MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
40% Of MB Weekly Readers Opt Out Of Summer Travel
In a surprising turn of events, the MB Weekly Reader Poll reveals that 40% of readers have no summer trips planned this year. The soaring cost of living and escalating fuel prices are significant deterrents for many. “Look at the price of gas!” exclaimed Molly T., a Manhattan Beach renter, echoing a sentiment felt by many locals. “It’s just not feasible for many of us right now.” This shift towards staying home has sparked a rise in local activities, with residents opting for beach days and community events over far-flung vacations.
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Real Estate Slump A Transaction Slowdown, Not Price Plunge, Says Kaminsky:
According to South Bay real estate powerhouse Ed Kaminsky, the so-called housing slump isn’t what it seems. “Nationally, we’re seeing fewer transactions, not falling prices,” he explains. Home values remain historically strong – often still climbing – thanks to a stubborn imbalance between housing supply and demand. “Population keeps growing,” Kaminsky notes, “but new housing hasn’t kept pace.” Locally, first-time buyers are still in the market, but affordability issues are shifting expectations. “Someone dreaming of a Manhattan Beach single-family home may wind up with a Redondo Beach townhouse or Torrance property,” he says. Some listings are lingering longer, but Kaminsky says that’s often due to inflated pricing or outdated condition. “When a home is priced right and looks great, it still moves.” Looking ahead? “If interest rates fall,” Kaminsky predicts, “we’ll likely see renewed demand – and with it, more upward pressure on prices.” Buyers haven’t vanished; they’re just adapting.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Yoga at Manhattan Beach.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Umut Cicek
(Bella Beach Kids)
Q: YOUR JOURNEY FROM YOUR HOMELAND TO THE SUN-SOAKED STREETS OF MANHATTAN BEACH IS REMARKABLE. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SETTLE HERE AND PLANT THE ROOTS OF YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL DREAM?
A: My inspiration, I was told always America is land of opportunities. 2010 I applied [for a] green card online and after a year I got [a] phone call that I won permanent residence (green card). At first I could not believe. I … totally forgot about it. But after they explained [to] me on the phone, I started to believe and we started all procedures; I had [an] entrepreneurial spirit always, I wanted to do business but I had almost zero dollars. I knew the only way to do business was working more hours and … save money and start slowly. Which is [what] I did exactly. Came here with $1000 in my pocket and almost zero English, 2012.
Q: BUILDING A “GIFT STORE EMPIRE” IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET IS NO SMALL FEAT. WHAT WAS YOUR VERY FIRST STEP – AND HOW DID YOU GO FROM ONE STORE TO MANY?
A: I started with 1 retail shop in Hermosa beach. 1 man operation. From 8 am opening to 10 pm closing. Working long hours, years. Any money I made I saved it. After saving, I found another location in Manhattan [Beach]. I invested to [a] second location. Then 3rd, then 4th, then 5th then 6th, then seventh. It took many years. Any money I made I put towards [the] business. I came up with a unique concept that nobody has it. That helped me a lot. I knew I have to be different than other people and other retail shops.
Q: MANY SMALL BUSINESSES STRUGGLE TO STAND OUT. WHAT UNIQUE PHILOSOPHY OR STRATEGY HAS GUIDED YOUR BRAND AND HELPED YOUR STORES BECOME COMMUNITY FAVORITES?
A: I kept long hours of operation. I opened before anybody opened their stores in the morning. And I closed everyday like 9-10 pm to get more business. Compare to other businesses open 10 am, close 6 pm.
“I was told always America is land of opportunities. 2010 I applied [for a] green card online.”—- Umut Cicek
Q: WHAT WERE SOME OF THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGES YOU FACED ALONG THE WAY, AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME MOMENTS OF DOUBT OR ADVERSITY?
A: I have prime locations with high rent. That was challenging. But [on the] other hand all my locations [are] In [tourist] areas. I observed clients’ needs very well. Tourists need always something from the city with city logo or etc. I’m the only one [designing] sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, souvenirs with city iconic marks. That gives me [a] huge advantage compared to most of the other shops focused on fancy dresses.
Q: LOOKING BACK, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE MAKES MANHATTAN BEACH NOT JUST A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE – BUT THE PERFECT HOME FOR YOUR BUSINESS VISION?
