POURING IT ON!:
MB WINE AUCTION UNCORKS $2M WINDFALL FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS
The glasses were full, the paddles were flying, and the generosity was overflowing at the 32nd Annual Manhattan Wine Auction, where supporters raised an astounding $2 million to benefit Manhattan Beach public schools. Held at the Manhattan Beach Country Club, the beloved community event brought together hundreds of attendees, sponsors, donors, volunteers, restaurant partners, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and local advocates determined to invest in the future of education. Organizers credited the event’s remarkable success to the extraordinary generosity of everyone involved. Every bid placed, bottle poured, auction item donated, volunteer shift worked, and paddle raised helped fuel critical funding that directly enhances the educational experience of Manhattan Beach students. One of the evening’s biggest highlights was the Paddle Raise, which generated an impressive $700,000 for the MBEF Endowment. The contribution strengthens a permanent source of support for Manhattan Beach public schools, helping ensure lasting educational opportunities for future generations. Organizers also extended special thanks to the Center Court Experience Sponsors, participating restaurants and beverage partners, the dedicated Wine Auction Committee, Community Wine Donors, and the Live and Silent Auction Donors whose contributions helped make the event a resounding success. In Manhattan Beach, community spirit was clearly on tap.
www.ManhattanWineAuction.com
MB WEEKLY – Q&A:
With Steve Napolitano
Steve Napolitano at 4-yrs-old
Q: AFTER ALL YOUR YEARS IN PUBLIC OFFICE, WHAT’S TOUGHER: SURVIVING A HEATED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OR FINDING PARKING IN DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN BEACH ON A SUMMER WEEKEND?
A: Ha, neither. The hotter the City Council meeting, the better – that’s when you know people are really paying attention. And being lucky enough to have lived in Manhattan Beach all my life, I know better than to drive downtown on a summer weekend – I ride my bike.
Q: IF YOU COULD TRADE JOBS WITH ANY FAMOUS MOVIE OR TV MAYOR FOR ONE WEEK, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
A: Admittedly, I had to check AI for a list of famous movie or TV mayors and it’s not an impressive list – Mayor Quimby from the Simpsons, Mayor Vaughn from Jaws, and a few others. Seems like most movie or TV mayors are portrayed as opportunistic buffoons or ineffective roadblocks. And as much as I like Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec, who didn’t really want to see Ron Swanson as Mayor? So, if any producers out there need a paid advisor for their next series about an awesome Mayor who knows how to get stuff done, give me a call.
Q: WHAT’S ONE THING MANHATTAN BEACH RESIDENTS WOULD BE SHOCKED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU THAT HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH POLITICS?
A: My background tends to be more amusing than shocking, but here’s one – I’m a trained sushi chef. And yes, I’m available for parties.
Q: YOU’VE SPENT YEARS HELPING RUN CITIES – BUT BE HONEST: WHAT’S THE ONE HOUSEHOLD PROJECT AT HOME THAT YOU STILL CAN’T SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE?
A: I’ve done a good amount of construction, so successfully managing a home project isn’t my challenge. My challenge is successfully handling a trip to Home Depot. No matter how big or small the project, I always end up taking about 20 different trips to Home Depot to actually get everything I need to do the damn project.
E-Bike Crackdown – Manhattan Beach Hits Riders With Big Fines; Parents Beware:
Manhattan Beach is cracking down hard on reckless e-bike riders. Under an ordinance adopted in September 2023, violators face fines of $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second violation within a year, and up to $1,000 for additional violations. The penalties go beyond fines. Violations may be charged as misdemeanors, potentially carrying criminal consequences. Parents can also be cited when minors break the rules. City leaders say the tough measures are needed to improve safety amid growing concerns over speeding e-bikes and dangerous riding behavior on local streets and bike paths.
Tin Roof Bistro:
Bringing those classic Manhattan Beach vibes straight to your table. Our Cobb salad is fresh, fun, and loaded with all the best ingredients.
