AND THE WINNER IS… MB WEEKLY NAMES ITS FIRST-EVER “PERSON OF THE YEAR”:
Who is the MB Weekly Person of the Year?
After weeks of spirited debate, careful review, and hundreds and hundreds of nominations submitted by a broad and diverse cross-section of Manhattan Beach leaders, MB Weekly is proud to announce Michael Greenberg as our inaugural Person of the Year. This first annual honor recognizes the individual who has had the most significant impact on the City of Manhattan Beach over the past year, for better or worse. In Greenberg’s case, the effect has been unmistakably positive, enduring, and deeply woven into the community’s fabric. As the co-founder and longtime president of Skechers, Greenberg helped build a global footwear powerhouse while never losing sight of his hometown roots. From steady corporate leadership to hands-on philanthropy, his influence reaches far beyond boardrooms. The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk alone has become one of California’s most significant community-driven fundraising events, benefiting countless local and regional causes. The volume and passion of nominations made one thing clear: Manhattan Beach residents recognize leadership that shows up, gives back, and leads with authenticity. In addition to naming our Person of the Year, MB Weekly also names three Honor Roll winners who have helped shape Manhattan Beach in meaningful ways.
This is just the beginning.
SPECIAL TRIBUTE ISSUE HONORING
MB WEEKLY “PERSON OF THE YEAR”
MICHAEL GREENBERG:
(Skechers President / Board of Directors Member)
Michael Greenberg with family: Paula, Michael, Chase, Taite.
MB Weekly is proud to name Michael Greenberg as our first 2025 “Person of the Year” – a leader whose global impact has never come at the expense of his hometown values. As co-founder and longtime president of Skechers, Greenberg helped build a South Bay startup into one of the world’s most recognizable footwear brands, generating billions in annual revenue while remaining grounded in family-driven entrepreneurship, innovation, and integrity. A longtime Manhattan Beach resident born in Massachusetts, Greenberg is known for steady corporate stewardship, a relentless work ethic, and a leadership style that is bold, creative, authentic, and hands-on. Just as important is his unwavering commitment to philanthropy. The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk – now among California’s most impactful community fundraising events – stands as a powerful expression of his belief that business should serve people. MB Weekly selected Michael Greenberg for transforming an idea into a global powerhouse – while never forgetting his hometown, never failing to show up for the community, and never losing sight of the values that built it all.
BACKGROUND
As Skechers co-founder, president and a member of its Board of Directors, Michael Greenberg has played a vital role expanding The Comfort Technology Company® from a niche product into an award-winning and diversified lifestyle and performance brand known around the globe. A private company with annual sales of $10 billion, Skechers is the third-largest footwear company in the world and an award-winning performance brand.
Since Skechers’ founding in 1992, Greenberg’s strategic guidance of the company has driven the growth of its domestic and international business, including his vision of its vast network of Skechers retail stores around the globe – now standing at approximately 5,300 locations. Skechers has been named Company of the Year 10 times by Footwear Plus, Company of the Year three times by Footwear News, and Brand of the Year at the Footwear Industry Awards in the UK in 2017. In addition to being inducted into Footwear News’ Hall of Fame in 2025 and honored as Footwear News’ Person of the Year at the publication’s 2023 and 2000 FN Achievement Awards (FNAA), Mr. Greenberg was honored by the Two Ten Footwear Foundation in 2018 with the T. Kenyon Holly Award in recognition of his efforts for children worldwide, and was the inaugural inductee in Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Best of Manhattan Hall of Fame in 2021 for his decades of local and global philanthropic work.
Greenberg devotes his time to a variety of charitable endeavors that express his commitment to improving the lives of children and families around the world. As founder of Skechers Foundation, he has helped the brand contribute millions in humanitarian aid to communities in need, and established the annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk in 2009, which has raised more than $31 million for children with diverse needs, public schools and national scholarships.
Beyond Skechers, Greenberg helped establish and is on the board of the California South Bay Chapter of The Friendship Circle, a non-profit organization now known as the Friendship Foundation. In spring 2025, he plans to launch the organization’s world-class Friendship Campus: Greenberg Family/Skechers Center – a $60 million, 3.25-acre campus that will offer neurodivergent adults a life-changing community for friendship and learning. Facilities will include a Creative Arts Center, Culinary Institute, Recreation Center, Life Skills programming, and early education and mentoring opportunities, providing tools to transition to the workforce and find lifelong passion and purpose.
