PAUL WAFER …
I HATE TO SAY IT BUT …
“I Told You So”:
“How did you go bankrupt?” “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.”
– Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises
Since the fall of 2024, I have been raising concerns about growing budget excesses within the City of Manhattan Beach – overly generous salaries, unchecked overtime, overstaffing, and excessive spending. Now the consequences are becoming impossible to ignore. At the May 5 City Council meeting, the projected budget for next year was presented, and while the numbers may still change somewhat, the overall picture is troubling. Total city revenues for FY 2026–2027 are projected at $199.7 million, while expenditures are projected at $210.6 million – a deficit of nearly $11 million. What was perhaps most concerning was that several council members appeared surprised by the magnitude of the problem. Even more troubling, some seemed reluctant to seriously discuss cost-saving measures, instead focusing on ways to generate additional revenue. But this is not a temporary shortfall that can simply be taxed away. Without meaningful structural changes, the situation is likely to worsen in the years ahead. If you have not been paying attention to this issue before, now is the time to start. Residents need to demand accountability, fiscal discipline, and transparency. Our elected officials have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the city’s long-term financial health, and that responsibility requires action now – not after the problem grows even larger.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
John Fox
(General Manager, Esperanza Cocina de la Playa)
Q: ESPERANZA HAS BECOME ONE OF THE HOTTEST DINING DESTINATIONS IN MANHATTAN BEACH – WHAT SPECIFIC DECISIONS OR PHILOSOPHIES HAVE MOST DRIVEN THAT SUCCESS?
A: A lot of our success comes from having a clear, concise message: we present a Sonoran-style cuisine in a polished/coastal design featuring a beverage program that feels central rather than secondary. We are serious about our food and cocktails. Ingredients are elevated, but the product is familiar and authentic – the key is execution and consistency. The guest needs to know that every time they come back, they will have the same polished dishes and quality crafted cocktails delivered by a happy and enthusiastic team. The design and atmosphere are clutch – our recent rooftop launch and expansion showed us there was an unspoken longing for an elevated (literally) dining experience in Downtown Manhattan Beach. An experience, not just a good meal in a well designed space, but a setting for celebrating, socializing, and special occasions.
Q: IN A COMPETITIVE SOUTH BAY RESTAURANT SCENE, HOW DO YOU CONSISTENTLY DELIVER AN EXPERIENCE THAT KEEPS GUESTS COMING BACK – AND TELLING THEIR FRIENDS?
A: Guests keep coming back when the experience is reliable: perfect plating, kind service, and quality cocktails. On a guest’s first visit, our goal is to create a raving fan: this is someone who cannot wait to come back, tell their friends, and shout from the rooftop, “I Love Esperanza!” We strive to create a sense of shared ownership in which the guest feels like part of the operation. When they tell their friends about us, they don’t say “You need to try this place Esperanza,” instead they exclaim: “You need to try MY spot Esperanza!” Again, this starts on that first visit: how they are greeted, how the drinks arrive, how the room feels, and how the food lands. Word of mouth occurs when the guest feels they’ve discovered a restaurant that provides every piece of the puzzle.
Q: HOW DO YOU BALANCE MAINTAINING A HIGH-ENERGY, TRENDY ATMOSPHERE WITH DELIVERING DISCIPLINED, DETAIL-ORIENTED CUSTOMER SERVICE?
A: This balance is tough and comes down to our systems we put in place behind the scenes: reservations and seating management, pacing, maintaining service standards, and a clear management presence to secure the guest experience. Our dining room can get loud or boisterous, my team needs to know when to be lively and when to be polished. We want the room to be vibrant, but never disorganized or chaotic – the idea is to project the idea of fun and spontaneity without letting the guest see any friction.
Q: WHAT ROLE DOES STAFF CULTURE AND TRAINING PLAY IN ESPERANZA’S SUCCESS, AND HOW DO YOU INSPIRE YOUR TEAM TO PERFORM AT A CONSISTENTLY HIGH LEVEL?
