MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
with Hilary Mahan
(Executive Director MB Education Foundation)
PART ONE
Q: YOU STEPPED INTO LEADERSHIP AT THE MANHATTAN BEACH EDUCATION FOUNDATION DURING A PIVOTAL TIME FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE ON THIS ROLE, AND WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST SINCE JOINING THE ORGANIZATION?
A: When I became Executive Director in 2018, I was drawn to the opportunity to serve a community that has always believed deeply in public education. Being a Manhattan Beach resident for more than 30 years, and actively involved with our public schools for more than two decades, I understand firsthand the extraordinary partnership that exists between our schools and our community. I have spent my career building partnerships, bringing people together around a common purpose, and creating meaningful impact through philanthropy. MBEF represented the opportunity to do exactly that – on behalf of every student in Manhattan Beach. What has impressed me most throughout my involvement is the extraordinary generosity of this community. Time and again, when our schools have faced difficult challenges, our residents, parents, business leaders, alumni, and volunteers have stepped forward. That level of sustained commitment is rare. I’m equally proud of what MBEF has accomplished in its lifetime since 1983. MBEF has significantly expanded annual fundraising, strengthened governance and financial stewardship, grown our Endowment, deepened corporate and foundation partnerships, and increased transparency around the impact of every dollar entrusted to us. Most recently, we’ve been able to provide record levels of support to our students during one of the most challenging periods in public education. MBEF is recognized throughout the state as one of the most successful education foundations – it’s the commitment of the community combined with the stewardship of MBEF leadership that makes this success a reality year after year.
Q: THE FOUNDATION PLAYS A UNIQUE ROLE IN SUPPORTING MANHATTAN BEACH SCHOOLS. HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THE FOUNDATION’S IMPACT TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO MAY NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND HOW FUNDRAISING TRANSLATES INTO CLASSROOM SUCCESS?
A: I often share that MBEF exists to ensure our students receive the exceptional educational experience this community expects and values. California consistently ranks near the bottom nationally in per-pupil funding, and Manhattan Beach Unified School District receives even less than the majority of California districts because of the state’s funding formula. That reality creates a significant gap between what public funding provides and what our community believes our students deserve. Every dollar donated to MBEF directly supports students during the school day. It funds educators and programs that otherwise would not exist – from elementary science, music, physical education, libraries, and makerspaces to middle and high school counselors, college and career services, class size reduction, innovation, and academic enrichment. The impact isn’t abstract. It’s the teacher who has more time to work with students because class sizes are smaller. It’s the counselor helping a student navigate future steps or a difficult time. It’s a child discovering a passion for science, engineering, music, or art. Fundraising isn’t the end goal – it is the means by which we create exceptional educational opportunities for every student.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FACING MANHATTAN BEACH SCHOOLS TODAY, AND HOW IS THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION HELPING TO ADDRESS THEM?
A: The greatest challenge is also our greatest opportunity. Our schools continue to achieve exceptional academic outcomes, but the financial realities facing public education are becoming increasingly difficult. Rising operational costs continue to outpace state funding, and districts across California are making painful decisions about staffing and programs. MBEF cannot solve California’s school funding challenges alone, but we can help ensure our students continue to benefit from the outstanding educational experience our community expects. That’s why we continue to invest in programs that directly support student success while also advocating for more equitable state funding. This year alone, MBEF anticipates committing more than $8 million to our schools, including significant investments in reducing class sizes across our schools, while also funding educators and programs that inspire learning, enrich teaching, and prepare students for success in an increasingly complex world. At the same time, MBEF doesn’t exist simply to backfill what state funding falls short of providing. Our mission is to enrich the educational experience of every student. If California ultimately provides more equitable funding for core educational needs, MBEF can devote even more resources to innovation, academic excellence, and the exceptional opportunities that have long distinguished Manhattan Beach schools. That is the future we should all be working toward.
www.MBEF.org
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Kelly Oelschlager, general manager at Culture Brewing Co.
