MB Weekly 08/06/2026

SHOCK EXIT:
FORMER MAYOR DAVID LESSER ABRUPTLY DROPS RE-ELECTION BID

In a stunning local political development, former Mayor and current Councilmember David Lesser announced he will not seek re-election on the November 3 ballot, surprising residents and dramatically reshaping the 2026 City Council race. “Tonight I am announcing that I will not be running for re-election,” Lesser declared. First elected to the Council in 2022, Lesser said he ran to combat divisive local discourse and restore civility, collaboration and effective government. He believes he accomplished much of that mission during his four-year term. Lesser highlighted several achievements, including advancing construction of the Senior and Scout Community Center, enacting tougher e-bike regulations, approving a major stormwater treatment project, adding police officers, strengthening city-school partnerships and saving taxpayers money on the demolition of Downtown Parking Lot 3. He acknowledged unfinished business, particularly efforts to reduce the scale and community impact of state-mandated multi-tenant housing projects. Lesser, whose Manhattan Beach public service began with a commission appointment in 2004, said he has never missed a meeting. He cited family obligations and plans to pursue other interests after leaving office.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Love, Lies & Local Lives – MB Weekly Poll Reveals 14% Admit Marital Affairs

A new anonymous MB Weekly reader poll has uncovered a deeply personal confession: 14% of respondents admitted to having had a sexual affair during their marriage. While the survey reflects only the responses of participating readers and is not a scientific sample, the results closely mirror national research on marital infidelity. According to widely cited national surveys, approximately one in six married Americans (15%–20%) acknowledge having engaged in sexual infidelity at least once during their marriage. Researchers caution that the true figure may be higher because infidelity remains highly stigmatized, leading some participants to withhold honest answers. The MB Weekly poll focused specifically on sexual affairs. Experts note that if emotional affairs, online relationships, sexting, and other forms of relationship betrayal are included, the prevalence rises substantially, although there is no universally accepted definition or estimate. The anonymous poll is part of MB Weekly’s continuing effort to explore social attitudes and behaviors among South Bay readers.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

THE STATE OF MANHATTAN BEACH’S FINANCES PART ONE:
(An Exclusive Six-Part Series by Paul Wafer)

Financial Strength Is Not the Same as Financial Flexibility

Figure 1. Data and estimates summarized from the State of Manhattan Beach Finances report.

Last week, the City of Manhattan Beach launched a public relations campaign intended to reassure residents that the City’s finances remain strong and to respond to concerns I have raised over the past two years in MB Weekly. I welcome that discussion because residents deserve a clear understanding of where the City’s finances stand.

Over the next several weeks, I will present a series of articles based on my independent review of the City’s audited financial statements, adopted budgets, staff reports and departmental performance measures. My goal is to provide residents with the information they need to evaluate the City’s financial direction.

This series examines the City’s finances through two different lenses: financial strength and financial flexibility. Manhattan Beach currently remains a financially healthy city with valuable assets, stable revenue sources and significant reserves. The more important question, however, is whether recurring revenues are keeping pace with recurring spending without relying on reserve reductions, one-time transfers, or future tax and fee increases.

The answer is more complicated than our city manager suggests.

For example, the adopted FY 2026-27 budget projects a General Fund operating surplus of approximately $2.7 million. However, after transfers to capital projects, insurance reserves and other commitments, the City expects to reduce its General Fund balance by approximately $8.8 million. That distinction matters because a budget can show an operating surplus while still reducing the City’s financial flexibility.

City staffing has increased from approximately 266 employees in FY 2011-12 to 357 today, while the City’s population has remained essentially unchanged. Salaries and benefits have increased by more than 100 percent over the same period. The City’s unassigned General Fund balance also declined sharply in FY 2025.

The City’s finances deserve more than slogans, they deserve careful analysis supported by facts. That is the purpose of this series.

EXCLUSIVE PAUL WAFER VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/DR-DIswuJi8

NEXT WEEK: WHERE HAS THE MONEY GONE?

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

An eBike rider near Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach. Send YOUR photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

Lido Di Manhattan:

End Your Evening On A Sweet Note …
With one of our handcrafted desserts. Each creation is thoughtfully prepared
to complete your dining experience with the perfect finishing touch. Join us
for dessert and make your visit even more memorable.
1550 Rosecrans Ave | (310) 536-0730 | www.LidoDiManhattan.com

THE MANHATTAN BEACH CITY COUNCIL HAS APPROVED NEW PARKING METER RATES:

THAT WOULD BE HIGHER DURING THE SUMMER SEASON, WITH INCREASES OF BETWEEN $0.50 AND $1 PER HOUR. THE COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED INCREASES IN PARKING CITATION FEES. ALL NEW RATES WILL TAKE EFFECT AS OF AUGUST 1.


