MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
With Downtown Manhattan Beach’s Executive Director Kelly Stroman
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOUR DECISION TO RETURN TO LEAD THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, AND HOW HAS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON DOWNTOWN LEADERSHIP EVOLVED SINCE YOUR EARLIER TENURE?
A: Returning to lead the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Association feels like coming home. I was inspired to step back in because I enjoy working with transformative leaders and I see the potential of our downtown – it’s not just a business district, it’s the gem of our community. What really pulled me back was the opportunity to build on the foundation we’ve created over the past 40 years since the association formed. Key projects like the (long-term) future of Lot 3 and what will take shape at the US Bank lot next to Vons are crucial decisions. I will make sure the Association has a leading voice in those decisions. The past seven years since departing this post have sharpened my skills and loaded up my toolbox. I also now have an even greater appreciation for the delicate balance between preserving our small-town charm and embracing smart innovation. This role is not just about events and marketing – it’s about advocacy, strategy, and building trust. I’m excited, energized, and honored to help lead downtown into its next great chapter.
Q: WITH MAJOR UPCOMING EVENTS LIKE THE LA 2028 OLYMPICS AND LOCAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ELEVATE THE DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN BEACH EXPERIENCE WHILE PRESERVING ITS SMALL-TOWN CHARM?
A: We’ve already begun planning how Manhattan Beach can thoughtfully and proudly welcome the world. We greet international visitors every day – but with major events like the LA 2028 Olympics, World Cup, and Super Bowl ahead, it’s time to scale that hospitality and ensure every guest leaves wanting to return. This is a rare opportunity to showcase our downtown on a global stage. I’m excited to help us rise to the moment – supporting smart growth, enhancing the visitor experience, and preparing our businesses – while fiercely protecting the small-town charm and values that define us. My commitment is to keep downtown clean, safe, vibrant, and welcoming, always staying true to what makes Manhattan Beach so special.
“Returning to lead the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Association feels like coming home” —- Kelly Stroman
Q: HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THE TENSION BETWEEN BRICK-AND-MORTAR BUSINESSES AND MOBILE VENDORS, LIKE THE RECENT FOOD TRUCK CONTROVERSIES, TO SUPPORT LONG-STANDING DOWNTOWN ESTABLISHMENTS?
A: Healthy tension raises the bar for everyone. It encourages businesses to stay sharp, responsive to customer needs, and aligned with modern trends. While mobile vendors like food trucks and sidewalk cart vendors have their place in certain locations, their impact on parking availability, pedestrian safety, refuse, cleanliness, and fair competition must be carefully evaluated. I believe in working with city staff and city council in crafting thoughtful, enforceable policies that protect the integrity of the very heart of Manhattan Beach. Our focus should remain on preserving the unique character and economic health of Downtown Manhattan Beach, while being open to innovation that enhances – not undermines – the very special downtown culture.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
A: Wizard Of Oz
Q: WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE DINNER WITH, AUSTIN POWERS OR ELON MUSK?
A: Austin Powers
www.DowntownManhattanBeach.com
MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE COMMENTARY:
Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach Community Activist)
Recently The Daily Breeze published an article that reviewed the number of employees in each city in the state of California. In order to get to the number of full time employees, they eliminated anyone earning less than $9,000 per year from the count. Here in Manhattan Beach we know we have a little more than 350 employees, but in order to be consistent with all of the data, I used the number of workers listed in the database, 474. (This means we have at least 120 part time workers making more than $9,000 per year.) The purpose of the article was to point out the ratio of residents per worker. The smaller the number, the more inefficient the city government is and the greater the salary and pension liability per resident. The average city has 1 employee for every 113 residents. Manhattan Beach as 1 employee for every 72, putting it in the top 60 out of over 400 cities. The Table below shows a snapshot of all cities with a population between 33,000 and 39,000. As you can see, Manhattan Beach came in #1.
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MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE LENS VIDEO:
An exclusive MB Weekly video of Concerts in Manhattan Village.
https://youtu.be/0qJicNA6_DI
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Mark Burton (Former MB Mayor)
We have had the same people on the City Council for years now with all serving more than two terms and some serving four or more. They keep recycling, supporting each other and getting elected again and again. I’m sure in 2026, we have more “recycled” former City Councilmembers running again. We need real term limits, two terms only, to break this cabal up. Their culture of failing to manage the number of City employees and their salaries, pensions, benefits is just costing our residents way too much.
