MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE:
AN OPEN LETTER TO EVERY PARENT OF THE SOUTH BAY
by A Concerned Parent (Hermosa Beach)
As a South Bay mother in Hermosa Beach, I never imagined that one day parents would have to sit around kitchen tables discussing whether a child identifying as a cat in a middle school classroom should be treated as a delicate social issue, a mental health concern, or simply another sign that too many adults have lost their nerve.
And yet here we are.
Several years ago, during and after the COVID era, stories began emerging across the country about students wearing animal ears, tails, collars, and other accessories, and, in some cases, wanting to be treated as dogs, cats, rabbits, or other animals. These incidents were not widespread, but they were real enough that parents, teachers, and school administrators had to confront them. I remember my own child coming home from a Hermosa Beach elementary school and telling me about a student who wore cat ears and wanted classmates to interact with them differently. My child was confused. So were other children. Some were uncomfortable. None of them knew what to say, because the adults in charge did not seem to know what to say either.
That, in many ways, is the real problem.
Children test boundaries. Children experiment. Children imitate what they see online. Children look for attention, belonging, comfort, and identity, especially after years of COVID isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and excessive screen time. What they need in those moments is not ridicule, but neither is it blind affirmation from adults too timid to exercise common sense.
What they need is grown-ups willing to be grown-ups.
Instead, too many schools seemed paralyzed. Teachers and principals were caught between reality and ideology, between what they knew was appropriate and what they feared might get them accused, reported, or sued. Thanks to California’s legal and political climate, some educators appeared less concerned with what was best for children than with protecting themselves from professional risk. Fear replaced judgment. Liability replaced leadership. And parents were often left in the dark, wondering whether anyone in authority still dared to say, “This is not healthy, this is not appropriate for the classroom, and this child may need support.”
That is not cruelty. That is responsibility.
Children deserve compassion, but they also deserve guidance, boundaries, and adults who understand the difference between imaginative play and behavior that may signal confusion, distress, or a deeper need for help. Not every unusual behavior should be shamed. But not every unusual behavior should be indulged either. A school’s job is not to affirm every identity experiment that walks through the front gate. Its job is to educate children, maintain an environment where all students feel safe and respected, and work with parents and guardians when something unusual suggests a child may be struggling. These are not easy conversations, but avoiding them has consequences. When adults become so frightened of saying the wrong thing that they stop saying anything true at all, children lose. Parents lose. Schools lose. And common sense becomes the first casualty. Our kids do not need more fashionable confusion. They need clarity, courage, and adults willing to act like adults again.
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Are The Federal Employees Underpaid?…Or Are Manhattan Beach City Employees Overpaid? by Paul Wafer:
The accompanying salary comparison raises an interesting question: Are our federal and state leaders underpaid, or have executive salaries in Manhattan Beach government grown way too high? Consider what the chart shows. The Police Chief of a city with approximately 35,000 residents earns nearly $350,000 in salary alone (Health and Pension Benefits not included). The City Manager earns over $300,000, while several department heads receive salaries exceeding $250,000. By comparison, the Vice President of the United States earns $292,300, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice earns $306,600, California’s Governor earns $245,929, and members of Congress earn $174,000. Compensation should reflect responsibility. A U.S. Senator helps oversee a $7 trillion federal budget, national defense, Social Security, Medicare, foreign policy, and legislation affecting more than 340 million Americans. California’s Governor manages the world’s fifth-largest economy, yet many of these officials earn less than executives responsible for managing a single city department. A common factor is the widespread practice of benchmarking salaries against neighboring cities. When one city increases executive pay, nearby jurisdictions often follow suit to remain “competitive.” Over time, this creates an upward spiral in compensation that may have little connection to measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency, or service levels. Federal salaries, by contrast, have remained relatively modest for decades. Political realities make pay raises unpopular, and elected officials are expected to accept some financial sacrifice in exchange for the privilege of serving in public office. When the chief executive of a small Manhattan Beach municipal department earns more than a Governor, a Supreme Court Justice, or the Vice President of the United States, isn’t it reasonable to ask whether the compensation system has lost reality? Taxpayers should expect salaries to reflect not only market conditions but also the scope of responsibility, measurable performance, and prudent stewardship of public resources.
