MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
with Hilary Mahan
(Executive Director MB Education Foundation)
PART TWO
Q: MANHATTAN BEACH IS KNOWN FOR ITS STRONG COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. CAN YOU SHARE A STORY THAT ILLUSTRATES HOW PARENTS, DONORS, EDUCATORS, AND LOCAL BUSINESSES CAN COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT STUDENTS?
A: The Manhattan Wine Auction is perhaps the best example of what makes this community so special. Each year, thousands of volunteers, local businesses, educators, parents, sponsors, donors, and community members come together with a single shared purpose – investing in our students. What makes the event remarkable isn’t simply the amount raised – it’s the collective ownership our community takes in supporting public education. This year’s event raised $2 million for our schools through MBEF’s Endowment, helping strengthen educational opportunities for both today’s students and future generations. That collaboration extends well beyond one event. Throughout the year, we see businesses sponsoring programs, parents volunteering countless hours, teachers sharing innovative ideas, alumni giving back, and community members making philanthropic investments because they understand that strong schools benefit our entire community.
Q: LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE MANHATTAN BEACH EDUCATION FOUNDATION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, AND WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE RESIDENTS TO KNOW ABOUT HOW THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
A: My vision is to continue building an organization that is financially strong, highly accountable, and positioned to support our schools for generations to come. That means continuing to grow our Annual Appeal, expanding our Endowment, strengthening partnerships with businesses and foundations, increasing philanthropic participation across our community, and ensuring every dollar entrusted to MBEF is invested thoughtfully and transparently. At the same time, I believe we need to have an honest community conversation about the long-term sustainability of education funding in Manhattan Beach. The generosity of our residents has been nothing short of extraordinary, but voluntary philanthropy alone cannot keep pace with the increasing costs of delivering the exceptional educational experience our community expects. MBEF will always play a vital role, but it cannot be the only solution. Over the next five years, I hope we will work together to develop additional, sustainable revenue streams that complement – not replace – the incredible generosity of our donors. That could include exploring a more significant long-term parcel tax, expanding partnerships with the City of Manhattan Beach, growing our Endowment, engaging our business community in new ways, and identifying other innovative funding opportunities that strengthen our schools for decades to come. MBEF created its Endowment with exactly this long-term vision in mind, and I believe our community is at its best when we collaborate to solve challenges together. I also hope more residents recognize that supporting public education isn’t solely about today’s students. Strong schools help protect property values, attract families, strengthen our local economy, and preserve the character of Manhattan Beach. Investing in education is one of the best investments we can make in the future of our city. Whether someone gives financially, volunteers their time, attends an event, becomes a corporate partner, advocates for stronger public education, or helps develop new funding solutions, every contribution matters. The success of MBEF has never been about one organization – it has always been about an entire community choosing to invest in its future.
www.MBEF.org
Manhattan Beach Rotary Names New Leadership Celebrating A $1 Million Scholarship Legacy:
The Rotary Club of Manhattan Beach has announced its 2026–2027 Board of Directors, led by incoming President Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery. The Club has also achieved a major milestone, raising and awarding more than $1 million in scholarships in the past 35 years. Since 2008 alone, the club has donated $132,300 in scholarship funding benefiting more than 220 El Camino College students, while helping generations of Mira Costa students pursue higher education. Montgomery, who previously served as Club Secretary, Programs Director and Service Director, plans to increase community awareness of Rotary’s impact throughout Manhattan Beach and the South Bay. The 2026–2027 voting Board of Directors includes President-Elect Kelly Stroman, Past President Cedric Tuck-Sherman, Club Service/COO Nancy Vrankovic, Treasurers Ted Iantuono and Mark Maruyama, Secretary John Ranaudo, Community Service Directors Rita Crabtree-Kampe and Debbie Goldberg, International Service Directors Chad Ahrens and Vinny Fazzino, Vocational Service Directors Bryon Bos and TK Pillan, and Youth Service Directors Dan Graham and Coby McDonald.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Jonathan Yashari
(Senior Hospital Director, VEG MB)
Q: EMERGENCY VETERINARY MEDICINE CAN BE EMOTIONALLY INTENSE. WHAT IS THE MOST REMARKABLE CASE YOU’VE SEEN WHERE QUICK ACTION MADE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH FOR A PET?