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Mercado:
Check Out Our Daily Specials
Weekday Executive Prix Fixe Lunch: $24 for 3 courses
Margarita Monday: $9 house margaritas 4–9 pm
Taco Tuesday: Discount tacos from 4–9 pm (in place of happy hour)
Late Night Happy Hour: Our happy hour menu is available at the bar and on the patio 8–9 pm Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun.
www.CocinasYCalaveras.com/Mercado
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Janet Hilton (Manhattan Beach)
I live on 13th Street in downtown MB on the walk street. Today, around lunchtime, I saw a man steal multiple packages from my neighbor’s front porch. I screamed from my upper porch, and he ran down to the Ocean. I heard the door slam, and the motor took off in the opposite direction so that I couldn’t take a photo of the car. Be watchful.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW OF ALL TIME?
** LISA HEMMAT: I think Yellowstone is my all-time favorite, it’s so good!
** FRED TAYLOR: Rockford Files – My daughters & I actually went out to Paradise Cove this Summer where it was filmed.
** UMUT CICEK: Definitely Seinfeld.
** JOE FRANKLIN: Rockford Files. I always liked James Garner in his movies (The Great Escape, Support Your Local Sheriff, The Skin Game, Murphy’s Romance) in his Everyman roles. In the Rockford Files (7 seasons!) he is a loyal friend, a good son and has a great sense of human nature which helps him with his investigations. Plus it has a rocking theme song with Toots Thieleman’s awesome harmonica play!
** JOHN ALTAMURA: Seinfeld. It never gets old and has quite possibly the greatest comedic cast of all time.
** DAVID RODRIGUEZ: Unfortunately, not really. Last I watched a good amount of TV was me out of high school. But to give you an answer… It would have to be Breaking Bad. It was released that year and the biggest thing on TV.
** DAN STERN: I don’t watch much TV, far preferring books. My reading preferences are philosophy, science, and classics. However, I often stray afield to things like The Lord of the Rings or a series on solitude.
** TONY CORDI: West Wing.
** LARRY ZIMBALIST: Miami Vice.
** STEVE CHARELIAN: Comedy: The Office; Drama: Mad Men; Crime Drama: Law & Order. Back when I could watch TV LOL.
** ED KAMINSKY: Taxi.
** GAIL FORTIS: Boston Legal, Close other all-time faves: Carson’s Tonight Show, Letterman’s Late Night, Law & Order.
** RUSS LESSER: Probably Sea Hunt with Lloyd Bridges because Bill and Bob Meistrell, founders of Dive N’ Surf and Body Glove, were the technical advisors on the show because of the scuba diving and I knew them then. I also liked many westerns such as Maverick, Gunsmoke, Bonanza etc. Another favorite was Star Trek.
** ABBY WADDELL: I hate to admit that it is Grey’s Anatomy.
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MB WEEKLY:
Is For …
People with a Sense of Humor
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WALK, EAT, LIVE TO 100? NEW NORTH MANHATTAN BEACH GROUP SAYS “YES!”:
A new wellness initiative is putting a spring in the step of locals in North Manhattan Beach. The “N. Manhattan Beach Blue Zone Walking and Monthly Dinner” group, founded by Neptunian Women’s Club President Patricia Blakemore, invites residents to embrace a lifestyle inspired by the world’s longest-living communities. Meeting Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:30 a.m. at 45th Street and The Strand, walkers head to the Pier and back – exercising not just bodies, but community bonds. Monthly plant-based potluck dinners add flavorful fun, mirroring the habits of Blue Zones, such as those found in places like Okinawa and Sardinia. “It’s about small, joyful habits that add up to a long, vibrant life,” said Blakemore. “And everyone is welcome.” No sign-up needed – just sneakers, good vibes, and a hunger for longevity. More info at Meetup.com. Centenarian living, Manhattan Beach-style, has officially begun.
www.MeetUp.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Chevron Manhattan Mile winner Arturs Medveds, of Latvia, flanked by second-place finisher Evert Silva, of Fresno, and third-place finisher Billy Atkinson.
