MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
MONEY TALKS – 83% OF MB WEEKLY READERS SUPPORT FINANCIAL LITERACY IN SOUTH BAY HIGH SCHOOLS
In a decisive show of support for real-world education, 83% of MB Weekly readers say their state should require a semester or year-long personal finance course for high school graduation in the South Bay. The reader poll, conducted by MB Weekly, highlights growing concern that students are graduating without essential skills in budgeting, credit management, saving, investing, and understanding debt. With college loans, credit cards, and rising living costs facing young adults immediately after graduation, voters made it clear: financial literacy is no longer optional – it’s essential. Supporters argue that teaching teens how to balance a checkbook, understand compound interest, and avoid predatory lending could dramatically impact long-term financial stability. The strong majority signals a community eager to see schools prioritize practical life skills alongside academics.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Rosecrans Reimagined – 500 Apartments To Rise As Office Building Faces Demolition:
A major transformation is coming to Manhattan Beach’s Rosecrans corridor. An aging 78,000-square-foot office building at 1440 Rosecrans Avenue is slated for demolition to make way for a sweeping new multifamily residential complex, according to a notice published by the Manhattan Beach Community Development Department. The five-acre site, owned by Fairfield Residential, will be redeveloped into six- and seven-story buildings containing 500 apartment units and parking for 800 vehicles. Of those units, 100 will be designated for low-income residents, qualifying the project for development incentives that allow greater density than is typically permitted. The proposal stems from the City’s Residential Overlay District, adopted as part of Manhattan Beach’s 6th Cycle Housing Element in March 2023. The overlay allows housing to be built by-right on select commercial corridors, including Rosecrans and Sepulveda. Fairfield’s project is expected to be one of several residential developments reshaping the Rosecrans skyline in the coming years.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Nick Moreno
(Rock’N Fish General Manager)
Q: IF THE MANHATTAN BEACH PIER COULD TALK, WHAT DO YOU THINK IT WOULD SAY ABOUT ROCK N’ FISH AFTER ALL THESE YEARS?
A: If the Manhattan Beach pier could talk to Rock N’ Fish I believe that they would talk like old, reminiscing friends. After 25 years together delighting both our community and those visiting our community, watching families grow up and sunsets go down, the Manhattan Beach pier would raise a glass of our World Famous Navy Grog and toast to “25 more years.”
Q: EVERY GREAT RESTAURANT HAS A PERSONALITY. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE ROCK N’ FISH’S “VIBE” IN THREE WORDS – AND HOW DO YOU PROTECT THAT AS GENERAL MANAGER?
A: Welcoming, Local, Fresh. At Rock N’ Fish our goal is to create a happy escape for everyone that walks through our doors, and that includes the members of our amazing team as well. Our management team strives to ensure that every member of our team feels included and seen as an integral part of the success of the restaurant. When you choose to spend time with us you will find a local restaurant filled with genuine smiling employees; and that is directly related to the fact that the team is happy to be here, enthusiastic to share our amazing fresh seafood with our guests, and proud of the hospitality we provide day in and day out.
Q: YOU’VE SEEN TRENDS COME AND GO – MENUS, COCKTAILS, CROWDS. WHAT’S ONE CLASSIC ROCK N’ FISH PRINCIPLE YOU REFUSE TO MESS WITH, NO MATTER HOW FASHIONS CHANGE?
A: I first started in hospitality 26 years ago and have seen trends come and go, but the one consistent principle that will never change is hospitality. Rock N’ Fish takes pride in its warm, empathetic commitment to delighting our guests. Whether you are coming off a day at the beach, having a quick layover at LAX, or meeting friends and family for dinner, we value and appreciate each and every one of our guests and strive to make their day better than it was before they stopped in.
Q: WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE DINNER WITH, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN OR BOB DYLAN?
A: I am actually a Stevie Wonder guy!
www.RockNFish.com
Experience Saint & Second in Manhattan Village:
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
WHAT IS A LOCAL ISSUE THAT YOU HAVE CHANGED YOUR MIND ABOUT?
** PAUL WAFER (MB Community Activist): I used to think that our city council members were non-political arbiters, with the best interests of our citizens in mind.
