MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE COMMENTARY:
by Paul Wafer
A few weeks ago, I introduced the idea of “The Wafer Pledge.” The pledge included limiting council members to 2 terms in office and reducing the city’s operational budget by 10%. Some may wonder how it is possible to decrease the operational budget by 10%, so while not limiting potential measures, below are some commonsense measures that I would suggest as basic management practices that should result in at least a 10% reduction:
- Freeze all new hires except for sworn officers and fire fighters.
- Require all departments to establish labor productivity standards for each division within their department.
- Require the City Manager and Finance Director to hold Monthly Operational Reviews (MORs) with each department director and report all variances to the budget, and action plans to mitigate them. The City Manager and Finance Director should report the results to the City Council on a quarterly basis.
- Identify areas where it would be more cost-effective to have outside contractors verses full-time employees to reduce pension liability.
- Explore the potential for AI to replace personnel and automate processes. For example, initial review of plan checks for new construction and remodels, clerical support positions, human resources functions, etc. First report within 6 months, then ongoing.
- Require each department, including police and fire, to review current staffing and scheduling practices and to report to City Council all opportunities to reduce regular and especially overtime hours worked. They must also report how they will ensure that any required overtime is distributed fairly and safely to prevent burnout or injury. This report should also be done within a six-month period.
Perhaps some of our readers have other ideas to reduce our city’s costs and I would sure like to hear from you.
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MB Weekly Launches “Ask The Mayor” Rooftop Cocktail Evening at Shade Hotel:
MB Weekly is raising the bar on civic conversation. It will host its first-ever “Ask The Mayor” cocktail party on Tuesday, March 31st, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the rooftop pool area of the Shade Hotel in downtown Manhattan Beach. The featured guest? David Lesser, who will take questions directly from attendees in an intimate, conversational setting. Introducing the mayor and moderating the discussion will be Kelly Stroman, head of the Manhattan Beach Downtown Business Association. The invitation-only event is open to the first 20 MB Weekly readers who request tickets. Residents interested in attending can email MBWeekly@TimeWire.net to secure a spot. Civic dialogue, ocean breezes, and rooftop cocktails – Manhattan Beach style.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Todd Loewenstein
(Neighborhood Voice)
Q: WHAT PROBLEM DOES OUR NEIGHBORHOOD VOICES EXIST TO SOLVE THAT NO ONE ELSE IS SOLVING WELL RIGHT NOW?
A: The CA State Legislature and Governor have taken away local control of what is built in our cities, and where. Sacramento has eliminated local control of zoning and land use for every community in California. This is wrong and damaging to our communities. Residents from towns and cities across the state have been organizing to oppose local projects that place tall buildings in their single-family neighborhoods. But the hundreds of laws passed in Sacramento have prevented any effective obstacles; all of the neighbors’ voices have been silenced. Our Neighborhood Voices has been working to illuminate this problem for voters, and to put together a coalition of concerned neighbors across the state to amend the constitution through the voting process, a ballot measure reestablishing local control of zoning and land use for every community…
Q: HOW DOES YOUR BALLOT INITIATIVE SPECIFICALLY RESTORE LOCAL CONTROL OVER HOUSING DECISIONS?
A: It makes illegal and unenforceable laws that override local control of land use, but for very few critical exceptions. If a city passes a local law around what gets built, and it contradicts state law, the local law is the one that would be in effect. Because California has a housing affordability problem, the state can make laws that apply to 100% deed restricted affordable housing.
Q: WHO BENEFITS MOST IF THIS INITIATIVE PASSES – AND WHO BENEFITS IF IT FAILS?
A: You and your fellow neighbors benefit from having your voice restored in what gets built in your neighborhood and next to you. The citizens of California who respect and love our coastlines will also benefit as Sacramento won’t be able to dictate that giant buildings and increased congestion will further block access to our coasts. Every member of every community that engages in planning and zoning, shaping their own communities for the future, benefits from the passage of this initiative. Predatory, exploitative, and opportunistic real-estate speculators, who neither live in the community nor care about the damage they seek to inflict for profit, will be opposed to this initiative.
