TAX ATTACK:
MAYOR FRANKLIN SLAMS BRAKES ON CITY HALL MONEY GRAB
Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin delivered a blunt warning to City Hall, declaring he will vote against a proposed Business License Tax increase that he called rushed, excessive and short on details. “I’ll state it upfront: I am a no vote on this proposal,” Franklin said. The mayor noted that residents have already approved two tax increases in just 24 months. In late 2023, taxpayers backed higher storm-drain maintenance fees, generating approximately $2.2 million annually. In November 2024, voters approved Measure MMB, a half-cent sales-tax increase projected to raise $5 million but now delivering roughly $6.6 million yearly. Combined, Franklin said, the measures have added approximately $8.8 million annually to the general fund. Both campaigns followed nearly two years of planning, included clear explanations of taxpayer benefits and faced little organized opposition. Even then, the storm-drain measure passed with only 52% support, while Measure MMB received 57%. Franklin warned the new proposal faces shakier ground. A True North survey of 459 likely voters included only 24 business owners. Their responses lowered projected support from 59% to 56% – within the poll’s 4.5-point margin of error. “That makes this next vote to increase taxes a virtual draw,” he said. Under the city’s “Model 4” proposal, Franklin said more than $550,000 annually would be taken from over 5,000 businesses without delivering meaningful new services. Franklin supports making the current tax structure fairer for small businesses – but only if the change produces no net tax increase. His prepared message, which was met with audience applause, noted that this increase may face opposition as taxpayers and business owners are asking, “When is enough, enough?”
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Hageman Hits The Brakes – Out Of MB Council Race:
Tim Hageman has officially stepped away from the 2026 Manhattan Beach City Council race, announcing that he will not submit nomination papers. “After a lot of thought and consideration, I decided not to turn in nomination papers to run for Manhattan Beach City Council this year,” Hageman said. Although he will not appear on the ballot, Hageman made clear that he has no intention of disappearing from local civic life. He pledged to remain involved and continue speaking out on the important issues confronting the community. Hageman identified public safety, strong leadership for the city’s police and fire departments, responsible spending, effective management throughout City Hall and multi-family housing as continuing priorities. He also thanked the residents who encouraged him to enter the contest and offered their thoughts about the city’s future. And don’t count him out forever. “I never say never,” Hageman said, leaving open the possibility of a City Council campaign in 2028.
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MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Killer Verdict – 68% Of MB Weekly Readers Back Death Penalty
As the Trump administration and several states move to expand use of the death penalty, a strong majority of MB Weekly readers say convicted murderers should face execution. A new MB Weekly Reader Poll found that 68% of respondents favor the death penalty for people convicted of murder – roughly two out of every three readers surveyed. The finding arrives as capital punishment returns to the center of America’s political and legal debate. Supporters argue that execution delivers justice for victims, protects society, and provides the ultimate punishment for the most horrific crimes. Opponents contend the system risks wrongful convictions, reflects racial and economic disparities, and fails to deter murder. But among MB Weekly readers, the verdict is decisive: A clear majority believes the death penalty remains an appropriate punishment for murder.
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THE STATE OF MANHATTAN BEACH’S FINANCES – PART TWO:
(An Exclusive Six-Part Series by Paul Wafer)
Where Has The Money Gone?
Figure 2. Data and estimates summarized from the State of Manhattan Beach Finances report.
Last week I introduced this series by explaining the difference between financial strength and financial flexibility. This week, let us look at what has changed over the past fifteen years.
Manhattan Beach has benefited from a strong local economy. Revenues have increased significantly since 2011 through higher property values, sales taxes, fees and other sources. That is good news. The challenge is that spending and the cost of government have also grown rapidly.
Since FY 2011-12, the City’s full-time workforce has grown from approximately 266 employees to about 357, an increase of 34 percent. During that same period, the City’s population has remained essentially unchanged and may be slightly lower. Salaries and benefits have increased from approximately $35.8 million to more than $73 million annually, an increase of about 105 percent.
Growth in government is not automatically a problem. Some increases were justified by expanded responsibilities, new regulations, technology investments and higher public expectations. The real question is whether the growth in spending has produced a comparable increase in services and efficiency.
That question is difficult to answer because the City does not consistently measure productivity. Most departments report how many permits they issued, inspections they completed, calls they answered or programs they offered. Those are useful workload measures, but they do not tell residents whether services are being delivered more efficiently than they were ten years ago.
