STANDING ROOM, STANDING OVATION:
MB WEEKLY LAUNCHES THE YEAR BY CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE MANHATTAN BEACH MATTER
An inspiring – and unmistakably electric – start to the new year unfolded January 7 at Fete, the acclaimed restaurant from celebrated chef David Slay. The jam-packed, standing-room-only cocktail party brought together a cross-section of Manhattan Beach’s most engaged civic leaders, business owners, philanthropists, and longtime community advocates. At the heart of the evening was the presentation of MB Weekly’s first-ever Person of the Year award to Michael Greenberg, recognizing his outsized impact on the city throughout 2025. The celebration also honored an exceptional MB Weekly Honor Roll, spotlighting Rita Crabtree, Charlotte Lesser, and Paul Wafer for their enduring service, leadership, and commitment to the community. The room buzzed with conversation and purpose as guests reflected on the importance of civic engagement at a time when local leadership matters more than ever. Applause erupted repeatedly throughout the night, underscoring a shared appreciation for those who quietly – and sometimes not so quietly – make Manhattan Beach a stronger place to live. “I honestly thought this was one of the most impressive events in Manhattan Beach in a very long time,” said prominent real estate entrepreneur Larry Kosmont. MB Weekly’s Person of the Year distinction is awarded annually to the individual who made the most meaningful impact on Manhattan Beach. On this night, the message resonated clearly: leadership still matters, generosity still counts, and when a community comes together to honor its best, the result is nothing short of powerful.
Michael Greenberg Speech…
… Thanks for hosting [David Slay of Slay Restaurants] and to MB Weekly. Michael, thank you for this great honor. It’s humbling. It’s actually uncomfortable, but I feel that by recognizing the work that these good people do, it implores us to do more good work. I think if we just spread the … at the end of the day, there’s a lot of challenges happening in the world, right? So much, it’s painful sometimes to turn the TV on and see what’s going on. So I think that this is spreading the word that we need to do more if we can. We live in this little enchanted village called Manhattan Beach. We’re very, very fortunate to call this place home. Everybody here is super generous. City Council … Robin and I and my family at Skechers work super hard to contribute, whether it’s local, national, or international, wherever we can help. I get this wonderful podium because of Skechers, so I want to, you know, use it to do well.
The Roundhouse
Some of our accomplishments that I’m super proud of … one of them being the Roundhouse and Reimagining [it] … I don’t know if everyone’s aware that we get 300,000 visitors a year, but more important than that, we get the kids from the inner city that come that really don’t ever get to see the Pacific Ocean.
The Friendship Walk
We also started years ago the Friendship Walk, which the first year I was so nervous I didn’t know if anybody would show up. I thought maybe I’d be the only one walking, and there were 1,200 other people that came out and supported us, and we raised … I think it was $220,000 year one, and I’m not sure which year it is, 16 or 17, and we’ve raised $33 million.
The Friendship Campus
We are building the Friendship Campus, which is 66,000 square feet in Redondo Beach for children with special needs, and it’s a life skills building. It’s life-changing. It’s going to transform so many beautiful souls, give them so much to do after they leave high school that they wouldn’t get to do in most communities, so it’s going to be, I believe it’s opening … just around the corner. I hope that everybody will come out and support and see the magic that has been created … It’s a transformation for so many kids.
In Conclusion
So, with all that said, thank you for this honor … I appreciate it, and I’m going to plug MB Weekly. If you want to find a good restaurant like Mr. Slay’s restaurants go to MB Weekly and check it out. Thank you, and God Bless.
Backstage Pass – Exclusive 10+ minute Video of the Event:
https://youtu.be/ii6DkUgeke8
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Fate, Fur & Soulmates! MB Dog Owners Say Their Pups Are Their “Emotional Twins”
In a revealing new MB Weekly Reader Poll, South Bay dog owners insist their four-legged companions aren’t just pets – they’re destiny. A stunning 81% of respondents said it felt like fate that they ended up with their dog, describing the bond as instantaneous, uncanny, and, in many cases, life-changing. The survey also found that three in four owners believe their dog’s personality mirrors their own – from energy levels to social habits to emotional sensitivity. Introverts overwhelmingly reported having calm, cautious, even shy pups, while extroverts said their dogs are outgoing, friendly, high-spirited socialites who never met a stranger they didn’t like. Many owners went even further, calling their dogs “emotional twins” or outright soulmates. Whether people pick dogs like themselves – or grow more alike over time – remains the great unanswered mystery of the canine-human love story.
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Jeff Byron
(The Kettle, General Manager)
Q: AFTER DECADES WATCHING PEOPLE WALK THROUGH THOSE DOORS, WHAT ABOUT HUMAN NATURE HASN’T CHANGED – AND WHAT HAS?
