MB WEEKLY’S MEET & GREET:
CITY HALL HOPEFULS, MEET YOUR VOTERS!
MB Weekly cordially invites Manhattan Beach’s readers to meet the City Council candidates face-to-face on Sunday, October 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. The community meet-and-greet will take place at Lido di Manhattan Ristorante, 1550 Rosecrans Ave. It’s a chance to ask questions, hear from the people seeking a seat on the council, and talk with neighbors about the issues shaping Manhattan Beach. No speeches or formal program are planned. Come as you are, bring a question or two, and spend some time getting to know the candidates before casting your ballot. Complimentary appetizers will be served, and a no-host bar will be available. Dress is casual, and ample free parking is available. Whether your top concern is public safety, city spending, parking, or the future of the community, this is an opportunity to put a face to the name on the ballot.
RSVP: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Sold Out And Served Up – Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Packs Westdrift:
Manhattan Beach Food & Wine served up a full house in its third year, drawing sold-out crowds to its new home at the westdrift. The two-night festival welcomed 1,500 guests each evening, for a total of 3,000. Friday and Saturday’s Grand Tasting Celebrations featured 23 chefs and restaurants, plus wineries, spirits, craft beer, nonalcoholic drinks and live entertainment. Chefs traveled from as far as Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans. Local talent included David LeFevre of The Arthur J, Fishing With Dynamite and MB Post; Sherri Yard of Bakery By the Yard; Chris Feldmeier of Love & Salt; and Chris Park of The Strand House.
MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE VIDEO:
2026 Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Event
Watch The MB Weekly 2026 MB Food & Wine Event Video:
https://youtu.be/jKX-_6HJ9I0
PAID POLITICAL AD
NO MORE KICKING THE CAN
DOWN THE ROAD!
Richard Montgomery for MB City Council
www.Montgomery4Council.com
Better Late Than Never – Braun’s Law – California Finally Begins Cracking Down On Repeat DUI Drivers:
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed tougher DUI laws Friday, including one named for Braun Levi, the 18-year-old tennis standout killed while walking in Manhattan Beach last year. Braun’s family had moved to the city after losing their Pacific Palisades home in the 2025 fire. Police suspected the driver who struck him of being a repeat DUI offender. Braun’s Law, authored by Sen. Bob Archuleta, requires courts to warn drivers whose DUI charges are reduced through a plea that driving impaired again could lead to a murder charge if someone dies. “Getting behind the wheel when you are impaired is inexcusable,” Newsom said.
Amy Howorth’s Record On Growing City Hall by Paul Wafer:
One of the best measures of government growth is the number of permanent employees. Between FY 2022-23 and FY 2026-27, Manhattan Beach increased authorized staffing from 318 to 356 full-time positions – 38 additional employees, or about 12 percent in just four years. Amy Howorth supported the budgets under which that growth occurred.
The City emphasizes that 20 of the 38 additions were in Police and Fire. But only 12 were additional sworn personnel – seven police officers and five sworn fire personnel. That means 26 of the 38 new positions, more than two-thirds, were non-sworn employees.
I reviewed the City’s justification for those 26 positions. The results were mixed.
Approximately six positions had relatively strong, measurable financial or operational justification. These included civilianizing Fire prevention positions, which returned sworn personnel to suppression; a Grants and Financial Analyst managing tens of millions of dollars in grants; and positions where work was brought in-house or part-time costs were eliminated.
Another roughly eight positions had partial justification. There was a reasonable argument for adding them – permit turnaround times, capital-project management, regulatory requirements or accounting workload – but limited evidence demonstrating the number of employees actually required.
The remaining approximately twelve positions had much more limited quantitative justification. Requests frequently cited increased workload, administrative support, service expectations or supervision needs without presenting productivity measures such as cases per investigator, permits per technician, projects per engineer, transactions per Finance employee or comparisons with similarly sized cities.
That’s the part I find troubling.
A permanent employee isn’t simply an annual salary. The City assumes health-benefit costs, retirement contributions and potential long-term CalPERS pension obligations. Contract employees may cost more per hour, but when the contract ends, the City’s pension obligation ends with it.
Some staffing additions clearly made financial sense. Others may have been necessary. But before creating a permanent position, Council should have been asking: What is the measurable workload? What productivity improvement will result? Could technology, part-time employees or contracted services accomplish the same work? And what is the long-term cost?
