MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Manhattan Beach Mayor David Lesser
Q: YOUR PUBLIC SERVICE CAREER HAS SPANNED YEARS ON THE CITY COUNCIL – WHAT PERSONAL MOMENT OR EXPERIENCE FIRST INSPIRED YOU TO ENTER LOCAL POLITICS?
A: My interest in joining our City Council followed years of community involvement rather than a single “aha” moment. Friendships with neighbors, fellow parents, and local retailers grew the longer my wife and I lived here. To this day we still get together with “Park Group” parents we met when our kids were toddlers playing at Live Oak Park and fellow dog parents we met many years ago. Several community leaders encouraged me to run after I completed the Leadership Manhattan Beach program and served on city commissions.
Q: GROWING UP, WHO OR WHAT HAD THE MOST SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE ON YOUR SENSE OF LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE?
A: My first job out of college was working for the late U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield of Oregon in a very different era. He was the real deal: a leader who built bridges across party lines and approached issues as a problem-solver. His experience as a soldier in World War II shaped his perspective. He fought in the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and was one of the first troops to arrive in Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped. I was just a junior staffer, but it was impactful to be with Senator Hatfield as he engaged with people, championed issues, and built consensus.
“My family and friends keep me balanced.” —- Mayor David Lesser
Q: OUTSIDE OF CITY HALL, WHAT HOBBIES, PASSIONS, OR ROUTINES KEEP YOU BALANCED AND ENERGIZED?
A: My family and friends keep me balanced. Routines include daily walks with our family dog, exercise, and preparing meals at home (my wife loves to cook). Personal hobbies include hiking, fly fishing, cycling, playing guitar (earplugs are advisable), attending concerts and art events, reading, and traveling. Public service is a passion. Beyond my City Council role, I volunteer as a regional Scout leader. Scouting provides opportunities for young adults (girls as well as boys) to experience the outdoors, learn about civics, and pursue leadership opportunities. I also serve as a Los Angeles County Library Commissioner. Before my election to Council, community activities included coaching youth soccer and baseball, representing pro bono clients in legal matters through Public Counsel, and volunteering as a judge pro tem.
Q: WHAT IS ONE THING ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND THAT RESIDENTS MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN?
A: My maternal great-grandfather was a governor and my grandfather was a state senator – in Utah.
Q: IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE BEFORE STEPPING INTO PUBLIC LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A: When you succeed at something, share the spotlight. My career began as a litigation attorney where winning was the goal and the inclination was to claim sole credit for a successful outcome. Over time, most of us learn to recognize the importance of others. Acknowledging your team is appreciated and engenders support for the next challenge.
https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/government/city-council
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
The 27th-seeded team of Natalie Myszkowski, left, and Kelly Belardi, both Manhattan Beach natives, knocked off the sixth- and 11th-seeded teams in their first appearance in the main draw of the AVP Tour’s Manhattan Beach Open last Friday. The duo had to win three qualifying matches on Thursday to get into the 32-team main draw.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Shelby Russell
(Manhattan Beach Food & Wine)
“Manhattan Beach Food & Wine 2024”
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH THE MB FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL, AND HOW DID YOU ENVISION IT UNIQUELY REFLECTING THE SPIRIT OF MANHATTAN BEACH?
A: I was inspired by iconic national festivals like Pebble Beach Food & Wine, the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, and South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Manhattan Beach has an incredible culinary scene, so I saw an opportunity to create a world-class event in this amazing place to live and visit.
Q: IN JUST ITS SECOND YEAR, THE FESTIVAL HAS ALREADY BUILT STRONG MOMENTUM – WHAT LESSONS FROM YEAR ONE ARE HELPING YOU ELEVATE THIS YEAR’S EXPERIENCE?
A: Year one was all about proving ourselves. As a brand-new event, we focused on delivering an exceptional experience for everyone including attendees, chefs, beverage partners, and sponsors. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and that gave us the confidence to refine and elevate every aspect this year. We’ve streamlined behind-the-scenes operations to make things seamless for chefs and partners. We also introduced The Reserve Estate Lounge, a premium experience with reserved high-top tables for groups of 4 or 8.
Q: WITH SO MANY FOOD AND WINE FESTIVALS AROUND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE SETS MB’S APART FROM THE REST?
- It’s Manhattan Beach.
- Our chef lineup is unmatched. From James Beard winners to Michelin-level talent, we’re bringing in culinary stars from across the country. Fourteen of our chefs have competed on Top Chef.
- It’s a party. Most food & wine festivals are daytime affairs and can feel a bit stuffy. Ours is in the evening, with music, energy, and a vibe that’s all about celebration.
- It’s accessible. Compared to other premium festivals in California, our ticket prices are far more reasonable, without compromising on quality. Each ticket includes unlimited food and drinks.