WORLD CUP FURY – Iran Team’s Manhattan Beach Hotel Stay Sparks Street Showdown:
The arrival of Iran’s national soccer team in Manhattan Beach turned a routine World Cup stopover into an international flashpoint. The Iranian squad checked into the Westdrift Manhattan Beach hotel ahead of its FIFA World Cup opener against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The team’s brief overnight stay was met with fierce protests from members of Southern California’s large Iranian expatriate community.
Tin Roof Bistro:
Our Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée
Served with two spoons, but no one said you actually have to share.
3500 N Sepulveda Blvd | (310) 939-0900 | www.TinRoofBistro.com
Human Resource Department Analysis by Paul Wafer:
Time for a Hard Look at Manhattan Beach’s Human Resources and Risk Management. As the City grapples with a projected budget deficit exceeding $10 million, every department should be subject to the same level of scrutiny and accountability. That includes the Human Resources and Risk Management Department. The data shows that in the past 16 years Compensation has increased by 118% from under $900K to almost $2 million and Total Expenses has increased 239% from $4.9 million to $16.7 million! During this period the cumulative inflation rate was 48%. The department has approval for nine full-time employees, an increase from eight positions in the prior year and 6 positions in 20111-12. While government agencies often require more HR support than private-sector organizations due to civil service rules, labor negotiations, benefits administration, workers’ compensation, risk management, regulatory compliance, and public transparency requirements, that does not mean staffing levels should be accepted without question.
According to the City’s own budget document, the department reported the following annual workload:
- 6,260 employment applications processed (this doubled from the prior year when I exposed the generous salaries)
- 127 hires
- 110 employee separations
- 46 full-time recruitments
- 21 part-time recruitments
- 1,213 personnel action forms
These are meaningful activities, but they are not unusually high volumes for an organization with approximately 350 employees. In fact, research into comparable municipal organizations suggests that a reasonable staffing benchmark for a combined Human Resources and Risk Management operation would likely be five to seven full-time employees, the same level as 2011-12, not nine. This means the City Council has a responsibility to ask hard questions. Are job responsibilities clearly defined? Is work distributed efficiently? Are modern technologies and automation tools being fully utilized? Can certain functions be consolidated? Are there opportunities to redesign processes and improve productivity? Unfortunately, the City Council has shown little appetite for asking these questions. Instead, staffing growth has become the default response while taxpayers are told that additional taxes and fees may be necessary to balance the budget. Before asking residents for more money, the City Council must conduct a comprehensive operational review of the Human Resources and Risk Management Department and every other administrative function. Fiscal responsibility requires more than looking for new revenue. It requires ensuring that every position, every process, and every department is operating as efficiently as possible. The taxpayers deserve nothing less.
Zebrowski Group:
“A trusted advisor, a community fixture, and someone
who takes pride in helping families make meaningful moves.”
(310) 678-7158 | Brett@ZebrowskiGroup.com | www.ZebrowskiGroup.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lucia La Rosa (Member of MBSAFE Board)
Mark Burton and Michael Jenkins
The debate between Burton and Jenkins highlights a critical crossroad for Manhattan Beach. Burton has passionately advocated that adopting a city charter could provide a legal shield against Sacramento’s housing mandates and preserve local zoning control. Jenkins argues that such an effort is an exercise in futility, urging the city to avoid a costly legal battle it may never win. In pure legal theory, Burton’s vision of “Home Rule” autonomy is compelling. However, given the state’s aggressive defense of statewide housing laws, a charter is admittedly not a proven shield. Yet, sitting back and doing nothing, as Jenkins suggests, leaves the community entirely at the mercy of state mandates without a fight. Testing the boundaries of a charter in court is a gamble that may well be worth taking to protect local control. But focusing solely on the housing debate misses the true, immediate advantage of chartering: structural cost control. As San Diego definitively proved, the real power of a charter lies in fiscal flexibility. Faced with soaring deficits – the same Manhattan Beach is facing – San Diego bypassed rigid general law constraints to implement “managed competition” and sweeping pension reforms. For Manhattan Beach, a charter may or may not win the housing war, but it remains the only definitive legal tool to slash administrative costs and secure long-term fiscal survival.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Saint & Second:
The Cellar Series – Enjoy a rotating selection of seasonal wines
chosen for the moment. For a limited time, these exceptional
wines are available by the taste, glass, decanter or bottle.
