PROJECT MB-25:
MB WEEKLY LAUNCHES BOLD INITIATIVE TO HELP SHAPE MANHATTAN BEACH’S FUTURE
As Manhattan Beach looks toward the future, MB Weekly is launching a new long-term editorial initiative to encourage thoughtful discussion, civic engagement, and practical solutions to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Dubbed “MB Project 25,” the effort will focus on one central question: What must Manhattan Beach do today to remain extraordinary 25 years from now? The ongoing editorial series will examine many of the most important issues facing the city, including public safety, education, infrastructure, city finances, housing, zoning, traffic, environmental concerns, economic vitality, and quality of life. Through interviews, reader polls, expert commentary, community forums, and investigative reporting, MB Weekly hopes to foster an honest and open conversation about the future of the community. “Too often, public debate focuses only on the crisis of the moment,” said MB Weekly co-editor Darby Winston. “Project 25 is about lifting our eyes toward the horizon and asking what kind of city we want our children and grandchildren to inherit.”
As the largest (by far) digital publication serving Manhattan Beach and the surrounding South Bay communities, MB Weekly intends to use its platform to encourage constructive dialogue among residents, business leaders, educators, public officials, and community organizations. The initiative will not advocate for any single political ideology or policy agenda. Instead, its mission is to create a forum where differing viewpoints can be heard respectfully, with the long-term interests of Manhattan Beach at the center of the discussion. Over the coming months, MB Project 25 will feature special reports, guest columns, community surveys, and interviews with current and former civic leaders. The goal is ambitious but straightforward: to help ensure that Manhattan Beach remains one of America’s most vibrant, safe, financially sound, and desirable communities – not just today, but for the next quarter century and beyond.
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MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Tim Hageman (Retired MBPD Captain & MB Resident)
Earlier this month, someone told me that MB Weekly is an “anti-police newspaper.” I had never viewed it that way, but I reviewed its coverage to make sure I wasn’t wearing blinders. My support for law enforcement is deeply personal. I served 33 years in the profession, including 30 years with the Manhattan Beach Police Department. I have written in MB Weekly and contacted the City Council when I disagreed with decisions or proposals made by MBPD leadership. At the same time, I have consistently expressed my respect and support for the dedicated men and women who serve our community. Others have also raised concerns about the police chief and department management. In my view, respectfully questioning leadership decisions does not make someone anti-police. We can support our police while still questioning decisions made by police leadership. In reviewing MB Weekly’s coverage, I found many positive reports about MBPD officers, arrests, investigations, recruitment, and crime prevention. I also found criticism of certain leadership decisions. Based on that coverage and my conversations with local readers, I believe MB Weekly and most of its readers support our police. Supporting officers does not require agreement with every decision made by department leadership.
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Another Warning Sign by Paul Wafer:
The week of July 15th The Epoch Times published an analysis ranking the financial condition of all 88 cities in Los Angeles County. Because cities take time to complete their annual audits, the rankings are based on each city’s 2024 audited financial statements. The newspaper used a fairly simple approach. It looked at each city’s audited financial report and calculated the amount of unrestricted financial resources available for general government operations on a per-resident basis. Cities with stronger unrestricted financial positions ranked higher. Most cities were relatively stable. About 80% of the 88 cities moved only a few places in the rankings from the previous year. Only seven cities changed by six or more positions. Unfortunately, Manhattan Beach experienced the largest decline in the county, tying with La Verne after falling 10 places. This came on the heels of an even larger 33-place drop the previous year. Today, Manhattan Beach ranks 63rd out of 88 Los Angeles County cities. What caused the decline? Several factors combined to reduce the city’s unrestricted financial position. The city corrected the value of certain capital assets, recorded a $9.2 million deficit where expenditure exceeded revenues, transferred $1.4 million into restricted funds that cannot be used for general operations, and invested an additional $11.8 million in capital assets such as infrastructure and equipment. While investing in infrastructure is often appropriate, those dollars are no longer available to help fund day-to-day city operations. As a result, Manhattan Beach’s unrestricted net deficit grew from approximately $10.4 million to $32 million in a single year. That significant decline in financial flexibility is what caused the city to fall 10 places in the county rankings. The ranking itself is not the whole story, but it is another warning sign that the city’s financial position has weakened. Combined with projected operating deficits and the use of reserves in recent budgets, it raises an important question: What steps will the City Council take to restore Manhattan Beach’s long-term financial stability before the problem becomes more difficult to solve?