** WAYNE POWELL (Former MB Mayor/Councilmember): When I was Mayor, a Broad Beach Malibu residents group tried to dredge (literally steal) 500,000 cubic yards of our vital Manhattan Beach coastal sand to solve their beach erosion problem. I was told by our City Attorney that because we didn’t own offshore sand there was nothing we could do about it. I was also the Chair of the L.A. County Beach Commission and I initially agreed that our hands were tied. However, I changed my mind and decided to fight back. I created a public shame campaign (“Save Our Sand” or “SOS”) and was interviewed by numerous local TV reporters, newspapers and even a CBS network TV news show. Because of all the adverse publicity, I eventually convinced (shamed) the Broad Beach residents group and their lawyers to get their sand elsewhere.
Little League Kicks Off With Downtown Splash:
The Manhattan Beach Little League celebrated Opening Day on February 21, by reviving its beloved downtown parade tradition – a ritual that dates back to 1960. City Treasurer Tim Lilligren fondly recalled lining up as a young player with the Breaker’s Restaurant Beavers in front of the old lumber yard, now home to Vons. This year’s staging area shifted to the Shade Hotel, where coffee and rolls were served to families and neighbors before the march began. The Mira Costa High School Marching Band and Color Guard led the parade, followed by city dignitaries in classic cars. Lilligren rode in a midnight blue 1967 Pontiac GTO convertible, waving to cheers along the route.
THE MB WHISPERER:
by Melanie C.
***To be honest, if I hear the word “affordable housing” one more time, I think I’m going to puke. *** Around town, lots of people seem to be talking about the “Wafer Pledge.” *** Do you get a sense that Sacramento is determined to try to ruin the soul of Manhattan Beach? ***The news Saint & Second restaurant in the Manhattan Village is architecturally one of the prettiest restaurants in town. *** Every restaurant owner I speak to says that staffing is by far the most difficult challenge they face. I am told finding good team members is like “looking for a needle in a haystack,” especially when it comes to younger staff. ***The people I hear from are passionate about real “term limits” for the city. ***Have a tip for The MB Whisperer, send it to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
South Bay Classical Academy:
RSVP for School Launch Event Saturday, February 28
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
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Russ Lesser (Former MB Mayor)
In 1980 Manhattan Beach was experiencing over 100 residential burglaries a month. My wife Charlotte had learned about how a Neighborhood Watch program works. She founded our Manhattan Beach program and headed it up for forty five years until retiring recently. The program has had many positive effects. It helps neighbors meet each other and become a real “neighborhood.” It teaches people how to work with their neighbors to make their homes safer. It teaches people how to respond when a burglary is being committed. Suzanne Hadley pointed out that when her break-in was commencing she knew what to do because of the training she had received as a neighborhood watch block captain. Most of the blocks in Manhattan Beach have a block captain. Everyone should know who their block captain is and if they need training to make their homes and neighborhood safer they should contact the police department to hold a training meeting.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – Q&A:
Greg Newman
(President/CEO – Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group)
Greg Newman with Wife Erika
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: Inglewood, Ca, but I moved to south Hermosa Beach when I was 1 year old. 1969 which was a very interesting place to spend the 70’s.
Q: WHAT IS THE “SECRET SAUCE” BEYOND THE SUCCESS OF ESPERANZA?
A: It starts with the food which is traditional Sonoran style Mexican mixed with coastal Baja seafood dishes. All the stuff we grew up with in California just done with the best ingredients. Familiar comfort meets high end Manhattan Beach tastes. Our Mixology team works nonstop with all the New Mexican coastal and tropical drink trends. We also work with one of the best interior designers in the business, Gulla Jonsdottir. Combined with the best marketing and PR strategies born from 33 years of experience and hyper focus on customer service.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL RESTAURANT TODAY IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: In our location downtown if we give a superior product delivered with impeccable customer service there is no shortage of customers, maybe the most challenging part might be the high costs attributed to doing business in California. Our labor alone runs 25% even with high volume. This $17 minimum wage was $11 a few short years ago.
Q: WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: Arthur J, Esperanza and Joey.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Big Wednesday, surf movie.