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
Therapist Terror – FBI Says Manhattan Beach Child Counselor Secretly Filmed Girls In Restroom:
Joseph Toews
A Manhattan Beach therapist who worked with children is now at the center of a disturbing federal criminal case after the FBI accused him of secretly recording young girls in a public restroom and possessing child sexual abuse material. Federal authorities announced that 30-year-old Joseph Toews was arrested by FBI agents and indicted by a federal grand jury as investigators continue probing allegations involving child pornography production and possession. According to court documents and statements released this week, the FBI alleges that Toews secretly filmed girls believed to be between 8 and 12 years old inside what appeared to be a public restroom. Investigators further allege that Toews purchased graphic child pornography through dark web websites using Bitcoin transactions that were reportedly traced through a Robinhood account connected to him. The shocking allegations have sent waves through the South Bay community, particularly given Toews’ work as a therapist serving children. Federal officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and urged anyone with additional information to contact the FBI.
Toner Society – Print With Purpose:
When your company purchases toner from Toner Society,
10% of all sales are donated directly to Friendship Foundation,
supporting children, teens, and adults with special needs in our community. This is an ongoing commitment – every purchase helps support the Foundation and the families it serves.
Same toner. Same service. Real impact.
OEM & High-Quality Compatible Toner
Fast Delivery | No Contracts | Net Terms Available
A local alternative to big-box retailers.
Learn more or get started: chris@tonersociety.com
www.TonerSociety.com
MB Weekly’s Power List – Not Forgotten:
Rita Crabtree / Lucia La Rosa / Karen Komatinsky
Following the publication of MB Weekly’s inaugural MB Power List, the community pointed out the oversight of three individuals who all belong on the list: Rita Crabtree-Kampe and Lucia La Rosa Ames of MB Safe, and Karen Komatinsky, chair of the board at LoveMB Foundation. Their leadership, community involvement, and lasting impact have helped shape Manhattan Beach in meaningful ways. We are pleased to recognize them as deserving additions to MB Weekly’s inaugural Power List.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Marco Ames (A Seventeen-Year-Old Manhattan Beach Resident)
The usage of ebikes has been controversial in Manhattan Beach, and MBPD has been cracking down on ebike violations. Before I got my driver’s license, I spent my summer days on an ebike; it was a practical way to get where I needed to go and gave me independence and autonomy. Without an ebike, I’d be devoid of many of my best memories from that time. However, ebikes come with serious downsides. Their speed and prevalence on the road put increasingly younger riders, mostly unfamiliar with or unconcerned about traffic laws, at significant risk to themselves and others. A previous ebike rider who now drives, Ryden MacMaster, explains that “the right age to get them is freshman year of High School since by then most have matured and know traffic rules.” Since the city cannot regulate age, parents should consider waiting until their kids are older before purchasing an ebike.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
URBAN PLATES:
Save 20% On Every Order
З PLANS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SAVINGS
Excludes 3rd party platforms (e.g., DoorDash), catering, gift cards
www.UrbanPlates.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former MB Mayor)
Article XI, section 3(a) of the California Constitution authorizes the adoption of a city charter and provides such a charter has the force and effect of state law. Article XI, section 5(a), the “home rule” provision, affirmatively grants to charter cities supremacy over “municipal affairs.” Here is one example of why we need a City Charter: You all remember when the former District Attorney decided he wasn’t going to prosecute most misdemeanors. Well, that meant the City of Manhattan Beach could not have their misdemeanor arrests prosecuted. However, the City of Redondo Beach had a City Charter and its own City Prosecutor, not dependent on the District Attorney for misdemeanor arrests. So, they could continue to prosecute misdemeanor arrests.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
U.S. flag at the Manhattan Beach Pier.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Russ Lesser (Former MB Mayor)
It is unfortunate that the politicians in Sacramento have passed this legislation which will change the character of our city and many others. The only way to stop this is to pass an initiative giving zoning rights back to the cities where they have historically been. A group named Our Neighborhood Voices (ONV) is working on getting that initiative on the 2028 ballot. Learn about ONV and get involved. Our city council has taken flack for what is happening but that is not fair to them. If they had not taken the action they took to create additional residential zoning it would be a lot worse and contractors using the “Builder’s Remedy” could pretty much build anything they wanted to as high and as dense as they wanted in any single family zoned area in the city.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Bella Builders:
www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Fred Taylor (50-Year MB Resident)
INQUIRING MINDS … with a 10.9 million dollar deficit staring us in the face, I have some questions for our leaders:
City Manager, Tayln Mirzakhanian
You inherited a balanced budget in physical year 2025. Recently the city enjoyed a half % sales revenue bump of $6.5 million, yet we’re $10.9 million upside down in about 18 months … that’s a $17.4 million swing. Why are we just now learning this?