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Tracy Evans
(Set The Table)
Q: A PRIVATE CHEF DOESN’T SIMPLY PREPARE FOOD – YOU BECOME PART OF YOUR CLIENTS’ LIVES. WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE MEAL OR OCCASION YOU’VE EVER CREATED, AND WHAT MADE IT SO UNFORGETTABLE?
A: The most memorable occasion to date was this year when I accompanied clients on a three-day Palm Springs vacation. We created 3 completely different dinners all Certified Gluten-Free, because their daughter suffers from Celiac Disease. … It was the best thing to see the seven year old eating plates and plates of food. When a client has a food allergy but is still excited to eat and trusts us, that’s the best feeling in the world and the entire reason why I love this work so much.
Q: WITH COUNTLESS RECIPES AVAILABLE ONLINE, WHAT SEPARATES A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL PRIVATE CHEF FROM A TALENTED HOME COOK? …
A: For daily meals as a Personal Chef, I think the difference is that you’re not just cooking for today – you’re cooking for the client’s entire week. Anyone can make a great meal that’s served immediately. A personal chef has to think about how that meal will taste three days later, how it will reheat, how it will be packaged, and whether the client will still be excited to eat it on Thursday. The details are often the ones clients never see. … For me, consistency is everything. My clients trust that every meal will taste as good as the last one, that it will fit their dietary needs, and that opening their refrigerator will make their week easier, not more complicated. …
Q: MANHATTAN BEACH IS KNOWN FOR ITS ACTIVE, HEALTH-CONSCIOUS LIFESTYLE. WHAT CULINARY TRENDS ARE YOU EMBRACING… ?
A: Living and working in Manhattan Beach, I’ve definitely seen people become much more intentional about what they’re eating. Clients still want food that’s delicious, but they’re also asking where it came from, how it was raised, and how it makes them feel after they eat it. One trend I fully embrace is the plant-forward movement, which was pioneered and popularized through research and culinary initiatives at Stanford. Plant-forward doesn’t mean everyone has to become vegetarian. Instead, it means making vegetables, legumes, whole grains, herbs, and seasonal produce the foundation of the plate while using high-quality proteins – like wild seafood, pasture-raised poultry, or grass-fed beef – as an accompaniment rather than the main focus. … My philosophy has always been to build meals around whole, minimally processed foods and tailor them to each client’s goals and health needs. Looking ahead, I think the next evolution is personalized nutrition. … Fresh, chef-prepared meals made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients that taste great and support long-term health are becoming less of a luxury and more of a priority. At the end of the day, I don’t think the future is about restriction. I think it’s about eating more real food, more plants, and better-quality ingredients while still enjoying every meal.
www.SetTheTableLA.com
The Butchery:
Every cut of meat and every specialty ingredient
is chosen for its unrivaled quality and taste.
1121 Artesia Blvd. | (310) 374-3671 | www.ButcheryMeats.com
Shock Pedal – South Bay’s E-Bike Boom Is Sending Kids To The ER:
The South Bay’s e-bike revolution is coming with a painful price tag. A new UC San Diego study found e-bike crashes are soaring statewide, with children 14 and younger making up a troubling share of the injured. Researchers documented at least 4,035 e-bike collisions between 2018 and 2024. While traditional bicycle crashes remained relatively steady, e-bike accidents exploded. The study found no injury crashes involving e-bikes in 2018 or 2019, but by 2024 that number had skyrocketed to 1,566. The findings are fueling renewed calls for tougher safety rules, rider education, helmet enforcement, and greater parental oversight before more young riders become statistics.
