MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE:
DID YOU KNOW THAT THE 350+ EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH HAVE AN AVERAGE SALARY OF OVER $197,000? TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THE RECENT NEGOTIATED CONTRACT WILL INCREASE IT TO $224,000 OVER THE NEXT 3 YEARS.
** MARK BURTON: The fact that over 350 City of Manhattan Beach will be making over $224,000 three years from now as a result of raises approved by our City Council is astounding, just absolutely astounding. But, somewhat expected with essentially the same members on Council for the last 15 to 20 years. Long term City Councilmembers tend to get complacent with the result that they defer to City Staff.
** BOB HOLMES: There are really two separate issues here. Staffing: Levels I believe we are overstaffed to some extent-not as much as some complain, but still overstaffed. Compensation: Are slots filled at the correct level? Remember the recent controversy when Council tried to replace an administrative analyst in the City Manager’s office with an Assistant or Deputy City Manager-a significant upgrade in position (with accompanying significant pay increase). It does make one wonder if there is position inflation elsewhere. We are blessed in Manhattan Beach to, overall, have a very competent dedicated staff. Nonetheless, as municipal employees under the lucrative Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), they can retire in their 50’s with a very generous lifetime pension. This should be used more effectively as a recruitment tool to attract qualified private sector employees instead of only increasing base pay. Certain positions are a bit more specialized and unique to municipal government. For those we need to better publicize the very attractive aspects of working for the well run city of Manhattan Beach instead of, again, only trying to keep raising base pay.
** DAN STERN: So it’s not just the three dozen + at the top who are overpaid, it’s virtually everyone. It appears to be easy to spend lavishly when it doesn’t come from your own wallet. The employee unions are willing to throw support behind incumbents if the city grants all demands. The council has adopted a “go along to get along” philosophy, rarely questioning staff or each other on decisions. Other than the Free Press, the media is complicit in all of this refusing to publish articles or letters covering this irresponsible behavior with resident’s money.
MB WEEKLY:
The Faces of Manhattan Beach
Misty Frasier
(New President of the Kiwanis Club in Manhattan Beach)
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR TOP GOALS FOR THE YEAR?
A: This year, my goals focus on three key areas: visibility, sustainability, and growth. I want to raise community awareness of the Manhattan Beach Kiwanis Club, especially through our signature project, the Manhattan Beach Santa Sleigh. Managing its schedule, maintenance, and nightly appearances each December is a major undertaking, and I want to ensure it remains a cherished tradition for years to come. Equally important is ensuring the financial health of both the club and the Santa Sleigh program, so we can continue serving the community well into the future. Finally, I want to grow and strengthen our membership. We may be a small club, but our impact is meaningful, and I want to expand that reach.
Q: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CONNECT MORE DEEPLY WITH THE MANHATTAN BEACH COMMUNITY?
A: We’re opening our doors wider this year. That means inviting the public to select meetings where guest speakers will cover timely community topics, hosting a “Kiwanis Open House” or “Meet Kiwanis Day” at a local venue, and creating family-friendly volunteer opportunities so residents can get involved without needing to be full members. These efforts will make it easier for people to see what Kiwanis is about and join in making a difference.
Q: ARE THERE ANY NEW AND EXCITING INITIATIVES THIS YEAR?
A: Yes! We’re launching a New Year’s Eve fundraiser featuring a New York ball drop at 9 p.m., along with food, music, and a live auction. It’s designed to be a fun community celebration while also raising support for our projects. This year, a portion of the proceeds will go directly toward the maintenance and upkeep of the Manhattan Beach Santa Sleigh, ensuring it continues to run smoothly and safely for the community. We’re also offering a unique opportunity for residents and businesses to “buy out” the Santa Sleigh for private parties. This provides a personal, memorable way to enjoy a beloved tradition while helping sustain the program.
Q: WHAT KIND OF LEADER DO YOU STRIVE TO BE FOR YOUR MEMBERS?
A: I strive to be a collaborative leader – someone who encourages teamwork, values input from every member, and makes decisions inclusively. By forming committees, welcoming ideas, and sharing responsibilities, we can tap into our members’ diverse talents and build a culture of shared ownership. My goal is for every member to feel valued and empowered in carrying out our mission.
Party Link:
www.Eventbrite.com
Santa Sleigh Tracker:
www.ManhattanBeachSantaFloat.com
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Cicek Umut from Bella Beach Kids, with partners Kris and Tony D’Errico.