A: One case that stayed with me was a French Bulldog who came in during a heat wave, in severe respiratory distress from heat stroke. Brachycephalic breeds like Frenchies already have narrowed airways, and the heat had caused significant swelling on top of that he was fighting for every breath by the time he reached us. Our team recognized immediately that he wasn’t going to be able to keep his airway open on his own, so we moved fast: got control of the airway with an endotracheal tube, placed an IV catheter, gave sedation to keep him calm and stop him from fighting us, and started IV fluids to bring his body temperature down. Every one of those steps had to happen almost simultaneously, and it’s the kind of case where minutes, not hours, determine the outcome. He stabilized, and it’s a powerful reminder for owners of flat-faced breeds, including Frenchies, Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, that these dogs overheat faster and more dangerously than other breeds, and even a short walk on a hot day can turn into a life-threatening emergency. A fast, coordinated team made all the difference for him.
Q: MANY PET OWNERS STRUGGLE TO DECIDE WHETHER A PROBLEM CAN WAIT UNTIL MORNING OR REQUIRES IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY CARE. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST WARNING SIGNS THAT SHOULD SEND SOMEONE TO AN EMERGENCY ANIMAL HOSPITAL WITHOUT HESITATION?
A: Owners are often torn between not wanting to overreact and not wanting to miss something serious, and honestly, that instinct to hesitate is the biggest risk factor I see. A few signs should never wait until morning: difficulty breathing or blue/pale gums, a distended or bloated abdomen (especially in large-breed dogs), collapse or inability to stand, non-productive retching, seizures lasting more than a couple of minutes or repeating seizures, any suspected toxin ingestion including: (chocolate, xylitol, rodenticide, human medications), heavy bleeding that won’t stop, being hit by a car even if the pet “seems fine” afterward, and straining to urinate without producing urine, particularly in male cats, which can be fatal within 24-48 hours. My advice to pet owners is always the same: if you’re asking yourself whether it’s an emergency, that question alone is worth a phone call to VEG Manhattan Beach, where a worried pet parent can speak directly to a doctor.
Q: VEG HAS A REPUTATION FOR DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY, INCLUDING ALLOWING PET OWNERS TO STAY WITH THEIR ANIMALS THROUGHOUT MUCH OF THE TREATMENT PROCESS. WHY WAS THAT PHILOSOPHY SO IMPORTANT TO YOUR TEAM, AND HOW HAVE YOU SEEN IT CHANGE THE EXPERIENCE FOR BOTH PETS AND THEIR FAMILIES?
A: What separates VEG ER for Pets from other emergency hospitals is our radically open-concept ER room. There’s no back treatment area where your pet disappears out of sight. Customers stay with their pet from the moment they arrive right through to discharge. We also encourage customers to be involved in their pet’s treatment if they’d like to be, whether that’s holding their dog’s paw during an exam or asking questions as we work. And if a pet needs to be hospitalized, we go a step further than most hospitals would: we allow our customers to stay overnight with them in one of our exam rooms. For us, that wasn’t just a hospitality decision, it was a clinical one. Pets are calmer with their person nearby, which means lower stress hormones, easier handling, and often a more accurate picture of what’s actually going on. And for the owner, watching the exam happen, hearing the doctor talk through what they’re seeing in real time, replaces fear and uncertainty with understanding. I’ve seen owners go from panicked to genuinely engaged partners in their pet’s care within minutes, simply because they weren’t left to imagine the worst behind a closed door. It changes the entire emotional experience of what is often the worst day of someone’s year, and honestly, it’s changed how our doctors communicate, too. You learn to narrate your thinking out loud, which makes you a better, more transparent clinician.
www.VEG.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
Overdeveloped Community Development Department by Paul Wafer:
The Community Development Department performs one of the City’s most important functions, ensuring that development complies with building codes, zoning regulations, and public safety standards. There is no question that the department is busy, particularly in planning related activities. However, after reviewing the department’s performance indicators and budget over the past four years, it is difficult to conclude that the growth in expenditures has been driven solely by increased workload.
Between 2023-24 and the proposed 2026-27 budget, departmental expenses increased from $7.85 million to $10.0 million – a 27.4% increase. Yet the department’s largest operational activities have remained relatively stable. Building inspections increased only about 5%, while commercial, electrical, and mechanical permits all declined significantly. Although planning applications, public records requests, and residential record reports have increased, those gains alone do not appear sufficient to explain this level of budget growth.
Based on my review of staffing levels and workload in similar sized California cities, I continue to believe that a Community Development Department serving a city the size of Manhattan Beach can generally operate effectively with approximately 30 to 34 full-time employees. If Manhattan Beach exceeds that staffing range, the burden should be on the city to demonstrate why additional positions are necessary and, more importantly, what measurable improvements in service those positions provide.