Finance Director, Libby Bretthauer
With an astronomical deficit plaguing our city, why is your ‘cost containment’ recommendation a mere 1 percent, just $1.2 million? Is that really the best you can do? With our upside-down city finances, where did you summon the courage to ask for 3 new employees expanding the staff once again. Did you ever consider a hiring freeze and promotion freeze?
Counsel persons Lesser, Howorth and Tarnay
Given the disastrous financial situation in our city, why did you vote to ADD three more employees to our staff? When will the madness end?
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Kris D’Errico of Bella Beach Kids, and Kelly Stroman, executive director of Downtown MB Business Association.
MB WEEKLY – I Read The News Today, Oh Boy…:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
Sign up for FREE to receive MB Weekly
www.MBWeekly.net
1. ** Cool David Slay ad in South Bay magazine this month! —- S.H., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Never, ever use United Taxi – www.UnitedTaxi.com. They have drivers who don’t speak English, which is dangerous given that road signs are in English. I called to complain to the owners, and, of course, they did nothing. —- Lance Hulle, El Segundo
3. ** Annual budgets for: LA Fire Department: $800 million; LA Homelessness: $1.3 billion. We spend more to protect 1% of the population than on the service that impacts 100% of us. —- Dan H., Manhattan Beach
4. ** Parking at Dodger Stadium is $45! They can F-off! —- Hank Y., Hermosa Beach
5. ** California Surf Club’s First Annual Club Championship is just a few weeks away, and I love that ping-pong is part of the mix. Since I was a kid, beach culture meant surfing, baseball practice, and fierce paddle battles around the ping-pong table. Looking forward to creating a BeachLife Festival tournament during the off-season. —- Allen Sanford, California Surf Club
6. ** Travelers near LAX should prepare for temporary lane restrictions and road closures on Sepulveda Boulevard beginning next month, as construction on a new pedestrian bridge begins. The project is part of LAX’s massive modernization effort, aimed at improving safety, connectivity, and the overall airport experience for millions of passengers. —- Editor’s Note
7. ** America traded actual progress for a 24/7 game of “Woke Among Us.” We didn’t cure racism; we just built a hyper-vigilant moral mob that treats misgendering a houseplant like a capital crime. It’s not a civil rights movement anymore – it’s just a competitive, cannibalistic sport where everyone’s hungry for a cancellation. —- Horrace C., Redondo Beach
8. ** The person you always see at the gym, no matter when you go, making you think they must live there, is probably thinking the same thing about you. —- Katherine O.