Q: HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO CRITICS WHO SAY LOCAL CONTROL WILL REDUCE HOUSING OR RAISE COSTS?
A: The data and experience say the opposite. And density outside of a community’s plan degrades quality of life, overstressing electric, water, sewer etc. infrastructure, endangering the public – slowing police, fire and paramedic/ambulance response, overcrowding schools, bringing gridlocked traffic and crime, and more. On average, only 12% of property taxes are returned to your local town/city. The developers don’t cover the increased costs for your community so you and your neighbors as taxpayers will bear the cost of Sacramento’s mandates. Their paid politicians and shills will argue that the increased density will make housing more affordable, but this assertion is not supported by any research and no evidence. There is plenty of data on housing density and affordability, but it doesn’t support the notion that increased density brings affordability to the average worker in California.
Q: WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING AN ORDINARY RESIDENT CAN DO TODAY TO HELP YOUR MISSION SUCCEED?
A: Please consider donating! Sign up as supporters at the ourneighborhoodvoices.com website! Volunteer to get the word out that a solution is at hand – their vote, their voice, to take back their control of shaping their own community.
www.OurNeighborhoodVoices.com
Slay Italian Kitchen:
At Slay Italian, we passionately embrace the essence of ‘Rustic’ Italian cuisine through our dynamic, ever-evolving menu, featuring a delightful array of fresh and dried pasta, premium meats, stone-fired pizzas, garden-fresh vegetables, and an exquisite selection of wines.
1001 Manhattan Ave | (424) 257-8301 | www.SlayItalianKitchen.com
WOULD YOU SUPPORT MANHATTAN BEACH FORMING AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TASK FORCE IN RESPONSE TO THE SIGNIFICANT INCIDENT LAST OCTOBER?
WAYNE POWELL (Former MB Mayor/Councilmember): As a founding and current Board Director of our city’s Community Emergency Response Team (MB-CERT) program, I believe it’s important that all residents receive training on disaster preparedness and survival for mass casualty incidents (earthquakes, tsunami, fires/explosions, terrorism, etc.) and first aid for home/auto accidents, heart attacks and strokes. The MB-CERT course teaches emergency first aid, fire suppression, safe search and rescue, and communicating/surviving until help arrives. MB-CERT graduates have applied their lifesaving skills as first responders for various emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes and automobile/home/work accidents. The course is taught on a Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday and is free to Manhattan Beach residents. Participants receive a backpack with emergency supplies, photo ID badge, manual and certificate. For more info, go to the MB-CERT website at: mbcerta.org.
MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE VIDEO:
An exclusive MB Weekly video of The Butchery.
Click Link To Watch:
https://youtu.be/_JkDNPyBTDY
Aquarium Given Upkeep Funding:
The Manhattan Beach City Council voted February 17 to support ongoing maintenance at the Roundhouse Aquarium. As part of midyear budget deliberations, council members approved $80,000 annually for three years to help the Roundhouse cover repairs, maintenance, and equipment replacement. The contribution, reduced from an initial $110,000 request, passed unanimously and will require annual spending reports. Staff will also explore whether the pier parking fund, rather than the general fund, could finance the allocation.
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. | (310) 985-7717 | www.EstellBoutiques.com
MB Weekly To Celebrate “Women Of Impact” In Special All-Feature Issue:
Next week, MB Weekly will dedicate its entire edition to honoring the remarkable women who help shape the spirit, leadership, and progress of Manhattan Beach. The special issue, titled “Women of Impact,” will highlight ten extraordinary women whose work, leadership, and commitment have made a meaningful difference in the community. From business and philanthropy to civic engagement and the arts, the honorees represent a wide range of contributions that help make Manhattan Beach one of the most vibrant communities in Southern California. According to the editors of MB Weekly, the goal of the inaugural feature is simple: to recognize women who quietly and powerfully elevate the city through their dedication, ideas, and service. “Behind many of the most positive developments in our community are women whose leadership and compassion make a lasting impact,” the publication noted. The issue will include profiles, personal stories, and insights into the lives and achievements of the ten honorees. Readers are encouraged to stay tuned for this special “Women of Impact” edition in next week’s issue of MB Weekly.