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MB WEEKLY:
Exclusive Interview with Kelly Stroman on the 20th Anniversary of the Manhattan Beach Farmers’ Market
(Downtown Manhattan Beach)
Q: TWENTY YEARS IS A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT. LOOKING BACK, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE HAS BEEN THE SINGLE BIGGEST REASON THE MANHATTAN BEACH FARMERS’ MARKET HAS NOT ONLY SURVIVED BUT FLOURISHED WHILE SO MANY COMMUNITY EVENTS HAVE STRUGGLED?
A: We understand and love Manhattan Beach. We know what people are looking for – quality, authenticity, exceptional service, and the enjoyable experience When you invest in community, care for the environment, and support local businesses, you create something that people want to be part of. That’s why, 20 years later, the Manhattan Beach Certified Farmers’ Market (MBFM) continues to thrive. The MBFM has flourished for 20 years because it has always been about so much more than buying farm-fresh produce – it’s about bringing people together. We understand what community means, every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the market creates a place where neighbors connect, families gather, city and downtown employees refuel, and local farmers, artisans, and small businesses can thrive together. …
Q: THE FARMERS’ MARKET IS ABOUT MUCH MORE THAN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. HOW HAS IT EVOLVED INTO A COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE … ?
A: One of the things I love most about the MB Farmers’ Market is that it’s become a weekly tradition for residents. Of course, people come for the fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and local products, but they stay because it’s a place where they know they’ll run into friends, meet neighbors, and feel connected to the community. … Over the years, I’ve watched people make the market part of their routine. Parents stop by after school with their kids, salty and sandy Junior Guards convene for lunch, and neighbors catch up while strolling the aisles. I’ve seen longtime residents introduce newcomers to their favorite vendors, and I’ve watched children who once came in strollers grow up and now visit the market with friends. Those moments remind us that the market isn’t just a place to shop – it’s a place where community happens. One of the things that makes me especially proud is the long-standing partnerships we’ve built with organizations like Grades of Green, GrowingGreat, MBEF, and The Roundhouse Aquarium. … Try the Farmers’ Market Scavenger Hunt… its really fun! I’ve always thought of the Farmers’ Market as planting seeds in our community. When you invest in people, create opportunities to learn, and nurture those relationships, over time, those seeds flourish. …
Q: AS YOU CELEBRATE THIS 20-YEAR MILESTONE, WHAT DO YOU ENVISION FOR THE NEXT DECADE? …
A: We love curating curiosity, nourishing both the mind and body, and exploring emerging food trends. The Manhattan Beach Certified Farmers’ Market is a place of constant discovery, where every visit offers an opportunity to try something new, learn from the people who grow and make our food, and be inspired by what’s in season. Like nature itself, the market is always evolving. Vendors ebb and flow, new ideas take root, and longtime favorites continue to thrive. We’re constantly looking for the very best farmers, food artisans, and local makers to create an experience that’s fresh, exciting, and worth coming back for every week. Our commitment is simple: you deserve the very best. That’s why the market is never at rest. … What makes our market unique is that we balance innovation with tradition. Six of our vendors have been with us since the opening day 20 years ago, and more than 15 have been part of the market for over a decade. Those long-standing relationships create trust and a sense of belonging, while new vendors and fresh ideas keep every visit interesting. As we grow, preserving our small-town charm will always come first. … I believe the Manhattan Beach Certified Farmers’ Market will continue to be one of the places that best reflects the spirit of our community for decades to come.
www.DowntownManhattanBeach.com
JOEY Manhattan Beach:
The Best Nights Never Start At Night
3120 N. Sepulveda Blvd | (310) 546-1163 | www.JoeyRestaurants.com
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Diploma Or Dilemma? MB Weekly Poll Shows Readers Question The Price Of Higher Education
A new MB Weekly Reader Poll suggests that many South Bay readers are increasingly skeptical about the financial value of a traditional college education. Asked whether a college degree is worth the cost, just 18% of respondents answered definitely yes. The result reflects a growing national debate over soaring tuition, mounting student loan debt, and the expanding availability of alternative career paths. Many employers are placing greater emphasis on skills, certifications, apprenticeships, and real-world experience rather than four-year degrees alone. Supporters of higher education argue that college continues to provide lifelong benefits, including increased earning potential, professional networking, and personal growth. Critics counter that the return on investment has diminished for many graduates, particularly those entering lower-paying fields while carrying substantial debt.