Every organization, public or private, should periodically ask whether it is receiving the greatest value from every employee and every dollar. As government grows, that question becomes more important.
The issue facing Manhattan Beach is not simply whether the City can afford today’s budget. It is whether spending is growing at a pace that can be sustained without relying on future tax increases, fee increases, delayed reserve contributions or reductions in accumulated fund balances.
Growth should follow measurable needs and results, not simply the passage of time. Residents should be able to see what additional staffing and spending have produced. That is the discussion the City should welcome.
NEXT WEEK: THE RESERVE STORY – STRENGTH OR WARNING SIGN?
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Shelby Russell
(Manhattan Beach Food & Wine)
Q: THE MB FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL HAS GROWN INTO ONE OF THE SOUTH BAY’S SIGNATURE CULINARY EVENTS. WHEN YOU FIRST ENVISIONED IT, WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME, AND WHAT MOMENT MADE YOU REALIZE THE FESTIVAL HAD TRULY ARRIVED?
A: In the early days, there wasn’t just one obstacle, it was a collection of them. We were introducing a brand new festival to a community that didn’t yet know what to expect, and that meant earning trust from day one. We had to attract sponsors, convince top chefs that Manhattan Beach was worth adding to their already packed calendars, secure exceptional wine and spirit partners, and find a venue that could support an elevated culinary experience, which is no small feat in Manhattan Beach. Above all, we had to demonstrate that our intentions were genuine and that we wanted to contribute something positive, lasting, and community focused. There was a moment I realized the festival had the potential to become something truly special and it happened as we began reaching out to chefs. The caliber of talented chefs confirming their participation was beyond anything I had imagined for a first year festival. Partnering with Chef Neal Fraser and receiving early support from Manhattan Beach icons David LeFevre and Sherry Yard, already felt like a dream. But then the lineup kept growing with names like Nyesha Arrington, Chris Cosentino, Dominique Crenn, Elizabeth Falkner, Susan Feniger, Ray Garcia, Suzanne Goin, Alex Seidel, and Jet Tila. At one point I remember looking at the list and thinking: This rivals any major food and wine festival in the country. The fact that all these extraordinary chefs were choosing to come to our community, that was the moment I knew we were building something meaningful.
Q: YOU’VE BROUGHT TOGETHER SOME OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S MOST CELEBRATED CHEFS, WINERIES, AND CULINARY INNOVATORS. WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE FOOD AND HOSPITALITY WORLD THAT EXCITE YOU MOST…?
A: What excites me most is seeing Manhattan Beach, and the South Bay continue to evolve into a true culinary destination. More and more chefs are recognizing the talent, creativity, and community here, and they are exploring it in ways that elevate the entire region. Restaurants like Vin Folk and Coucou are great examples of how the South Bay keeps raising the bar, and there are many others contributing to that momentum. I am also energized by the number of exceptional beverage brands that are locally owned in the South Bay. Many people do not realize how strong that community is, and part of our mission is to help amplify their profiles. Partners such as Patine Cellars, El Negocio Tequila, Neft Vodka, BeckersChild Wines, Caffe Luxxe, Five Point Five Brewing, and Fair La Fête add tremendous depth to the festival experience, and we are proud to showcase them. As for overrated trends, I am not sure it is a trend as much as a reality of the industry. No matter how much buzz a restaurant or beverage brand generates, long‑term success always comes down to the quality of the product. You see that clearly in the consistency of David LeFevre’s restaurants. Hype can get people in the door once, but excellence is what keeps them coming back. That philosophy guides how we approach Manhattan Beach Food & Wine. …
Q: IF YOU COULD FAST-FORWARD TEN YEARS, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO SAY THE FESTIVAL CONTRIBUTED TO THE COMMUNITY? …
A: I love this community, and many of the people who attend the festival are friends, neighbors, and families we know through our kids’ schools, hockey, and dance. That makes this far more meaningful to me than producing “just another event.” Ten years from now, I would love for people to say that Manhattan Beach Food & Wine became something the community is genuinely proud to call its own. My hope is that it stands alongside the great culinary festivals in Aspen, Pebble Beach, and South Beach, while still feeling distinctly Manhattan Beach, which means a signature annual tradition where people can count on an incredible night out with friends and familiar faces. Beyond great food and wine, our goal is to be a positive and reliable community partner. … One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been our partnership with the Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP). They provide high school students with education, mentorship, and scholarships that help them pursue careers in the culinary world. Over the past two years, 100 of their students have had the opportunity to work directly with our headliner chefs during festival weekend, and through the support of our partners and attendees, we have been able to contribute $25,000 to their programs. This year, we have also launched our Community Partnership Program, which allows local organizations, whether nonprofits, schools, sports teams, or groups raising funds for a cause to receive a portion of ticket sales directly for their initiatives. It is a simple model, but it creates real impact. Ultimately, the legacy I hope we create is one of connection, opportunity, and pride. If ten years from now people feel that the festival brought joy to the community, supported local talent, and opened doors for the next generation, then we will have accomplished something meaningful.