MB WEEKLY – READER POLL:
Financial Triumph – 89% Boast More Savings Than Credit Card Debt
The latest MB Weekly Reader Poll unveils a significant South Bay trend: a whopping 89% of respondents flaunt healthier savings accounts than credit card debt. This seismic shift defies traditional financial norms, hinting at a newfound wave of fiscal responsibility. Experts cite a blend of increased financial literacy and prudent spending habits. The data ignites discussions across financial circles, heralding a promising era of empowered financial decision-making. With savings reigning supreme, individuals are poised to navigate economic uncertainties and embark confidently on their financial journeys.
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MB WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE VIDEO:
An exclusive MB Weekly video of Saint & Second in Manhattan Village.
Click Link To Watch:
https://youtu.be/vqOdher61eM
MANHATTAN BEACH HOMETOWN FAIR
October 4-5, 2025 | 10am – 6pm
Dogs (even on leash) Are NOT Allowed
We post signage to let people know; however unfortunately not everyone adheres to the policy. We have gotten complaints from fair goers about the number of dogs people still bring into the fair, and we’d like to encourage folks to leave their favorite pets at home.
www.MBFair.org
Nando Trattoria:
Sunday evenings call for a little pause before the week begins. Gather, relax, and enjoy a meal that makes the last moments of the weekend feel just right.
www.NandoTrattoria.com
New Chamber Leaders Step Forward In Manhattan Beach:
The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce has announced its proposed 2025–26 Board of Directors slate, featuring a dynamic mix of business and community leaders. The slate includes Jessica Vincent of Chevron as Chair Elect and David Curry of Bank of America as Immediate Past Chair. Other representatives hail from local powerhouses, including Waste Management, Westdrift Hotel, Skechers, Torrance Memorial, UCLA Health, Sloopy’s Beach Café, and Compass Real Estate. Chamber members in good standing may nominate additional candidates by October 6, 2025. If no further nominations are received, the slate will be deemed elected.
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Lisa Hemmat of Lido di Manhattan rocking her MB Weekly hat.
From Panther Cub To Pantherette Leader – Gelane Skinner’s Lifelong Journey With MBUSD:
Gelane Skinner’s Panther pride runs deep. Once a bright-eyed student walking the halls of Pacific Elementary, she now inspires young minds as a first-grade teacher in those very same corridors. This year, she celebrates an extraordinary milestone – her 27th year with MBUSD and her 31st year teaching first graders. A true leader, Gelane has served as BTSA mentor, grade-level lead, district committee member, and is now in her second year as district-wide grade-level lead. Most recently, she’s infused Panther spirit into Pacific’s cheer squad, the Pantherettes.
URBAN PLATES:
Fresh on the menu: Caesar Wraps! Choose between buffalo chicken, grilled chicken, grilled steak, or crispy chicken. All served with kettle chips and your choice of housemade dipping sauce!
www.UrbanPlates.com
Trash Day Miracle – Manhattan Beach Man Rescues Wedding Ring From The Dump:
A Manhattan Beach man nearly lost his wedding ring forever after accidentally tossing it in the trash with an old carry-on bag. Last week, Paul Cass cleaned out his bag before throwing it away, forgetting that his ring – safely tucked inside a small box – was still inside. Hours later, panic set in as he realized his mistake. Cass immediately reached out to Waste Management, sparking an urgent search. Crews tracked down the truck headed toward a Carson landfill. After hours of pounding on truck windows and frantic searching, Cass finally spotted his discarded bag falling onto the ground. Rushing forward, he dug inside and found the ring intact.
Mira Costa’s Maddie Hutchinson Shines As One Of L.A. County’s Best Teachers:
Mira Costa High School’s own Maddie Hutchinson has been named one of the Top 16 Teachers of the Year in Los Angeles County for 2025, a distinction awarded by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Out of 70 nominees across 65 school districts, Hutchinson stood out for her passion, creativity, and commitment to students. Now in her 11th year of teaching, the MBUSD alumna has made her mark not only in the classroom, teaching English, but also through her leadership in Link Crew, ComedySportz, Drama/Technical productions, and key district committees. She will now represent MBUSD at the county level.
www.MiraCostaHigh.org
** Manhattan Beach Mayor David Lesser having lunch at Fishing with Dynamite.
** Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Mark Burton having lunch at JOEY in Manhattan Village.
** Mayor Pro Tem Joe Franklin having dinner at Nando in Manhattan Beach.
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 Paul Beswick (Manhattan Beach)
How could anyone respond to Fred Taylor’s Commentary on Charlie Kirk with anything other than wholehearted agreement? Prominent conservatives, including President Trump and Vice President Vance, have called for retaliation against or punishment of anyone whose comments about Kirk were, in their view, deemed insufficiently respectful towards Kirk and his legacy. At the end of his commentary, Fred Taylor says, “A return to civility and mutual respect for even our political enemies must return for us to survive.” Would “our political enemies” be anyone who disagrees with us politically? If that’s the case, perhaps he could find less inflammatory words … for the sake of a return to civility and mutual respect.
