MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
TRUST IN LOCAL CAR DEALERSHIPS FLATLINES AT 1%
A new MB Weekly Reader Poll has delivered a jaw-dropping verdict on local car dealerships: just 1% of respondents say they have high trust in them. The poll, conducted among MB Weekly readers across the South Bay, suggests a credibility crisis for an industry long criticized for opaque pricing, aggressive sales tactics, and fine-print surprises. While most respondents stopped short of outright hostility, the overwhelming majority said they approach dealerships with skepticism, caution, or low expectations. Several readers cited confusing financing offers, last-minute add-ons, and a lack of transparency as key reasons for their distrust. Others pointed to the growing popularity of online car buying platforms as evidence that consumers are actively seeking alternatives to the traditional dealership model.
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Decades Of Dedication – City Council Honored Longstanding Local Businesses:
Honored for 50 years doing business in Manhattan Beach.
The City celebrated the backbone of its local economy during a January 20 Meeting where the 2025 Longstanding Local Business Award Program was formally recognized. The annual program honored 142 businesses that demonstrated exceptional staying power and community commitment, recognizing years-in-business milestones, including:
- 5 years – 37 that opened during Covid
- 10 years for 29, 15 years for 22, 20 years for 19, 40 years for 5 businesses
- El Sombrero #1 and Manhattan Academy reached the 50-year milestone
- Bank of America, Du Ross & Du Ross, Ercoles, Manhattan Beach Motel, Manhattan Shoe Repair, and Uncle Bill’s Pancake House reached the milestone of 75+ years of continuous operation within the community.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lynn Harris
There are over 300 current construction sites in MB. There is a rule that construction can start at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays. Currently, three officers work starting at 7 a.m. to enforce this rule. Given the current controversy over salaries, etc., it might be an impossible request to have more officers out early in the mornings to enforce the 7:30 a.m. start time for construction. If you have ever lived near or next to a construction site in MB, you will understand that each moment before 7:30 a.m. is precious silence. I don’t want to hear “hey Joe, how was the bar last night?” Or Porto potty doors banging, or machines like generators, compressors, and nail guns before 7:30 a.m. I’m a resident here. I get it, all are entitled to build, but could the rules be enforced, please?
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Karen Flowers
(Owner of Salon Flourish)
Q: IF SALON FLOURISH WERE A PERSON AT A DINNER PARTY, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THEIR PERSONALITY – AND WHY WOULD EVERYONE WANT TO SIT NEXT TO THEM?
A: Salon Flourish would be the person who makes you feel comfortable being exactly who you are. She’s warm, present, and quietly confident. She doesn’t rush the conversation or try to impress anyone – she listens, remembers details, and asks questions that actually matter. People want to sit next to her because she creates a sense of calm. You feel seen, understood, and somehow more yourself just by being there.
Q: WHAT’S THE BIGGEST HAIR OR BEAUTY MYTH YOU WISH YOU COULD PERMANENTLY BAN FROM MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: That beauty has to be high-maintenance to be valuable. I’d love to let go of the belief that luxury means constant upkeep or perfection. To me, real beauty is ease – hair that grows out well, routines that support your life, and results that feel aligned instead of forced. When beauty simplifies your life rather than complicating it, that’s when it truly feels luxurious.
“Salon Flourish would be the person who makes you feel comfortable being exactly who you are.” —- Karen Flowers
Q: YOU’VE SEEN CLIENTS THROUGH BREAKUPS, WEDDINGS, CAREER PIVOTS, AND MAJOR LIFE CHANGES – WHAT’S THE MOST SURPRISING TRANSFORMATION YOU’VE EVER WITNESSED IN YOUR CHAIR?
A: The most surprising transformations are always internal. I’ve seen women come in feeling disconnected or unsure, and leave standing taller, speaking differently, making decisions they’d been sitting on for years. Hair can be the catalyst, but the real change is when someone realizes they’re allowed to evolve. Watching that moment of clarity happen – quietly, without fanfare – is incredibly powerful.
