in her white Villa Catalina apartment on Avenue A and Catalina. She was fit (ran daily on the beach). After 12 days of trying to reach her, her relatives in another state phoned the police for a wellness check. —- Linda G., Hermosa Beach
12. ** I know there’s nothing I can do and no one to complain to, but it’s terrible that we can hear the SoFi stadium music event seven miles away. —- Nellie B., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Police arrested two women Sunday night after a shooting in a Torrance park. Officers responded 6:46 p.m. to Descanso Park after reports that shots had been fired, according to Lt. Fareed Ahmad, a spokesperson for the Torrance Police Department. —- Editor’s Note
14. ** Israel has fought five wars for its survival, in 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, and 1982. Each one of these conflicts is unique in its own way, yet there is a common theme: a relentless hatred for the existence of the world’s only Jewish state. —- Milton S., Manhattan Beach (Christian)
15. ** If you visit New York City, never, ever go on the subways! They are crime-ridden, filthy, unsafe disasters! —- Joshua G., Manhattan
16. ** Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson’s Los Angeles home was reportedly burglarized. The thieves broke a glass in broad daylight to gain entry into a guesthouse on the couple’s property a few weeks ago. Thanks, George Gascon! —- Pearl L. Manhattan Beach
17. ** Most DoorDash drivers are so rude to restaurants when they pick up food that I don’t know how they stand for it. —- Gwen O., Manhattan Beach
18. ** People who treat their pets as humans are a sick bunch. —- Dr. Liv B., Manhattan Beach
19. ** MB Weekly is looking for a car or limo service in the South Bay. —- Write to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
20. ** ‘Gentle Parenting’ Is A Great Way To Turn Your Child Into An Obnoxious, Insufferable Brat. Look around. —- Ashley R., Manhattan Beach (Former South Bay teacher)
21. ** If Putin were asked if he would prefer to be executed by firing squad or forced to talk to customer service reps at Spectrum, I honestly believe he would ask for some time to think about it. —- Dale D., Manhattan Beach
22. ** Is it true Kamala desperately Googles ‘What Is A Stock Market Crash’ —- Howard W., Manhattan Beach
23. ** Facebook should be renamed more accurately ‘Keeping-Track-Of-People’s-Birthdays-Book’ —- Clara V., Manhattan Beach
24. ** Buca di Beppo has filed for bankruptcy! Is anyone surprised it’s the most repulsive food imaginable, even worse than Olive Garden? —- Johnny G., Manhattan Beach
25. ** Do all the young, beautiful South Bay ladies work at Joey restaurant in Manhattan Beach? —- Andrea E., Manhattan Beach
26. ** I took my daughter to Santa Monica Place today, thinking it is the last kind of ok place to shop near the Promenade. Unfortunately, many crazy guys were screaming at people entirely out of their minds, so people hid from them inside stores. —- Vera C., Manhattan Beach
27. ** Hermosa Beach Councilmember Justin Massey will not seek a third term in November, he announced in a press release on Monday, August 5. Massey was elected in 2015 and then again 2019. —- Editor’s Note
28. ** I love Old Tony’s … at 210 Fisherman’s Wharf on the Redondo Pier. —- Hailey A., Hermosa Beach
29. ** ‘JD Vance Is Weird,’ says guy who signed bill to put tampons in boys’ school bathrooms. —- John A., Manhattan Beach
30. ** How did Planned Parenthood become one of the country’s largest suppliers of testosterone? —- Lori K., Manhattan Beach
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