** MARK BURTON (Former MB Mayor): When the City Council was informed that the FY 27 budget had a projected $10.9 Million Dollar deficit, staff provided the City Council with a dozen “revenue raising” recommendations including raising parking meter rates. Of course, there were no SAVINGS recommendations. Why not?

** PATRICIA JONES (P.S. I Love You Foundation): Find other ways to make their money…

** DAVID SLAY (SLAY Hospitality Group): Not opposed to raising the rate, but I think to be fair you should charge the construction workers that park in the free parking Monday through Saturday and rotate cars in and out to avoid tickets. On any given day in Manhattan Avenue there are at least 20 construction vehicles that is not counting the Alley which is probably another 30.

** KELLY STROMAN (Downtown MB Director): Now is a great time to discover the MB WAVE RIDER. $5/person, $2.50 for Seniors…. And A LOT less than a parking ticket. https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/visitors/wave-rider

** PAUL WAFER (Community Activist): Our city council is raising taxes and fees once per week and never weakly! We have a spending problem not a revenue problem!

** MICHAEL ZISLIS (Entrepreneur, Restauranteur, Mogul): Can anybody say money grab?

PAID POLITICAL AD

Mark Burton for Council 2026:

WHAT IS THE NOVEMBER 3 COUNCIL ELECTION ABOUT?

  • It’s about change for the better–or accepting the status quo.
  • It’s about stopping high rise developments and protecting our low-profile character-not accepting “there is nothing we can do, our hands are tied”.
  • It’s about real term limits: two four-year terms, eight years maximum–not creating a political class of career politicians who remain in office for 16 or even 20 years.
  • It’s about fiscal accountability: controlling spending, finding savings, and living within our means–not continuing a pattern of growing expenditures and recurring budget deficits.
  • It’s about exploring a City Charter to maximize local control and reduce Sacramento’s influence over our community–not remaining a general law city that must follow state mandates in nearly every aspect of local government.
  • It’s about putting residents first by listening to our community and making decisions based on their interests–not the interests of insiders or special interests, whether inside or outside City Hall.

BURTON FOR COUNCIL 2026 | FPPC# PENDING | PAID ADVERTISEMENT

From Movie Magic To Military Might? Manhattan Beach Studios Faces Dramatic Reinvention:

The cameras may soon stop rolling at Manhattan Beach Studios, but the campus could be buzzing with a very different kind of production. The 22-acre facility, famous for helping create blockbuster films including The Mandalorian, Avatar, and The Avengers, is being marketed as a potential aerospace and defense manufacturing hub after owner Hackman Capital Partners defaulted on its $240 million mortgage. Real estate brokers say the property’s high ceilings, heavy electrical capacity, office space, and expansive footprint make it ideally suited for advanced manufacturing, including drones, satellites, and next-generation fighter jet technology. Located in the South Bay’s tightly constrained industrial market, the site is considered one of the region’s rare redevelopment opportunities. The potential transformation reflects a broader economic shift across Los Angeles. While Hollywood production continues to struggle, aerospace and space technology companies are expanding rapidly, fueling demand for specialized industrial facilities. If the conversion moves forward, one of Southern California’s most recognizable film studios could become a symbol of the region’s next industrial chapter.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

A Behind-The-Scenes Examination Of Some Of Our Popular Locations In Manhattan Beach

MB Weekly Photobooth behind the scenes with SLAY Italian Kitchen.

MB Weekly Book Club Gives Poisoned Ivies Near-Perfect Marks:

Poisoned Ivies, by Rep. Elise Stefanik, earned glowing reviews from the MB Weekly Book Club, receiving an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating from 19 participating readers. Many members said the book’s most compelling feature was its account of what they viewed as a deep cultural decline within some of America’s most prestigious universities. Readers repeatedly cited the book’s discussion of campus antisemitism, arguing that Stefanik presents disturbing examples of institutional failures, ideological bias, and university leaders unwilling to confront hatred directed at Jewish students. Several participants described the book as “eye-opening,” “disturbing,” and “essential reading” for anyone interested in higher education, free speech, and campus culture. Others praised Stefanik for bringing national attention to issues they believe have been ignored or minimized by university administrators. The overwhelming consensus among MB Weekly club members was that Poisoned Ivies is a provocative and timely examination of elite academia that deserves broad public discussion, regardless of one’s political viewpoint.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Chris Khaleghian
(Toner Society)