A: One thing I can tell you for certain is that people largely remain good. Social media and local news seem bent on telling us otherwise but when you face countless numbers of people year in and year out you plainly see that kindness, compassion and fellowship are alive and well out there. I meet the nicest people every single day! One thing I’ve noticed that has changed, since that whole global pandemic thing a few years back, is that some people seem to have withdrawn from one another. I believe this dynamic has led to a lot of people out there missing out on all that nice stuff I mentioned in the first half of this question.
Q: RESTAURANTS COME AND GO IN MANHATTAN BEACH. WHY DID THE KETTLE BECOME AN INSTITUTION?
A: I’m afraid you’d have to tell me the answer to that one, our job is to simply give people more than they expect and to do so cheerfully.
Q: ONE LESSON FROM THE FLOOR – NOT A BUSINESS BOOK – WHAT IS IT?
A: When my kids were small we loved the movie Finding Nemo. “Just keep swimming” was Dori’s line I’ve used that mantra many many times when there’s more things that need to be done than there are people to do them. Gets me through every time. Yeah, so Just keep swimming is my answer.
Q: WILL THE KETTLE CONTINUE TO RAISE THEIR PRICES IN THE NEW YEAR?
A: This answer is from ownership…Thanks Mike! “You know, as my grandpa Arthur J used to say, nothing in the restaurant business ever gets cheaper. We’re seeing all kinds of costs – from minimum wage to even garbage removal – go up, and that might mean prices have to adjust a bit… again. But we’re committed to staying the neighborhood’s kitchen and keeping things as reasonable as we can. We can’t predict the future, but we’ll always aim to stay competitive and a good value for everyone in the community.” – Mike Simms.
Q: WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: Kettle first of course, this house has kept me well fed for 34 years! After that I’d say The Arthur J – best steak in town! Sloopy’s is still a fave of my daughter and I … Does that count as three?
www.TheKettle.net
JOEY Manhattan Beach:
Nestled in the heart of Manhattan Village, our third Southern California location feels like a lush oasis. Extending over 9,400 square feet with an expansive 2,160 square foot patio, there’s plenty of room for all. Vibrant abstract artwork by local California artist Amber Goldhammer gives this space the positive vibes of an endless summer.
3120 N. Sepulveda Blvd | (310) 546-1163 | www.JoeyRestaurants.com
Chevron Sirens To Blare – But Don’t Panic!:
Residents near the Chevron Refinery may hear loud alarms in the coming months – but officials say it’s only a test. Chevron announced it will begin a series of Emergency Notification and Response System drills, starting January 14, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. The tests will feature an audible “fire alarm” message from a processing unit located in the middle of the refinery. The company says the drills are designed to check sound levels, system performance, and overall readiness. Chevron stressed the alarms are not tied to any emergency and are not expected to pose a concern for nearby neighborhoods. The company says the advance notice is part of its commitment to transparency. Questions? Chevron’s hotline is (310) 615-5342.
https://Elsegundo.Chevron.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Manhattan Beach Pier holiday street performer.
Prominent South Bay Realtor Predicts A Steady Year Ahead For Manhattan Beach:
Ed Kaminsky
Manhattan Beach’s tightly constrained housing market is feeling the ripple effects of recent regional upheaval, according to prominent South Bay Realtor Ed Kaminsky. He notes that the devastating Palisades fires displaced numerous families, many of whom relocated to Manhattan Beach, leasing – and in some cases purchasing – homes, quickly absorbing scarce inventory. As insurance claims and lengthy rebuild timelines stretch on, Kaminsky expects some renters to extend leases or transition into buyers. With limited supply and financially strong buyers securing competitive mortgage rates near 5%, upward pressure on home values may persist. Overall, Kaminsky anticipates a stable, fundamentally supported market rather than a sharp correction.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former MB Mayor)
By a 3-2 vote, the City Council recently awarded a contract in the amount of $27.8 million to the lowest irresponsible bidder. Yes, the Council did so even though they were fully aware that that Department of Industrial Relations had administratively prosecuted this contractor for deliberately and willfully failing to pay prevailing wages and misclassifying workers on a public works project for this Metropolitan Water District resulting in a fine being imposed in 2024 in the amount of $653,177. Just incredible! Worse yet, in the contractor’s bid questionnaire, this contractor attempted to mislead our City by failing to disclose this settlement from just 2 years ago. Wait, that’s not all. This same contractor failed to disclose that another public works contract was recently cancelled by a city. Finally, there is a big RED FLAG when you visit this contractor’s website, it has no information. Nada! Nothing! No “Who We Are”. No “Management Team”. And, importantly, No “Lists of Projects”. Amazingly, for a supposed “reputable” contractor, it only lists on contact email. As we know, our City Council for some time has not been a paragon for making fiscally responsible decisions. So, it’s no wonder they would choose to ignore such irresponsible behavior by a bidder and award a $27.8 contract.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Live entertainment at the Kiwanis Club’s 2026 New Years Party.