Q: WHY DID YOU MOVE LOCATIONS THIS YEAR TO THE WESTDRIFT HOTEL?
A: We were very proud of our first two years at Manhattan Village. They were incredible partners and transforming an empty space into a high‑end festival venue was a rewarding collaboration. That location helped us establish the foundation of what Manhattan Beach Food & Wine could be. As we entered our third year, our goal was to continue elevating the overall experience. Moving to the westdrift allowed us to take a significant step forward. The property offers a resort‑style environment that can turn the festival into a full weekend staycation or destination experience. … The westdrift also gives us room to grow. Beyond our two grand tastings, the venue opens the door for additional programming in future years, such as after‑parties, daytime events, and other experiences that create a true festival weekend. With so many chefs and beverage partners traveling to participate, it also provides a more comfortable and seamless experience for them. Most will be staying on property, and the hotel is offering a special room rate for guests who want to make a weekend of it. With attendees, chefs, and partners all staying together, the energy throughout the hotel will be incredible. We are genuinely excited about the move. …
www.ManhattanBeachFoodAndWine.com
Slay Italian Kitchen:
At Slay Italian, we passionately embrace the essence of ‘Rustic’ Italian cuisine through our dynamic, ever-evolving menu, featuring a delightful array of fresh and dried pasta, premium meats, stone-fired pizzas, garden-fresh vegetables, and an exquisite selection of wines.
1001 Manhattan Ave | (424) 257-8301 | www.SlayItalianKitchen.com
THE MB POLICE CHIEF HAS A SALARY HIGHER THAN THE VP OF THE USA:
ADDITIONALLY, OUR CITY MANAGER HAS A SALARY HIGHER THAN THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
** PHILLIP COOK (Wealth Management): The residents and business owners in MB have simply turned a blind eye to city employees’ salaries and benefits. Not hearing any complaints, the city simply raises wages and benefits. “Too high” is not a concept if there is no pushback. California already has a very high sales tax rate and one of the highest (if not the highest) state income tax rate. Any wonder why more and more folks are leaving the state? I hope MB Weekly gets tons and tons of unhappy residents / business owners who will let our city leaders know mid six digit salaries plus lavish employee benefits are unacceptable.
** FRED TAYLOR (50 Year Resident): These salaries are outrageous. I am well past retirement age, yet still working to help support these people who WILL RETIRE decades before my current age. This staff seems to exist to perpetuate, promote and grow itself rather than a lean machine to service our city. Time to vote out every incumbent who’s allowed this travesty to continue.
Zebrowski Group:
“A trusted advisor, a community fixture, and someone
who takes pride in helping families make meaningful moves.”
(310) 678-7158 | Brett@ZebrowskiGroup.com | www.ZebrowskiGroup.com
MB SAFE Co-Founder Debbie Van Ness – “Transparency Isn’t a Budget Strategy”:
MB SAFE Co-Founder Debbie Van Ness sharply scrutinized City Manager Talyn Mirzakhani’s latest video response to concerns over Manhattan Beach’s finances, arguing it failed to answer the questions residents are asking. “She doesn’t say a whole lot here except she disputes the claims we are in a deficit,” Van Ness said. She also questioned the City’s explanation that setting aside $6 million for the insurance reserve addresses the issue. “So? Isn’t that still spending?” she asked. Van Ness likewise pushed back on the City’s emphasis on its new transparency website, saying, “How does that address the budget shortfall just because we can see it?” She concluded that the response “doesn’t address the real claims or issues” and said residents are still waiting to hear how City Hall plans to reduce spending rather than seek new revenue.