Q: YOU BUILT TONER SOCIETY INTO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IN AN INDUSTRY THAT MOST PEOPLE RARELY NOTICE UNTIL SOMETHING GOES WRONG. WHAT WAS THE OPPORTUNITY YOU SAW THAT OTHERS COMPLETELY MISSED?
A: Most people don’t think about toner or printers until something goes wrong. By then, it’s usually an emergency. I saw an opportunity to build a company that businesses could count on before it became a problem. For me, it was never just about selling toner. It was about providing outstanding customer service and becoming a trusted resource for local businesses. Before starting Toner Society, I spent more than 40 years in the restaurant industry, owning and operating multiple restaurant locations, including the iconic Johnny Rockets in Manhattan Beach, which proudly served the community for 34 years. Running multiple locations taught me that success isn’t just about what you sell – it’s about building great teams, taking care of your customers, keeping your word, and creating relationships that last. That’s exactly how we built Toner Society. Today, we help businesses save money and keep their offices running smoothly by providing OEM and compatible toner, printers, commercial printing, and personalized service they can count on. We’re proud to be an Authorized Xerox Channel Partner and continue expanding our partnerships with other leading manufacturers. At the end of the day, we’re not just selling products. We’re building long-term relationships. I want every customer to know that when they call Toner Society, they’ll get honest advice, fair prices, fast service, and someone who truly cares about helping their business succeed.

Q: AS A LONGTIME MANHATTAN BEACH RESIDENT AND LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER, HOW HAS THIS COMMUNITY INFLUENCED YOUR APPROACH TO BUSINESS, CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND BUILDING LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS?
A: Manhattan Beach has been my home for many years, and this community has shaped the way I do business. For 34 years at Johnny Rockets, I had the privilege of serving generations of local families. I watched kids grow up, graduate, start careers, and later bring in their own children. Those relationships meant everything to me. Living and working in a close-knit community teaches you that your reputation is your most valuable asset. People remember whether you treated them fairly, whether you kept your promises, and whether you genuinely cared. That’s the same philosophy I bring to Toner Society today. Many of our customers have been with us for years, and many of our new customers come from referrals. To me, that’s the greatest compliment a business can receive. I’m grateful for the support this community has given me over the years, and I’m proud that Toner Society continues to serve businesses throughout the South Bay and beyond.

Q: TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES, YET BUSINESSES STILL DEPEND ON RELIABLE PRINTING EVERY DAY. WHERE DO YOU SEE THE OFFICE TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY HEADING OVER THE NEXT FIVE TO TEN YEARS, AND HOW IS TONER SOCIETY PREPARING FOR THAT FUTURE?
A: Technology is changing faster than ever. Artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and automation are transforming the way businesses operate, and that will continue over the next decade. At the same time, businesses still depend on reliable printing every day. Schools, medical offices, law firms, hotels, restaurants, property management companies, manufacturers, and businesses of every size continue to rely on printed documents to keep their operations running smoothly. I believe the future will be about smarter office technology, stronger security, better efficiency, and helping businesses reduce costs without sacrificing quality. At Toner Society, were preparing by expanding our manufacturer partnerships, offering both OEM and high-quality compatible products, growing our printer and commercial printing services, and staying focused on what has always mattered most – taking great care of our customers. Whether it’s a small family-owned business, a local professional office, a hotel, or a company with multiple locations, our goal is simple: provide dependable products, fast delivery, fair pricing, and the kind of personal service that’s hard to find today. Technology will continue to evolve, but great customer service will never go out of style.