A: Staff culture is huge. You can train a team on the technical side: menu knowledge, steps of service, cocktail fluency but the restaurant can feel scripted or robotic. Hiring a team with a personality, empathy, and individual perspective goes a long way. If you can get those team members to get behind the brand and understand the level of hospitality you promise, you’ve got a winning combo. A team member that has pride in the product and believes in the service they provide gives them the confidence to really “Wow” the guest. This comes with continual coaching – we hope to provide a clear message for the team to follow, provide feedback in real-time, and recognize excellence.
www.EsperanzaMB.com
JOEY Manhattan Beach:
Our new spritz menu has landed; 5 carefully crafted cocktails that are like vacation in a glass.
3120 N. Sepulveda Blvd | (310) 546-1163 | www.JoeyRestaurants.com
MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE VIDEO:
An exclusive MB Weekly video with Lucia La Rosa Ames of MB Safe.
Click Link To Watch:
https://youtu.be/rlfxl0kidEE
PAGE TURNERS – MB Weekly Launches South Bay Digital Book Club:
In an era dominated by endless scrolling and shrinking attention spans, MB Weekly is making a bold move to bring books – and conversation – back to the forefront. The South Bay’s largest digital publication has officially launched the MB Weekly Digital Book Club, a new monthly community initiative designed to encourage reading, thoughtful discussion, and civic engagement among readers throughout Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities. The concept is simple: participants read one featured book each month and submit short reviews, reactions, or reflections – up to 150 words – for possible publication in MB Weekly. “This is about creating a culture of curiosity and conversation,” said MB Weekly co-editor Darby Winston. “Books still matter. Ideas still matter. We want to encourage our readers not only to read more, but to think more deeply and share those thoughts with the broader community.”
The inaugural selection is the bestselling book 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin, the acclaimed financial journalist and author known for his sharp storytelling and economic insight.
MB Weekly is inviting readers of all ages and backgrounds to participate. Selected reviews and comments will appear in upcoming editions of the publication. Readers interested in joining the digital book club or submitting a review can email: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Ricky, the General Manager of Burger Lounge in Manhattan Beach.
MANHATTAN BEACH HOME SALES CONTINUED TO OUTPERFORM RECENT YEARS THROUGH THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 2026:
With Both Total Dollar Volume And Prices Rising Sharply Compared To 2025. New Data From Local Real Estate Blog MB Confidential Shows $491.2 Million In Closed Sales From January Through April – A 7.5% Increase Year-Over-Year – Despite Only A Modest Uptick In The Number Of Transactions (114 Sales Vs. 111 Last Year).
** DAVE CASKEY (Caskey Real Estate Group): Here’s my take on why the pricing is strong and increasing in Manhattan Beach. Manhattan Beach continues to stand out as one of the strongest real estate markets in all of Los Angeles County. Even with broader market uncertainty, buyer demand here remains incredibly strong thanks to the combination of top-rated schools, a safer and more family-oriented community, and convenient access to major job centers on the Westside and in Silicon Beach. Many buyers are also drawn to Manhattan Beach because it feels somewhat insulated from many of the challenges facing the City of Los Angeles. Limited inventory, strict building restrictions, and the overall quality of life continue to create strong competition for homes in the area. As a result, Manhattan Beach pricing has remained remarkably resilient and, in many cases, continues to outperform other luxury markets throughout Los Angeles County.
** JENNIFER MERRITT (Global Real Estate Advisor): The Manhattan Beach real estate market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and long-term strength in 2026, outperforming many surrounding coastal communities in Los Angeles County. While the number of transactions has increased only modestly, the considerable rise in the dollar volume of closed sales reflects continued demand for quality homes in one of Southern California’s most sought after beach cities. Today’s buyers are highly intentional and value driven, prioritizing lifestyle, walkability, top rated schools, outdoor living, and long-term investment potential. Well priced and well-presented homes in our beautiful community of Manhattan Beach continue to attract strong interest. Even amid broader economic uncertainty and fluctuating interest rates, the Manhattan Beach real estate remains highly resilient due to limited inventory, strong community appeal, and buyers who view owning a home in Manhattan Beach as both a lifestyle purchase and a long-term wealth building opportunity.