9. ** The Alert South Bay Regional Alert and Warning System administrator needs to find a competent individual to write the alerts sent to our mobile phones. A recent alert, “Aviation and Southbound Manhattan Beach Blvd all lanes were affected,” misidentifies the direction of MB Blvd and uses the wrong verb. —- JZF
10. ** Hermosa Beach has balanced the budget – but not without a warning label. City leaders approved next year’s spending plan and placed a half-cent sales tax measure on the Nov. 3 ballot. If voters approve it, the city could gain $2 million annually. Councilmember Rob Saemann called the proposal “conservative” and “reasonable.” —- Editor’s Note
11. ** The City of El Segundo is considering becoming a Charter City. This would be put up for a vote in the November 2026 elections. —- Gwen T., El Segundo
12. ** It would have been a better headline if you stated: “81% of MBW readers are proud to be Americans, 2% unsure, and 17% not proud.” Why can’t headlines be positive, especially in a small community? BE BETTER!!! —- Name Withheld
13. ** Have you noticed that customers now have to do all the work when dealing with most businesses? You can’t deal with a human being anymore. I went to a Labcorp the other day and had to enter a lot of data on a screen, then scan both sides of my driver’s license, Medicare card & insurance card before the receptionist would even acknowledge my presence. What was she being paid for? Plus, I really do not want to have to download one more f’ing app to get service from a business I am paying for! —- Terry Watson, Manhattan Beach
14. ** Your issue today has an error: your article says there will be a Salute to the Troops on the 28th. That is incorrect; the illustration right above from the City shows the first concert on July 5. —- Joe Ferrell, Manhattan Beach
15. ** I think your Power List – 2026 missed at least one. Karen Komatinsky is the leader of LoveMB, a charity formed to improve Manhattan Beach. They are working on various projects, the biggest of which is the renewal of the exercise facility on the greenbelt across from Von’s Market, along with many others. You might consider contacting her and writing an article for LoveMB. —- Russ Lesser, Manhattan Beach
16. ** The Doors’ Strange Days album is a lasting masterpiece. —- Erin G., Hermosa Beach
17. ** The leaders of Manhattan Beach are not bad people. They have simply grown too timid and complacent – the predictable result of holding power for too many years. Fresh ideas, renewed energy, and bold leadership are essential. Our city deserves new leaders willing to challenge the status quo before we go broke. —- S.H., Manhattan Beach
18. ** My cousin became head of her junior high math department because she was the only teacher who could do long division. Now she trains math teachers who can’t do math. If the teachers don’t know it, how will the kids? Beam me up, Scotty – intelligence seems in short supply down here. —- Dr. William H.
19. ** Sepulveda Boulevard is already the South Bay’s most dangerous corridor, with too many fatal and serious crashes. Adding high-rise apartments along this 50 mph traffic artery will only increase the risks. Residents entering and exiting during rush hour face a nightmare. The City – not the State – chose this ROD location. It’s the worst possible site. —- Henry B.
20. ** It appears that people are finally becoming aware of the unsafe, dense high-rises being proposed across Manhattan Beach. From the 7-story building breaking ground at 2301 N. Sepulveda to the massive 18-story proposal at 2705 N. Sepulveda, our small-town infrastructure and neighborhood safety are actively on the line. —- Phil W.
21. ** Funneled through USAID and NIH, taxpayers paid for gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. That research likely caused the COVID pandemic that killed millions and cost trillions. Dr. Anthony Fauci signed off on these experiments, then lied to Congress about it. And this man was invited to speak at the Redondo Beach Distinguished Speakers Series. —- TJF, Manhattan Beach
22. ** Progressives have sold a seductive fiction: if you’re struggling, it’s someone else’s fault. Today, the villain is Elon Musk. Instead of encouraging ambition and accountability, they preach envy and blame. It’s easier to resent success than to pursue it – but that’s a recipe for permanent failure, not lasting prosperity. —- Anthony (Tony) Diamond, El Segundo
23. ** Manhattan Beach has another hometown star to cheer for. The Washington Capitals selected forward Logan Stuart with the 208th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Draft. After two seasons with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, Stuart heads to the Lethbridge Hurricanes before chasing his NHL dream. —- Editor’s Note
24. ** Authentic wins. Always. —- www.AuthenticPRBook.com
25. ** Summer Internship. Lifetime Opportunity – Launch your career with one of America’s premier entertainment PR firms. Gain real-world experience, build invaluable industry connections, and learn from the best. Don’t miss this chance in a lifetime of chances. Apply today and take your first step toward an extraordinary future. —- www.BoundlessMediaUSA.com
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.