Howorth’s support for staffing increases isn’t limited to her current term; she also supported numerous additions during her earlier Council service.
The issue is whether Council required sufficient evidence before making permanent commitments. Approximately half of the 38 additional full-time positions added in the last 4 years have limited or little documented justification. Can our city continue to function in this way? That is a question that Howorth should answer.
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Mark Burton for Council 2026:
www.MarkBurton4Council.com
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MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Kelly Oelschlager
(General Manager, Culture Brewing)
Q: CULTURAL BREWING CO. HAS BECOME A LIVELY GATHERING PLACE IN MANHATTAN BEACH. WHAT INSPIRED ITS DISTINCTIVE PERSONALITY, AND WHAT SETS IT APART FROM OTHER LOCAL BREWERIES?
A: We’re inspired by the community we serve. When we opened this location six years ago (including navigating COVID restrictions), I was struck by how fiercely loyal Manhattan Beach residents are. I focused on understanding what makes this place so special and leaned into that. Beyond the beautiful beach and quintessential coastal vibes, I quickly learned it’s all about the people, their stories, and their places. Our space is essentially a big blank canvas shaped by the community around us. That’s what gives Culture its personality and, I think, what sets us apart. We have an art program that features a different local artist every month. We highlight local do-gooders through our Community Hero campaign, creating a beer in their honor and giving back proceeds to their charity. We host meaningful events with a hyper-local focus but global appeal. A few examples that highlight what we do best are the Catalina Classic Kick-off party, our Chili Cook-off, and Bier to Bier Fun Run. For us, being a great brewery is more than just making great beer. It’s about creating a space where people feel connected to their community and to each other. We want Culture to feel like it belongs to Manhattan Beach, not just a brewery that happens to be here. Ultimately, we aim to be your favorite coastal gathering place.
Q: WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT RUNNING A BREWERY IN MANHATTAN BEACH – BOTH ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND ITS TASTE IN BEER?
A: What surprised me most about running a brewery in Manhattan Beach is how we filled a gap in what was missing downtown. There’s no shortage of incredible restaurants and places to grab a cocktail in an elevated environment. But what we offer is something different. Come as you are, bring your dog, the whole family! The best compliment I received in the early days was that this place feels like the Hometown Fair Beer Garden year-round. Moving here from a very hop-heavy beer town in San Diego, I was surprised by the local taste in beer. Up here, it’s all about our Pilners, lagers, Blonde ale, and anything light, crisp, low IBU, and crushable. And honestly, living here has shifted my own beer taste too. I’m partial to pretty much any sour we put out, and currently, Kanpai (the Japanese lager we did in collaboration with Bread Head) is in heavy rotation.
Q: IF YOU COULD CREATE ONE SIGNATURE BEER THAT PERFECTLY CAPTURES THE SPIRIT OF MANHATTAN BEACH, WHAT WOULD IT TASTE LIKE – AND WHAT WOULD YOU CALL IT?
A: Oh, I love this question! It would have to be a lager because they’re especially hard to brew, but when done well they are delightful, crisp, and totally worth the wait. I would add just enough citrus to suggest, “this isn’t your average beach town.” It’d be light-bodied, low ABV, and something you crush after a run on the Strand or enjoy with friends at sunset. I’d call it The Local. It’d be like a love letter to our loyal regulars and this incredible community. The beer would be approachable, refreshing, and just a little bit different – just like Manhattan Beach itself. Wait, I think we need this! Hold my beer while I pitch it to our brewers.
www.CultureBrewing.com
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
MB Weekly Wins Trust Vote – 77% Call It “Fair And Independent”
A strong majority of South Bay readers say MB Weekly delivers news without pushing an agenda. In the publication’s latest reader poll, 77% described MB Weekly as independent and unbiased. “I appreciate that MB Weekly doesn’t tell us what to think and gives us valuable information for us to make up our own minds. Quite refreshing, actually,” said Hugh O., who has rented in Manhattan Beach for nine years. The result reflects MB Weekly’s commitment to presenting useful community news, diverse viewpoints, and facts readers can evaluate for themselves. MB Weekly remains (the largest by far) digital publication in the South Bay.