South Bay Classical Academy:
While other schools chase trends, we’re returning to what works. South Bay Classical Academy opens Fall 2026 in Hawthorne, forming students of strong character, clear thinking, and civic virtue through time-tested methods.
RSVP for a School Launch Event
Enrollment for Grades K-5 opens Soon
4755 W 130th St. Hawthorne, CA 90250
www.SouthBayClassical.org
DUI Suspect Pleads Not Guilty In Death Of Loyola Tennis Star:
A woman accused of drunkenly plowing into and killing an 18-year-old Loyola High School tennis standout in Manhattan Beach pleaded not guilty in Torrance Superior Court. Jenia Resha Belt, 33, faces murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and driving on a suspended license in the death of Braun Levi. Prosecutors say the crash happened around 12:45 a.m. May 4 in the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard. Belt was arrested shortly after and is being held on $2 million bail. Levi, walking with a friend, was struck and later died at a hospital. A nationally ranked tennis player, he was weeks from graduation and bound for the University of Virginia, his family said. Levi’s mother, Jennifer, has since joined Nathan Hochman and other officials in calling for stricter DUI laws, vowing to push legislation to strengthen sentencing and punishment statewide.
URBAN PLATES AND MB WEEKLY:
Invite you to participate in its
Annual Shoe Drive for the Homeless
Starting January 15 and ending January 31
Bring in a pair or several pairs of used shoes to Urban Plates in Manhattan Beach, and receive a $5.00 gift card. All used shoes are donated to the L.A. Mission. Last year, we collected over 500 pairs of shoes.
UrbanPlates.com | MBWeekly.net
Vacation Over, Crime Wave Greets New Year – Burglars Smash Their Way Into Manhattan Beach:
Manhattan Beach residents returned from the holidays to an unwelcome surprise: burglaries and thefts, according to the latest police crime summary. Between December 31, 2025, and January 7, 2026, officers logged a hefty 906 calls for service, made 17 arrests, and took 45 reports. Most troubling was a rise in residential burglaries, with two incidents reported in Patrol Areas 1 and 2. In both cases, suspects shattered rear glass doors – an increasingly common tactic. On January 2, one homeowner came back from a family vacation to find their back door smashed, though no losses were immediately reported. A second break-in occurred later that night on the 1500 block of 6th Street, again involving a shattered rear door and an uncertain loss total. Not all attempts succeeded. That same evening, a home’s surveillance system – lights blazing and alarms sounding – sent three masked suspects in hoodies fleeing in an SUV. Police say the message is clear: security systems can still deter criminals, but vigilance is more important than ever.
The Solar Gamble That Paid Off – The Rise Of Richard Tall Bear Westerman:
In 2011, Richard Tall Bear Westerman (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate) walked away from an 18-year career in interior fabrication and plunged headlong into the solar industry – spending two years in his Manhattan Beach garage without a paycheck. Yet grit, vision, and tribal partnerships fueled his pursuit. What began as small solar projects tied to his work in tribal casinos soon expanded as Westerman cultivated opportunities with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. His breakthrough arrived in 2013: a landmark PPA with San Diego Gas & Electric. That deal unlocked financing for a $52 million, 200-acre, 20-megawatt solar farm in Ocotillo Wells – completed by 2015 and forever marking Tallbear Seville’s place in the renewable-energy landscape.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Happy team Members Keaton and Gio at Fete.
Bella Beach Kids:
Fashionable clothes, unique toys and one of a kind gifts both kids and parents will enjoy. Baby Shower Items. Cool Tween styles for Girls and more.
225 Manhattan Beach Blvd | (310) 545-9990 | www.BellaBeachKids.com
Barbie Bloodbath – Mattel Axes 89 Workers In El Segundo Shake-Up:
Mattel, the powerhouse behind Barbie and Hot Wheels, is slashing 89 jobs at its El Segundo headquarters as part of a sweeping overhaul of its global brands team. The cuts were disclosed in a November 13 letter to California’s Employment Development Department by Chief People Officer Karen Ancira, who said layoffs begin January 12.
https://about.Mattel.com/
Bliss Nail Lounge:
A luxury nail salon located in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach.
1830 N Sepulveda Blvd | (424) 278-9993 | BlissNailSepulveda.com
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“I can’t leave the house until I finish reading the MB Weekly FREE Bulletin Board.”