3500 N Sepulveda Blvd | (310) 939-0900 | www.TinRoofBistro.com
ENDLESS PROBLEMS WITH THE METLOX ESCALATORS:
** LUCIA LA ROSA (Member of MBSAFE Board): The Metlox escalator has been on and off broken for so long that it’s become part of the landscape, like the broken [elevator] in The Big Bang Theory. Frankly, if it ever starts working again with no problem, I will have to assume we’ve entered the series finale of Manhattan Beach.
** FRED TAYLOR (50-Year MB Resident): Sadly, this is proof positive that our city staff ignores both the minor problems [Metlox stairs] along with the major problems [$10 million deficit]. What the heck are they doing? We deserve better … it’s a ‘BAD LOOK’ for MB!
** PAUL WAFER (Community Activist): I always just assume they won’t be working and it is a special treat when they are.
** MICHAEL ZISLIS (Entrepreneur, Restauranteur, Mogul): The city has the worst contractor under contract to keep them working.
Manhattan Beach, The Land of “Enhancement” by Paul Wafer:
At the June 2 City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to explore a series of so-called “Revenue Enhancement” options – better known as tax and fee increases. These proposals are listed in the accompanying table. Many of the larger revenue measures would require voter approval, so they likely will not appear until a future ballot. Others, however, can be implemented directly by a vote of the Council. Here is my prediction of what comes next. First, staff will prepare reports recommending the revenue measures that can be enacted immediately. If approved, those actions could increase costs to residents, businesses, and visitors by approximately $1.2 million per year. Next, the City will likely hire a consultant to conduct polling and determine which tax increases voters might support. Then, unsurprisingly, some or all of those measures will appear on a future ballot. The real issue is not a lack of revenue. City revenues have grown substantially over the past decade, including a $6 million sales tax increase approved just last year. The problem is that spending continues to grow even faster. Before asking taxpayers for more money, the Council should focus on meaningful budget reform, improved productivity, and controlling operating costs. Manhattan Beach does not have a revenue problem – it has a spending problem.
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Lido Di Manhattan:
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Making Waves Of Love – P.S. I Love You Foundation Marks 25 Years Of Changing Lives At The Beach:
The PS I Love You Foundation will celebrate its 25th Annual Day at the Beach on September 19 in Manhattan Beach, bringing together 300 children from Los Angeles’ most vulnerable communities and 300 volunteer mentors for a day of connection, trust-building, and fun. Sponsored by Fabletics, the milestone event highlights the Foundation’s mission of teaching kindness, confidence, emotional resilience, and love. Organizers are seeking mentors and volunteers to support the day’s activities. Since its founding, the Foundation has impacted thousands of young lives through programs focused on social-emotional learning and positive relationships.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former MB Mayor)
All three of our beach cities are facing serious fiscal challenges. Recently, Hermosa Beach had a projected budget deficit of over $2 million that they had to plug with one-time transfers. Worse yet, Manhattan Beach had a projected budget deficit of over $10 million that they had to plug by using the entire $4 million from the Economic Uncertainty Fund and holding back a $3 million transfer to the Pension Fund. Redondo Beach is now considering a hiring freeze to save money. Of course, staff in all three cities have recommended a menu of higher fees and taxes, not savings! I’ve worked in city government for over thirty years, in boom-and-bust times. During bust times, city government needs to get lean and that means it’s time to start saving. The first step is always a hiring freeze. In Manhattan Beach, the number of full-time employees is at an all-time high, so a hiring freeze should be easy to implement. In fact, several years ago Manhattan Beach had 268 full time employees, and they are now at 357! Reducing that 357 by 30 would save the City an estimated $7 million or more! Rather than increasing fees and taxes, reducing the number of full-time employees is what our residents really would like to see happen.
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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:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Tyler Kruse
(Realtor)
Q: THE THREE BIGGEST FACTORS DRIVING DEMAND, AND WHETHER THE STRENGTH HOLDS THROUGH 2026?
