MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE COMMENTARY:
by MICHAEL GREENBERG, PRESIDENT OF SKECHERS
I’m truly honored to be recognized by MB Weekly in my hometown of Manhattan Beach. Living and working in the South Bay is something I never take for granted. It’s an incredible place to build a career, raise a family, and be part of a community that genuinely cares. This recognition really belongs to the amazing people I get to work with every day at Skechers, and to the South Bay community whose generosity and support help fuel so many meaningful causes. I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who show up, give back, and lift one another up. Thank you to MB Weekly and to everyone who makes this community such a special place to call home.
www.Skechers.com
A Miracle On The Pier – How One Email Saved Manhattan Beach’s Christmas Trees:
Manhattan Beach got an early dose of holiday magic as crews lined the pier with 100 live Christmas trees ahead of the annual pier lighting – an event locals affectionately call the city’s closest thing to a winter wonderland. The beloved display, now a seven-year tradition, nearly didn’t happen this year. After longtime sponsor Dealer.com closed its local office, Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association Executive Director Kelly Stroman spent months searching for a replacement – without success. Out of options, Stroman sent what she called a “Hail Mary” email seeking a $2,500 sponsor. Almost instantly, local real estate agent Brett Zebrowski of Palm Realty replied, “I will save the trees. Count me in.” For Zebrowski, the moment was deeply personal. The email arrived as he was thinking about his late brother Scott, who had once texted photos of the pier trees, urging him to take the kids because “they smell so good.” Zebrowski says sponsoring the trees felt meant to be – a tribute to Scott’s generosity and spirit. He has committed to funding the display for years to come, ensuring the pier continues to glow each holiday season.
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Bare Facts! South Bay Strips Down At Night, MB Weekly Poll Finds
According to a new MB Weekly Reader Poll, just 8% of South Bay readers say they sleep naked, a surprisingly modest figure in a region known for its laid-back, beachside lifestyle. The overwhelming majority of respondents reported sleeping in pajamas, T-shirts, or other nighttime attire, citing comfort, routine, and – yes – privacy, even in their own homes. Readers also pointed to cooler coastal evenings and family living arrangements as reasons for keeping things buttoned up after dark. “People assume beach towns are more carefree about everything,” said one MB Weekly reader. “But sleep is personal, and most of us like a little fabric between us and the world.” The poll will likely spark debate online, with commenters sure to split between those praising the health benefits of sleeping au naturel and others insisting pajamas are non-negotiable.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
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at Saint & Second:
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Steve Napolitano
(Former Mayor MB, Currently City Manager Of Hermosa Beach)
Q: LOOKING BACK AT YOUR THREE DECADES IN MANHATTAN BEACH GOVERNMENT, WHAT SPECIFIC LESSONS OR PHILOSOPHIES WILL YOU INTENTIONALLY IMPORT INTO HERMOSA BEACH – AND WHICH CHALLENGES HERE REQUIRE AN ENTIRELY NEW APPROACH?
A: While there are a lot of similarities among the beach cities, there are also a lot of differences – and that’s a good thing. My goal isn’t to make Hermosa Beach more like Manhattan Beach, it’s to make Hermosa Beach the best that it can be, given its unique history, culture and community. The fun in city work is that every hour of every day is different, with new challenges and new opportunities, many of which will require new approaches from what’s been done in the past, and that’s what I enjoy about it.
Q: HERMOSA FACES UNIQUE PRESSURES AROUND PUBLIC SAFETY, NIGHTLIFE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE. WHAT IS ONE BOLD, PERHAPS EVEN CONTROVERSIAL, INITIATIVE YOU BELIEVE COULD MEANINGFULLY IMPROVE DAY-TO-DAY LIFE FOR RESIDENTS?
A: There are things I’ve already proposed and things I will propose going forward, but I’ll be proposing them to Council, because they’re the ones who drive change in the community. As City Manager, it’s my job to help Council realize their goals and vision and make sure stuff gets done.
Q: CITIES EVERYWHERE ARE GRAPPLING WITH THE RISE OF E-BIKES, SHORT-TERM RENTALS, AND SHIFTING COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS. HOW DO YOU INTEND TO BALANCE HERMOSA’S SMALL-TOWN CHARM WITH THE REALITIES OF MODERN COASTAL LIVING?