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JOEY Manhattan Beach:
4 Reasons we’re extending patio season INDEFINITELY…
3120 N. Sepulveda Blvd | (310) 546-1163 | www.JoeyRestaurants.com
MB WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Richard Montgomery (Candidate for City Council & Former MB Mayor)
More than two weeks ago, I respectfully wrote to our city manager to ask what Manhattan Beach has done to inform residents about its preparations for a potentially severe El Niño. I have received no email, letter, or phone call in response. On September 10, the Los Angeles Times warned that a strengthening El Niño could bring the highest sea levels ever recorded along the California coast, increasing the risk of damaging floods. The city had posted on September 2 that sandbags were available to residents. That was useful, but a website notice alone is hardly a public preparedness plan. Residents deserve timely, direct information: Which neighborhoods face the greatest risk? What steps is the city taking to protect streets, homes, and businesses? Where should people turn if flooding occurs? The city should give residents ample advance notice and clear answers. When the stakes include property and public safety, silence is unacceptable.
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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 WEEKLY – COMMENTARY:
by Fred Taylor (MB 50-year Resident)
When I read Michael Jenkins’ hit piece on Mark Burton last week, I had to dig deep into my anger management lessons. This fight is personal for me since I was called a “racist” by the distinguished radical leftist Mr. Jenkins several times at MBUSD school board meetings. This “shut-up racist!” is of course a favorite technique of the radical left. Disagree with anything they say and it’s “shut up, racist!” You see, I was advocating for common sense American values, and he subscribed to the Animal Farm view of life: “All the students are equal, but some are more equal than others.” His three specious arguments are right out of the progressive handbook: Partial truths and mischaracterizations. First, like any resident, we can have our opinions of our leaders. Currently, there are lots of ‘F’s to go around, starting with our own staff. As an attorney, Mr. Jenkins should know the LA City Attorney position is elected…the staff are legitimately called “city attorneys.” Check out Mr. Burton’s website…it says Assistant Attorney. And finally, regarding Mike’s accusation that Mr. Burton is advocating that city charter status will exempt us from state housing laws, it is a blatant lie. It would give us prosecution rights when the next “Gascon” takes office. And that will be sorely needed. Being senior city attorney for LA will trump being city attorney of a tiny beach town any day of the week!
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Bliss Nail Lounge:
A luxury nail salon located in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach.
1830 N Sepulveda Blvd | (424) 278-9993 | BlissNailSepulveda.com
THE MB WHISPERER:
by Suzie H.,
Your South Bay Queen of Whispering
*** I’m supporting the GoFundMe for Bobby of Brooklyn Brick Oven Pizza after his car accident. He’s spent decades feeding Manhattan Beach. If you’ve ever said, “We should support local businesses,” here’s your chance to do more than say it between bites. ***The Fonz pop-up at Fête was terrific. Do another! Downtown needs attractions that make the 20-minute hunt for parking feel vaguely worthwhile. At this point, the meters should dispense consolation prizes. ***Speaking of downtown, the last time I saw a police officer walking a beat, Obama was president and my knees worked better. Is the foot patrol operating in stealth mode? ***Paul Wafer probably shouldn’t wait by the mailbox for his City Council holiday party invitation. I suspect his name is filed under “Do Not Seat Near the Budget.” ***Got a tip for your homegirl, the MB Whisperer? Send it along. Your identity will remain safer than a rolling-stop driver: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net
Bella Builders:
www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com
CONDO CONSTRUCTION IN CALIFORNIA HAS FALLEN OFF DRAMATICALLY SINCE THE EARLY 2000s, SEVERELY LIMITING ACCESS TO THE ENTRY-LEVEL MARKET FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP.
Now, there’s a growing coalition trying to revive condo construction in California by reforming a decades-old law that housing advocates and developers say has put a stranglehold on condo development.