South Bay Classical Academy:
While other schools chase trends, we’re returning to what works. South Bay Classical Academy opens Fall 2026 in Hawthorne, forming students of strong character, clear thinking, and civic virtue through time-tested methods.
RSVP for a School Launch Event
Enrollment for Grades K-5 opens Soon
4755 W 130th St. Hawthorne, CA 90250
www.SouthBayClassical.org
Shattered – But Shining – Manhattan Beach Author Turns Trauma Into Hope:
Manhattan Beach native Deena Urrutia is transforming a painful childhood into a powerful message of healing with her memoir, Stained Glass Window: From Shattered Pieces to Light. Urrutia grew up in a home scarred by childhood abuse and domestic violence, witnessing experiences no child should endure. The trauma followed her into adulthood, where she spent years seeking answers and received several mental-health misdiagnoses before being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Rather than defining her, the diagnosis helped Urrutia better understand herself and begin healing. After carrying her story in silence for years, she decided that sharing it might help other survivors feel less alone. Writing the memoir required revisiting painful memories, but it also revealed how far she had traveled. Now connecting with readers who share their own experiences, Urrutia is writing a second memoir, After the Glass Broke: Rebuilding a Life from the Pieces, focused on resilience, recovery, and hope.
Bliss Nail Lounge:
A luxury nail salon located in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach.
1830 N Sepulveda Blvd | (424) 278-9993 | BlissNailSepulveda.com
Shocker, Red Tide Rising – Socialism Surges Among South Bay’s Young:
An MB Weekly reader poll has delivered a jolt: nearly two-thirds of South Bay respondents under 30 say they hold a favorable view of socialism. The finding reveals a striking generational divide in a region long associated with entrepreneurship, high property values, and private-sector success. Supporters may see socialism as a path toward affordability, healthcare access, and economic fairness. Critics will view the result as evidence that younger Americans have grown detached from socialism’s historical failures and capitalism’s benefits. Whatever the interpretation, the poll suggests the ideological ground beneath the South Bay is shifting – perhaps faster than many residents realize.
Bella Builders:
www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMUNITY:
www.BellaBeachKids.com
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1. ** After Council first learned of a projected budget deficit for FY 27, Staff informed the City Council that there would be a deficit next year if the City didn’t generate more revenue via tax and fee increases. Well, rather than reducing spending, City staff is recommending a business license tax to generate up to $816,000! Staff presents several options to Council, with two other options generating $713,625 and $636,252. Of course, reducing City spending IS NOT AN OPTION! What a business-friendly City we live in? —- Mark Burton (Former MB Mayor)
2. ** Dear Manhattan Beach City Manager, I watched your video carefully. Are you denying that you currently make more money in salary than the governor of the state of California? —- Loretta S., Manhattan Beach
3. ** Dr. Anthony Fauci deserves scrutiny and condemnation, but the greatest responsibility for the COVID-19 pandemic rests with the Chinese government. It controlled the Wuhan research, allowed it to proceed under unsafe conditions, and has never fully disclosed the information the world needs. —- Dr. Harriet W., Redondo Beach
4. ** The City Manager’s recent “all is good” video strikes me as too little, too late jive-talk sermon. I expect this excessively paid public servant to defend the go-along-to-get-along logic. Keep spending. Raise taxes. Increase salaries. What else is new? “The simple step of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie.” – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. —- S.H., Manhattan Beach
5. ** First and last visit. Burger Lounge in Manhattan Beach is a poor excuse for a fast-food burger joint. The food arrived painfully slow, while two sloppy, overwhelmed employees struggled to keep up. The place had all the warmth of a gas station – an overpriced, disorganized disaster. My husband and I won’t be returning. —- Angela S., Manhattan Beach
6. ** Almost no one seems to realize that the person responsible for leading bioethics at the NIH during much of Anthony Fauci’s tenure was his wife, Christine Grady. If that doesn’t raise questions about conflicts of interest and government oversight, what does? —- Thomas M., El Segundo
7. ** It’s official – I was sworn in as President of the L.A. County Commission for Older Adults. —- Wayne Powell, Manhattan Beach
8. ** If you’ve already been pardoned for everything you’re being questioned about, why invoke the Fifth? The most obvious explanation is avoiding public accountability. Legal protection may shield someone from prosecution, but it doesn’t erase public scrutiny – or the possibility that admitting the truth could damage a carefully protected reputation. —- Sal M., Hermosa Beach
9. ** One of the unspoken benefits of working from home is never having to use a public bathroom. —- Kelsey Tambo, Redondo Beach
10. ** I’m a REALTOR & have a couple of clients looking. Please contact me to discuss potential tenants. (424) 325-8698 —- Lilly T.