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Skechers Fires Back At Kizik Over ‘Hands-Free’ Footwear Feud:
Skechers has flatly rejected patent-infringement claims from rival Kizik, calling the allegations “baseless” in a statement issued Monday. Kizik had accused Skechers of copying several of its patented hands-free slip-on designs, asserting that only Kizik can legally use what it terms the century-old “hands-free footwear” concept. Skechers, headquartered in Manhattan Beach, countered that Kizik’s lawsuit rests on a faulty premise and misrepresents the origins of the category. Michael Greenberg, President of Skechers, stated, “The timing of this lawsuit is curious, coming on the heels of Skechers announcing a $9.42 billion merger with 3G Capital. Kizik asserts that, ‘at the heart of Skechers’ hands-free shoes’ are Kizik’s patented technologies, yet Skechers has been advertising and selling its Slip-ins since December 2021 without so much as a letter from Kizik. Then, after the merger is announced, Kizik hires a law firm also used by Nike and attacks our whole Slip-ins product line. We believe that, after all these years of silence, the true motivation for this lawsuit might be found right on the face of Kizik’s complaint, where they state that they are looking for a share of the $9.42 billion being paid for Skechers, money Kizik did not earn and does not deserve.”
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
A hot trend along The Strand: locals and tourists are rocking trucker hats from the iconic, century-old Shellback Tavern. Instant cool with South Bay flair.
Yeastie Boys Stir Up Delicious Drama In Downtown Manhattan Beach:
On June 27, the wildly popular Yeastie Boys food truck rolled into downtown Manhattan Beach, unleashing a frenzy of bagel-loving fans and long lines in the heart of the city. But while residents raved, not everyone was hungry for the hype. Local brick-and-mortar businesses – who shoulder sky-high rents and myriad city fees – were less enthused. Kelly Stroman, Executive Director of the Downtown Business and Professional Association, told the City Council July 15 that she has been flooded with complaints. “Food trucks present unfair competition to the locally owned, year round restaurants, boutiques and cafes that are the foundation of downtown Manhattan Beach,” Stroman said. While local businesses make long-term commitments, paying rent, fees and investing in the community, food trucks in contrast operate with lower overhead costs, minimal community ties, and little accountability yet draw from the same customer base. Food trucks present safety, legal and operational concerns, she said.
Chick-fil-A In El Segundo Backs Off Secret Water Fee:
After a wave of complaints from MB Weekly readers, the El Segundo Chick-fil-A has quietly halted its practice of charging $1.00 for a cup of water, without notifying customers in advance. The policy sparked outrage earlier this year, prompting multiple reader-submitted stories to MB Weekly. “I couldn’t believe they were charging $1.00 for a small cup of water without informing people,” said Lane B., a local teacher and one of more than a dozen readers who voiced frustration. Thanks to persistent pressure from the community, the fast-food giant’s El Segundo location has reversed course. While Chick-fil-A issued no official statement, several customers report that water is now being provided free of charge as expected. MB Weekly applauds its engaged readers for speaking up – and getting results. Informed customers are powerful customers.
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MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
71% FEEL TECHNOLOGY IS WATCHING US IN A “CREEPY” WAY
In a recent MB Weekly Reader poll, 71% of respondents expressed a disconcerting sentiment about technology, feeling that it was watching them creepily and warily. The survey delved into the growing unease surrounding the pervasive presence of technology in our daily lives. Many shared anecdotes of eerily targeted advertisements and instances where their devices seemed to anticipate their actions. The results highlighted a deep-seated uneasiness with the blurred boundaries between privacy and technology.
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1. ** Note to medical schools: When we replace meritocracy with racial quotas, the cost is not just academic – it’s human lives. Lowering admissions standards in the name of equity may score political points, but it risks undermining the quality of care patients depend on. Do no harm… remember that? —- Dr. Claude H., Redondo Beach
2. ** The NEA (National Education Association), the largest teachers’ union, described the Holocaust as having “12 million victims” from “different faiths” without mentioning the attempted extermination of the Jewish people. This, my friends, is who is teaching our kids. —- D.W., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Entry-Level Marketing Assistant (Part-Time) – Fascinated by marketing, branding, and PR? Join Boundless Media – one of America’s premier branding firms – for a rare, part-time (15 flexible hours/week) opportunity. Work directly with top industry pros and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, creative environment. Must be smart, reliable, organized, and hungry to learn. A chance in a lifetime in a lifetime of chance. – Email Amanda Kent: AmandaK@BoundlessMediaUSA.com.