Unfortunately, that evidence is largely missing because the city does not report meaningful productivity measures. The Council has no routine data showing inspections completed per inspector, permits processed per planner, plan checks completed per reviewer, workload per employee, average turnaround times, or cost per permit and inspection. Without these metrics, neither the Council nor the public can determine whether increased staffing is producing greater efficiency or simply increasing operating costs.
Technology also offers an opportunity that should not be ignored. AI-assisted plan review systems are now being used by cities across the country to automate routine code compliance checks, identify missing information, and reduce review times. These tools do not replace experienced planners or plan checkers – they allow them to focus on complex projects while AI handles repetitive tasks. Many jurisdictions report significantly faster review times, greater consistency, and improved customer service without proportionate increases in staffing.
Before approving additional positions or continued budget growth, the City Council should require a comprehensive operational review, establish meaningful productivity benchmarks, and pilot AI-assisted plan review technology. Government should not measure success by the size of its budget or staff. It should measure success by how efficiently it delivers services, how effectively it uses taxpayer dollars, and whether it continuously seeks better ways to serve the public.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Kris D’Errico of Bella Beach Kids, and Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Tony D’Errico.
CLASS IS IN SESSION – South Bay Classical Academy Celebrates Grand Opening In Hawthorne:
South Bay Classical Academy (SBCA) will celebrate its official grand opening on Saturday, July 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., welcoming families, educators, and community members to its new K–5 campus in Hawthorne. The event will feature campus tours, curriculum previews, faculty introductions, and refreshments. SBCA offers a content-rich classical education emphasizing phonics, Singapore math, literature, history, science, art, and character development. Head of School David Jackson said the academy aims to inspire a lifelong love of learning. Families are encouraged to RSVP at South Bay Classical Academy Events.
RSVP for School Opening Event
AFTER MANY MONTHS OF CONTROVERSY, THE FIRST MAJOR NEW HOUSING PROJECT ON SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD IN MANHATTAN BEACH IS ABOUT TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION:
** BOB HOLMES (Former MB Councilman/Mayor): We have a Democratic supermajority in both the CA Assembly and the CA State Senate. All eight statewide offices are held by Democrats. I suggest voters look at the actual positions of candidates and for incumbents, look at their voting records, not just party affiliation. Our legislature and the Governor are to blame for the HighRose development and the impending projects that will negatively change the character of our wonderful city.
** VINNY FAZZINO (Fazzino Enterprises): As a resident of our local community, I value its personality. Although I believe we continually need to build and evolve, it feels more politically driven and heavy handed. As I drive around California, I seem to notice plenty of open places more accommodating.
Elite Collective Realty:
Patricia Blakemore Broker Associate | (844) 475-0999
www.EliteCollectiveRealty.com
The World Comes Ashore At El Porto:
As World Cup excitement takes over Los Angeles, El Porto Surf Shop is catching the wave with a colorful mural makeover. Shop owner Woodrow Landfair unveiled the refreshed “The World Surfs El Porto” mural, welcoming soccer fans from around the globe while looking ahead to the LA28 Olympics. A banner once promoting local craft beer now proudly reads “Welcome World Cup,” flying above painted waves and surfers. The mural’s latest message, “The World Surfs El Porto,” celebrates the international spirit visiting Manhattan Beach, reinforcing the surf shop and neighboring Player’s Liquor as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Bliss Nail Lounge:
A luxury nail salon located in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach.