BELLA BUILDERS:
A Local Residential Builder
ADU’s and New Homes
Manhattan Beach and The Palisades
Full Service From Concept To Completion
www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com
Vinny@beautifulbuilder.com | 310 809 4999
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1. ** My dog had just passed, and I was crying in a vet waiting room, aware of the discomfort around me. A woman paused, met my eyes, and said, “Are you OK?” When I broke down, she hugged me and said, “You’re not OK.” Pure, unconditional kindness. —- Marissa N.
2. ** The Redondo Beach Planning Commission rejected a proposed four-story, 49-unit mixed-use project on Dec. 18, citing inadequate commercial parking and safety concerns raised by nearby residents. The Pacific Coast Highway project would have included retail space and eight affordable housing units. —- Editor’s Note
3. ** The older you get, the more dead people appear in your dreams. —- Nina P.
4. ** Turns out it was easier to find Maduro in Venezuela than it is to find a kid in a Somali daycare center. —- Les M., El Segundo
5. ** A fictional story with a real mission: El Segundo High seniors Cara King and Sarah Spraggins, interns at the El Segundo Blue Butterfly Conservancy, wrote El Segundo’s Little Secret… What Happened to the Blues? The children’s book spotlights conservation efforts to protect the endangered El Segundo Blue Butterfly. —- Editor’s Note
6. ** Dear MB Weekly – Selecting Michael Greenberg as Person of the Year was a stroke of genius! —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
7. ** As a local nutritionist, I can tell you this matters: a scratched Teflon pan may be shedding microplastics into your food. Research suggests that a single crack can release thousands of particles, while heavy wear can shed millions of PFAS-linked fragments. Don’t panic – consider switching to coating-free cookware to reduce exposure safely today. —- Samantha G., Hermosa Beach
8. ** The stereotypical “cartoon monkey” does not actually look like any monkey species that exists in real life. —- Robby T.
9. ** Some of my daughter’s just-out-of-college friends have taken up smoking cigarettes. One 20-something told me it surged during the pandemic – “ with everything going on, why not?” Another said it’s anxiety-driven, tied to a generation raised on fidget toys and the need to keep their hands busy. —- David Sams, Redondo Beach
10. ** Dear MB Weekly – You certainly know how to make me feel appreciated. Thank you for allowing me to share with such worthy honorees. —- Charlotte Lesser, Manhattan Beach
11. ** Dear MB Weekly – Fun event. Slay’s FETE is the perfect venue. Great way to start the year. Congrats again to Michael Greenberg. —- Larry Kosmont, Manhattan Beach
12. ** Saint & Second looks like a classic steakhouse, but brunch says otherwise. In Manhattan Village, expect oysters at breakfast, spicy tuna before pancakes, lobster rolls with French toast, and inventive cocktails. Calm room, easy parking, wildly eclectic menu. Brunch, gloriously off-script. —- Holly W., El Segundo
13. ** Parents be aware. A child at Mira Costa High School just told me a random man driving a dark charcoal Tesla approached her and her friends, asking if they needed an “Uber” ride. Please remind your kids: never accept rides from strangers and report anything suspicious immediately. —- Name Withheld by Request
14. ** I just discovered Juicy Dumpling Factory serves fast food worth slowing down for – fresh, satisfying Chinese dishes at fair prices. The line moves, the dumplings deliver, and the menu goes far beyond old-school wontons. A welcome upgrade. 1760 Aviation Blvd, Redondo. —- Marla P., Redondo Beach
15. ** MB Weekly got it right – Michael Greenberg is the Person of the Year in Manhattan Beach! —- Alice M.
16. ** You only realize how loud modern life is when the power goes out. —- Courtney T.
17. ** Now Hiring (Temporary, Part-Time): Servpro Redondo Beach/Manhattan Beach/Carson seeks admin/accounting support to cover maternity leave. Flexible 20–35 hrs/week. AP/AR, invoicing; QBO a plus. $20–$25/hr. 4–8 months. Start 3–6 weeks. Email resume to ryonsingh@servpro12328.com
18. ** As a regular customer, I really miss Andrew at Mercado! The place is just not the same. —- Marci M., Manhattan Beach
19. ** Renee Good’s death is a tragic case study in ideological extremism. By inserting herself into an ICE operation and obstructing agents, she placed activism above motherhood. Three children lost their mother – not to illness or accident, but to a dangerous ideology that offered slogans, not responsibility, and would not raise them. —- Isabella D., Hermosa Beach
20. ** Writers wanted for MB Weekly. An extraordinary opportunity to write for your neighbors across the South Bay – smart commentary, local insight, authentic voices. Once a week, but never weakly. If you have something to say, we want to hear it. —- Contact: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
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