** ED KAMINSKY (Kaminsky Real Estate Group): I think this issue is more complicated than simply saying California needs to make it easier for developers to build condominiums. What developers are really afraid of is the time/length of liability associated with condominium construction. Under California’s Right to Repair Act, many construction-defect claims can extend for as long as 10 years. And under certain provisions, a homeowner can establish a violation of a construction standard without first having to prove that the condition has already caused actual damage. I remain mixed on changing that protection. I have been involved in development, but I also look at this from the consumer’s perspective. If I buy a new condominium and seven years later discover a serious problem caused by defective construction, I absolutely believe the builder should have responsibility. At the same time, the system can create enormous exposure, legal expense and uncertainty for developers, including claims involving conditions that may not yet have resulted in actual damage. That risk has a cost, and ultimately that cost gets built into the price of the condominium. But construction-defect liability is only part of the affordability problem. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have significantly tightened condominium project standards following concerns about deferred maintenance and underfunded associations. Fannie Mae is increasing its minimum reserve allocation on HOA’s from 10% to 15% of annual assessments. It also requires qualifying condominium projects to maintain substantial master property and liability insurance. That comes at the same time California HOAs are dealing with a difficult insurance market, with rising premiums and limited availability acknowledged even by Fannie Mae and California insurance regulators. Then add SB 326, which requires condominium associations with qualifying exterior elevated elements, balconies, decks, walkways and similar structures to have periodic inspections by a licensed engineer or architect. Those inspections can uncover legitimate repairs that associations must fund. Every one of these rules has a legitimate purpose: protect homeowners, keep buildings safe, adequately fund reserves and insure against catastrophe. The problem is cumulative. Higher reserves, higher insurance premiums, inspections, repairs and developer liability all eventually show up in either the purchase price or the HOA dues. So the real question isn’t whether we protect the consumer or protect the developer. It’s how we protect the consumer without making condominium ownership and condominium construction economically unworkable. That balance is what California needs to figure out.
Burton’s Big Three – Slash City Hall, Stop High-Rises, Dump Career Politicians:
Manhattan Beach City Council candidate Mark Burton has unveiled three major campaign pledges in his bid for a second term. Burton promises to freeze most hiring and promotions, reducing full-time city employees from 356 to fewer than 300 within 24 months without layoffs. He also wants every department to identify options for cutting expenditures by 10%. Burton vowed to protect Manhattan Beach’s small-town character by opposing high-rise developments, particularly near residential neighborhoods. His third pledge calls for greater government transparency and a two-term limit for councilmembers, arguing that entrenched politicians have fueled excessive staffing, rising compensation, and multimillion-dollar city deficits.
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1. ** Where are the police? 6:45 pm on Saturday night. The parking lot across from the Strand House has a cloud of pot smoke that sizzles every nose within two blocks. Skip the parking tickets, stop the drugs! Lord have mercy! Fix MB!!! —- Kathy A., Manhattan Beach
2. ** Rip-off alert! Bacio di Latte, the fancy-named new ice cream shop in downtown Manhattan Beach, charged me $8.55 for a very tiny cup barely half the size of Handel’s. Then the checkout screen had the nerve to ask for a tip. No thanks. I’m never going back. What an absolute rip-off! —- Lauren L., Manhattan Beach
3. ** First, I think having a 25-year plan is a good idea. But calling it Project 25 is probably a really bad idea. Although Russ Lesser is a really nice guy, he’s old, and we need somebody who can be the future, not the past; we need young people. —- Dayle E., Manhattan Beach
4. ** If we keep voting for the same people, Montgomery and Howorth, we’re going to get the same fiscal irresponsibility we have. I know they have lots of signs, but they’re still the wrong answer. —- Dan Stern, Former MB Mayor
5. ** Former Mayor Russ Lesser has given Manhattan Beach something more valuable than another prediction: a serious conversation about the city we want to become. His thoughtful, deeply informed contribution to MB Weekly’s Project 25 challenges us to look beyond today’s headlines and make wise choices for the next generation. Read it. —- S.H., Manhattan Beach
6. ** California has a vast economy, yet Manhattan Beach schools receive thousands less per student than the state average. Why don’t high local property taxes close the gap? A short animated video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjoPpHlJrR0] explains decades of school funding rules – and why MBEF support helps sustain the educators and programs our students count on. —- Mira Costa H.S.
7. ** The residents of Manhattan Beach owe a debt of gratitude to Russ Lesser and his wife, Charlotte, for their invaluable public service to our community over the years. —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
8. ** Bring the family to Mira Costa’s Art Night on October 23, 5–7 p.m.! This free community fair features student artwork and handmade crafts, music, creative activities, and food for purchase. Elementary, middle, and high school students can sign up to sell their creations. See the flyer for details and registration. —- Mira Costa H.S.