A: Single-family demand in Manhattan Beach has stayed strong for three reasons. First is supply. Single-family inventory is thin. … Second is the buyer. A large share of buyers here pay cash, so the rate swings that stall other markets barely register. … Third is the location itself. The beach, the schools, the lifestyle, and a fixed supply of land. You cannot manufacture more of it. On 2026, I expect the strength to continue at a steadier pace. Over the last twelve months the median single-family sale ran about $3.55 million, and the typical home sold in under two weeks. Our local activity index is at 2.8 months of supply, which is firmly a seller’s market. I would bank on steady appreciation rather than another spike.
Q: WHETHER HOMEOWNERS ARE RENOVATING RATHER THAN RELOCATING, AND WHAT THAT DOES TO INVENTORY AND VALUES?
A: Yes, and it shows up right in the single-family numbers. Picture a longtime owner with a rate in the 3s and a house they could never re-buy at today’s prices. Selling means a new loan at more than double the rate, plus capital gains exposure above the exclusion for a primary residence. So they renovate instead of moving. Two things follow from that. Single-family supply stays tight, which props up values for everyone else. … Additionally, the ADU and JADU trend puts even more demand on these 50×150 lot homes in the $2.3 to $3 million range. The big construction developers who want to tear down and build something larger are not the only buyers chasing them. They are also up against investors and buyers who just want to add an ADU, then either rent it out or resell at a premium. The shift worth naming is that the freeze is thawing a little. Single-family inventory is up off its winter low, so a bit more is reaching the market. That is healthy. We need the product.
Q: WHAT I WOULD TELL A YOUNG FAMILY ABOUT LONG-TERM INVESTMENT POTENTIAL, AND WHAT TO WATCH OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
A: I would tell them to think in decades. Single-family homes here have been one of the steadiest stores of value in the South Bay, and the floor under this market has held through every cycle I have watched. I would also be straight about where you buy inside the city, because the single-family market is really several markets stacked together. … For the next five years, here is what I would watch. Rates, and how much single-family inventory keeps loosening. Insurance cost and availability, which is a live issue for California and belongs in any honest long-term math. And the cash-buyer share, because as long as a big slice of single-family buyers pay cash, this market stays insulated from the swings that rattle the rest of the country. For a family planting roots, the long-term single-family case here is strong. For anyone who might need to sell in two or three years, the transaction costs alone are where I would pump the brakes.
www.FirstTeam.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Rod Stoddard, financial adviser and wealth investment.
Elite Collective Realty:
Patricia Blakemore Broker Associate | (844) 475-0999
www.EliteCollectiveRealty.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Ed Kaminsky (Kaminsky Group)
Higher mortgage rates may feel like bad news, but for some buyers, this could actually be an opportunity. I have seen many buyers sit on the sidelines waiting for rates to drop. The moment rates become meaningfully more attractive, I believe we’ll see a surge of pent-up demand rush back into the market, especially in supply-constrained markets like So Cal., putting immediate upward pressure on home prices. Buying in a higher-rate environment at today’s price may ultimately be less expensive than waiting to compete in a lower-rate frenzy at a much higher purchase price. The difference is that rates can often be refinanced later; the price you pay for the home is locked in forever. No one loves higher rates, but if they temporarily cool buyer competition, that pause may create a strategic window for buyers who are focused on long-term ownership rather than short-term headlines.
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Officer Felix has officially completed Field Training with the Manhattan Beach Police Department, marking a major milestone in an impressive journey. She began with MBPD in 2024 as a Police Intern, advanced to Police Recruit, and proudly graduated from the Orange County Sheriff’s Academy. To celebrate the achievement, Officer Felix tackled one of Manhattan Beach’s toughest tests – conquering the iconic Sand Dune hill in full uniform.