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Dog Gone! Ex-Mayor Unleashes On City Hall – “They’re Coming For You…And Your Dog!”:
Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Mark Burton is blasting City Hall over what he says is a misguided effort to raise revenue by cracking down on unlicensed dogs. In a fiery public statement, Burton warned residents that the city is “hunting down” dog owners and sending bills for dog licenses as officials grapple with a projected $10.9 million budget deficit in fiscal year 2027. “MB Dog Owners Beware!” Burton declared. “Our City will hunt you down and bill you for a dog license. Yes, it is happening.” Burton argued the city’s priorities are badly misplaced, saying officials should focus on reducing spending instead of searching for new revenue sources. The comments add to the growing debate over Manhattan Beach’s fiscal outlook, with critics increasingly questioning City Hall’s spending as the projected deficit looms. Burton’s sharp remarks are likely to resonate with residents already frustrated by rising fees and growing concerns over the city’s financial direction.
Estell Boutique:
Discover exquisite European fashion curated for the modern woman.
Effortless elegance, exceptional quality, and timeless sophistication.
912-A Manhattan Ave. | (310) 985-7717 | www.EstellBoutiques.com
Did you spot the filthy trash outside Sweetgreen in the Manhattan Village last Sunday. Please send your Consumer Report photos to MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Star Power Sells Fast – Jon Voight Linked Manhattan Beach Home Goes Under Contract In 25 Days:
A Manhattan Beach home held in a trust tied to Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight went under contract just 25 days after hitting the market. Listed March 12 for $8.5 million, the three-story residence became contingent on April 6. The 4,728-square-foot home, built in 2021 by South Bay builder RJ Smith, features five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Highlights include an open-concept living space, a chef’s kitchen with a walk-in pantry, center-island seating, and a breakfast nook that flows seamlessly into an outdoor barbecue area.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former MB Mayor)
Mark Burton and Stewart Fournier
I like Stewart Fournier. However, I disagree with his comment regarding MB Weekly. MB Weekly is “THE” source of information regarding what’s going on in our City. And, they do so respectfully. We don’t get any local news in the Beach Reporter or Daily Breeze. As for Mr. Jenkins and his lovely wife, they continue to be involved in strictly partisan organizations like MB United. As you know, I was a City Attorney as well. Mr. Jenkins and I respectfully disagree about the value of a City Charter. While he focuses on a Charter’s limitations in addressing State housing laws, I focus on a Charter’s authority to provide local control in regard to contracting, term limits, pensions and, of course, real term limits, two terms only.
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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
Manhattan Beach Mansion Lists With Built-In Olympic Seats:
It’s not too early to secure a front-row seat for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles – especially if you have a few million dollars to spare. A roughly 6,000-square-foot Pacific-facing home at 1000 The Strand in Manhattan Beach has hit the market for $25 million. The property boasts sweeping ocean views and a direct vantage point of the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier. But the real attraction may arrive in 2028, when the world’s best athletes compete in Olympic beach volleyball just steps away. Situated on an elevated corner lot along Manhattan Beach’s most coveted beachfront street, the residence offers something rare: luxury living with a built-in seat to one of the Olympics’ most popular events.
MB WEEKLY – COMMUNITY:
www.BellaBeachKids.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lucia La Rosa
I want to be clear: I write as a Manhattan Beach resident who pays taxes and is concerned for our city’s $11 million deficit. I am not a surrogate for anyone: no Burton, no Wafer. They do not need defenders. This debate deserves independent voices, and I intend to be one. Mr. Jenkins says general law cities have plenty of fiscal flexibility. The Costa Mesa ruling says otherwise. Courts have explicitly confirmed that general law cities cannot freely outsource municipal services to private contractors while charter cities can. This the difference between having a legal tool or being told you cannot use it. On pension reform, Mr. Jenkins is right that it is complex, but not in the way he implies. The California Rule, which protects vested pension benefits as a constitutional right, binds general law and charter cities alike. Even San Diego’s Proposition B, passed with 66% of the vote, was unwound after nearly a decade on a procedural technicality. Pension reform is a treacherous path for any California city, no matter if general law or charter. So where does that leave us? Procurement. That is the solution. Charter cities – differently from general law cities – have broad, largely uncontested authority to outsource municipal services to private contractors. Every position filled by a contractor rather than a new city employee means zero new pension enrollment and zero new liability compounding on residents for decades. This is legal, structural, and unavailable to Manhattan Beach today. As for the housing task force, with all due respect, when there is no clear solution on the table, the easiest instinct is to create a commission. A task force has no legal authority to change anything Sacramento has already decided. It can study, recommend, and advise and then watch the state do what it wants anyway. Mr. Jenkins calls chartering a distraction. I call it the only tool that concretely expands what this city is legally permitted to do. Manhattan Beach residents deserve to make that choice themselves.