Q: WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE DINNER WITH, GEORGE WASHINGTON OR ABRAHAM LINCOLN?
A: Probably Lincoln since he dealt with so many huge obstacles, would love to analyze his thinking.
www.Sharkeez.net
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 – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former MB Mayor)
Why do our City Council and past City Councils adamantly refuse to explore adopting a City Charter? Upon reflection, I think the primary reason is “partisan City Councilmembers.” Although City Councilmembers are required to be non-partisan and serve in the best interests of our residents, all too often, some are so partisan that they support their party’s position rather than serve in the best interests of our residents. Sad, but true. In alignment with their party, these “partisan City Councilmembers” support several State housing laws that allow for high-rise apartment building projects that will scar our skyline. They even refer to it as “community housing”! When it comes to opposing the State’s efforts to usurp local control of zoning with the enactment of several State housing laws, these same “partisan City Councilmembers” will tell our residents that “their hands are tied” or “there is nothing they can do.” Yet we all know that is not true, since they could adopt a City Charter, giving our City maximum local control over its municipal affairs, such as zoning. If you want a City Council that will serve in the best interests of our residents, then in the upcoming November City Council election, you need to vote for truly “non-partisan” candidates, candidates who have not served more than two terms, and candidates who will support adopting a City Charter. The future of our community will be determined in the upcoming November City Council election.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Hadley Double-Down – South Bay Republican Stands By Trump 2.0 After One Year of “Peace and Prosperity”:
David Hadley – husband of former Manhattan Beach Mayor Suzanne Hadley and former South Bay state Assemblyman – says he has no regrets about endorsing Donald Trump in October 2024 and sticking with his vote for “Trump 2.0” one year in. In a widely shared opinion column, Hadley credits the administration with economic strength, lower inflation and mortgage rates, and claims of reduced violent crime and drug deaths in 2025. He also highlights gains in military recruiting and in largely constitutional governance during Trump’s second term, pledging to outline his disagreements and offer advice in a follow-up piece. Supporters of the president’s policies point to initiatives targeting fentanyl trafficking and crime as part of a broader strategy to restore public safety. Critics note mixed economic signals, including late-2025 growth slowdowns and legal challenges to key tariff policies, underscoring divided views on Trump’s leadership. Hadley’s column frames the first year of Trump’s second presidency as successful, while promising a candid assessment of areas he believes need improvement.
Surf’s Up For Six Decades – Dive N’ Surf Celebrates 60 Years Of Epic Yard Sale Tradition:
South Bay icon Dive N’ Surf is making waves once again with its 60th Annual Yard Sale – yes, 60 years strong! A cornerstone of the beach community since the 1950s, Dive N’ Surf has long been the go-to destination for surfers, divers, and ocean lovers who value expert advice and old-school customer service. The annual Yard Sale is the biggest event of the year, drawing crowds from across the South Bay and beyond. Shoppers can expect unbeatable prices on surfboards, wetsuits, dive gear, swimwear, and just about everything needed for life by the water. For longtime customers, it’s a beloved tradition. For newcomers, it’s a must-see spectacle. The sale runs now through March 1 at 504 N. Broadway Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Call (310) 372-8423 for details – and don’t miss your chance to save big before the next swell rolls in.
Bliss Nail Lounge:
A luxury nail salon located in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach.
1830 N Sepulveda Blvd | (424) 278-9993 | BlissNailSepulveda.com
Walk-Out At Mira Costa – MBUSD Urges Students To Stay, Clarifies Safety Protocols:
Following recent student walk-outs at Mira Costa High School, the Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) has reaffirmed its expectation that students remain on campus for the full instructional day. When students leave campus without authorization, staff and security personnel will make reasonable efforts to monitor the situation from a safety perspective. According to the Superintendent’s newsletter: “MBUSD is aware of recent student civic engagement activities and walkouts at our secondary campuses. While state law protects students’ rights to expression, the District remains neutral on political matters and does not organize or endorse demonstrations. Student safety, instructional continuity, and adherence to attendance policies remain our priority. Classes continued as scheduled, and administrators were present to support campus supervision.”