THE MB WHISPERER:
by Melanie C.
***I stopped smoking cigarettes two years ago. Unfortunately, my brain still hasn’t received the memo. I miss it every day… roughly once every hour. ***The Butchery in Manhattan Beach has the best meat in the South Bay. It isn’t cheap, but excellence rarely shows up in the discount bin next to the mystery sausages. ***Former Councilman Richard Montgomery sounds like a man with common sense – and even more impressive, he doesn’t appear to belong to the sacred civic club of “Go Along to Get Along.” ***I wish Manhattan Beach had its own City Charter. ***Some hairstylists in Manhattan Beach have very big (undeserved) egos. I am just saying. ***I’m told by people who know that Councilman Joe Franklin does something positive for the city every single day, seven days a week. In Manhattan Beach politics, that qualifies as an Olympic endurance event. ***Whatever became of former Mayor Suzanne Hadley? ***I dig the Shade Hotel. Ocean breeze, a rooftop and top, cocktails, and just enough glamour to make you feel important while waiting for valet. ***See you in the streets. ***Have a tip for The MB Whisperer, send it to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – FACE TIME:
John Braitman, president of MB Neighborhood Watch.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Jennifer Merritt (Global Real Estate Advisor)
While national headlines note rising cancellation rates and draw comparisons to 2008, it’s important to bring context to what’s happening especially in our market. Redfin reported that roughly one in seven contracts fell through in January. But today’s market is fundamentally different from the pre-2008 environment. Lending standards remain significantly tighter, homeowners are sitting on strong equity positions, and inventory in coastal micro-markets like ours remains structurally constrained. Manhattan Beach and the South Bay operate within a niche, lifestyle-driven segment. Our buyer pool is typically well-capitalized, equity-rich, and long-term focused. When cancellations occur, they are more often tied to strategic negotiations or inspection discoveries, not systemic distress. We are seeing a normalization phase, not a collapse. Well-priced, well-prepared homes continue to attract serious buyers, and premium properties remain competitive. Real estate is hyper-local. National averages tell part of the story, but they do not define the South Bay.
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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
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Councilman Steve Charelian
The City of Manhattan Beach Little League (MBLL) is stronger than ever, bringing renewed energy and a true rite-of-passage tradition to our community. For the first time in six years, MBLL proudly hosted its hometown parade, a celebration that showcased the pride of the league. The parade traveled through our beautiful downtown and concluded at American Martyrs Field, where families gathered to cheer on their Little Leaguers. The event featured a special blessing from Monsignor Barry of American Martyrs Church and remarks by Mayor David Lesser, followed by a keynote message and ceremonial first pitch by Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. He encouraged the kids to have fun playing with friends, embrace being part of a team, and appreciate how special MBLL is. MBLL is powered by dedicated volunteers, from the league president, board and commissioners to the many coaches who generously give their time each season. It takes a village to sustain a successful program, especially one approaching 70 years in Manhattan Beach. With over 25 teams across all age divisions and participation rising year over year, the league continues to thrive. This is my second year serving as commissioner for Single-A and Tee Ball, after coaching my sons, Knox and Chase, and I’m honored to be part of such a special community program. A huge thanks to the City, MBLL and American Martyrs. Let’s Play Ball!
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URBAN PLATES:
Chef Spotlight: Weekly Price Drop
Grilled Cage Free Chicken + Sauce
This Week $13.95 / Plate Pass $11.16 (Ends 3/17 • Dine-in & Takeout)
www.UrbanPlates.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
Mark Burton (Former MB Mayor)
I think MB Weekly has made a positive contribution to our community by featuring former Mayors and experts weighing in on our City government. For instance, former MBPD Captain Tim Hageman published an insightful column opposing the creation of a Deputy Chief position. And Paul “Spreadsheet” Wafer’s MB Weekly column regarding the City’s finances has been an eye-opener for our residents. It’s clear to me and other MB Weekly readers that the MB Weekly provides a level of transparency we need and want in our community. In response to former MBPD Captain Tim Hagemen’s public comments at the City Council meeting opposing the creation of a Deputy Chief position at the expense of two neighborhood patrol offices, the Council wisely deferred the matter. With my experience as a Prosecutor, General Counsel to the LAPD and the LAX Police, and as a former Mayor and City Councilmember, I, too, was opposed to the creation of the Deputy Chief position. Yes, I know there are some in our community who want to control the narrative and fear the facts provided by MB Weekly. I, for one, welcome MB Weekly’s important contributions to our community and to becoming better informed.