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
A recent coyote sighting in Manhattan Village. Have you seen any lately? Send your pics to MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
Gas Shock Warning – Chevron Says California Rules Could Wipe Out State’s Refineries:
El Segundo’s Chevron is sounding the alarm over proposed changes to California’s Cap-and-Invest climate program, warning Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Air Resources Board that the new rules could cripple the state’s remaining refineries and send fuel prices soaring. In a sharply worded letter, Chevron said the proposed amendments threaten the “survivability” of California’s refining industry, risking job losses – including thousands of high-paying union positions – and raising transportation and aviation fuel costs for consumers. The company also warned that the regulation could destabilize California’s fuel supply and weaken critical energy and national security assets. PBF Energy Inc. echoed the concern, cautioning regulators that the changes could drive the state’s seven remaining refineries out of business entirely. Industry officials say the message is blunt: another refinery shutdown could trigger serious consequences for California’s economy and energy security.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Marco Ames (A Seventeen-Year-Old Manhattan Beach Resident)
Growing up in Manhattan Beach, it’s easy to be confined to the South Bay. But once I started leaving every day for Loyola HS, I realized how much of Los Angeles I had never really experienced. At first I lost interest in my local area, as I could bounce between perfect KBBQ in Ktown to a late night out in Santa Monica; there were so many things to do that were all certainly more novel than going to the beach for the millionth time. But, my friends from outside of the South Bay reminded me why Manhattan Beach is so special. They enthused about the ocean views, the walkability, the cleanliness, the beaches, and the weather. And, most of all, the lack of city traffic. Exploring beyond my hometown gave me a much deeper appreciation and understanding of my wider region, and much more pride in my own community.
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Bella Builders:
www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com
Sparks Fly – $150M Mega Training Palace Rises In El Segundo:
Construction is underway in El Segundo on a groundbreaking $150-million facility set to become the new headquarters and training center for the Los Angeles Sparks. Slated to open in 2027, the project represents the largest single-team investment in the history of women’s sports. Designed in partnership with Gensler, the cutting-edge complex blends elite performance with luxury wellness. It will feature the WNBA’s first indoor-outdoor player sanctuary, including an outdoor spa pool for recovery, hydrotherapy suites, nap rooms, and dedicated spaces for yoga, meditation, and reflection. The facility will also house two regulation basketball courts, a circular locker room designed to strengthen team unity, and a state-of-the-art weight room flooded with natural light. With retractable doors and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains, the Sparks’ new home signals a bold, next-generation vision for professional women’s athletics.