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
South Bay Parents Hit “Like” On Crackdown
A new MB Weekly reader poll suggests South Bay parents are increasingly alarmed over the impact of social media on children. According to the survey, a commanding 77% of respondents support minimum age requirements for social media platforms, signaling growing frustration with what many see as a digital free-for-all. The poll comes as lawmakers nationwide debate tougher protections for minors online, including age verification requirements and restrictions on addictive algorithms targeting young users. Parents throughout Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and El Segundo cited concerns ranging from anxiety and cyberbullying to declining attention spans and social isolation. One respondent summed it up bluntly: “Kids need more childhood and less screen time.” The results reflect a broader national trend as schools, mental health experts, and parents continue sounding alarms over the psychological effects of nonstop digital exposure on young users.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
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
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former MB Mayor)
We are first and foremost a residential community with several distinct neighborhoods. It should be obvious to all that building highrise apartment buildings directly adjacent to these residential neighborhoods would have obvious environment, health and safety consequences. This is especially true when you try to build highrise apartment buildings on State Highway 1, Sepulveda Boulevard. In the last five years, there have been several traffic fatalities on that stretch of road with numerous other serious traffic accidents. Of course, when you have heavy traffic, travelling at high speeds over hilly terrain, it is reasonably foreseeable that serious traffic accidents would occur. When the City Council publicly states “there is nothing we can do, our hands are tied”, then it’s up to our residents to do something. That is exactly what “Stop The Rise” is doing, with thousands of our residents joining and signs popping up throughout our community. Their message is simple. Highrise apartments on Sepulveda are dangerous overdevelopment that would cause serious safety risks. Their goal is to negotiate with the developers for more responsible development on Sepulveda. Now, that’s laudable.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
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
How One Family Turned Unspeakable Tragedy Into A Mission of Hope, Action, and Legacy:
One year after 18-year-old Braun Levi was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver while crossing Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach, the Levi family has transformed anguish into action through the rapidly growing Live Like Braun Foundation. Braun was no ordinary teenager. A standout student-athlete at Loyola High School, he excelled academically. He dominated on the tennis court, earning league doubles championships throughout high school and preparing to continue his journey at the University of Virginia. Yet those closest to him say his greatest gift was kindness. The foundation now funds scholarships for students pursuing college and trade school dreams, educates young people about the devastating consequences of drunk driving, and advocates for tougher DUI laws in California alongside Bob Archuleta. The movement has reached far beyond the South Bay. The foundation became a major presence at the Los Angeles Marathon, organized awareness events at collegiate athletic competitions, and attracted support from tennis legend Andre Agassi, who praised Braun’s “spirit and kindness.” Jennifer Levi says the family refuses to allow the anniversary of Braun’s death to define his memory.
www.LiveLikeBraunFoundation.org
MB WEEKLY MEGA QUIZ CHALLENGE!
HOW CLOSELY DID YOU READ LAST WEEK’S ISSUE?
Test your South Bay knowledge with these 5 fun questions:
1. WHAT WAS DISCOVERED INSIDE A BOYS’ RESTROOM AT MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL?
A. Fireworks / B. Graffiti murals / C. Multiple swastikas / D. Stolen laptops
2. APPROXIMATELY HOW MUCH MONEY HAS THE MANHATTAN BEACH WINE AUCTION RAISED OVER 32 YEARS?
A. $5 million / B. $12 million / C. $25 million / D. $50 million
3. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S MANHATTAN BEACH WINE AUCTION?
A. Sunset Dreams / B. Future in Bloom / C. Wine By The Waves / D. South Bay Nights
4. WHICH CLASSIC MOVIE DID SHELLEE GABRYCH NAME AS HER FAVORITE FILM OF ALL TIME?
A. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off / B. Top Gun / C. The Princess Bride / D. Forrest Gump
5. WHAT UNUSUAL COLLEGE MAJOR DID ONE MIRA COSTA GRADUATE PURSUE?
A. Circus Arts / B. Marine Transportation / C. Casino Management / D. Rocket Engineering
[Answer Key At Bottom]
Kaminsky Real Estate Group:
Most sellers dread the uncertainty – will your home sit too long, fetch less than it’s worth, or miss the right buyer? As the South Bay’s #1 producing team, with over $2 billion sold, we turn your equity into a win, not a worry.