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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
Art With A Heart – Mira Costa Students Rally South Bay For Blood Cancer Fight:
Student advocates from Mira Costa High School (westiedavidson and @tashamcmasterr) in Manhattan Beach teamed up with Indivisible Arts to host a special fundraiser benefiting Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, at Resin that feature artwork from the South Bay Artist Collective, as well as pieces from professional local artists and photographers. All net proceeds are said to support Blood Cancer United’s mission of patient support, awareness, and research in the fight against blood cancers. On May 16, Indivisible Arts is planning its annual State of the Art fundraiser benefit at Resin to support youth mental health.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
A fiddler in downtown Manhattan Beach.
STAY ALERT – STAY CURRENT … READ MB WEEKLY:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
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www.MBWeekly.net
From Neighbor To Leader – How Leadership Manhattan Beach Builds Community Champions:
Want to get more involved in Manhattan Beach? Leadership Manhattan Beach (LMB) may be the perfect starting point. Speaking with Russ Lesser, who co-founded LMB in 1991 with Paul Allman, and current president Stefan Kampe, reveals how the program has helped shape civic life in the city. The mission, Lesser explained, is to develop and unite existing and aspiring community leaders while educating residents about how the city works and how they can contribute. Since its founding, LMB has graduated more than 800 residents, including two current city council members, six city commissioners, and numerous leaders in the philanthropic community. The nine-month program, beginning each September, enrolls 20–25 participants who meet every two weeks. The first half focuses on understanding city government and community organizations; the second half centers on a community project. This year’s project, “From Iron Rails to Grass Trails,” highlights the history of the Santa Fe rail line and Veterans Parkway. LMB is forming its 2026–27 class. Learn more at www.leadershipmb.org or attend the March 30 informational meeting at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Contact recruiting@leadershipmb.org or president@leadershipmb.org.
1. ** I think door sizes limit a lot of furniture design. —- Howie K., El Segundo
2. ** My sister’s parish’s Catholic school educates a child for $5,300 a year – classrooms, teachers, staff, maintenance, and all. No bureaucracy, no empire-building. Yet the government insists it “needs” over $11,000 per kid. Please. The rest is graft, waste, and bloat. That’s how government rolls: triple the cost, halve the results. —- Abby M.
3. ** Who in the Lord’s name is Stewart Fournier, and why does he hate MB Weekly? —- Nadine K.
4. ** Thank you to Bob Holmes for last week’s commentary. In a world where common sense often feels like an endangered species, Bob seems to have gobs of it – and isn’t afraid to use it. Refreshing, really. Someone should bottle that stuff and distribute it at the next city council meeting. We could all benefit! —- T.B., Manhattan Beach
5. ** I graduated from Mira Costa High School in 1958. We had a required class called “Senior Problems.” It included many of the items mentioned as needed, including how to balance a checkbook, save and invest, and understand debt. It didn’t include anything about credit cards, as no one had any. This class had a huge impact on me in a very positive way. I have no idea what happened to that class, but apparently, there is nothing like it now. —- Russ Lesser (Class of 1958 – Mira Costa High School)
6. ** Interesting civic miracle: Redondo Beach actually trimmed spending by 2%. Two percent! In government math, that’s practically a moon landing. Who wants to start a friendly wager that Manhattan Beach will somehow “invest” its way into the opposite direction? I’m polishing my crystal ball – and hiding my wallet just in case. —- D.O.