Q: IF YOU COULD STYLE THE HAIR OF ANY WOMAN IN HISTORY FOR ONE DAY, WHO WOULD IT BE – AND WHAT LOOK WOULD YOU GIVE HER?
A: Someone like Alanis Morissette. Her beauty was never about polish – it was about truth. I wouldn’t try to change or soften that. I’d keep her hair natural, expressive, and lived-in. Something that moves and feels real. Hair that supports her voice rather than competing with it. To me, that’s the most powerful kind of styling – when the hair honors the woman instead of performing for the world.
Q: WHAT DOES “FLOURISHING” REALLY MEAN TO YOU TODAY, BOTH AS A BUSINESS OWNER AND AS A WOMAN LIVING AND WORKING IN THE SOUTH BAY?
A: Flourishing means living in alignment. It’s building a business that supports my life instead of consuming it. It’s creating an environment where my team feels supported, my clients feel genuinely cared for, and growth feels sustainable – not exhausting. As a woman living and working in the South Bay, flourishing is about presence – being connected to my family, my community, and my intuition. It’s less about doing more, and more about doing what truly matters, with intention and heart.
www.SalonFlourish.com
Saint & Second:
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Saint & Second
Special 3-Course Menu for Two available
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2/13 – 2/15, from 3pm – close.
Full menu also available. Make a reservation and view menu
3160 N. Sepulveda Blvd. | (310) 759-3160 | www.SaintAndSecond.com
MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE VIDEO:
An exclusive MB Weekly video of Jacob, manager at SLAY Italian Kitchen.
Click Link To Watch:
https://youtu.be/EQXglUZ1sJc
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
Gum Tree Puts Down New Roots In Downtown Manhattan Beach:
Beloved home and gift shop Gum Tree has secured a new downtown Manhattan Beach location after losing its lease, the store’s owners announced. The boutique will relocate to 1140 Highland Avenue – about a block from its current spot – with an early April opening planned. In an Instagram post, owners Lori and Will Ford described the new space as “smaller and super charming,” comparable in size to their Hermosa Beach store. They promised a fresh take on their signature curated mix of stylish, high-quality goods. Founded in 2008, Gum Tree began as an Australian-inspired café and lifestyle boutique in Hermosa Beach before expanding to Manhattan Beach in 2016.
www.GumTreeLA.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Attorney Steven Carvel with wife Cindy and realtor Misty Frasier.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by (Name Withheld by Request)
As a former elected official here in Manhattan Beach, there is an odd and telling asymmetry in the way many of our local leaders – and their cheering sections – now regard one another in Manhattan Beach. Conservatives, by and large, see their liberal friends as naïve: well-intentioned, perhaps, but hopelessly credulous about human nature, incentives, and the stubborn realities of governance. Liberals, by contrast, increasingly see conservatives not as mistaken but as morally corrupt – selfish, cruel, even evil. This is not a trivial distinction; it is the difference between disagreement and demonization. One can argue with naïveté. One cannot reason with wickedness. Once your neighbor is no longer wrong but wicked, conversation gives way to rage, and persuasion yields to shaming. The town square becomes a tribunal. And so we witness the curious spectacle of a community that congratulates itself on tolerance while practicing a refined form of moral absolutism. It is not conservative skepticism that fuels the local temperature; it is progressive certitude. Nothing inflames quite like the conviction of one’s own virtue – and the delicious certainty that dissent must be punished.