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 – COMMENTARY:
by B.D., MD
As a South Bay Doctor, I respectfully ask: Have you been to a doctor recently? If so, you’re part of a rapidly shrinking group of Americans who still trust the medical profession. In 1966, nearly three-quarters of the country expressed confidence in medical leaders. By 2022, that number had collapsed to barely one-third. Only one in five Americans now feels confident in the health-care system at all. This collapse didn’t happen by accident. Two recent stories explain why. One is grotesque: a Virginia nurse – thankfully fired – encouraged harming ICE agents with laxatives, paralytics, even poison ivy. Patients are now forced to wonder whether their caregiver sees them as human beings or as political avatars. The larger scandal is institutional. Medical schools increasingly emphasize ideological training over clinical judgment, boasting about courses on “microaggressions” while patients worry about competence, speed, and common sense in emergency rooms. Medicine is not a social-justice workshop. It is a sacred trust. When activism replaces neutrality, that trust shatters – and lives are put at risk.
Agree? Disagree? Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Graveyard Shift Scores A “Hat Trick” Of Gun Busts In Manhattan Beach:
It was a busy holiday weekend for the Manhattan Beach Police Department’s graveyard crew – three separate loaded gun recoveries in less than 48 hours. The first stop came Saturday at 1 a.m. in El Porto, where a U-Haul driver on felony probation for assault was found with a loaded revolver on the passenger seat. Later that night downtown, officers stopped a vehicle carrying five occupants – none licensed – and recovered a loaded, unregistered handgun hidden under a backseat. By Monday at 10 p.m. near Sand Dune Park, officers discovered a loaded revolver concealed in a passenger’s purse during a parking enforcement contact. Beyond the gun arrests, MBPD handled 946 calls for service, made 15 arrests, and responded to 21 traffic collisions. Crimes included two residential burglaries – one netting $300,000 in stolen valuables – a robbery, auto theft, and a burglary suspect arrested near Bruce’s Beach.
1. ** I was in El Segundo Plaza and was stunned to see that Gambucci Chiropractic Clinic is permanently closed following his passing. Dr. Gambucci had been a fixture in El Segundo for as long as I can remember. Truly saddened. My heartfelt condolences to his family and longtime staff. —- Kristen N., El Segundo
2. ** ROOM FOR RENT – $1,100/month (Landale, CA near Hawthorne Blvd & Manhattan Beach) – Private room for ONE person only. Includes private bathroom, WiFi, and washer/dryer access. Very quiet home (mother and teenager). No pets, no kids. $500 deposit. Furnished (TV & small sofa) or empty if preferred. —- Call/text 310-994-6423 for details
3. ** ‘F’ ICE is just the latest costume change in the protest-industrial complex. The slogans rotate, the selfies remain – same sanctimony, same street theater, same dopamine rush of borrowed virtue. Build something. Fix something. Lead something. Until then, spare us the recycled outrage and performative righteousness. —- Roger C.
4. ** Please, would a person responsible for initiating road repairs ride a bicycle (or drive a car) southbound on Valley Drive between MB Blvd and 1st street in MB? The potholes need fixing. —- Alan N.