VEG Emergency Vet:
VEG Manhattan Beach offers the highest quality of pet emergency care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – even on weekends and holidays – to serve all pet owners in the South Bay and Los Angeles County. Your pet – whether a cat or a cockatoo – will receive immediate vet attention, and you can stay with them through the entire visit. Call ahead to speak directly with a veterinarian or walk-in any time, no appointments needed.
1800 N Sepulveda Boulevard | (310) 521-6365 | www.Veg.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
The new Farmers Market at Manhattan Village.
The Strand House Celebrates 15 Years Of Coastal California Dining This August:
This summer, The Strand House proudly celebrates 15 years as one of Southern California’s most iconic oceanfront dining destinations. Since opening in 2011, the restaurant has become synonymous with elevated coastal cuisine, warm hospitality, and panoramic views of the Pacific. Opened in 2011 by a small group of South Bay families, The Strand House was created to bring something new to Manhattan Beach: a destination that combined elevated dining, sweeping ocean views, and a vibrant nightlife scene under one roof. With a chef-driven menu of California coastal cuisine upstairs, and craft cocktails and live music downstairs at StrandBar, it’s become a favorite for locals, a must-visit for travelers, and a go-to for celebrations of all kinds – the Pacific Ocean as its ever-stunning backdrop. At the heart of the experience is Executive Chef Chris Park, whose seafood- and steak-driven menu reflects a refined yet approachable take on California cuisine. Showcasing the best of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, Chef Park’s menu highlights pristine seafood, premium cuts, and vibrant, seasonal produce crafted with a style that is both elegant and deeply rooted in the coastal lifestyle. To commemorate the 15-year milestone, this August The Strand House is introducing a limited-time celebratory cocktail experience in partnership with Meili Vodka, co-founded by actor Jason Momoa. They are offering two unforgettable cocktails in a commemorative take home glass: a Bloody Mary with fresh horseradish, chipotle, applewood smoked bacon, and pickled veggies, and Fifteen Summers, a POG with passion fruit, orange, and guava. “Fifteen years ago, we set out to create something that truly reflected the spirit of Manhattan Beach – great food, genuine hospitality, and a beautiful beachfront gathering place,” said founder Michael Zislis. “Seeing The Strand House become part of so many guests’ lives and celebrations over the years is incredibly meaningful. This milestone is really about the community that has supported us from day one and celebrating my incredible team.”
www.TheStrandHouseMB.com
Dive N’ Surf:
Fresh beach towels, hats, and Parkit chairs just landed. Level up your beach day while the new stock’s hot. Swing by Dive N’ Surf located in Redondo Beach.
504 N Broadway, Redondo Beach | 310-372-8423 | www.DiveNSurf.com
High-Rise Hell? MB Residents Take The Fight To The Streets:
Community group Stop the Rise MB (STRMB) says it is entering a new phase of its campaign against proposed high-density housing developments in Manhattan Beach, launching a sign-up effort aimed at organizing peaceful public protests when sufficient community support exists. The organization says it has spent the past several months building awareness through thousands of distributed flyers, hundreds of lawn signs, expanded social media outreach, articles submitted to local news outlets, petition drives, and regular appearances before the Manhattan Beach City Council. According to STRMB, those efforts have helped increase public awareness. Still, several proposed housing projects continue to move forward under California’s state housing laws, which limit the city’s authority to reject many developments. The group argues that sustained public pressure remains one of the few tools available to influence developers and project supporters. Recent activities include three public protests, discussions with project supporters connected to the proposed 2301 N. Sepulveda development, and a partnership with the advocacy organization Our Neighborhood Voices. STRMB reports more than 11,500 website visitors, over 3,000 supporters, and approximately 380 lawn signs displayed throughout the community. The group is also planning additional informational meetings and demonstrations while encouraging residents to volunteer, participate in protests, seek legal guidance, and remain engaged in the ongoing debate over Manhattan Beach’s future growth.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Head of School David Jackson with the new teachers of South Bay Classical Academy.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Michael Jenkins
Michael Jenkins & Lucia La Rosa Ames
Lucia La Rosa’s last post (incorrectly) suggests the Costa Mesa court decision means that charter cities have more authority to enter into contracts than general law cities. She misstates the law. Not all decisions become part of the “law.” There are a host of legal rules that determine a court decision’s effect. For example, the Costa Mesa decision was was a ruling on a mid-case appeal over the trial court’s issuance of a preliminary order. The case returned to and resolved in the trial court. That means the Costa Mesa decision does not limit general law cities from contracting the same as charter cities. While the court offhandedly remarked that “some possibility” existed that a general law city could only contract for “special services,” the Court didn’t (and couldn’t) decide that issue; its speculation was non-binding dicta. No case limits the ability of general law cities to contract. Indeed, across California general law cities, including Manhattan Beach, contract for a variety of services. I evaluated the Costa Mesa decision twelve years ago and concluded that it had it had not changed the law. That view is borne out by the fact that general law cities continue to make contracts in the same manner both before and after the decision. Charter city status is not necessary to allow for outsourcing of city services. Practically speaking, 91% of the City’s workforce is unionized. Those advocating for wholesale outsourcing don’t fully grasp the legal challenges presented by replacing current City employees with private contractors.