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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
TOO MUCH? INVESTORS OWN 17% OF CALIFORNIA HOMES:
** Ed Kaminsky (Realtor): Let’s look at the facts to answer the question of whether 17% of homes in California are owned by investors. Here are important numbers that are often not included before someone starts reacting that “investors own all of the homes, leaving it hard for Californians to buy homes.” So who are these investors? Reports state that they are mostly mom-and-pop investors, or generally people like you and me who either bought a rental property or bought one to rent to a family member. Only 3% of investor-owned homes are owned by a person or corporation that owns more than 10 homes. These are the so-called “large institutional investors.” To compare this to the rest of the nation, around 20% of homes nationwide are estimated to be investor-owned. States that have higher investor shares include Hawaii, with 26%–40% investor-owned homes; Alaska, with 27%–35%; and Montana and Maine, with 30%–31%. Bottom line: with California at 17% investor-owned homes, it is below the national average and in line with what would be considered normal.
** Jessiqa Pace (Realtor): Investors owning 1 in 5 properties in the state of California is a bit of a double edged sword. The positive is that these investors are creating long term housing for residents who cannot afford that down payment to purchase a home of their own. We need rental properties in the state of California now more than ever. The negative is that first time homebuyers are competing with investors in the real estate market. Investors are driving up home values making it harder for young families to purchase a home. That all said, I am seeing a trend where investors are moving their real estate assets out of California because of the strict housing provider laws and regulations. Many are exercising the 1031 exchange and taking their investment capital out of state.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Debbie Van Ness
Big thanks to Paul Wafer for his analysis and for continually bringing this to the attention of the entire community. By any stretch I am not anti-government or anti-government spending on things that benefit the community. However, I am anti-waste and certainly pro accountability for everything that gets spent. I have commented in the past on individual issues asking if anyone is scrutinizing line items on budgets for projects or expenditures that are put forth. I hear staff propose expenditures for things as a whole number and then they’re voted on, but nobody analyzes each line item to see where there could be savings or where there is waste or the like. I would also like to hear a response from the city council and all of the things that Paul states. Specifically on the swelling of city staff. Maybe MB Weekly would come up with a list of specific questions regarding this that many of us would like to hear the answers to. To date I have not seen any of the council members willing to go on record on any of this. If they have I have not seen or read it.
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Bruxie on Rosecrans:
Craveworthy Comfort Food
2181 Rosecrans Ave B, El Segundo
www.Bruxie.com
MB WEEKLY – WEEKEND EVENTS:
** Spice Meets South Bay – Culture Brewing Heats Up with First-Ever Chili Cook-Off: Culture Brewing in downtown Manhattan Beach will turn up the heat this Sunday, February 1st, from 12–4 PM, hosting its first-ever Chili Cook-Off – and the community is invited to eat, sip, and vote. Tickets are $20 and include unlimited chili tastings, a pint of beer, and one official vote for the People’s Choice winner. Local favorites already announced include Love & Salt, Bread Head, Simmzy’s, MB Post, and Hennessey’s, with more buzz-worthy participants expected. Best of all, proceeds benefits MCHS. Great chili, cold beer, and a great cause – what’s not to love? https://www.culturebrewingco.com
** Bingo Brunch – Neptunian Womans Club: Saturday mornings were made for mimosas and… BINGO! Join us for a lively brunch dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders. We’re serving up a delicious spread with a side of high-stakes fun – and the best part? All proceeds go directly to Mira Costa High School students. Grab your friends, claim your cards, and let’s make a “Grade A” difference together. https://givebutter.com/nwcbingobrunch
Estell Boutique:
Beautiful style, real-life utility. Curated by owner Stella Shirman, Estell Boutique brings together European and American designers known for easy style, flattering fits, and unique details – because looking good shouldn’t feel like work.
912-A Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach | (310) 985-7717
www.EstellBoutiques.com
Mauricio Umansky Shows Love As Sister Sharon Scores Big At The Agency In Manhattan Beach:
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Mauricio Umansky is proving that family comes first. The estranged husband of Kyle Richards recently shared a smiling snapshot with his younger sister, Sharon Umansky Benton, highlighting their close bond amid a busy few days. The photo appears to have been taken around The Agency’s recent global forum in Fort Lauderdale. During the event, Sharon – who represents The Agency’s Manhattan Beach district – earned the prestigious 2026 Chairman Award, placing her in the brokerage’s top five percent of agents worldwide. Sharon celebrated the honor on Instagram, thanking clients, family, and colleagues for supporting her journey to the top.