4. ** To the creep flying a drone over our backyard today: We saw you. Recording someone’s private property without consent is NOT just rude – it’s illegal. Expect legal action if it happens again. Trespassing and invasion of privacy aren’t hobbies – they’re lawsuits waiting to happen. —- Bobby R., El Segundo
5. ** The new AttaGirl in Hermosa dazzles with bold, global flavors served in small, shareable plates. Skip the mains (though tempting) and dive into the “Skewers from the embers.” The Hen of the Woods mushrooms and marinated chicken breast steal the show – vibrant, smoky, and unforgettable. A celebration of taste in every bite. —- Randi W., Redondo Beach
6. ** May I politely say that the seating at Love & Salt is way too snug for my taste? —- Aaron T.
7. ** The President has just signed an executive order making it easier for cities to clear homeless encampments and offer real treatment options. Finally, common sense over chaos. Time to take back our streets from decades of failed, feel-good policies! —- Archer L., Hermosa Beach
8. ** I love the new Tesla Diner in West Hollywood. What a trip! —- Darcy J., El Segundo
9. ** Hermosa Beach has closed the historic Vetter Windmill due to safety concerns. Engineers have discovered corrosion in the support base, posing a risk of collapse. Crews removed the blades and will soon dismantle the tower. The site at Greenwood Park is taped off as the city works to preserve this beloved landmark. —- Editor’s Note
10. ** I drove from El Segundo to West Hollywood – what a disaster! Potholes, graffiti, and filth everywhere. L.A. looks like a forgotten war zone. Even a blindfolded tourist could sense the decay. It’s tragic what’s happened to this once-great city. —- Dr. R. P., El Segundo
11. ** When you eat at home with your partner, it’s weird to eat different entrees, but when you eat at a restaurant with your partner, it’s weird to eat the same entrée. —- Lauren H.
12. ** Redondo Parking Meters? Swipe your credit card, walk away – and still get ticketed? It’s outrageous. The city’s faulty system continues to issue fines after payment has been made. Total scam. Where’s the accountability? Residents and visitors deserve better. Let’s fix this mess before trust and tourism disappear. —- Devin T., Redondo Beach
13. ** Went to Exer Urgent Care, Manhattan Beach. – big mistake. First red flag? The place isn’t clean. For a medical office, that’s unacceptable. Second? The staff had the warmth of a Frigidaire. Cold, dismissive, and uninterested. If you’re sick and want compassion, look elsewhere. This place left me feeling worse, not better. —- Lawrence G., Manhattan Beach
14. ** Do you have any “broken windows” in your business? —- www.BrokenWindowsBook.com
15. ** Woodranch in Manhattan Beach disappoints. The ribs lacked flavor and were dry; the sides were oversalted, and the portions were underwhelming. Inattentive staff. Not worth the price. —- Lauren F., El Segundo
16. ** I love downtown, Manhattan Beach, but the parking is a disaster. —- Wayne M.
17. ** Horrible stench in The Meadows, Manhattan Beach – unbearable. Smells like sewage or rotting garbage. WTF is going on? This is a beautiful neighborhood, not a landfill. City officials, wake up and fix this ASAP. Residents shouldn’t have to hold their breath to walk outside. —- Noah S.
18. ** If you kill a mosquito while it’s biting you, the mosquito dies doing what it loves. —- Kelly S., Manhattan Beach
19. ** Your child isn’t a narcissist by accident. Boomers were raised to be humble. Today’s kids? Praised for breathing and taught to worship themselves. It didn’t start at home – it started with the experts. And they were dead wrong. —– Dr. M.B., Hermosa Beach
20. ** “Once A Week, But Never Weakly” www.MBWeekly.net. Sign up to receive it for free if you’ve got the guts.
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