Q: DO YOU MISS RUNNING YOUR FAMOUS JOHNNY ROCKETS RESTAURANT IN MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: Without a doubt. Johnny Rockets was much more than a restaurant to me. It was a part of my life for 34 years, and closing our doors on August 31, 2025, was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. What I miss most isn’t the burgers or the milkshakes – it’s the people. We celebrated birthdays, championship games, graduations, first jobs, family dinners, and so many special moments with our customers. I watched children grow up, and today many of them have families of their own. Those memories are something I’ll always treasure. Johnny Rockets taught me lessons that I’ll carry with me forever: work hard, treat everyone with respect, keep your word, and always make people feel welcome. Those values didn’t end when the restaurant closed. I bring them with me every day at Toner Society. While the business is different, my mission is exactly the same – to build lasting relationships, take great care of every customer, and continue serving the community that has supported me for so many years. I’m incredibly grateful to the Manhattan Beach community for 34 wonderful years of support. Those memories will always be a part of me, and I’m excited for this next chapter as I continue serving local businesses through Toner Society. Thank you again for the opportunity. It has been an honor to share my story.

www.TonerSociety.com

MB WEEKLY – LENS:

Nails of Manhattan Beach. Send YOUR photo to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Michael Jenkins

I appreciate Paul Wafer’s defense in his July 23 Bulletin Board post where he points out that he thinks MBPD lieutenants are overpaid. However, Mr. Wafer misses my point. The approach he advocates – essentially taking a meat cleaver to the City workforce – is impractical, does not take into account the impact of cuts on services expected by Manhattan Beach residents and businesses, and fails to account for state laws governing collective bargaining. Indeed, it was his friend Mark Burton’s similarly improvident comments at a City Council meeting when serving on the Council in 2017 that reportedly led to the formation of the mid-managers employee union (see Beach Reporter, January 12, 2017, Vol 40, No. 44, page 1, “Middle Manager Employees Form Union”). The data Wafer persists in presenting week after week in this publication may have emotional appeal but, at bottom, does not present a thoughtful or practical approach to restructuring City Hall or reducing its spending.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

Manhattan Beach Food And Wine Chef Lineup Just Announced:

The 3rd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine announced its Chef Lineup for the Friday and Saturday September 25 & 26 event, and a new home, westdrift Manhattan Beach. Each evening brings together the industry’s top tastemakers, and culinary and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 46 top chefs and restaurants, along with 50 wineries, premier spirits, craft breweries, non-alcoholic beverages, and live entertainment. Some of the chefs include Jose Baca of westdrift, Neal Fraser of Redbird and Vibiana, Jeffray Gardner of Marsatta Chocolate, Anthony Greco of Porto’s Bakery, David LeFevre of Fishing with Dynamite / The Arthur J / Manhattan Beach Post, and Alice Mai of AttaGirl. Tickets are now on sale.

https://www.manhattanbeachfoodandwine.com/chefs-2026

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

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Russ Lesser (Former MB Mayor)

Russ Lesser & Stewart Fournier

I must completely disagree with [Stewart] Fournier. When I was on the City council back in 1980 we had a City run trash business, and the city was responsible for all the maintenance of the landscaping in the city. We put the trash out to bid to a private company and everybody’s bill went down 30%. In addition they did a better job because if they didn’t there were three other trash companies willing to bid on the job. We also changed the landscaping maintenance from city employees to an outside landscape company, and the cost was less than half when a private industry company did it. And also they had to do a better job. If they didn’t do a good job there were other landscape companies willing to bid for the work. The reason private industry is more efficient is because of competition and the government does not have competition. Obviously, some services should not be contracted out. For example, we would not want the police department to be a profit making entity.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

IPO Cash Blast – Spacex Millionaires Set Their Sights On South Bay Beaches:

A new wave of wealth is washing onto the shores of the South Bay. Freshly minted millionaires, many created by SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO, are turning their attention to Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, intensifying competition in one of Southern California’s hottest real estate markets. SpaceX’s June 12 public debut transformed thousands of employees and investors into millionaires while propelling Elon Musk to unprecedented wealth. According to The Ankler, many of those new fortunes are now chasing luxury homes in the beach cities, where limited inventory and soaring demand could send prices even higher. For existing homeowners, it may be another winning chapter. For aspiring buyers, the dream just became even more expensive.

Bella Builders:


www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com

MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Lucia La Rosa Ames

Lucia La Rosa Ames & Michael Jenkins

I wrote that Costa Mesa made explicit the distinction between charter and general law cities. Mr. Jenkins devoted two paragraphs to dicta versus binding precedent, but that was never my point. My argument is that the court expressly recognized charter and general law cities occupy different legal ground under California’s home rule doctrine. Mr. Jenkins ultimately reached the same conclusion. The real issue is whether that structural difference gives charter cities broader contracting authority. A general law city’s authority rests solely on state statutes it cannot modify. A charter city has an additional layer – its own charter – which, on municipal affairs, can supersede state law. Whether that authority applies depends on the specific contracting decision, but the distinction exists. Mr. Jenkins is correct that a charter does not erase existing union contracts. However, cities can contract services as employees retire, competitively bid work between city employees and private firms, or contract new functions from the outset, all on a firmer legal ground than a general law city. No California court has definitively resolved the contracting question. Even so, a charter provides a stronger legal foundation than a general law city possesses today. A charter alone will not erase an $11 million deficit, but it is a meaningful structural fiscal tool. A housing task force is a study. A charter is authority to act. If there is a better alternative, I am ready to hear it.

Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)

JOIN AUSTIN POWERS! SIGN UP TO RECEIVE MB WEEKLY FOR FREE:

“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”

Sign up for FREE to receive MB Weekly
www.MBWeekly.net

Dear MB Weekly Reader:

For a small number of readers, it seems there was a hiccup in receiving the MB Weekly 7/23/2026 issue. If you did not receive MB Weekly in your inbox, it may have been affected by significant email and online service disruptions on that day with Microsoft and other providers. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. You can always review each issue online at www.MBWeekly.net

MBW Bulletin Board

1. ** Bravo to MB Weekly for launching its bold new initiative, Project MB 25. It’s a timely opportunity to think seriously about Manhattan Beach’s next quarter-century. Twenty-five years will pass in the blink of an eye. Let’s hope that by then, our city is thriving – not struggling under the weight of fiscal mismanagement. —- J.F., Manhattan Beach

2. ** Now Hiring TODAY! General Labor: We’re looking for strong, reliable individuals who can safely lift and carry 70+ lbs. Pay: $20–$23 per hour (based on experience). If you’re dependable, hardworking, and able to perform physically demanding work. Please message me for more details. —- 310.908.4068 (David)

3. ** A billionaire probably has the same phone as you. —- Arlene H., Hermosa Beach

4. ** I have a right to live in peace. Please help with enforcing the 7:30 a.m. construction start time. If you observe workers arriving before 7:30 a.m., please call the City. 310-802-5000. That’s choice 8, and ask for dispatch. Seems like our City only enforces rules when citizens complain. How sad. —- Lynn Harris

5. ** MB Weekly is a very informative newsletter! However, in the interest of full disclosure, MB Weekly should always place an editor’s note stating an individual is a declared City Council candidate when a commentary (including Bulletin Board comments) is published by/featuring them. There should also be some limit on the frequency of candidates’ self-promotion submissions. —- Wayne Powell, Manhattan Beach

6. ** I read yesterday that Redondo Union has implemented the Cambridge system in its schools. It used to be that MB education was ranked high. That has not been the case for years. That education used to attract families. No more. That, coupled with high real estate costs, means Redondo easily attracts families. Plus, per Paul Wafer, our City ranking in LA County is horrible. We didn’t get here overnight, but clearly this City has not been run well. I am glad that you are looking to the future, as we need to right this ship. Let’s start with education – especially the Middle school, which has had a plethora of problems. Audit of school operations? —- Vida Holguin

7. ** I fully expect the liberals on the City Council – Amy, David, and Nina – to defend this reckless spending. But the real disappointment is the so-called conservatives, Joe and Steve, who have rolled over and embraced the same fiscal insanity. Taxpayers deserve courage, not surrender. Very disappointing, fellas. —- S.H., Manhattan Beach

8. ** Can there be a hiring freeze? A reduction in hours? Combining job responsibilities? —- Lynn Harris, Manhattan Beach

9. ** Mr. Wafer wrote an excellent article. The largest revenue sources for Cities are the property tax and the sales tax. Inflation has generated a revenue stream for Cities that can only be described as a bonanza. Given this increase in revenue, councils had at least three choices: 1. Provide rebates to its citizens (e.g., Make Parking Affordable Again), 2. Fund needed infrastructure and community benefit projects, and 3. Grow and feed the bureaucracy. As Mr. Wafer’s report indicates, the Council has leaned toward Choice 3. —- Laurence Dougharty, Manhattan Beach

10. ** What remarkable timing! After two years of residents pleading for an honest discussion about the City’s finances, our City Manager has suddenly discovered the topic – just as election season arrives – pure coincidence, of course. And if you believe that, I have a balanced city budget I’d love to sell you. —- S.H., Manhattan Beach

11. ** Many liberals seem to place greater value on appearing compassionate to one another than on the real-world consequences of the policies they support. Good intentions alone are not enough. When image replaces accountability, people can be harmed while those promoting the policies continue congratulating themselves for their supposed compassion. —- Gracia O., Hermosa Beach