1830 N Sepulveda Blvd | (424) 278-9993 | BlissNailSepulveda.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Elizabeth Heatherton (Manhattan Beach)
Dog parks are a welcome environment for dogs and their humans to socialize, exercise and have fun but they should also be safe. The dog park on Valley Drive has been poorly maintained and in disrepair from the start: The park is too narrow for the heavy cement benches and large umbrellas installed; both of these permanent structures can cause severe injuries to dogs running into them (I’ve witnessed this). The fences in the park that separate the dogs from the busy traffic on Valley Drive are flimsy, sagging and loose. I’m concerned as to why the city spent money on huge umbrellas instead of upgrading the safety of the dog park; maybe those in charge of this project are not dog parents?? We can do better than this MB, there are a lot of dogs that would agree with me.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – COMMUNITY:
www.SetTheTableLA.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lee Phillips (MB Community Advocate)
MBSAFE Board: My concern is not only with this project, but with what it represents. I believe developments like this will gradually change the character of our community – one property, one street, and one neighborhood at a time. If preserving local control over development matters to you, I encourage you to learn about the Our Neighborhood Voices (ONV) initiative. The proposed constitutional amendment would give cities and counties greater authority over local land-use decisions, limiting the extent to which state housing laws can override local zoning and planning. Learn more at: https://www.ourneighborhoodvoices.com. Local control matters because the decisions about what is built in your neighborhood, on your street, and next door to your home help shape the future of Manhattan Beach. It’s important to understand what is at stake and make your voice heard.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Stewart Fournier (MB Realtor)
Characterizing Mike Jenkins as someone who sits back and does nothing is simply unjust. As a former beach “City Attorney” with decades of experience, who continues to distinguish himself in retirement as someone who cares deeply about his community, he hardly deserves such a disparaging remark. Mr. Jenkins has consistently demonstrated a willingness to step forward and educate our community on complex issues that few people fully understand – a fact made evident by the uninformed nature of the comment directed at him. Just last year, he organized a well-attended neighborhood meeting at a private residence to objectively explain the difficult and often misunderstood challenges our city faces in complying with state-mandated affordable housing laws. As a former Planning Commissioner well-versed in the intricate subject matter and evolution of housing laws, I attended the meeting to see what the residents were being told. Together with his attorney wife, they painstakingly prepared and delivered a thoughtful presentation, answered every question posed, and worked diligently to separate rhetoric from fact. Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to ask difficult questions, and it would have been hard to leave without a deep appreciation for their commitment to informing fellow Manhattan Beach residents with no personal or political agenda. Constructive criticism has its place, but personal attacks do not. Can MB Weekly stop the character assassinations, or is that the publication’s real secret sauce?
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Patricia Jones, P.S. I Love You Foundation.
Park Panic – Cops Probe Alleged Kidnap Try On 9-Year-Old Near Sand Dune Park:
The Manhattan Beach Police Department is investigating a reported alleged attempted kidnapping involving a 9-year-old boy near Sand Dune Park, officials said Tuesday. According to a post shared on Nextdoor, the child was playing tag with friends when the driver of a red vehicle allegedly stopped near him and allegedly tried to force him into the car. The boy screamed, kicked, and fought back, prompting the driver to allegedly abandon the attempt and speed away. Police confirmed they are aware of the report and are actively investigating. The suspect was described online as wearing dark sunglasses and a black hoodie.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Tim Hageman (Retired MBPD Captain & MB Resident)
THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING OUR CITY: A QUESTION RECENTLY ASKED IN A LOCAL FACEBOOK GROUP WAS, “AS A RESIDENT, WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING OUR CITY?” For me, the answer is competent leadership, fiscal responsibility, and multifamily housing. Public safety will always be a priority, and that includes the quality-of-life issues that affect residents, businesses, and visitors. Fiscal responsibility means spending taxpayer dollars wisely on priorities that protect, improve, and maintain the character of Manhattan Beach. Multifamily housing is another major issue. Future development needs to be managed thoughtfully, with careful attention to neighborhood impacts, traffic, parking, infrastructure, and the character of our community. Competent leadership matters just as much. The City must hire and promote department heads, including the police and fire chiefs, based on experience, knowledge, competence, leadership, and qualifications. These positions are too important to be influenced by anything other than who is best prepared to lead. Strong leadership and responsible decision-making are essential.
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Bella Builders:
www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com
Ransom Ruse Ends In Guilty Plea For South Bay Man:
A South Bay man has admitted to tormenting the family of missing Arizona woman Nancy Guthrie with a fake ransom demand. Derrick Callella, 42, of Torrance, pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of harassment using a telecommunication device after prosecutors said he called and texted Guthrie’s relatives on Feb. 4 seeking information about a bitcoin transfer. Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of NBC “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, vanished Jan. 31 after being dropped off at her Tucson-area home and was reported missing the next day. Authorities believe she was kidnapped. Callella is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 10.