Please share your comment: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (Maximum 100 words)
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Caira, assistant general manager at the The Arthur J.
Tell YOUR Story with MB Weekly – The South Bay’s Most Trusted Digital Publication!
Looking to connect with your neighbors and customers in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and El Segundo? MB Weekly is the largest (by far) digital publication in the South Bay – and the most trusted voice in our community. For as little as $100 a month, you can share your message directly with thousands of local readers. Our audience isn’t just large; it’s powerful: 60% are under the age of 55, and the average household income is $128,000. That means your advertising dollars reach a vibrant, engaged, and affluent community ready to hear your story. Whether you’re a business, a professional, or a community voice, MB Weekly gives you the stage to stand out. Don’t miss the party – tell YOUR story today.
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A Manhattan Beach Smile – Withers Dental Celebrates 60 Years Of Community Care:
Withers Dental is marking a remarkable milestone – 60 years of family-centered dentistry in Manhattan Beach. Founded in 1965 by Dr. James “Jim” Withers, the practice was built on the belief that dentistry should be relational, not transactional. His son, Dr. Brian Withers, followed in his footsteps, working alongside his father for eight years before taking the helm. Under Brian’s leadership, the practice has embraced modern technology and streamlined systems while preserving its hallmark – putting patients first. With the support of longtime office manager Lisa, Withers Dental continues to grow while staying true to its roots. Brian, who trained at USC and recently completed advanced studies at the Kois Center, says his mission is simple: to solve problems at their root while treating patients like family.
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Stolen In Seconds – Manhattan Beach Grapples With Spate Of Auto Thefts:
According to Manhattan Beach Police Department records, August was a busy month for local law enforcement. Officers handled 3,922 calls for service, made 68 arrests, and averaged just 2 minutes and 6 seconds in response times to priority emergencies. Crime reports include: 16 vehicle burglaries, 35 larcenies, nine residential burglaries, one business burglary, nine auto thefts, and two sexual offenses. September brought fresh challenges. On September 13, a BMW X5 vanished from a driveway on Manzanita Lane. Surveillance video revealed a brazen theft: the suspects arrived in a stake-bed truck – also stolen – and then drove off with both vehicles. Two days later, on Voorhees Avenue, a GMC Sierra disappeared overnight, leaving behind shattered glass but no leads.
BELLA BUILDERS:
A Local Residential Builder
ADU’s and New Homes
Manhattan Beach and The Palisades
Full Service From Concept To Completion
www.BeautifulBuilder.com | www.FirewiseHomes.com
Vinny@beautifulbuilder.com | 310 809 4999
Left Behind, Now Lifted – Mini Day At The Beach To Heal 100 Hearts In Manhattan Beach:
After a bus no-show left 100 children from L.A. County’s underserved communities watching summer happen without them, a local nonprofit is turning heartbreak into hope. On Saturday, October 11, the PS I Love You Foundation will host “Mini Day at the Beach” along 6th–8th Street from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., pairing every child (ages 5–12) with a mentor by 9:30 a.m. Donated food and treats – from Fresh Brothers, Raising Cane’s, Manhattan Beach Creamery, and Lazy Acres – along with water, snacks, and joyful activities, are designed to restore trust, dignity, and connection. “This isn’t a redo – it’s a reckoning,” said founder Patricia Jones. “These kids are not invisible. They are cherished.” Media are invited to document the program and speak with mentors and families. To help, volunteers can mentor one-on-one at givebutter.com/minidayatthebeach; donations for trauma-informed SEL programs are accepted at PSILoveYouFoundation.org. Contact: Patricia Jones, Founder – 310-420-4717, Patricia@PSILoveYouFoundation.org | PSILoveYouFoundation.org
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Chef David Slay and his son, David, Jr. Sign Up For Free:
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1. ** 3 out of 4 Americans say it’s unfair for men to compete in women’s sports. Do you agree? —- Dennis G.