7. ** Very few people can keep their watch 5 minutes fast anymore. —- Miriam Clark
8. ** My friend told me about a unit coming available soon at 11813 Acacia Ave in Hawthorne, next to St. Joseph’s Church. It’s a 1-bedroom, 1-bath, 55+ apartment with wonderful neighbors. Rent is believed to be $1,350–$1,400. If interested, please contact the company directly at 310-545-2409 for more details on availability.
9. ** I believe if Trump could cure cancer, people would still hate him. —- V.F., Manhattan Beach
10. ** ROOM FOR RENT IN MANHATTAN BEACH. I am posting for a friend and looking for a roommate. The available space is a private bedroom and bath in a townhouse, with bedrooms located on separate levels for added privacy. Available NOW. Includes pool and jacuzzi access. Do not reply to me. If interested, or you know someone, please email: nancysgolf@aol.com
11. ** Perhaps the MBUSD superintendent might consider a temporary pay reduction during this difficult period. With total compensation reported at $344,149, the gesture wouldn’t solve the budget crisis, but it would send a meaningful signal of shared sacrifice during layoffs and financial strain. —- Cindy S.
12. ** Perhaps if schools focused more on core academics rather than political or social activism, parents would be more inclined to donate. After the student walkouts following the election, I stopped contributing. —- Name Withheld by Request (Manhattan Beach)
13. ** I am sorry, but young girls with nose rings are ugly. —- Dave H., Hermosa Beach
14. ** On the streets next to Polliwog Park, there’s dog poop everywhere, and I’m sick and tired of it. Clean up, idiots! —- Fern D., Manhattan Beach
15. ** Confession time – I started smoking weed daily in my 30s. Soon, I didn’t want to watch TV, shop for groceries, or even drive unless I was stoned. At 47, it hit me hard – I’d become a blubbering old man, a lousy father who sometimes acted erratically in public. That realization forced me to confront myself. —- Name Withheld by Request (Hermosa Beach)
16. ** Leadership Hermosa Beach’s Class of 2026 took home the $10,000 grand prize at the sixth annual South Bay Nonprofit Quick Pitch Contest on March 4 at the Lighthouse Café. Hosted by the South Bay Friends Foundation, 12 nonprofits made four-minute pitches. The other 11 groups each received $500 to support their important community work. —- Editor’s Note
17. ** I love the MB Whisperer! —- Hank K.
18. ** Always look forward to getting MB Weekly. Will say there might be a little too much published from the same individuals each week. Come on, you other 30 thousand residents in Manhattan Beach. You gotta have something to say… —- Ed M., Manhattan Beach
19. ** Is the MB Whisperer single? —- Howard T., El Segundo
20. ** Protest all you want – that’s America. But blocking roads isn’t activism; it’s recklessness. When you stop traffic, you might stop an ambulance, a firefighter, or someone racing to the ER. That’s not noble – it’s dangerous. Too often it’s just attention theater, sometimes fueled by paid agitators who care more about spectacle than safety. —- Mirada T.
21. ** Cyclists, runners, and walkers just gained more room to roam. Redondo Beach officially opened the North Redondo Beach Bikeway extension this week, linking Felton Lane to Inglewood Avenue. The new stretch, running along Rockefeller Lane near Artesia Boulevard expands safe recreation and commuting options for South Bay residents. —- Editor’s Note
22. ** Would someone please explain to me what planet Mr. Fournier is living on? I wonder if he actually believes the nonsense he writes. BTW, I must say he does make a hell of a word salad. —- M.B., Manhattan Beach
23. ** If Paul Wafer turns out to be right about the outrageous spending in Manhattan Beach, history will not be kind. The mayor, the City Council, the City Manager, and the finance director will own this debacle. Fiscal arrogance has consequences. Taxpayers deserve discipline – not reckless spending disguised as leadership. —- Name Withheld by Request
24. ** I don’t always agree with Fred Taylor, but I admire his willingness to speak his mind. In an era when too many people stay silent, he steps forward and says what he believes. At the Manhattan Beach school board, that kind of candor matters. Communities benefit when people dare to speak plainly. —- J.B., Manhattan Beach
25. ** Russ Lesser is a plain-spoken, common-sense gentleman. —- Sharon O., Manhattan Beach
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