Greenberg also led the restoration of the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier in honor of his son, Harrison Greenberg. Through the Harrison Greenberg Foundation, which he established and serves as chairman, more than $4 million was raised to rebuild the iconic aquarium, which reopened in 2018 and serves as an oceanic education center for school children across Southern California.
THE QUIET GIANTS OF THE SAND:
MB Weekly Names Its 2025 Honor Roll
Manhattan Beach is rich in ocean views, top schools, and a uniquely enviable quality of life. But its true wealth has always been its people. This week, MB Weekly proudly announces its 2025 Honor Roll, recognizing three extraordinary community leaders whose tireless, often behind-the-scenes efforts have helped shape Manhattan Beach’s soul, safety, and civic character.
** Charlotte Lesser: is honored for an astonishing 45 years of unwavering service with Manhattan Beach Neighborhood Watch. Through decades of change, growth, and challenge, Lesser has been a steady force for vigilance, connection, and community safety – quietly protecting neighbors long before public recognition ever followed.
** Rita Crabtree: earns her place on the Honor Roll for her relentless advocacy on behalf of MB SAFE, helping strengthen public safety awareness and preparedness across the city. Her persistence, clarity, and commitment have made MB SAFE an essential pillar in keeping residents informed and protected.
** Paul Wafer: is recognized for his priceless contributions to the vital community conversation on excessive government spending in Manhattan Beach. His work has encouraged transparency, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful civic engagement – cornerstones of a healthy local democracy.
Together, these MB Honor Roll Heroes represent the extraordinary “secret sauce” of Manhattan Beach: citizens who show up, speak up, and serve – not for applause, but because community matters.
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MICHAEL GREENBERG
MB WEEKLY – EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Q: WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR DEEP CONNECTION TO MANHATTAN BEACH, AND HOW HAS THAT PASSION EVOLVED AS SKECHERS HAS GROWN INTO A GLOBAL BRAND?
A: My connection to Manhattan Beach runs deep. The minute I first stepped foot here, I knew this was where I wanted to live. There was something magical about it – the light, the ocean, the people, the sense of community. It was one of the most beautiful beach towns I had ever visited, and it wasn’t long before I made it my home. As Skechers grew from a small local company into a global brand, Manhattan Beach remained my anchor. It’s where our first store opened in 1994, where so many of our ideas were born, and where our team could walk down the street and feel inspired. This community shaped our culture – casual, creative, authentic, welcoming – and that spirit stayed with us as we expanded into 180 countries and thousands of stores around the world. No matter how big Skechers becomes, Manhattan Beach will always be at the heart of my story. From the Roundhouse Aquarium to our flagship store on Manhattan Avenue, it’s the place that inspired me as a young entrepreneur, grounded me as the company grew, and continues to remind me why I love what I do.
Q: MANY SUCCESSFUL CEOS BUILD THEIR LEGACIES ELSEWHERE – WHY WAS IT SO IMPORTANT TO YOU TO ROOT SKECHERS’ PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS RIGHT HERE IN THE SOUTH BAY?
A: For me, the South Bay has always been more than a place to live – it’s the community that shaped my life, my family, and the foundation of Skechers. From the moment I settled in Manhattan Beach, I felt connected to the people here. This community supported us from the early days, celebrated our milestones, and embraced our growth. Rooting our philanthropic efforts here is our way of giving back to the very place that helped shape who we are. The needs in our own backyard are real – whether it’s helping children with special needs and supporting education through the annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, uplifting families facing challenges, or enhancing the iconic Roundhouse Aquarium through the Harrison Greenberg Foundation. I’ve always believed that meaningful change starts at home; if we have the ability to improve lives in the South Bay – as well as in Southern California like with the fires earlier this year – then we have a responsibility to do so. Building our legacy here isn’t just meaningful – it’s personal. This community has given us so much, and giving back remains one of the most important and fulfilling parts of my journey as well as the Company’s.