A: That’s always the challenge–maintaining balance. As new challenges come at us, we need to be careful of overreacting while still addressing community concerns. It’s a constant balancing act, made all the more difficult by Sacramento and the continued erosion of local control. Hermosa is very adept at involving its stakeholders in the decisionmaking process, and that’s important because we want to be open and honest with everyone about what we’re doing and why, with the understanding that we may not please all the people all the time.
Q: COLLABORATION BETWEEN SOUTH BAY CITIES HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN UNEVEN. WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR DEEPER REGIONAL COOPERATION – ON HOMELESSNESS, INFRASTRUCTURE, OR ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE – THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY UNREALIZED?
A: I’d actually argue that our South Bay cities are working more collaboratively than ever, especially through the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (COG for short), which works to address our regional issues of housing and homelessness, infrastructure and environmental resilience. Our cities are represented on our local COG Board by local city councilmembers and COG staff work with city staff on policies and programs adopted by the Board. Over the last several years, Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan have been addressing homelessness together thanks to a grant through LA County and I know the respective Mayors of each city want to meet to talk about ebikes and others issues. There’s always a lot going on!
Q: YOU WERE WIDELY ADMIRED IN MANHATTAN BEACH FOR YOUR STEADY TEMPERAMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE. WHAT DO YOU HOPE HERMOSA BEACH RESIDENTS WILL SAY ABOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP ONE YEAR FROM NOW – AND TEN YEARS FROM NOW?
A: Either: “Well, that wasn’t so bad” or “He knew how to get sh*t done” …hopefully both.
MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE VIDEO:
An exclusive MB Weekly video of “Coffee Talk” with David Harris.
Click Link To Watch:
https://youtu.be/_hQPDCNCFgU
Bruxie on Rosecrans:
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach Community Activist)
Are We Getting Hosed? I recently received my bimonthly water bill from the city. I expect it to be higher because of the storm water fee increase that was put in place last year, but the water portion of the bill also seemed high. As someone who likes to play with spreadsheets, I just happened to track my monthly expenses going back to 2021. When I compared my average monthly expense for water and sewer from 2021 to 2025 it shows that it has increased by 56% with substantially the same amount of water used in both years compared. When I attended the budget meeting last May, there was a lot of discussion with the public works director about water and now that our city has its own treatment system it would need to purchase less water from other sources and save money. I don’t believe that it has worked out as planned. I took a closer look at the public works budget, and it seems that the personnel associated with the water system has grown from 3 to 14 in that same 5-year period. The increase in salary alone, without overtime, benefits or pension obligations, costs between $1 million and $1.5 million per year. Fully loaded, that would be closer to $3 million. My question is, “Are we getting hosed?”
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROB REINER MOVIE?
** Vinny Fazzino (Bella Builders): The Princess bride; Spinal tap; A few good men.
** Lucia La Rosa (MB Safe): Stand By Me. Favorite Quote EVER: “Everybody’s weird.” Happy Holidays!
** Michael Zislis (Founder Zislis Group): A princess bride. Cheers.
** Phillip Cook (Prominent Financial Planner): Spinal Tap.
** Deborah Hofreiter (Education Veteran): Easiest question I’ve had all week: The Princess Bride. In Peace.
** Joe Franklin (Manhattan Beach Mayor Pro Tem): Not favorite… Top Four favorites! STAND BY ME (1986); PRINCESS BRIDE (1987); WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989); SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE (1993). Rob Reiner captured the essence of Life all around us. The innocence, the humor and the fragility in all of us. These four movies were truly relatable with wonderful character development, terrific dialog and an engaging story. Along with some unforgettable quotes and scenes. You can just imagine Rob’s real life filled with hilarious men and women to help him: His Dad Carl and all his friends from comedy, Albert Brooks, Billy Crystal, Nora Ephron and many, many more. “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” – “Inconceivable!” – “I don’t think you know the meaning of that word.” – “I’ll have what she’s having.” – “It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together… and I knew it. I knew it the very first time I touched her. It was like coming home… only to no home I’d ever known.” – “Chopper, sic ’em!” – “It just so happens that your friend here is only mostly dead. There’s a big difference between mostly dead and all dead.” HONORABLE MENTION, “DEFENDING YOUR LIFE”, WRITTEN BY ALBERT BROOKS AND DIRECTED BY ROB REINER (2003). You will either fall on the floor laughing at this movie or shrug your shoulders. If you fall on the floor laughing, call me and we’ll go over your favorite lines and scenes! “You likea pie? I’m gonna give you 9 pies!” – “How did you die? On stage like you!” – The Past Lives Pavillion – “Who are you?!” “Lunch!”