(310) 427-2414 | ek@itzsold.com | www.ItzSold.com
Swat Dogs – MBPD Sharpens Its Bite:
The Manhattan Beach Police Department SWAT team recently wrapped up intense joint K9 integration training with tactical specialists from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Bureau, sharpening the elite skills needed to respond to high-risk emergencies. The hands-on exercises focused on improving coordination between SWAT operators and K9 handlers through demanding tactical drills and realistic scenario-based training. Officials said the program strengthened communication, timing, and rapid-response capabilities in situations where every second counts. From building searches to suspect apprehension exercises, the joint training emphasized seamless teamwork and mission readiness. MBPD leaders say the ongoing partnership with LASD’s renowned SEB unit helps ensure that Manhattan Beach officers remain highly prepared to protect residents during critical incidents.
BELLA BUILDERS:
A Local Residential Builder
South Bay Award-Winning 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
School Cash Splash! MBEF Drops Record $7.6 Million On MBUSD – With More Possibly Coming:
The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation has awarded a record-setting $7,636,400 in grants to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District for the 2026-27 school year – the largest contribution in the Foundation’s 43-year history. The school board accepted the grants at its April 15 meeting with widespread gratitude, recognizing their critical importance. But MBEF Executive Director Hilary Mahan made clear the effort is not over.
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“I’ve told you before, and I will tell you again – your life will get better if you read MB Weekly!”
STAY CURIOUS. AND CURRENT:
Read MB Weekly
Sign Up To Receive For FREE:
www.MBWeekly.net
MB Weekly Mega Quiz Challenge Answer:
1. What was discovered inside a boys’ restroom at Mira Costa High School? C. Multiple swastikas
2. Approximately how much money has the Manhattan Beach Wine Auction raised over 32 years? C. $25 million
3. What is the creative theme for this year’s Manhattan Beach Wine Auction? B. Future in Bloom
4. Which classic movie did Shellee Gabrych name as her favorite film of all time? C. The Princess Bride
5. What unusual college major did one Mira Costa graduate pursue? B. Marine Transportation
1. ** Hi neighbors! My name is Heather Bond, and I wanted to share our Hermosa Women Walk group with y’all. We meet EVERY Tuesday, one hour before sunset, at the surf statue to walk the strand together. All women and those who identify as women are welcome. Join our Facebook group & follow us on Instagram for more info! I post the exact time every Tuesday on our socials. —- Heather Bond, Hermosa Beach
2. ** To think that someone capable of aiding an attack on the president lived just six miles from Manhattan Beach is chilling. It’s not just disturbing – it’s infuriating. Evil isn’t distant or abstract; it’s closer than we’d like to believe, and that reality should shake every one of us to the core. —- Phillip K.
3. ** Great interview with Beach Life’s Allen Sanford! —- Amy P., Hermosa Beach
4. ** Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi has lost the plot, and I am being kind! Pushing to normalize access to sexually explicit material like Gender Queer for kids is outrageous. Parents should be furious. Protect children first – this reckless agenda crosses a line that should never be crossed. —- Name Withheld by Request
5. ** Back house for rent: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, with patio area. $2,600, all bills included. Gardena/Torrance area, Western and Artesia. Available next week. 310-627-7582 – NO PETS PLEASE —- Name Withheld by Request
6. ** There’s a lovely fire pit in Manhattan Village that doesn’t work about 3/4 of the time. WTF? —- Lindsay W., Manhattan Beach
7. ** The Kiwanis Club of Hermosa Beach celebrated a remarkable 100 years of service Saturday with live music, great food, prizes, and community spirit. “One hundred years is a pretty big deal in a small town like Hermosa Beach,” said Rick Koenig. In a fast-changing world, a century of volunteerism and civic pride deserves real applause. —- Editor’s Note
8. ** A hallmark of progressives is their magical ability to believe gravity only applies to conservatives. Raise taxes? No one leaves. Defund police? Crime won’t rise. Open borders? No strain whatsoever. Then, when the predictable happens, they act utterly stunned – like a guy who stuck a fork in a toaster and blames the electricity. —- Dr. Samuel B., Redondo Beach
9. ** Women of El Segundo, grab a friend and join us for our monthly Holy Girl Walk. We’ll meet up at Caffe Luxe at 9 AM, Coffee + Devo + Walk on the Strand. —- C.G., El Segundo