Q: YOU’VE QUIETLY SUPPORTED COUNTLESS LOCAL CAUSES. WHICH MANHATTAN BEACH CHARITY PROJECT HAS BEEN THE MOST PERSONALLY MEANINGFUL TO YOU, AND WHY?
A: It’s hard for me to choose just one South Bay charity project as the most personally meaningful, because each one has touched me in a different and powerful way. During the pandemic, when local restaurants were forced to close and many were on the verge of going out of business, my first thought was: How can we help? These businesses are the backbone of our community. I rallied many in the South Bay to support them financially so they could stay afloat, keep staff employed, and survive an unprecedented crisis. I truly believe that the support we provided made all the difference in the world, and seeing these restaurants thrive again today is incredibly rewarding. Another project that holds a very special place in my heart is the Roundhouse Aquarium. Through personal tragedy, the Roundhouse was reimagined into what it is today – a small aquarium with a huge heart, visited by more than 300,000 people annually. It’s a place where children learn, explore, and discover the incredible world beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean, right under their feet. The Roundhouse is dedicated to my son Harrison, and I know he looks down every day and smiles. He loved the ocean and the creatures that lived within it, and to see his spirit live on through education, wonder, and joy means more to me than words can express.
Q: THE SKECHERS PIER TO PIER FRIENDSHIP WALK IS ONE OF THE LARGEST CHARITY EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA. HOW DID THAT IDEA ORIGINATE, AND DID YOU EVER IMAGINE IT WOULD BECOME SUCH A POWERFUL FORCE FOR GOOD?
A: The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk was born out of a very personal commitment. Before the walk ever existed, I became deeply involved in the Friendship Foundation, which I co-created with my partner Yossi Mintz. The Foundation helps children with special needs build friendships, confidence, and meaningful social connections. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, we had hundreds of families relying on this free, accessible program – and the need only grew stronger. We knew we had to find a way to sustain and expand the Foundation, and that’s how the idea for the Friendship Walk was created. In the beginning, we simply hoped the community would show up and support these kids. Never did I imagine it would grow into one of the largest charity events of its kind in California. Over the past 17 years, the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk has rallied the community and brought together incredible talent such as Clayton Kershaw, Jimmy Kimmel, and many others, raising more than $31 million for education and children with special needs. That impact has been extraordinary, and the generosity of this community and the Skechers organization, including Robin Curren and her team who works year-round on the Walk to ensure its success, continues to inspire me every single year. The most transformational project to come out of the Walk is now underway: the Friendship Campus (Greenberg Family / Skechers Center) – a 66,000-square-foot campus designed to teach life skills and independence to young adults with special needs, addressing one of the biggest gaps that exists once they age out of traditional school programs. Its expansive programs will include a Creative Arts Center, Culinary Institute, Recreation Center, Life Skills programming, and early education and mentoring opportunities – helping young adults discover their lifelong passions and purpose. This magical campus will open in the first quarter of 2026, and I encourage everyone to come see what it looks like when a dream becomes reality. It’s proof of what is possible when a community comes together with purpose and heart.
“The minute I first stepped foot here, I knew this was where I wanted to live.” —- Michael Greenberg
Q: EDUCATION SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING THEME IN YOUR GIVING. WHAT DRIVES YOUR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING LOCAL SCHOOLS AND YOUTH PROGRAMS?
A: Education has always been at the center of my philanthropic efforts because I genuinely believe it is the greatest equalizer in life. Growing up, I understood that children face different kinds of challenges – some economic, some developmental – and that access to strong educational support can completely change a young person’s trajectory. That belief has stayed with me throughout my life. Supporting local schools and youth programs is my way of making sure kids in our community have every opportunity to thrive. When a school has the resources it needs, when students feel supported, when programs exist to lift them up, it creates a foundation for their futures. Whether it’s academics, social development, or helping children with special needs, education builds confidence, independence, and possibility. What drives me is knowing that our efforts can touch thousands of young lives in a meaningful way. If we can help a child feel seen, capable, and empowered – whether through a classroom, a mentorship program, or a Foundation initiative – then we’re investing in something far bigger than today. We’re investing in the future of our community.