A: This country offered me a lot and now [is the] time to return the favor. [Especially the] city of Manhattan Beach [that] gave me [the] opportunity to grow my business here. I will continue to contribute [to] our community. Hopefully in [the] near future I will be investing [in] more places in Manhattan Beach.
www.BellaBeachKids.com
Tin Roof Bistro:
The Seared Ahi Salad
Start your week on a fresh note with a salad from Tin Roof Bistro.
www.TinRoofBistro.com
The Curious Case Of The Bicycle Bandit:
Manhattan Beach police are investigating a troubling string of garage thefts involving stolen bicycles and e-bikes, with four separate incidents reported between July 17 and July 21. The first occurred on July 17 at 10:06 p.m. in the 200 block of 40th Street. A suspect – described as a thin man in his 30s wearing a hooded sweater and carrying bolt cutters – was caught on camera snatching a locked bike from an open garage. On July 18, a resident on Elm Avenue saw a man in a green Adidas tracksuit exiting her garage after stealing a diaper bag containing a garage remote. By July 20 and 21, two e-bikes were taken from open garages on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Fisher Avenue, respectively. MBPD urges residents to lock garages and remain alert.
Manhattan Beach Reaffirms Its Financial Gold Standard:
In a resounding vote of confidence, the City of Manhattan Beach has once again secured a coveted AAA credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, placing it among the financial elite of California municipalities. Only 51 cities in California share this top-tier distinction, with El Segundo being the sole neighboring city also holding an AAA rating. Manhattan Beach first earned the rating in 2002, aiming to reduce borrowing costs during the Metlox public safety development, and it has held strong ever since.
THE DOGS OF MANHATTAN BEACH:
** JOHNNY MO: JMO is almost 4 years old. This golden retriever, is one of the happiest dog in Manhattan Beach. He’s known to stop visitors at Bruce’s Beach, just in case they might want to rub his belly. —- Ellen
** MIA LA ROCCA: Mia (Ms. Hermosa Beach) LaRocca – Her parents Lenny & Teodora love walking Mia to the Hermosa Pier literally everyday where she sees all her friends, plays, and get lots of good treats. She has been on the pages of MB Weekly and is looking forward to making another appearance! —- Aloha & Mahalo
** JOE FUSCO: Like my human friends, the 4 footed ones also flock around when free snacks are to be had. Hanging out in the park and snacks, what could be better. —- Joe Fusco
MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE COMMENTARY:
Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach Community Activist)
Last week, I wrote about the ratio of Manhattan Beach citizens to City employees. We ranked #1 in cities from 33,000 to 38,000 in population, with a total of 474 full-time and part-time employees earning more than $9,000 per year. That equals one employee for every 71.8 citizens. The average city in California has one employee for every 113.3 citizens. I did a little math to see what impact it would have on Manhattan Beach if we were at the average.
- Instead of 353 full-time and 121 part-time employees, the city would have 224 full-time and 77 part-time.
- Instead of a salary and benefits budget of $67,332,934 in 24/25, it would be $42,757,833. A total savings of $24,575,100! Just imagine what this would do for our ballooning pension obligation liability and what we would be able to allocate to capital improvements in our city. This does not even include the 14% increase in salaries that the city approved for its employees over the next 3 years. Even if only half of this improvement could be realized through the adoption of better workflows, the adoption of AI for certain processes, and improved contracting of specific services, it would be an amazing windfall for our city.
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URBAN PLATES:
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www.UrbanPlates.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
Fred Taylor (Community Activist)
So, will our comfy little hometown be a law-abiding hometown? Why do I ask, you say? Just a few years ago when compassion trumped reason, our cultural commission spent $50,000 to paint rainbows on our downtown intersection to acknowledge, support and even ‘celebrate’ the LGBTQ+ movement. On its face, isn’t that a political message that only one of our major parties embraces? So, as a city, we’re making political statements with our downtown crosswalk. That is troubling. Imagine if we asked for a conservative cause like pro-life. Wouldn’t happen I guarantee it. Yet, the progressive message prevails. Should we be making visible political statements that a significant portion of the city opposes? Now enter reason and rationality from Washington D.C. Just 3 weeks ago, Sean Duffy, our Secretary of Transportation, demanded that Governors require all crosswalks to be free of political messaging including rainbow crosswalks. Crosswalks are intended for safety, not picking political sides. So, will MB abide by this ruling? I emailed the City Clerk and Council three weeks ago; So far, crickets!