12. ** CONGRATS to MB Weekly; it is AMAZING with such great information, most of us would never know of the information if it wasn’t for you and your team! —- Joyce Anderson

13. ** I read with amazement James H’s castigation of Mark Burton’s “original” support for George Gascon. Mark later retracted his support well before the election and voted for Jackie Lacey. He had gotten bad information. Yet, I never heard James H complain about Amy Howorth and Nina Tarney both endorsing and unapologetically voting for him. —- Fred Taylor, Manhattan Beach

14. ** Hermosa Beach voters will decide this November whether to approve a half-cent sales tax projected to generate about $2 million annually for city services. The measure comes after officials confronted a projected $3 million budget deficit, raising a fundamental question: cut spending first, or ask taxpayers to pay more? —- Editor’s Note

15. ** The MB Bulletin Board is the best read of the week. —- Angie S.

16. ** Hermosa Beach is barreling toward a budget crisis. So naturally… (drumroll, please) …City Hall’s brilliant solution is – wait for it – MORE TAXES! Cut spending? Trim the bureaucracy? Cancel a few pet projects? Don’t be ridiculous. Why fix the leak when you can keep billing the people holding the bucket? —- Ed S., Hermosa Beach

17. ** My August book recommendation: A Feast of Snakes by Harry Crews. Brutal, dark, and unforgettable, it captures the South caught between old traditions and a changing world. Expect alcoholism, adultery, dogfighting, murder, and plenty of rattlesnakes. Definitely not for the faint of heart – but it’s a gripping, fast read. —- Tyson T.

18. ** Standing in a long line at Vons, I watched a cashier wear the same stoic expression for every customer. Then one man called her by name, asked about her day, and her face lit up. She became animated instantly. A simple act of kindness changed everything. We should all do this – often. —- Heidi R., Manhattan Beach

19. ** After two years of silence, isn’t it remarkable that MB City Hall suddenly found its voice just as election season begins? Now we’re told everything is fine: a “structurally balanced budget” and AAA bond ratings. Funny how “setting the record straight” only becomes urgent when voters are paying attention. I call B.S. on our wild spending, City Hall partners! —- Name Withheld by Request

20. ** Memo: To MB City Hall From A concerned resident: Perhaps now that you’ve awoken from your two-year slumber of ignoring or spending crisis, how do you choose to justify that the city manager of our small community of 35,000 people is paid more than the vice president of the United States, or how the police chief is paid more than the governor of the state of California? I look forward to hearing some straight talk, though I’m not holding my breath. —- S.H., Manhattan Beach

21. ** Five straight years of minimum wage hikes during a weak economy didn’t create prosperity for many small businesses – they accelerated closures. When demand falls, businesses can’t simply raise prices without losing customers. The result is often fewer hours, layoffs, or shuttered stores. Good intentions don’t repeal the laws of economics. —- F.C., Manhattan Beach

22. ** There is little worse than an angry, lonely, overweight woman who just might drink too much, who smiles a lot and pretends she is happy. —- L.M., Manhattan Beach

23. ** Redondo Beach Historic Library at Veterans Park https://web.redondochamber.org/events/RibbonCuttingforRedondoBeachHistoricLibrary-7179/details —- Tom Lasser

24. ** Anthony Fauci’s testimony to Congress was a slap in the face to a generation of students. Thanks to Fauci, along with Governor Gavin Newsom, an entire generation of California students was removed from classrooms, friendships, and normal social life for nearly two years during one of the most critical periods of development. Yet incredibly, the Redondo Beach Center for the Performing Arts has him on their list of “distinguished” speakers for next year! —- TJF, Manhattan Beach

25. ** ROSE COMPANY is looking for reliable and hardworking cleaning technicians to join our growing team! If you’re interested in becoming part of our team, please complete the application using the link below: https://forms.gle/GUn9y76znfCLHLKL9 We look forward to hearing from you!

Comment / Hire / Share / Promote / Barter / Discuss
The MB Weekly Free Bulletin Board is your place to communicate for free with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach. Send your message (maximum 50 words) to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net

MB Weekly Disclaimer: 1.) MB Weekly accepts no liability for the content of this email, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. MB Weekly is not associated with any commercial or political organization and is transmitted via the web for the sole benefit of its subscribers. 2.) Unfortunately, computer viruses can be transmitted via email.