Q: YOU’VE OFTEN SAID THAT BUSINESSES HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO UPLIFT THEIR COMMUNITIES. HOW HAS MANHATTAN BEACH SHAPED SKECHERS’ PHILANTHROPIC PHILOSOPHY – AND VICE VERSA?
A: My partnerships with the Friendship Foundation and other local groups have taught me something profound about Manhattan Beach and the greater South Bay: this community has an extraordinary capacity for generosity. People here understand that giving back means something – that supporting others, especially children and families who need it most, is part of who we are. That spirit of compassion mirrors the culture we’ve built at Skechers. Even though we are a global brand, we operate with the same heartbeat as the community organizations we support. Our employees care deeply, they show up, and they want to be part of something bigger than themselves. These collaborations have shown me that when the South Bay comes together – residents, businesses, schools, and nonprofits – we can transform lives in ways that none of us could accomplish alone. What I’ve learned is that this community doesn’t just give back – it leads with heart. And that shared passion is what makes the South Bay such a powerful force for good.
Q: LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT NEW PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES OR VISIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR STRENGTHENING MANHATTAN BEACH OVER THE NEXT DECADE?
A: Looking ahead, my vision for strengthening our community over the next decade centers on creating lasting opportunities for young people and supporting the families who make this community so special. One of the most important initiatives is the new 66,000-square-foot Friendship Foundation Campus opening in 2026. This campus will provide life skills, career pathways, and independence training for young adults with special needs – an area where resources are limited once they leave high school. I believe this will become one of the most meaningful contributions we can offer to the community. Beyond that, I want to continue supporting programs that elevate education, strengthen our local schools, and give children the confidence and tools they need to succeed. Expanding youth mentorship, enhancing after-school programs and investing in innovative learning environments are essential to developing vibrant, compassionate and curious minds. I also want to keep empowering the incredible nonprofits already doing vital work here. When businesses, civic leaders, and residents unite behind a shared purpose, Manhattan Beach becomes not just a beautiful place to live – but a community that takes care of its own. My commitment is to keep fostering that spirit and to help ensure the South Bay remains a model of compassion, leadership, and possibility for decades to come.
Q: AFTER ALL YOUR GLOBAL SUCCESS, WHAT IS IT ABOUT MANHATTAN BEACH THAT CONTINUES TO FEEL LIKE “HOME” – AND HOW DOES THAT SENSE OF COMMUNITY INSPIRE YOUR DAILY WORK?
A: Skechers has grown into an incredible global success, but what matters most to me about Manhattan Beach is much more personal. This is where my children were born and raised, and just like it did for me, this community taught them the meaning of connection, kindness, and belonging. I truly believe growing up here inspired them to work hard and do well in life. I’m extremely proud of my daughter Mackenna, who is now studying abroad at the London School of Economics – an accomplishment that makes me smile every time I say it. And while I’m thrilled she’s experiencing the world, the selfish side of me hopes she’ll eventually realize that no matter how exciting London is, it doesn’t have Manhattan Beach sunsets, her dad’s cooking, or free rent. So yes, I’m holding out hope she’ll come home one day. I’m also incredibly blessed to now be working alongside my son Chase. I love his passion, his curiosity for the business, and the fact that he has a plethora of ideas – usually all before 9 a.m. One of those ideas, by the way, was that I should start calling him “Boss.” I told the young bull to be patient… he can have my title the same day he starts calling me “Kid.” With my children grown, Manhattan Beach is where Paula, my wife, and I have created a home, where we dine, shop, create, and dream. It’s our motivator – the sunsets, the ocean, the weather, the people.
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Q&A – A PERSONAL LOOK:
Michael Greenberg through the years.
Q: BE HONEST: HOW MANY PAIRS OF SHOES DOES A SHOE TITAN ACTUALLY OWN?
A: The better question is: how many pairs have I owned? Over the years, we’ve created thousands of styles and silhouettes, and I’ve had the privilege of wearing countless prototypes and new developments. The truth is, there’s no way my home, or any home, could handle the number of shoes that have passed through my closet for trial runs. So while I always have fresh product on my feet, I am constantly donating new shoes to those in need. It’s my own version of recycling… Skechers style.