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MB WEEKLY – LENS:
This Erewhon store in Manhattan Beach opened in a former Mother’s Market site.
Bertha Mae’s Brownies:
www.BerthaMaesBrownies.com
Manhattan Beach Crime Summary
JULY 24 to JULY 30, 2025
- 858 CALLS FOR SERVICE
- 15 ARRESTS
- 19 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
- 55 CRIME REPORTS FILED
Notable Events:
** On 07/29/25, at approximately 2:07 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of Manhattan Beach Boulevard regarding a robbery. Officers met with the victim who reported they had been robbed approximately two hours prior. The victim told officers he stopped in the area to use the restroom. When returned to his vehicle he was approached by a Black male, 5’9”, thin build, wearing a gray longsleeved shirt and dark colored pants. The suspect asked the victim if he could borrow the victim’s cellphone. When the victim let the suspect use his cellphone, the suspect ran away with the victim’s cellphone. The victim ran after the suspect, and the suspect fell to the ground, dropping the victim’s cellphone and a backpack the suspect was carrying. The victim collected both his cellphone and the suspect’s backpack. The suspect got up and began punching the victim in the head. The victim was able to run away and get back to his vehicle. The suspect fled north on Aviation Boulevard out of sight. Inside the suspect’s backpack was the suspect’s identification. The MBPD Detective Bureau is actively investigating this case.
Concerts In The Park:
June 29 – August 31
The Manhattan Beach Concerts in the Park is an annual event held each year at Polliwog Park on Sundays from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The City suggests bringing your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics, and relax to the sounds of summer.
https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/cultural-arts/concerts
MB WEEKLY – CARTOON:
“Here in the South Bay, there’s a fine line between sun-kissed and sun-dried.”
TALK…TALK…TALK…TALK…TALK…:
In MB Weekly FREE Bulletin Board
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
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Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Tournament:
The 2025 MBO Beach Volleyball tournament will be: August 15 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, August 16 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, August 17 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Reigning as the epicenter of the beach volleyball world, the AVP Gold Series, Manhattan Beach Open reclaims its throne with the promise of solidifying four athletes into the history of beach volleyball on the Manhattan Beach Pier.
https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/beach-volleyball/manhattan-beach-open-volleyball-tournament
WHO READS MB WEEKLY?
Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Steve Napolitano along with thousands of his South Bay neighbors.
www.MBWeekly.net
The Farmers Market:
Every Tuesday at the Civic Center Plaza, 11 am to 3 pm.
MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION:
IS THE COST OF LIVING THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS IN THE U.S.?
Please share your comment with thousands and thousands of your neighbors in Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
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1. ** World Athletics will implement mandatory sex screening for female athletes effective September 1. This is a simple, one-and-done cheek swab that tests for the SRY gene, necessary ONLY because men were competing in the women’s category. IOC, take note. —- Alison S., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Hermosa Beach began removing 10 trees from Valley Park this week due to safety concerns after falling branches caused alarm. The city will replace them with 20 new trees by August 8. “This work helps prevent accidents and preserve our parks,” said Public Works Director Joe SanClemente. —- Editor’s Note
3. ** Separation or divorce is painful, even when amicable. But you don’t have to walk through it alone. Join DivorceCare: a safe, supportive 13-week group where you’ll find healing, tools, and hope. Thursdays, Sept. 4–Dec. 11, 6–8 p.m. at SeaCoast Church. Contact Diana: dianaloakley@gmail.com
4. ** WRITING INTERNSHIP – A CHANCE IN A LIFETIME – Step into the world of media, branding, and celebrity P.R. with Boundless Media – a premier, award-winning firm behind 61 NYT bestsellers, 58 Oscar winners, and 45 Grammy legends. We’re offering a writing internship with powerful mentorship, hands-on experience, and flexible hours. Clear, creative writers- Detail-obsessed and reliable – Tech-savvy and eager to grow. Apply: AmandaK@BoundlessMediaUSA.com —- BoundlessMediaUSA.com
5. ** Sydney Sweeney is hot! —- Ezra T., Hermosa Beach
6. ** The next cheating couple caught on a jumbotron is going to get away by playing it off as a joke. —- Devin A.