MB WEEKLY:
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
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1. ** SCOTUS delivered a huge win for women’s sports last week! Best part of the decision from Justice Thomas: “Men and boys with gender dysphoria are not women or girls, even if they believe they are. To use language to obscure reality … is to lie to the public and cease to treat our fellow citizens as equals.” Sadly, still 23 states to go. —- Alison S., Manhattan Beach
2. ** I heard that Redondo Beach is closing Seaside Lagoon. Is this true? This is an amazing family place for decades! What in the world is going on?? —- M.A., Redondo Beach
3. ** Manhattan Beach mother pushes for stronger DUI laws in California —- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S34QiFkbSvQ
4. ** For over 25 years, Lido Di Manhattan has been the heart of California-inspired Italian cuisine. We blend traditional elegance with a contemporary feel, creating a unique dining atmosphere. Picture yourself enjoying fine food, excellent wine, and live music in our vibrant Manhattan Beach location. Experience it for yourself. Reserve your table. https://popme.nu/ldmb4658f3c
5. ** A Hawthorne man appeared in court Tuesday on murder charges tied to a 2025 crash on the 405 Freeway that killed LAPD Sgt. Shiou Deng and motorist Jesus Garcia. Mario Joseph Bickham, 36, remains jailed on $4 million bail and is scheduled for arraignment Aug. 11 in downtown Los Angeles. —- Editor’s Note
6. ** MB Weekly – Your Power List was awesome! —- S.N., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Dear LeBron: You WON’T be missed! —- Daryl D., Hermosa Beach
8. ** Personally, I feel I graduated into a job market where the only requirements were a heartbeat and a clean drug test. —- Heather Resse
9. ** Thomas Sowell once said the word “racism” is like ketchup. It can be put on practically anything, and demanding evidence makes you a “racist.” Amen! —- T.K., Manhattan Beach
10. ** When Jimi Hendrix died, he had a net worth of $20,000. Wow!
11. ** I see that our friends in Hermosa Beach want to raise their sales tax. Of course they do. Isn’t that what governments always do? Why would they ever, ever, ever consider reducing spending? Asking government to stop spending is like asking an alcoholic to stop drinking! —- Jonathan B.
12. ** Fresh flavors are coming to Manhattan Beach. The new Manhattan Village Farmers Market debuts Thursday, July 9, and will return every Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. next to Anthropologie at Manhattan Village. Expect California produce, artisan foods, baked goods, hot meals, specialty vendors, and a lively community gathering spot. —- Editor’s Note
13. ** Thank you for adding Rita, Lucia, and Karen. I was also shocked to see that Monsignor John Barry was not included on the list. —- Katherine L.
14. ** Re: Russ Lesser’s commentary – City Council has taken flak, deservedly so. Our City Council has stated, “There is nothing we can do; our hands are tied.” Yet, current State law permits a City to deny a high-rise project if it makes a finding of substantial health and safety impacts. By 2028, Sepulveda Boulevard will be a canyon, and lane number 3 southbound will be a “suicide lane”. Elect a new City Council in 2026, rather than wait for 2028, when it’s much too late. —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
15. ** I have this theory: If a future election with two participation trophy kids gets as bitter as the 2016 election, I am convinced their moms will call Congress and say, “Couldn’t we have co-presidents? That way nobody will lose.” —- Angie
16. ** Why is asking for proof of citizenship to vote in an American election controversial at all? The federal registration form already asks voters to attest they are citizens. —- T.A., Manhattan Beach
17. ** Your Free Bulletin Board is the highlight of my week! —- Joyce T., Hermosa Beach
18. ** Serious question. Why do liberal women want men using the bathroom with underage girls? Explain it to me like I’m five. —- Nancy T., El Segundo
19. ** THE PACE REPORT – Sand Dune Park – Manhattan Beach https://youtu.be/sDcpzVb3mvo?si=4FDt8YUR765-ydls
20. ** If any Manhattan Beach resident is considering running for City Council in the upcoming November 3 election, you can pick up “Nomination Papers” beginning on Monday, July 13. You can contact the City Clerk’s Office to do so. —- Editor’s Note
21. ** If a majority of the Supreme Court is saying that men claiming to be women are not, in law, women, perhaps we should accept that as the highest legal authority on the matter. Maybe it’s time to stop treating financially interested voices as the final arbiters of this debate. —- Lauren T.
22. ** Curious about Manhattan Beach’s homeless population? There is a misconception that we don’t have homeless here … but that’s not true. Together MBSAFE and the city do a good job of staying on top of the situation and helping people find the resources they need. If you’re curious about the situation in Manhattan Beach and how we address the problem please join one of our informal coffee sessions with members of the MBSAFE board. The next one is Tuesday, July 14 at 10 AM in the Metlox plaza. Please come with your questions or concerns or just to meet us and say hi. Next Tuesday Debbie Van Ness and Rita Crabtree-Kampe of MBSAFE will be there to answer any questions or talk about how you might get involved.
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