BELLA BUILDERS:
A Local Residential Builder
Vinny, 38-years experience / 20-year Rotary member
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
MB WEEKLY – RESTAURANT NEWS:
The former Lemonade space at Metlox Plaza in Manhattan Beach has been subdivided and will soon welcome two new dining concepts. One side will house the third location of Sogno Toscano, the Tuscan-inspired favorite known for specialty foods, espresso, and a popular wine bar. Bacio di Latte, an upscale gelato shop with a strong following, will take the other space. A quick word to the wise: if you’re searching the gelato brand on a work computer, be sure to type the full name – “Bacio Gelato” is apparently a strain of cannabis. No opening dates have been announced yet for either restaurant at Metlox Plaza.
Clean Sweep On The South Bay – Bobcat Carpet Care Roars To The Top:
Bobcat Carpet Care has been named Best Carpet Cleaning Service in the latest MB Weekly Reader Poll, earning top honors from South Bay residents who know clean when they see it. The locally owned company stood out for its consistent results, reliability, and customer-first approach. Voters praised Bobcat Carpet Care for bringing tired carpets back to life and delivering professional service with a personal touch. The win underscores the company’s strong reputation and loyal client base throughout Manhattan Beach and surrounding communities.
www.BobCatCarpetCare.com
KW Luxury International:
Patricia Blakemore Broker Associate | (310) 544-6100
www.PBlakemore.KW.com
1. ** After 30 remarkable years, Current Events on Highland Avenue in Downtown Manhattan Beach is closing its doors, marking the end of a cherished local institution. Owned and operated by Kay and Peter, the newsstand was far more than a place to buy newspapers and magazines – it was a daily ritual and friendly gathering point for the community. From selling countless lottery tickets to handling UPS drop-offs and mail services, Kay and Peter reliably served locals day in and day out. As the shop closes this week, the community pauses to salute a small business that truly embodied the heartbeat of downtown. —- Editors Note
2. ** Wake up, Manhattan Beach. We can’t ignore growing safety risks. An accident occurred last Tuesday at Sepulveda and 19th – just 500 feet from the proposed five-story, 40-unit project. Sepulveda is already dangerous and congested. Adding dense housing endangers pedestrians, families, and children. Stand up. Make your voice heard: https://stoprisemb.org/petiti/ —- G.Z.
3. ** What an extraordinary privilege to be acknowledged by MB Weekly as Person of the Year; it truly means everything to me. —- Michael Greenberg, Manhattan Beach
4. ** Do you think Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., would recognize the Democratic Party today with its progressives? His belief in nonviolent protest and civil disobedience is more genuine today than ever. —- Mark Burton, Former Mayor, Manhattan Beach
5. ** The Burger Lounge in Manhattan Beach is a total rip-off. In-N-Out is twice as good at half the price. —- Simon T.
6. ** Thank God for Russ Lesser’s common-sense commentary: men cannot become pregnant. Period. That this basic biological fact will one day bewilder some radicals on the left and fascinate historians. They’ll study how insane ideology eclipsed reality – and how saying the obvious somehow became controversial in public discourse. It’s absurd, alarming, and worth remembering. —- Dr. Roger L., Hermosa Beach
7. ** It’ is painful to admit this, but my step-son is a stoner. —- M.B., Hermosa Beach
8. ** The end of the penny in the USA may eventually cause inflation at the wishing well fountain. —- TinaMarie S.
9. ** Just back from London and Paris. Europe has changed faster in one generation than in centuries before. Reckless, suicidal mass-migration policies have fractured social cohesion, overwhelmed public services, and visibly altered historic cities. Ignoring consequences in the name of ideology has come at a devastating cultural and civic cost. —- Roger S., Manhattan Beach
10. ** I bet you anything ice cream was invented in the winter. —- Benny T., El Segundo
11. ** Did you know? Did you know that MB Weekly is the largest (by far) digital publication in the South Bay?