- Incredible Brand Partnerships: For the long-term success of the festival, we’re focused on aligning the right brands with the audience. In just two years, we’ve built relationships with partners like Delta, INFINITI of South Bay, San Pellegrino, Chef Works, Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove, Lyft, T-Mobile, and iHeart Radio. We also have great venue and hotel partners in Manhattan Village and Westdrift Manhattan Beach.
Q: HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT CURATING THE PERFECT MIX OF CHEFS, WINEMAKERS, AND LOCAL VENDORS TO ENSURE THE FESTIVAL DELIVERS BOTH QUALITY AND DISCOVERY?
A: This is where food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and friends come together to celebrate the best of the best. Legendary LA chef Neal Fraser serves as our culinary curator, leveraging his deep relationships to bring in a mix of acclaimed chefs and rising stars from across the country. He is friends with many of the best chefs in the country and extends personal invitations to be a part of this. Many of the chefs are longtime friends who rarely get to see each other due to their busy schedules, so this festival becomes a reunion. Iconic South Bay chef David LeFevre has been a tremendous supporter and a meaningful part of the festival since day one. When we first began planning, we knew we couldn’t create a legitimate food festival in Manhattan Beach without David, and we’re grateful for his continued involvement. We’re also fortunate to have Sherry Yard, widely regarded as the best pastry chef in America who’s lived in Manhattan Beach for over 20 years and is deeply embedded in the community and the festival. We’re intentional about showcasing local talent while introducing guests to new flavors and experiences. Whether it’s a dish you’ve never tried or a wine you’ve never heard of, the festival is designed to spark discovery and help people find what they love.
Q: WHAT ROLE DO YOU SEE THE MB FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL PLAYING IN THE LONG-TERM CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC VITALITY OF THE MANHATTAN BEACH COMMUNITY?
A: Never before have this many nationally celebrated chefs cooked side by side in our backyard. We want to elevate Manhattan Beach and the South Bay as a nationally recognized culinary destination, while staying deeply rooted in the community. Ultimately, the festival boosts tourism, showcases local talent, and activates meaningful partnerships that benefit small businesses and creators. Over time, I see it becoming a cultural cornerstone, one that reflects the city’s creativity, attracts national attention, and generates year-round economic impact.
www.ManhattanBeachFoodAndWine.com
MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE LENS VIDEO:
An exclusive MB Weekly video of Manhattan Postal Center.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcqpG1aI09E
Fête Bistro by Slay:
Join Us For Brunch
Every Saturday & Sunday
www.FeteBySlay.com
MB WEEKLY – HISTORY:
In February 1971, just months before departing for Paris, Jim Morrison of The Doors enjoyed a carefree game of touch football at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach. Captured by photographer Kathy Lisciandro, the image reveals a rare, relaxed side of the rock icon, far removed from his intense stage persona. Morrison is joined by friends Rich Linnell and Frank Lisciandro, with Shauna the dog and two unidentified players adding to the playful scene. This candid moment endures as a reminder of Morrison’s humanity and fleeting joy before his final chapter.
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Name Withheld by Request
It is fascinating – if not infuriating – to watch the ludicrous lengths to which city officials will contort themselves to avoid taking the tough, necessary actions to confront the coyote crisis engulfing the South Bay. Coyotes are not an abstract “issue” to be studied like an ancient relic in a museum. They are here, now – prowling neighborhoods, snatching pets, and terrorizing families. Yet what is the grand response from our civic leaders? A meeting to discuss a study. Then, predictably, another meeting to “discuss” the last meeting. Bureaucratic ballet at its most laughable and least effective. Meanwhile, the coyotes are not waiting politely in the wings – they are multiplying, emboldened by inaction, while residents are left clutching garden hoses as their only line of defense. City officials seem far more committed to the illusion of progress than to the messy business of real solutions. Meetings don’t stop predators. Strong, decisive leadership does.
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A dirty bathroom door at O-Sho in Manhattan Beach.