** Russ Lesser (Manhattan Beach Former Mayor): The Princess Bride.
** Charlotte Lesser (MB Neighborhood Watch): A Few Good Men.
** Suzanne Rogers Karger (MB Philanthropist): There are so many, but I am going with When Harry Met Sally.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Jeff Streader (Manhattan Beach)
My name is Jeff Streader, and my wife Stephanie and I live at … 31st Street. We strongly oppose any proposal to temporarily allow short-term rentals citywide in Manhattan Beach, including for the 2026 World Cup or 2028 Olympics. In 2015, the City made a deliberate, well-reasoned decision – after extensive resident input – to prohibit short-term rentals outside the coastal zone due to the clear harm they pose to residential neighborhoods. Those concerns remain unchanged: traffic congestion, parking saturation, noise, enforcement strain, and public safety risks. In fact, they have intensified as short-term rental platforms have become increasingly commercial and investor-driven. Creating a “temporary” exception sets a dangerous precedent. Such carve-outs often become permanent through political pressure or legal challenge, inviting speculation and neighborhood disruption. Manhattan Beach is a residential community, not a hotel zone. Existing coastal accommodations and regional hotel inventory already address visitor demand. I urge the City Council to reaffirm the 2015 policy and protect long-term neighborhood stability over short-term commercial pressure.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Lion King – Jared Goff Snaps Up $11M Manhattan Beach Palace:
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is scoring big far from the gridiron, picking up an $11 million French country-inspired mansion. Purchased in 2023 from Modern Family producer Danny Zuker, the storied estate has also passed through the hands of pitcher Ken Brett and NBA titan Shaquille O’Neal. Set on a rare half-acre lot, the three-story home spans 5,725 square feet and boasts a refined private library, sweeping coastal charm, and a resort-style pool deck.
Consumer report $9.50 Iced coffee at Bluestone Lane in Downtown Manhattan Beach.
Big Apple Ball Drops Early In MB – Kiwanis Hosts NYC-Style New Year’s Eve Bash:
Manhattan Beach will ring in 2026 on East Coast time as the Kiwanis Club hosts a special New Year’s Eve fundraiser from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at 920 Highland Avenue. The celebration will feature an open bar, festive atmosphere, and a champagne toast at 9 p.m. PST, coinciding with New York City’s midnight countdown. Proceeds support the beloved Kiwanis Santa Sleigh and the Manhattan Beach Kiwanis Children’s Charitable Fund. Doors open at 6:30, and guests must exit by 10:30.
www.MBKiwanis.org
KW Luxury International:
Patricia Blakemore Broker Associate | (310) 544-6100
www.PBlakemore.KW.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Fred Taylor (Community Activist)
I celebrate and support the “No Kings” movement! But who are the real Kings? Trump was the target of the recent one. Has he violated the Constitution? Has he mandated masks and untested experimental vaccines as a requirement to hold a job or be in the military?? Oh, wait, that was Biden. What about Newsom? Didn’t he mandate masks, closed churches and allowed massage polars to stay open. Mom & Pap’s had to close but the big boxes [Great sources of campaign contributions] got to stay open. And how can we forget watching him maskless at the ‘French Laundry’ as we choked for air thru our worthless masks while shopping for food at Target. How about Prop 36… overwhelmingly passed by 70% of the people of California? Yet, even today, Newsom refuses to fund the Prop since he was against it. Even though many churches sued Newsom and won, he still is pressing for a 1.2M dollar fine against Calvary Chapel, San Jose some 5 years later. You decide who the real king is.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – FACE TIME:
Brett Dearth, Manager of Tin Roof Bistro.