12. ** Thank goodness Mayor Lesser finally showed real independence by voting against temporarily allowing citywide short-term rentals during the FIFA World Cup this summer. Protecting neighborhoods, quality of life, and local residents matters. This was a thoughtful, principled decision. Good job, Mayor – leadership sometimes means saying no when pressure runs high locally. —- Earl H., Manhattan Beach
13. ** Help Wanted – Administrative Assistant in a small Redondo Beach tech office. Full or part-time for the right person. Need experience in Excel, QuickBooks, filing, phones, etc. Spanish speaking is a bonus but not required. Send your information to: resume90277@gmail.com
14. ** Congratulations, Erc’s, on 75 incredible years! Seventy-five years of memories, laughter, hard work, friendships, and community spirit. A true local institution that has stood the test of time. Here’s to honoring the past, celebrating the present, and boldly raising a glass to the next 75 years. Cheers! —- Danny A.
15. ** Hey South Bay Brothers and Sisters – Urbane Cafe – Redondo Beach, opened its doors Monday, January 26, for their Grand Opening. 409 N Pacific Coast Hwy. Fresh, handcrafted favorites await. Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30–9, Sun 10:30–8. Explore the menu: urbanecafe.com/menu
16. ** AMEN! By a 3-2 Vote, our City Council opposed short-term rentals throughout our City during the World Cup! —- Cheryl P.
17. ** Swarms of mosquitoes plaguing west-side El Segundo for over a month were traced to stagnant water near the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. City officials, working with Los Angeles County Vector Control, identified and began eradicating the infestation after mid-December reports. —- Editor’s Note
18. ** Thanks for MB Weekly – you have really helped highlight the great things about MB and the wonderful people who put a lot of energy into making this City a magical place to live and work. —- Rita Crabtree-Kampe, Manhattan Beach
19. ** WTF? Drunk, smoking, and chatting https://youtu.be/IhUMnvWyCjs?si=SmR0HXXQ5djaKs9B —- Evan R., Redondo Beach
20. ** Governor Newsom has turned out to be so many different characters that he could have populated all of War and Peace and still have a few people left over. —- Name Withheld by Request
21. ** I would love to ask the MB Mayor and City Council, can men become pregnant? —- S.T., Manhattan Beach
22. ** Typti – a fast-growing new racquet sport blending tennis and badminton – launched Monday, Jan. 19, at California Smash Pickleball and Social Club in El Segundo. Founded by Steve Bellamy of The Tennis Channel, Typti aims to ride pickleball’s booming court infrastructure nationwide. —- Editor’s Note
23. ** Great interview with my hero, Paul Wafer. My favorite moment was his blunt honesty – giving the current city council and city manager an unmistakable “F” for fiscal responsibility. Clear, courageous, and long overdue. Amen to accountability, transparency, and demanding better stewardship of our city’s hard-earned tax dollars from our elected leaders. Who do they think they are kidding? —- S.R., CPA
24. ** Great news! A friend just sent a photo of herself having dinner at La Paz in El Segundo tonight – and yes, it’s official: they’re back! A longtime South Bay favorite has reopened, bringing back the flavors, memories, and lively vibes we’ve missed. Welcome home, La Paz! —- Tina B., El Segundo
25. ** Part-Time Entry-Level Assistant – Public Relations – Our award-winning public relations firm, located in Manhattan Beach, California, is seeking a smart, highly reliable, detail-oriented, and organized part-time entry-level assistant eager to learn the business of modern PR. Approximately 10–12 hours a week. This is a rare opportunity to get your foot in the door at a prominent agency and grow alongside seasoned professionals in an exciting, fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates are hungry to learn, proactive, and committed to excellence – a chance in a lifetime in a lifetime of chance. Contact: Amanda Kent at AmandaK@BoundlessMediaUSA.com / www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
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