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Bella Builders:
www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Stewart Fournier (MB Realtor)
It has been argued that charter cities have an advantage because they possess greater flexibility to outsource municipal services, potentially limiting the growth of future pension obligations. That argument, however, overlooks an important tradeoff. Outsourcing inherently shifts a portion of public services to private companies whose primary obligation is to their shareholders or owners. While competition can produce efficiencies, it can also reduce direct public oversight and accountability. When services are performed by city employees, elected officials and residents often have greater influence over standards, responsiveness, and long-term quality. The question, therefore, is not simply whether outsourcing saves money, but whether those savings justify the potential loss of public control and service quality.
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1. ** Belated comment. I loved Steve Napolitano’s recent interview. The guy has mojo. —- N.G., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Check out the new Farmers Market at Manhattan Village! Located in the parking lot to the left of CVS, it’s small but will grow as attendees arrive. Highlights: kettle corn, iced drinks, stunning flowers, and fruit! Vendors feature “We sell what we grow” signs. – Thursdays, 2–7 PM. —- D.H., Manhattan Beach
3. ** JOEY Manhattan Beach is easily one of my favorite restaurants in California. The food is consistently outstanding, the open kitchen is fun to watch, and the atmosphere is exactly what you would imagine California to be – a diverse crowd, beautiful energy, and gorgeous servers, hosts, and bartenders who make the whole experience even better. —- Sean James
4. ** Identity politics isn’t some shiny new invention – it just got a software update. Humans have been sorting themselves into tribes since someone first declared, “My cave is better than your cave.” America aimed higher: judge people by character, not categories. —- Shannon M., Redondo Beach
5. ** I had a nightmare about a big grizzly bear roaming around The Kettle. —- Ezra T., Hermosa Beach
6. ** Now hiring! A growing South Bay/Los Angeles general contractor is seeking a dependable Construction Laborer. Pay: $20–$30/hour, depending on experience, with training provided. Part-time, with full-time potential. Construction experience preferred – reliable transportation required. Contact Josh Goldman at 310-803-3579 or office@davidclaire.com with your resume today.
7. ** Simon & Schuster is proud to present one of the most eagerly awaited business books of 2026 – Authentic PR —- www.AuthenticPRBook.com
8. ** Beach lovers! Remodeled 1-bedroom, 1-bath coastal duplex just one block from the sand for $2,200/month. Fresh paint, open kitchen, new refrigerator, tankless water heater, utilities included (except electric/cable), on-site laundry, two parking permits, and pet-friendly. Call or text 341-208-0762 for details or a showing!