10. ** It’s no accident that Hamas-inspired viewpoints have captured parts of a generation. Terror groups long ago recognized that the battlefield isn’t just physical – it’s digital. Hamas operatives are among the world’s most sophisticated users of social media, mastering emotion, imagery, repetition, and propaganda to shape minds in real time. —- Benjamin D., El Segundo
11. ** Has anybody ever tried to build a house in the City of Manhattan Beach? The issue isn’t necessarily that they need more employees. The issue is that they need to hire competent people who actually want to work. Endless delays, confusion, and bureaucracy are crushing homeowners, builders, and common sense. —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach
12. ** A political firestorm is erupting in the South Bay. News that the shotgun allegedly used by a Torrance resident who stormed the Washington, D.C., hotel hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was purchased locally (Torrance) has prompted Supervisor Janice Hahn to demand investigations and tighter regulations on gun stores like Turner’s Outdoorsman in Torrance. —- Editor’s Note
13. ** Former Mayor Russ Lesser is “spot on” in supporting Our Neighborhood Voices. They have the “silver bullet” solution: sponsoring an Amendment to our State Constitution that requires all zoning and land-use decisions to be made at the local level. This will prevent the State Legislature from adopting local zoning and land-use statutes. —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
14. ** Regarding Russ Lesser’s commentary – Both groups should be as one – more power, more influence. IMO. —- Lynn Harris, Manhattan Beach
15. ** With their insightful critiques, recommendations, and analyses, wouldn’t it be great if Fred Taylor and Paul Wafer ran for the MB City Council? Then, if elected, we’d be able to see whether they could implement their wonderful ideas. —- Bob Dagiau, Manhattan Beach
16. ** Looking for an exceptional summer English language program for English Language Learners? From June 29 to July 10, international students from around the world will gather for a dynamic UCLA-affiliated program featuring classes, activities, and optional dorm accommodations. Lessons run weekdays at Marymount High School, with exciting afternoon activities and weekend excursions available. Questions? Contact: UCLAdoc@elc.edu —- T.R., Manhattan Beach
17. ** Fifteen months after Los Angeles County’s devastating fires, nearly 40% of survivors report they will soon, or already have, run out of temporary housing insurance before they can rebuild or move home. —- Editor’s Note
18. ** Roller coasters would suck on the Moon. —- Barbara F.
19. ** Hermosa Beach officials are sounding the alarm: a projected $3.2 million deficit by 2027 and a staggering five-year shortfall of $19.3 million. City Manager Steve Napolitano warned that doing nothing is no longer an option. Translation: painful cuts, possible new revenues, and tough political battles may soon hit this beachside paradise. —- Editor’s Note
20. ** We are considering renting our one-bedroom apartment, one block from the beach, just north of the Manhattan Beach pier. It is approximately 650 square feet and has a patio, a garage, and covered parking. We are flexible on dates, but likely November 10 – mid-December. If you are interested or have any questions, please email me at: Ucladoc@elc.edu
21. ** The continued failure of the City of Manhattan Beach to respond meaningfully to Paul Wafer’s polite but firm warnings is both alarming and unacceptable. —- S.H., Manhattan Beach
22. ** WTF? – A very short documentary about New York City rats. Yes rats! —- Judith T., Redondo Beach
23. ** My mother watched me walk through addiction, cancer, graduate school, and the challenge of raising two special needs boys – and never once stopped believing in me. When I doubted myself, she stood firm. Her love, strength, and relentless faith carried me through the darkest moments. Everything I’m becoming is deeply rooted in her unwavering belief. —- Toby B.
24. ** I voted for Joe Franklin and Steve Charelian, and I am especially disappointed by their silence regarding the outrageous city spending now confronting our community. Memo to you, likable but tight-lipped gentlemen: silence is agreement! —- Name withheld by request, Manhattan Beach
25. ** Last week, our MBPD detectives conducted a local warrant sweep, helping people resolve their outstanding warrants. One subject still had an active warrant and received our version of a free Uber…a one-way, door-to-door ride straight to jail. Friendly reminder, warrants don’t disappear on their own. —- Manhattan Beach Police Department
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.