1. ** The City of Los Angeles is now accepting applications for the Customer Service Specialist position. Salary: $65,417 – $105,318 – Closes: July 23, 2026 – Visit https://governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity for more information on this opportunity
2. ** Eighteen months after the devastating L.A. wildfires, far too many neighborhoods remain scarred by empty lots. Rebuilding has been slowed by permitting delays, insurance problems, and burdensome regulations. The disaster didn’t end with the fires. For many families, bureaucracy has become the second catastrophe, delaying recovery and the return to normal life. —- Gregory Amato
3. ** Let’s be honest: when teen takeovers involve minority suspects, most media outlets refuse to mention it, even when that information is publicly available. Yet if similar incidents involved overwhelmingly white teenagers, race would receive MASSIVE attention! —- Sandra O., Hermosa Beach
4. ** God bless Mark Burton. He refuses to quit! —- H.W., Manhattan Beach
5. ** Faced with overwhelming public opposition, a proposed 240,000-square-foot data center in El Segundo was withdrawn before the Planning Commission even voted. It’s a reminder that organized community voices still matter – and that development projects succeed only when they earn the public’s trust. —- Editor’s Note
6. ** Message to Richard Montgomery: Give them Hell, Richard! —- S.H., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Simon & Schuster is proud to present one of the most eagerly awaited business books of 2026 – Authentic PR —- www.AuthenticPRBook.com
8. ** What other fees can the City of Manhattan Beach raise to pay for its reckless spending? Enquiring mind wants to know. —- Name withheld by Request
9. ** Los Angeles keeps proving that when government manages mega-projects, taxpayers often pay the price. The LAX rail project is now reportedly $1 billion over budget, years behind schedule, and the contractor is suing the city, claiming the delays were the city’ s fault. Everyone points fingers – while taxpayers pick up the tab. —- Liam C., El Segundo
10. ** No Doubt Michael Jenkins supported DEFUND THE POLICE! —- Mark Burton (Former Mayor of Manhattan Beach)
11. ** I can’t even make a tiny bit of sense out of Stewart Fournier’s articles. Forgive me; I speak English! —- J.M., Manhattan Beach
12. ** The City of Manhattan Beach is hiring! Opportunities are available in Fire, Police, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works. Whether you’re starting your career or seeking your next challenge, now is the time to join a team dedicated to serving the community. Apply today at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citymb or call Human Resources at (310) 802-5258 for more information
13. ** I love the recent story on Richard Montgomery blasting the City Council for reckless spending. Go Richard go! —- Suzanne T., Manhattan Beach
14. ** California, I’m afraid, needs to experience the brutal consequences of the gross incompetence, endemic corruption, and rank stupidity of the political class that’s ruined it. It will take something far bigger than the Palisades fire to wake people out of their stupor. —- Roger S.
15. ** Mr. Burton, if converting Manhattan Beach to a charter city is such a great idea, why did you not start the process when you served your single term on Council and had the votes? —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach
16. ** Last week Michael Jenkins stated in his commentary that I would not mention expenses in public safety. Ironically, public safety expenses were the topic of my commentary in that same issue. He has it all wrong! —- Paul Wafer
17. ** Tasty’s Home Calfroom is hiring for its July 28 community job fair! Immediate openings for Food Vendors ($18/hr) and Job Fair Promoters ($15/hr), with same-day pay. Work from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Breaking Barriers Job Fair. Apply today: 323-305-3842 or visit Tasty’s Home Calfroom online.
18. ** Officers quickly stopped an 18-year-old Long Beach theft suspect, recovering more than $2,000 in stolen clothing, additional stolen merchandise, and a loaded, unregistered firearm. Investigators linked her to at least six other large-scale thefts across Los Angeles and Orange counties. —- Editor’s Note
19. ** If you read one true-crime book this year, make it Catch the Devil by Pamela Colloff. Equal parts riveting and infuriating, it exposes how the testimony of one jailhouse informant helped convict more than a dozen men. A masterfully reported, deeply unsettling account of justice gone terribly wrong – and why it matters. —- Abby Shulman, Redondo Beach
20. ** A cheerful greeting can be more powerful than we realize. A young drugstore employee welcomed every customer with a warm “Good morning. Welcome in.” His kindness brightened the room, lifted spirits, and reminded me that genuine courtesy costs nothing – but can make someone’s entire day. Well done, young man. —- Alex E., Redondo Beach
21. ** Lucia is right again about the authority of Charter cities! Outsourcing is one of the most effective ways to significantly reduce your personnel costs and pension debt… permanently! —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
22. ** Parking in Manhattan Beach should encourage people to stop, shop, and support local businesses – not make them think twice. As one resident put it, paying $4 just to run a quick errand is “kind of crazy.” When parking becomes a deterrent, everyone loses: customers, restaurants, retailers, and ultimately the city itself. —- Janice D.
23. ** The Kettle has a new menu. —- Barry W.
24. ** The MB Weekly 2026 Power List is one of the publication’s finest editions yet. Thoughtfully curated, well-written, and genuinely engaging, it shines a well-deserved spotlight on the people helping shape our community. Congratulations to the entire MB Weekly team on a job exceptionally well done. —- F.C., Manhattan Beach
25. ** Highest kudos to my friend Mike Welsh for launching his South Bay Classical Academy K-5. Your kids will learn virtue & citizenship from a time-tested, classical approach, totally ABSENT from public schools. —- Fred Taylor, Manhattan Beach
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