Mira Costa Crushes California’s Truancy Crisis – But 1 In 6 Students Still Missing Too Much School:
While schools across America continue battling a post-pandemic attendance meltdown, Mira Costa High School is emerging as a surprising bright spot. New data show Mira Costa’s chronic absenteeism rate stands at approximately 15.2% – dramatically lower than both the California average of 32.1% and the national average of 27%. Put another way, students at the Manhattan Beach campus are showing up at rates that many districts can only dream about. The numbers are striking. Mira Costa’s absenteeism rate is roughly 44% lower than the national average and about 53% lower than California’s statewide figure. In many large urban districts, chronic absenteeism ranges from 40% to 60%, while some Washington, D.C., high schools have reported rates approaching 60%. Education experts generally consider a student chronically absent if they miss at least 10% of the school year. By that measure, roughly one in six Mira Costa students still falls into the absentee category – a statistic that would have raised alarms before COVID. Yet the bigger story may be what is working. About 85% of Mira Costa students attend consistently, the school maintains a graduation rate near 99%, and academic performance remains among the strongest in California. In an era when many schools are still struggling to get students back into classrooms, Mira Costa isn’t just beating the odds – it’s setting a standard.
www.MiraCostaHigh.org
Bella Builders:
www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Michael Jenkins
A retraction is in order. In #17 of your Bulletin Board, Mark Burton includes a link to an article that I wrote in 1997, which he contends “advocates for a City Charter.” Mark is wrong and he has misinformed your readers. My article makes the point that the California courts employ a legal test that is unfavorable to charter cities and reduces the ability of cities to deviate from state law. My nearly 30-year-old article argues that courts should adopt a new test that instead preserves local power. My proposal has never been adopted by the courts. Instead, three decades of subsequent court decisions have continued to erode the authority of charter cities. This is precisely why adopting a charter will not be useful to Manhattan Beach. Which, of course, was the entire premise of my piece in last week’s Weekly. Those comments were informed by the 30 years of court decisions that proved correct my 1997 premise that the courts were deteriorating the value of being a charter city. Gotcha, Mark.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMUNITY:
www.BellaBeachKids.com
Rotary Applauds MBUSD’s Classroom All-Stars:
The Manhattan Beach Rotary Club continued its proud tradition of celebrating educational excellence last week by honoring the Manhattan Beach Unified School District’s 2025-26 Teachers of the Year. During the ceremony, administrators from each campus shared stories of the extraordinary impact these educators have made on students, families, and school communities. Several Rotarians reflected on personal connections to the honorees, noting that some had once been their own teachers or had taught their children. Honored educators included Karina Sam (MB Preschool), Joanne Guelff (Grand View), Shari Jones (Meadows), Stephanie Hubbard (Pacific), Mike Warner (Pennekamp), Christina Ibrahim (Robinson), Trisha Gonzalez (MBMS), and Lisa Cook (Mira Costa). Hubbard also earned the distinction of MBUSD’s District Teacher of the Year.
OPEN YOUR MIND – Read MB Weekly:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
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1. ** Care to know how sick Los Angeles has become? City leaders are seriously considering letting noncitizens vote in local elections. Voting is one of the most fundamental rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Yet instead of strengthening confidence in elections, politicians seem determined to blur the line between citizen and noncitizen. Absurd! But not in Los Angeles. —- Oliver O.
2. ** Are some kids mean? —- Signed, a Puzzle Mom in El Segundo
3. ** As a long-time resident of Manhattan Beach, I regard MB Weekly as a consequential civic institution in our community. It has served as an indispensable forum for rigorous public discourse, elevating local debate beyond slogans and sound bites. In an era of declining civic engagement, MB Weekly has fostered thoughtful dialogue, intellectual diversity, and meaningful community participation. —- Dr. Harold B.