11. ** A man freed from a life sentence under George Gascón’s policies has now received 76 years for murdering a homeless man in Pacoima. This was not compassion; it was reckless ideology with a body count. To every fool who supported Gascón: Are you finally ready to apologize to the victims? —- Vincent L.
12. ** As a doctor, I can tell you without hesitation that getting physicians to stop performing irreversible sex-change procedures on children for profit is proving as difficult as persuading trial lawyers to embrace tort reform. In both cases, powerful financial incentives are disguised as principle, while ordinary families bear the consequences. —- Dr. Andrea C., El Segundo
13. ** My comment re: PROJECT MB-25: It sounds great. Thanks for taking the initiative. I’m looking forward to it. —- Cheers, Rick McQuillin, Manhattan Beach
14. ** I like David Lesser. Honestly, he’s hard to dislike, but ultimately he failed to be able to rein in the outrageous spending of our city. Too bad! —- H.S., Manhattan Beach
15. ** Let me see if I understand: Los Angeles County can’t clean its streets, replace highway signs, or reliably deliver basic services – but fear not. Our heroic supervisors are tackling the real emergency: government-sponsored “third spaces” for queer adults. Potholes can wait; apparently, curated socializing is now essential infrastructure. Bravo, comrades. —- Darla H., Hermosa Beach
16. ** 1 bedroom, back house for rent, So. Redondo, nice backyard, approx. 800 sq ft. $2,200 mo. Includes utilities, street parking, 2 mo lease. Available now; respond to e.jones3@me.com or 310-466-6533
17. ** I know Michael Jenkins from Rotary. Nice enough guy but far, far left! —- J.A., Manhattan Beach
18. ** Thx, Paul, for keeping us all in the loop and shining a light on the City finances. —- Vida Holguin, Manhattan Beach
19. ** Thank you, Paul, for your video and input on MB Budget. There is a definite problem when expenditures exceed revenue, while at the same time staff increases are at an unprecedented level. MB future reserves should only be used for emergencies, not day-to-day expenses. Time for MB City Mgr, mayor, and city council to agree to tighten up expenses where it makes sense. —- Andrea, Manhattan Beach
20. ** PART-TIME HELPER WANTED! – Trash Bros, South Bay’s local bin-cleaning company, needs one more crew member. Work about six flexible hours weekly, hand-scrubbing residential trash, recycling, and green bins. Local routes, paid per job, no experience required. Perfect for students or extra-income seekers. Text 310-871-5636 with your schedule. Start earning today!
21. ** Let’s be honest, progressive politics is often less about results than reservations – brunch reservations. While ordinary people absorb the consequences of reckless policies in women’s spaces and homeless shelters, affluent activists sip mimosas and applaud their own compassion. The suffering is somebody else’s problem; the virtue signaling belongs entirely to them, of course. —- Darcy O’Tolle, El Segundo
22. ** If you find difficult things easy, you are either very smart or very dumb. —- Thomas T.
23. ** What I love about MB Weekly is that it is the only place where the elites and underdogs meet. —- Roxanne, Manhattan Beach
24. ** I just finished watching Madonna: Truth or Dare and highly recommend it. Inspired by the irresistible Confessions II, I plunged into Madge history – or herstory. Filmed during her 1990 Blond Ambition tour, this riveting documentary delivers cameos, scandals, diva moments and, best of all, the loving family she creates backstage. —- Andrew L., Hermosa Beach
25. ** Hermosa Beach’s acclaimed neo-French bistro Vin Folk is making a bold culinary leap. Beginning August 12, chef-owners Katya Shastova and Kevin De Los Santos will introduce a $175, 10-course tasting menu. After capturing Southern California’s attention – and major awards – in 2025, Vin Folk is raising the stakes again. —- Editor’s Note
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