9. ** My name is Brendan. I’m 17, and I created an app called Lookout, a platform where neighbors can easily upload and view coyote sightings on an interactive map. Please download it so we can plan our walks more diligently and keep our pets and kids safe! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lookout-app/id6740315350
10. ** The interview with Mayor Franklin FINALLY showed some courage in saying “no” to the spending fest at City Hall. Taxpayers have waited far too long for someone to challenge runaway costs, bloated bureaucracy, and business as usual. It’s long overdue, Mayor – but credit where credit is due. Keep saying no! Please! —- O.B., Manhattan Beach
11. ** We are lucky birds are only up to a certain size, or their poops would be destructive. —- Zara H., El Segundo
12. ** Looking for a Part-Time Office Coordinator who is organized, dependable, and detail-oriented. If you or someone you know is interested, please email Leondrapearson139@gmail.com for more details. Thanks!
13. ** We appreciate the swift response of the Mira Costa Administration and the Manhattan Beach Police Department in keeping our students and staff safe. —- Grace Edgington, Public Information Officer, MBUSD
14. ** Do you want to have a Trader Joe’s in El Segundo?? A perfect location: right at Grand, next to Starbucks where the drugstore was (it’s now for lease). I sent a request to corporate. Anyone else want to join in? Here is the form: https://www.traderjoes.com/home/contact-us/request-a-store
15. ** If you’re my friend, you know how deeply I care about our veterans. Too many struggle in silence, and lives depend on our willingness to speak up. Please copy and share this message. A veteran in crisis can call 988, then press 1, for immediate, confidential support. Please make a difference. —- Deborah H., Manhattan Beach
16. ** Manhattan Village Farmers Market returns every Thursday! Kids and students receive a free $5 market token, no purchase required, to spend with any vendor. Shop fresh produce, support local businesses, and bring your knives for professional sharpening. Thursday, 2–7 p.m., at 3200 N. Sepulveda Boulevard, beside Anthropologie. —- Editor’s Note
17. ** Thank you, Mayor Franklin, for being a “fiscally responsible” Councilmember. I think our residents need to vote in a few more “fiscally responsible” candidates. —- Mark Burton, Manhattan Beach
18. ** This is barbarism, plain and simple. Dogs on Skid Row are reportedly being starved, beaten, burned, and mutilated while authorities fail to protect them. Compassion cannot excuse cruelty. Remove endangered animals immediately, prosecute abusers aggressively, and stop sacrificing innocent creatures to the moral cowardice and lethal indifference of progressive politics. —- Arlene H.
19. ** Our progressive universities march in solidarity with Hamas’s attempt to commit genocide against the Jews, while accusing the Jews of genocide for having the nerve to defend themselves. —- Samuel T.
20. ** What is this bullshit? Restaurants are “suggesting” tips based on the total after taxes. Since when do we tip the government? A gratuity should reward service – not inflate a restaurant’s checkout math. Calculate the tip on the pretax subtotal, period. Customers are generous enough without being manipulated at the register. —- Gerry T.
21. ** Thank you to Manhattan Beach Police Chief Rachel Johnson for sharing her perspective on technology and modern policing in our city. As new tools transform public safety, transparency, accountability, and community dialogue remain essential. We appreciate her willingness to keep Manhattan Beach residents informed and engaged. —- Elena W.
22. ** Hermosa Beach raised a glass as Hennessey’s Tavern celebrated its 50th anniversary. Hundreds packed the landmark gathering to honor a local institution that has grown from its original Hermosa location to 10 taverns, including Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. Fifty years later, Hennessey’s remains a beloved South Bay tradition. —- Editor’s Note
23. ** After college, my cousin Taylor became a radical leftist. She thinks Israel is guilty of genocide, Luigi Mangione is misunderstood, and New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani is great – and she still wears a mask, all the time. —- Wally C., El Segundo
24. ** Downtown El Segundo apartment available immediately! This upstairs one-bedroom unit offers 550 square feet, a spacious kitchen ideal for dining or office use, and fresh carpet, paint, blinds, and fixtures. Refrigerator, stove, and microwave included. No pets. Landlord pays water and trash. Rent: $2,595/month plus deposit. Text 310-529-4903 for showings.
25. ** David at South Bay Cycle provides exceptional service with genuine care and expertise. He is knowledgeable, friendly, honest, and always willing to go the extra mile to help customers. David made the entire experience easy and enjoyable. I highly recommend him and South Bay Cycle to every local cycling enthusiast. —- Clay T., Manhattan Beach
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