4. ** I think your bonus edition had a central theme, and I liked it! Just think about it: nobody was even talking about the budget 2 years ago! —- Paul Wafer, Manhattan Beach
5. ** Thank you for continuing to provide amazing perspectives on MB issues – very refreshing! —- Jim B., Manhattan Beach
6. ** Hermosa Beach Police sent a clear message Friday night: quality-of-life crimes will not be tolerated. Six arrests and 34 citations underscore a zero-tolerance approach to DUIs, drug offenses, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct. As World Cup celebrations continue, residents and visitors are urged to celebrate responsibly and respect the community. —- Editor’s Note
7. ** Re: Escalators. – Instinct tells me sea air is causing rust issues. I’d pull them out and put in elevators. —- Kathy A., Manhattan Beach
8. ** Since 1996, our City has seen major change, including a revolving door of term-limited mayors. Long-serving councilmembers have overseen staff growth from 268 to 357 employees, rising compensation, increasing pension debt – from under $9 million to over $100 million – and a projected FY27 deficit of $10 million. Enough is enough: a two-term limit is the solution. —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
9. ** Our broken Metlox escalators are symbolic of the “broken windows” of our City leadership. —- Name withheld by request, Manhattan Beach
10. ** I share Mark Burton’s sentiment regarding the “There is nothing we can do” attitude. It’s a matter of priority… and the council needs to prioritize the most critical items, including spending and high-rise rental developments. —- Tyson Kostan, Manhattan Beach
11. ** Leadership Hermosa Beach unveiled a vibrant new Cypress District mural at a community celebration at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at 725 Cypress Ave. The 700-square-foot artwork, created by Hermosa Beach artist Josh Barnes, serves as the capstone project for the Leadership Hermosa Beach Class of 2026. —- Editor’s Note
12. ** Though I don’t agree with Michael Jenkins’ point of view, I appreciated reading his commentary in MB Weekly. Thoughtful discussion and differing perspectives are part of what makes a community stronger. We don’t have to agree on everything to value the conversation and the opportunity to understand one another better. —- L.K., Manhattan Beach
13. ** I love your new video series, The Pace Report! —- Alison J.
14. ** Congratulations to MB Weekly on a fascinating two-part interview with our new school superintendent, Kim Linz. The conversation offers thoughtful insights into her vision, leadership style, and priorities for our schools. —- Doug B.
15. ** Bravo to Fred Taylor for great and thoughtful questions for our City Manager, whom I doubt will answer one! —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach
16. ** If you have a Gen-Z girl in your life, you’ll know that her messiah – Olivia Rodrigo – just released a new album. —- Angie S., Hermosa Beach
17. ** Frankly, I happen to think City leaders are far too arrogant to be embarrassed by the ongoing Metlox escalator disaster. Years of breakdowns, excuses, and finger-pointing have become the norm. If they felt even a little accountability, this issue would have been fixed long ago, rather than becoming a laughable symbol of city dysfunction. —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach
18. ** Go See – Obsession, a supernatural thriller in theaters now. It’s buzzy, gory fun; I found myself laughing quite a bit between the jump scares. —- Annie Cutler
19. ** One of my favorite childhood memories is watching my father’s quiet devotion. Raised by a single dad who ran our small-town newspaper, I’ll never forget the day he carefully stitched my name onto my gym shirt. It wasn’t perfect embroidery, but every stitch reflected love, determination, and a father’s unwavering heart. —- Candy R., Redondo Beach
20. ** Job Opportunity: Dolores T. Richardson School is seeking a dependable Office Assistant to support daily school operations. This role requires strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills. Previous administrative experience is preferred. Interested applicants should contact the Front Office at (323) 758-1187 for additional information and application details.
21. ** Fascinated by the media and entertainment industry? Amazing local part-time (flexible) entry-level opportunities available now – A chance in a lifetime, in a lifetime of chance. —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
22. ** 2bd 1ba, washer/dryer in unit, hardwood floors, sliding glass door from the living room to a private patio and yard. On East Palm in El Segundo. Coming available in July! Please text 310-980-0373 if interested. Thank you!
23. ** I love the nice staff at Patterson Cleaners in Manhattan Beach. —- Virginia G., Manhattan Beach.
24. ** What is worth looking into is when the repair, replacement, or changeover of the escalators is on the City of MB schedule – if you can get that clearly stated. —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach
25. ** I recently visited Exer Urgent Care in Manhattan Beach and, unfortunately, my experience did not meet expectations. While I appreciate the important work healthcare providers do, I found the service disappointing and will be seeking care elsewhere in the future. I hope this feedback helps encourage improvements for future patients. —- Alice W., Manhattan Beach
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