5. ** I’m surprised there hasn’t been a grassroots rebellion regarding these egregious city staff salaries. I was thinking the same thing recently… I won’t vote for any CC candidate who refuses to commit to bringing fiscal sanity to the city. Just sayin’ —- Fred Taylor, Manhattan Beach
6. ** “I’ll take the Wafer Pledge!” —- Mark Burton, Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach
7. ** We are so fortunate to have watchdogs like Paul Wafer and Tim Hageman in our city. I completely agree with Paul’s proposed pledge that calls for a minimum 10% reduction in the city budget and a real 2-term limit for city council members. The city should strive to provide the best services at the lowest cost, not to have the largest and best-paid city staff among similar cities. Also, 8 years on the city council should be sufficient time to accomplish necessary activities. Private industry rarely has this kind of luxury. —- Terry Watson, Manhattan Beach
8. ** During the recent rains, we got a message from Alert SouthBay. It did not state which street was closed due to flooding; only the cross streets. Lousy data input! —- J.Z., Manhattan Beach
9. ** Why is my alcohol tolerance declining with age? I used to close down the bar. Now two glasses of wine and I’m texting old girlfriends and Googling “electrolytes near me.” Turns out it’s not weakness – it’s biology. My liver retired before I did. —- Molly R., El Segundo
10. ** Whenever a self-appointed revolutionary lectures about “eternal white oppression,” maybe hand them a history book and a decaf. Who voted to end slavery? Who passed women’s suffrage? Who dismantled Jim Crow? Democracies run on majorities, not Marvel villains. —- Dr. Avery S., Redondo Beach
11. ** Let me see if I’ve got this straight. Manhattan Beach already runs a payroll so high it needs oxygen, and now we’re adding a deputy police chief for a cool quarter-million a year? Is this public safety or a sequel to “Attack of the Bureaucrats”? STOP! —- R. M., Manhattan Beach
12. ** Anyone running for political office in Manhattan Beach who refuses to sign the “Wafer Pledge” can run without my vote! —- Lawrence G., Manhattan Beach
13. ** The “Wafer Pledge.” Sign me up. —- V.T.
14. ** I spoke at the council on Tuesday night in opposition to the proposed $300,000 deputy chief position. Are you curious as to why the budget discussion was placed last on the council agenda? And why did no public comments on this item happen until after an hour of questioning of the police chief by the council? —- Richard Montgomery, Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach
15. ** Los Angeles County health inspectors have shut down the Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Marina del Rey due to a “vermin infestation,” meaning rats or bugs were found inside the restaurant. —- D.H., Manhattan Beach
16. ** MB Rental Needed: 2 bed / 2 bath Ocean views preferred; Sand section or Downtown Budget under $8,500. Very qualified tenant, open to a lease term longer than one year. Please let me know if you have anything coming up or hear of something. —- Ashley Anderson | CA DRE #01934610
17. ** The mid-year MB budget review shows a projected deficit of $4.4 million! —- Paul Wafer, Manhattan Beach
18. ** Now Hiring in Redondo Beach! – Customer Service Representative I & II roles – $18.63–$23.69/hr (DOE) – Full-time, Mon–Fri. Temp-to-perm with real growth potential. Fast-paced, detail-driven team environment. Ideal for recent grads to experienced CS pros. Email resume + position interest to: cmadvig@century-group.com
19. ** How much to see Jay Leno do stand-up comedy at The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach? Over a $100 a person. WTF? Rip-off. —- Gavin S., Hermosa Beach
20. ** People always ask me, “What’s the most romantic gift your husband has given you?” My answer is simple: the heated toilet seat. Not roses, not jewelry – just warmth. Because when I complained about freezing, he installed a solution. He listened. That’s love, people. Real, practical, toasty love every single time. —- Gwendolyn Barnes, Redondo Beach
21. ** I started smoking weed when I was a junior in high school, and later moved on to prescription pills. The drugs derailed my life. I lied to my family, made friends who cared more about expensive bongs than good grades, and failed to get into any of the colleges I applied to. —- Name Withheld by Request.
22. ** Can humans unlock the quintuple jump in figure skating? —- S.N.
23. ** Saturday night at Beach Pizza in El Porto. Good pizza, but why the BLARING Mexican music? Awful! —- Deb R., El Segundo
24. ** OMG. The Rosecrans corridor is now a parking lot masquerading as a road. It takes longer to reach the freeway than to fly to Phoenix. Who approved this concrete catastrophe? Zero planning. Zero foresight. Zero concern for actual humans trying to get home. Quality of life? Apparently optional. —- R.R.
25. ** Looking forward to The Art of Mathematics Camp 2026! Contact chaoteach@yahoo.com for more info.
Comment / Hire / Share / Promote / Barter / Discuss
The MB Weekly Free Bulletin Board is your place to communicate for free with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach. Send your message (maximum 50 words) to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB Weekly Disclaimer: 1.) MB Weekly accepts no liability for the content of this email, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. MB Weekly is not associated with any commercial or political organization and is transmitted via the web for the sole benefit of its subscribers. 2.) Unfortunately, computer viruses can be transmitted via email.