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Less Than 1% of Readers Intend to Splurge on Luxury Watches in the Next Half-Decade
A recent poll conducted by MB Weekly unveiled a stark trend among its readership: an overwhelming disinterest in luxury timepieces. Despite the allure and prestige of high-end watches, less than 1% of respondents expressed intentions to invest in one over the next five years. The reasons behind this shift are manifold, with economic uncertainty, evolving consumer preferences, and shifting priorities cited as primary factors. In an era marked by digital innovation and changing lifestyles, traditional symbols of status may be losing their appeal. This revelation poses significant challenges for luxury watchmakers, prompting them to rethink their marketing strategies and adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
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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
Urban Plates Wraps Up Fundraiser For Live Like Braun Foundation:
From August 9 through August 15, Urban Plates (urbanplates.com) Manhattan Beach hosted a special fundraiser to honor the legacy of Braun Levi and support the Live Like Braun Foundation. The Live Like Braun Foundation was created in memory of Braun Levi, an accomplished tennis player at Loyola High School who had committed to play for the University of Virginia before his tragic passing at 18, caused by a drunk driver in Manhattan Beach. The foundation inspires youth through leadership and kindness, including an endowed scholarship at Loyola. More information: livelikebraunfoundation.org
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
Fred Taylor (Community Activist)
BEYOND BELIEF…THE CALI LEGISLATURE DOES IT AGAIN… Imagine you go to pick up your precious child after school and they don’t show up. You ask school authorities and they refuse to comment. You demand information finding out the records are sealed. This nightmare scenario will be law if AB 495 is passed shortly by the CA senate. It has already passed the Assembly in our one Party legislature. Rep Celeste Rodriguez’s bill allows any adult to check a box on a form, go to the school and take custody of your child including medical decisions like gender transition. The bill is intended to help children whose parents are detained by ICE, but in fact, it’s a dream come true for kidnappers, sexual predators and human traffickers. The so-called applicant can change the child’s enrollment, live with them and make medical decisions…all without any verification of relationship, vetting or background checks. As you read this, thousands would have gathered in Sacramento on Tuesday the 19th. This is chilling: Compiled by docs from PERK, Real Impact and child advocate, Erin Friday. If you’re troubled, call Governor Newsom’s office at 916-445-2841 and advocate for a veto.
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Historic Strand Sale – Manhattan Beach Homes Fetch Record $25.7 Million:
People enter real estate for many reasons, but most Realtors agree that the South Bay market offers unmatched surprises. Last month, veteran broker Ed Kaminsky closed a deal unlike any in his 38-year career: the sale of two side-by-side homes on Manhattan Beach’s coveted Strand. One, a striking concrete modernist residence with a “nod toward Brutalist,” built in 2006; the other, a charming wood-shingled cottage dating back to 1922, the oldest Strand home still standing. Sold together to a single buyer, the properties at 1808 and 1812 The Strand fetched $25.725 million. The transaction eclipsed last year’s $24.5 million Strand sale and stands as the largest closed sale in Manhattan Beach history. “It’s not the most expensive property in town, but it is the largest closed sale,” Kaminsky said.
www.MBWeekly.net
FUN DOG PHOTOS:
Readers delight. MB Weekly is looking for your FUN dog photos. Send to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Steakhouse Meets Sunday Sunshine – The Arthur J Launches Brunch By Demand:
By overwhelming guest demand, The Arthur J has officially brought back Sunday brunch – this time as a permanent fixture. Inspired by years of holiday brunch requests, the beloved Manhattan Beach steakhouse is now serving a whole brunch experience every Sunday. The menu highlights the restaurant’s signature wood-fired style with indulgent favorites like savory Benedicts and smoked salmon brioche French toast. Guests can also expect wood-fired classics that honor The Arthur J’s reputation for flavor. Of course, no brunch at The Arthur J would be complete without its famed steakhouse offerings. From the tender 8-oz Filet Mignon to the dramatic 40-oz Tomahawk, the full hand-cut steak lineup remains available to complement brunch selections. With this new tradition, The Arthur J brings together the best of both worlds: neighborhood brunch with elevated flair and the hearty excellence of a classic steakhouse.
1. ** Great story on Amanda Gale. Inspiring. —- Toby B.
2. ** To be honest, I am sick of Carrie Bradshaw. Enough already. —- Mia M., Hermosa Beach
3. ** MBUSD will use Apptegy Alerts as their new primary notification system for the District and all schools. Apptegy Alerts will allow MBUSD to connect with families through multiple channels, including SMS text messages, voice calls, and emails for both regular and emergency communications, according to MBUSD. The contact information for this system is pulled directly from the student information system, Aeries. MBUSD notes to please ensure contact information in Aeries is up to date. —- Editor’s Note
4. ** Used the garden hose last night to chase off coyotes. Worked like a charm – but the fact I’m doing this in my yard is INSANE. Where’s the city action? Enough with the endless talk. We need solutions, not homeowners on night patrol with lawn equipment. —- A.C., Hermosa Beach
5. ** Police warn of Eastern European theft ring operating in Torrance – https://www.dailybreeze.com/2025/08/13/police-warn-of-eastern-european-theft-ring-operating-in-torrance/ —- Riley K., Hermosa Beach
6. ** Everyone in Manhattan Beach should be very grateful to our Neighborhood Watch organization! Their vigilance, dedication, and community spirit make our neighborhoods safer and stronger. Thanks to their hard work, we can all rest a little easier knowing they’re keeping an eye out for our families, homes, and streets. —- G.H., Manhattan Beach
7. ** Strongly agree with Lee Phillips’ recent commentary on homelessness. Clear and very well stated. Her perspective cuts through the noise and highlights the issue with clarity. —- Tim H.