9. ** Pets are, more or less, just animals that we kidnapped long enough to give Stockholm Syndrome to. —- Orlando B., Hermosa Beach
10. ** Mark Burton is a terrible judge of character. For example, he was a huge supporter of George Gascon when he ran for LA District Attorney – even after George had a terrible record as the SF District Attorney (e.g., getting rid of cash bail, reducing punishment for previous felony crimes, etc). —- James H., Manhattan Beach
11. ** Three inspiring local students transformed part of Hermosa Beach’s Greenbelt into a beautiful wellness garden while restoring native butterfly habitat. Morgan Hashmi, Kennedy O’Brien, and Lola De Avilla raised funds, planted hope, and spread kindness with inspirational rocks reminding everyone: “You Are Enough,” “Choose Kindness,” and “Keep Smiling.” —- Editor’s Note
12. ** Mississippi’s education reforms are delivering results. Strong reading standards, phonics, accountability, and high expectations have dramatically improved student performance. California’s outcomes tell a different story. Whatever your politics, the lesson is clear: proven teaching methods and rigorous standards matter – and students benefit most when the focus stays on learning. —- D.B.
13. ** A tragic reminder that reckless driving can have devastating consequences. A wrong-way driver racing 80 mph on the northbound 405 in Hawthorne triggered a fiery crash that killed one person and damaged at least three vehicles. Slow down, stay alert, and never drive impaired. One bad decision can change countless lives forever. —- Editor’s Note
14. ** The Smithsonian published a pamphlet teaching kids that politeness, being on time, hard work, and a nuclear family are symbols of white supremacy. So you see, Nazism did not die with Hitler. It lives on today through Leave it to Beaver reruns. —- Franklin A.
15. ** Fully furnished one-bedroom apartment available just one block north of the Manhattan Beach Pier. Approximately 650 sq. ft. with patio and garage. Available roughly Nov. 5–Dec. 6. No pets. No laundry, microwave, or dishwasher. Price depends on stay length. Photos after a phone call. Email: Ucladoc@elc.edu.
16. ** Coucou is, in my opinion, the most overrated restaurant in Manhattan Beach. The prices are steep, the portions underwhelming, and the service can come across as more arrogant than hospitable. The experience doesn’t justify the cost. There are plenty of nearby restaurants that offer better food, better value, and a warmer welcome. —- Haley G., Manhattan Beach
17. ** As a graduate of Loyola High School, I commend Marco Ames for this well-written commentary. Bravo Marco! —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
18. ** Based on state and federal comparative salaries, and our MB budget deficit, MB employees are extremely OVERPAID. Doesn’t the city set salaries based on cities of comparable size, location, etc.? I would think MB could attract an amazing pool of prospective employees from surrounding cities and states. It is time to stop the waste of tax dollars and use them for the benefit of all rather than a few. —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach
19. ** Sophie Cunningham stands up for female-only sports! In an ESPN article last week and subsequent interview, she defended her stance, saying, “I said what I said…I think it’s common sense.” Just when I thought I couldn’t love her more. —- Alison S., Manhattan Beach
20. ** As you most certainly know, I have been advocating for exploring a City Charter for years. Simply put, a City Charter acts as a Constitution for a City. I wholeheartedly agree with Ms. Lucia La Rosa when she states that we should let our residents decide! —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
21. ** Paul Wafer’s latest MB salary expose is beyond shocking. How can the city manager of a beach town of just 35,000 residents earn more than the Vice President of the United States and the Governor of California? Outrageous. Disgraceful. How can any sane person justify? —- S.H., Manhattan Beach
22. ** Regarding your Open Letter to Every South Bay Parent – Finally … Thank you for your courage & honesty!!! —- Name Withheld by Request, Manhattan Beach
23. ** Willow Smith, daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, is releasing a new album this week called “The Thread.” It’s her eighth solo album in 11 years, and the second of 2026. She’s 25. —- “Music lover” Tammi B., Hermosa Beach
24. ** Dear MB Weekly: Your lead story about furry kids at a Hermosa Beach middle school was disturbing enough. But the timid, spineless response from teachers and the principal was even more alarming. Adults are supposed to provide leadership, not surrender to absurdity. Our children deserve courage, common sense, and accountability. —- A Hermosa Beach Parent
25. ** Remember, my friends, most people are cowards and do only what they perceive is in their best interests and detest any conflict that would in any way upset them. Think about that. —- Howie Abrams
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