2. ** Redondo Beach’s own JohnJohn McLellan, 12, takes on the FIA Karting World Cup in Cremona, Italy. He says Italian kart drivers – kids included – are the most aggressive in the world. Racing since age 7, McLellan is steering full speed toward a professional career on the track. —- Editor’s Note
3. ** Walking at 4+ mph reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, making intensity more critical than step count for regulating blood sugar and maintaining metabolic health. —- Dr. Jacob A.
4. ** Why does Manhattan Beach lack a City Constitution? The U.S. has one. California has one. Many California cities have one. Yet MB remains a “general law” city – bound to Sacramento, with no true local control. A City Charter = maximum local authority. Why surrender it? Think future. Think freedom. —- D.A.
5. ** Do you have any “broken windows” in your business? —- www.BrokenWindowsBook.com
6. ** Redondo Beach will break ground on September 30 on its first new park in decades. The 5.1-acre site at Herondo St. and PCH will include 2.5 acres of native habitat. Construction is set to start on October 1, with Phase One scheduled for completion in the new year, Mayor Jim Light announced. —- Editor’s Note
7. ** I think electric blowers should be allowed. It’s so dusty here without months of rain. Construction next door creates even more dirt. Using a hose takes too much water. And water is expensive. Electric blowers are a feasible solution. Change the law to allow gardeners and owners to use electric blowers without a vacuum. —- Dayle E.
8. ** If there is worse customer service than Spectrum, I am not aware of it. Bloody awful. —- Spencer C.
9. ** A new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals shifting public trust: Republicans lead on crime, immigration, foreign conflicts, extremism, corruption, the economy, and even gun control. Democrats hold an edge on democracy, healthcare, women’s rights, and the environment. The partisan divide deepens, with each side owning distinct voter priorities. —- Gallagher O.
10. ** A smile and a “hello” go a long way. —- Dayle E.
11. ** I see that Bella Builders is advertising here. I just wanted to put in a positive review for them. Vinny did and outstanding job on my major kitchen remodel last year. His bid was reasonable, he was fun to work with, and the results were outstanding! Also, kudos to the architect, Robert Riblett, of Redondo Beach. He did a great design and his fees were vey competitive. —- Terry Watson
12. ** I want Fred Taylor to define what the trans agenda is and why he is opposed to diversity and inclusion. The derogatory comments in his “community activist” commentary seem to contradict his Judeo-Christian values. I wonder if Mr. Taylor understands how hypocritical his comments sound to a reader who supports all types of families, religions, races, the LGBTQ community, and other communities that are marginalized. —- Stacy Gottlieb, Manhattan Beach
13. ** Way too many city employees. —- Gary C.
14. ** I trust the City of MB to ramp up enforcement of leaf blowers, just as I trust Hell to freeze over. What the Hell has been stopping them from enforcing the law all this time, other than sheer lack of will? Excuses abound – results, as usual, nowhere to be found. —- Jake B.
15. ** Paul Wafer’s video was spot on! Great job, Paul. —- M.D.
16. ** I believe Steve Charelian is starting to show some independence, slowly. —- W.T.
17. ** Fun interview with Larry Zimablist. He’s a cool guy. —- Melissa C.
18. ** Larry Kosmont has good-looking kids. —- C.L.
19. ** If you hate Charlie Kirk, you have an ugly, sick heart. —- Daphne Z., Hermosa Beach
20. ** I didn’t know that egg-head Jimmy Kimmel lived in Hermosa Beach. Lucky us. —- Lawrence F., Hermosa Beach
21. ** Independent voices speak freely in MB Weekly – Sign up for FREE —- www.MBWeekly.net
22. ** Excited to share that Tiki Kai will be opening its doors next month on the Hermosa Beach pier. Inspired by the aloha spirit and tiki culture, the concept is designed as an escape with a focus on hospitality, craft cocktails, and an elevated menu. The new restaurant & bar comes from the same team behind some of South Bay’s favorite establishments, including Eat at Joe’s, The Hula Hula Room, The Sly Fox Irish Pub, and more. —- Jasmine L.
23. ** California’s SB 771 strikes at free speech. By punishing platforms for “amplifying” certain views, it pressures them to censor lawful speech. Political debate, satire, and honest discussion could vanish online. This bill silences Californians and must be opposed to protect everyone’s right to speak freely. https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb771 —- D.H., El Segundo
24. ** The Palisades and Eaton wildfires destroyed 11,000 homes. Less than 10% have permits to rebuild.
25. ** As Southern California nears the heart of wildfire season, rebuilding is merely inching forward in areas hit by the most destructive conflagrations in Los Angeles County history. —- Editor’s Note
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