8. ** When a Democrat goes to sleep at night, they whisper a single mantra into the darkness: “Orange Man Bad!” Over and over again. Ten times, like a ritual. Politics reduced to a lullaby, ideology simplified into a chant. It’s both revealing – and a little sad. —- D.L., Hermosa Beach
9. ** I love Uncle Bill’s pancakes! —- Dave B., Manhattan Beach
10. ** Rockefeller Manhattan Beach just leveled up – now serving full liquor. Discover our new lineup of craft cocktails, hand-shaken and designed to impress. Whether you’re celebrating, unwinding, or just craving something bold, the bar is officially open. Cheers to the next chapter in Rockefeller style! —- Rockefeller, Manhattan Beach
11. ** A new program to replenish sand at five LA beaches – including Zuma, Will Rogers, Dockweiler, Manhattan, and Redondo – has cleared the Board of Supervisors. Next stop: the California Coastal Commission. Officials hope for approval by year’s end to protect and preserve these vital shorelines. —- Editor’s Note
12. ** The Jimmy Miller Foundation honored David & RL Peters with its 2025 Legacy Award, a wave-shaped resin sculpture by Hermosa Beach artist Chip Herwegh. The foundation, founded in 2005, provides ocean therapy to Wounded Warriors and trauma victims. Peters’ connection dates back to coaching Jimmy Miller in AYSO soccer. —- Editor’s Note
13. ** I love Joey’s in Manhattan Village! —- Greta G.
14. ** Interesting interview with Stella Shirman of Estell Boutique – her passion and creativity really shine through. I’m going to check out her store soon. Supporting unique local shops like hers is always inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what treasures she has curated. —- Mia A.
15. ** MB Weekly is for billionaires with a soul – Sign up for FREE —- www.MBWeekly.net
16. ** Masked suspects allegedly restrained a Redondo Beach resident with zip-ties during a burglary last Sunday morning on Matthews Avenue. Police from Redondo, Manhattan, and Hermosa Beach responded, supported by a CHP airship. Reports suggest the victim was tied up for over two hours before being treated at the scene. —- Editor’s Note
17. ** I wonder if the people paying $300 for a colon cleanse even know about Taco Bell’s $4.99 deal.
18. ** Looking for a way to stay involved at Mira Costa? Please consider signing up to be a volunteer! There are lots of opportunities before, during, and after school throughout the year. Have some fun on campus, meet other parents, and support the Mira Costa Community. Thank you for your support! Please reach out to VP of Volunteers Patrice Radden with any questions.
19. ** Local Kitchen is opening a brand-new location at Sepulveda and 3rd, taking over the former spot of Sion’s. —- Tawny K.
20. ** The Mira Costa Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) Board leaders, including PTSA Co-Presidents and Mira Costa parent leaders, Pennie Stepczyk and Angie Smith, welcome you to a new school year at Mira Costa High School. We encourage everyone to engage and be a part of the Costa Community because we are, truly, stronger together.
21. ** Logic dictates that everybody could not have been Kung-fu fighting. —- Howell T., Redondo Beach
22. ** Sora Sushi, 1121 Aviation Blvd, Hermosa. Open daily 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sun–Thurs, until 10 p.m. Fri–Sat – free parking, wheelchair accessible, moderate volume. Beer, wine, and sake are available. Call (310) 374-6019 or visit SoraSushiCa.com for fresh, delicious sushi in the South Bay.
23. ** Just chased a coyote out of our yard in Manhattan Beach – 10 feet from my 4-year-old daughter! He was unfazed until I kept yelling and barking at him like a lunatic. This is NOT normal. We can’t keep treating our neighborhoods like some coyote safari. We need real solutions – now. —- Name Withheld by Request
24. ** NATIONAL STUDENT ART CONTEST – SUBMISSIONS WANTED – Submissions will be accepted in mid-October for the National PTSA Art Competition, Reflections. This year’s theme is “I Belong!” Students may submit entries in Dance/Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. Submissions will be due on October 15. More details on how to submit will follow soon. Entry rules can be found here. We look forward to seeing amazing work from our very talented Costa students! Any questions, please contact costareflections@gmail.com.
25. ** We just witnessed an e-bike crash at Pier & Lona, Hermosa. Three kids – one, just 13, doing wheelies – slammed into the median and divider. His wrist was broken. Someone called paramedics. ALL their bikes are illegal. This madness has to stop. —- Mary L., Hermosa
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