7. ** An uptick in Torrance home burglaries is being tied to South American Theft Groups – organized rings using high-tech surveillance and online research to target affluent homes. The FBI says these foreign nationals often ship stolen goods abroad or sell them through criminal networks. —- Editor’s Note
8. ** Great interview with Kelly Stroman in MB Weekly! Always admired her poise and leadership – glad to see she’s landed on her feet and thriving. Wishing her continued success in this next chapter. —- Rick R.
9. ** I just saw a recent photo of David Letterman. He looks like a homeless guy! —- Roman L., Hermosa Beach
10. ** Reading his articles each week, the MB. City Council must hate Paul Wafer – but as a taxpayer, I love the guy! He says what so many of us are thinking and refuses to sugarcoat the truth. Keep swinging, Paul. You’re doing the civic work that matters, and numbers don’t lie. —- D.L., Manhattan Beach
11. ** I respectfully urge El Camino College to reconsider cutting Men’s & Women’s Tennis. As a parent of a student-athlete with special needs, I’ve seen the program’s profound impact – providing strength, purpose, and belonging. Tennis is a low-cost, high-impact sport. Let’s explore solutions, not elimination. Our students deserve better. —- David L., Manhattan Beach
12. ** The Starbucks in Manhattan Beach feels like a sterile corporate bunker – cold, soulless, and wildly overpriced. No warmth, no charm, no community vibe – just $8 burnt coffee and bored baristas. It’s everything wrong with chain culture wrapped in faux hipster packaging. Give me an authentic café with a heart any day. —- Ashley P.
13. ** When Kaiser Permanente paused all “gender-affirming” surgeries on minors last week, I held my breath. Would California’s media finally explain what teen trans surgeries involve? It’s time for transparency, truth, and an honest conversation – because the public deserves to know what’s happening behind the euphemisms. —- Trent B.
14. ** Discover what’s in store this fall at the Manhattan Beach Art Center! Join us for an inspiring Open House – meet instructors, explore upcoming classes for all ages, and view student work. Creativity starts here. Saturday, August 23 | 2 PM–5 PM – 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
15. ** More on coyotes – yikes … There were two coyotes behind the wall of 24 Monterey Court and the jacuzzi last night around 9:00. One was on the patio of 24 Monterey Court in early July. Have you noticed the absence of squirrels? —- Name Withheld by Request
16. ** The South Bay Galleria is officially for sale. Brokered by Newmark with no listed price, the 29.6-acre Redondo Beach site includes Macy’s, Kohl’s, and AMC. Councilman Zein Obagi Jr. hopes for a bold new vision – possibly mixed-use housing like Glendale’s Americana. —- Editor’s Note
17. ** Hi neighbors – our daughter Kate, a senior honors student in Mira Costa’s BioTech program, is seeking a dermatology internship this year. If you know a local dermatologist who might welcome a bright, responsible student, please text me: Emil Beheshti at 310-497-1541. Thanks so much for any leads or ideas. —- Emil Beheshti, Manhattan Beach
18. ** Dear MB Weekly – I love your FREE Bulletin Board. —- Frank C.
19. ** A bagel food truck has the nerve to park close to Noah’s Bagels – a staple of our community for years. It’s shamelessly snapping photos inside Noah’s to brag about stealing customers. On top of that, it’s causing dangerous congestion in an already hectic Manhattan Beach area. This is B.S.! —- Rita D.
20. ** Handouts can feel kind, but they often prolong homelessness. Real help means connection to shelter, recovery, and a second chance. Every dollar you give to www.MBSafe.org goes toward proven solutions that get people off the streets for good. Let’s offer dignity, not dependency. Give smart. Give hope. —- Name Withheld by Request
21. ** Café Vida in the Bay Club in El Segundo is great. —- Sissy A., El Segundo
22. ** May I politely say that I am sick and tired of hearing the term undocumented? The word is illegal. —- Russell H., Manhattan Beach
23. ** When you are not fed love on a silver spoon, you learn to lick it off knives. —- Lauren E., Redondo Beach
24. ** Weird scenes from Manhattan Beach: Outside the new Erewhon, one woman was passionately filming her $20 smoothie review, while another solemnly taste-tested overpriced “killer cauliflower.” Has our town turned into an influencer zoo? When did grocery shopping become a performance? Can we buy lettuce in peace again? —- Toby B.
25. ** Despite how loathed criminals are, they are, ironically, also responsible for the creation of millions of jobs around the world, from police officers, prison guards, and loss prevention staff to locksmiths, cybersecurity specialists, and legal professionals. —- Gage S., Manhattan Beach
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