Midnight Mayhem – DUI Driver Nailed With Murder Rap In Beach City Death:
Manhattan Beach woke to grim news as prosecutors slapped a suspected drunk driver with a murder charge in a deadly late-night crash that killed a pedestrian on Sepulveda Boulevard. According to Manhattan Beach Police, the collision occurred around 12:45 a.m. on May 4, 2025. Traffic officers investigated the scene and later forwarded their findings to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Nearly eight months later, on December 23, Jenia Resha Belt was taken into custody by DA investigators and booked into the Manhattan Beach Police Department jail. Prosecutors charged Belt with one felony count of second-degree murder, one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and a misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended or revoked license tied to a specified blood-alcohol level. Authorities set bail at a staggering $2 million.
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT NEWS:
Toranj, the South Bay’s first upscale Persian restaurant since The Shah closed in the 1970s, opened on December 14 at 1019 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, bringing refined Persian cuisine back to the community. Meanwhile, another new arrival – Coucou, replacing the former Nando – is stirring controversy even before it opens its doors. Observers note that Coucou’s West Hollywood and Venice locations enforce a policy prohibiting children under eight, prompting questions about whether the Manhattan Beach outpost will adopt the same rule.
www.ToranjRestaurant.com
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
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1. ** If teachers teach grievance instead of history, you don’t get insight. You get entitlement. —- Dr. Clarence S., El Segundo
2. ** I honestly don’t know whether to laugh or cry about the idea that Karen Bass is actually running for reelection. Any thoughts? —- Monroe F., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Where do you draw the line between being kind and being a people pleaser? —- Linda T., Hermosa Beach
4. ** AI question: The AI Genie isn’t going back in the bottle, so better learn firsthand how to dance with it. Rote memorization and the typical “standards” -based education are on the brink of extinction. AI is here to stay. Ignore at your own risk of a quick job loss. —- Kathy Adzich
5. ** BEWARE. A white SUV pulls over – male driver, woman in back asking directions. Then come the fake blessing story, the birthday coincidence, and the ring-switch scam. The moment she grabbed my hand, alarm bells rang. I shut it down. These thieves are everywhere. Stay sharp. Do not engage. Walk away. —- Name Withheld by Request
6. ** I love supporting local businesses, but stapling signs to utility poles is illegal and creates clutter and trash in our neighborhoods. One company, Holiday Dudes, posted over 50 signs within a one-mile radius. These signs often remain long after the holidays. Residents may legally remove signs on public property. —- T.C.
7. ** 2026 Homeless Count – Volunteers Needed – The Greater LA Homeless Count is Thursday, January 22, 2026. Manhattan Beach volunteers will deploy from Joslyn Community Center, 7:30–11:00 PM. Teams help gather vital data to guide services. Your participation matters. Sign up at theycountwillyou.org
8. ** Gotta say Mark Costopoulos is an amazing podiatrist. Always does a fantastic job with my ugly feet. —- Ed M.
9. ** Sleep is one of the few things that becomes easier the less you do it. —- Oscar T., El Segundo
10. ** I can’t imagine what my late father would have looked like in drag. —- Toni F., Hermosa Beach
11. ** 16 years of Democrat one-party rule in California. As Dr. Phil would say, “How’s that working out for ya?” —- Nanci R.
12. ** Redondo Beach has a new police chief. Police Captain Steve Sprengel will take the helm on December 27. A familiar face within the department, Sprengel succeeds retiring Chief Joe Hoffman, bringing continuity, experience, and deep local knowledge to the role. —- Editor’s Note
13. ** Administrative Assistant needed, part-time, flexible hours, for a home-based office in Culver City. Tasks include emails, calls, file organization, data entry, and tracking work in Excel/Google Sheets. $17/hr, Tues–Thurs. West L.A. preferred. Contact: bossmaniam007@gmail.com
14. ** Hawthorne City Treasurer Marie Poindexter-Hornback is scheduled to stand trial this spring on federal bank fraud and criminal forfeiture charges tied to an alleged $200,000 loss at a former employer. The case is pending in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, with trial now set for May 5. —- Editor’s Note
15. ** Brilliant work, MB Weekly! Your Person of the Year concept is inspired, thoughtful, and deeply meaningful. It shines a well-deserved spotlight on leadership, service, and character, reminding us why Manhattan Beach is such a special place. A true gift to our beloved community. —- Jack P., Manhattan Beach
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