Q: WHEN YOU WALK AROUND MANHATTAN BEACH, DO YOU SECRETLY SCAN PEOPLE’S FEET TO SEE WHO’S WEARING SKECHERS?
A: People ask if I secretly scan feet around Manhattan Beach to see who’s wearing Skechers – but there’s nothing secret about it. I’m absolutely looking. In fact, I’m so obvious that friends will nudge each other and say, “Watch this… he’s about to check that guy’s shoes.” And they’re usually right. I’ve even walked up to people, complimented their footwear, inspected it like a jeweler studying a diamond, and on more than one occasion taken photos. I’ve even bought pairs right off someone’s feet. When you’re in the footwear business, you don’t just notice shoes – you hunt them.
Q: WHICH DECEASED U.S. PRESIDENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH?
A: If I could have dinner with any deceased U.S. president, it would be Ronald Reagan. Beyond his role as Commander-in-Chief, Reagan embodied optimism, resilience, and an ability to inspire people through clarity and warmth. He had a remarkable gift for communication – not just speaking to people but connecting with them. I admire leaders who can unite, motivate, and bring out the best in others, and Reagan had an extraordinary way of doing that. He guided the country through complex times with a steady hand and a sense of hope, always reminding Americans of what we could accomplish together. His blend of strength, humility, humor, and belief in possibility is something I’ve always found compelling. Sitting down with him for a conversation about leadership, challenges, and vision – that would be a dinner I’d never forget.
Q: IF MANHATTAN BEACH NAMED A STREET AFTER YOU, WOULD YOU PREFER “GREENBERG WAY,” “SKECHERS BLVD,” OR SIMPLY “THE MAN WHO SAVED OUR ARCHES LANE”?
A: If Manhattan Beach ever asked me to name a street, I’d call it “Roundhouse Way”. The Roundhouse Aquarium is such a special place in our community, not just for what it teaches but for what it represents. For me, it carries deep personal meaning and honors my son Harrison in a way that touches countless families every year. Naming a street Roundhouse Way would be a reminder of curiosity, learning, and the magic of the ocean we are fortunate to call our backyard – and a tribute to the spirit that continues to inspire so many of us.
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MB WEEKLY – VIDEOS:
Skechers Foundation Community Video 2025.
Click Link To Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmRcl3F30xU
MB WEEKLY – LENS:
Michael Greenberg with U.S. President Bill Clinton and Martha Stewart.
TRIBUTES TO OUR
2025 “PERSON OF THE YEAR”:
** Mark Burton (Manhattan Beach Former Mayor): Michael Greenberg is Manhattan Beach’s Person of the Year, every year. His love for our community is boundless. His commitment to helping children is limitless. First and foremost, Michael is a family man. Finally, Michael Greenberg is deeply committed to the residents of our community. He is a “favorite son” of Manhattan Beach.
** Steve Charelian (MB Councilmember): Thank you Michael Greenberg for your generosity and vision. Through the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, you have united thousands of neighbors, families, and friends in a shared mission of compassion. The millions raised to support children with special needs, enhance public education, and provide scholarships have transformed lives and strengthened communities. Your philanthropy extends far beyond our shores, from disaster relief for families impacted by California wildfires to scholarships opening doors for students nationwide. The Friendship Foundation, which benefits deeply from your support, stands as a testament to your commitment to inclusion and opportunity for every child. We are proud to call you not only a business leader, but a humanitarian whose actions are inspiring.
** Joe Franklin (Manhattan Beach Mayor Pro Tem): Michael, there are so many things for which to thank you! But I want to emphasize one which has had a tremendous impact on our residents and those of other cities. The refurbishment of the Roundhouse Aquarium and hosting children from nearby, underserved communities to spend time there is such an important and impactful program. I see the children excitedly get off their bus and bustle to the Pier for the fun and informative day at the beach. For so many, this is their first time at the beach and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of education, empathy and appreciation of our natural surroundings. Thank you for opening the world to others! With gratitude.
** Patricia Jones (P.S. I Love You Foundation): I am honored to recognize Michael Greenberg for his extraordinary leadership and community service. Through Skechers, Michael has shown how business success can be paired with generosity and heart. His vision has uplifted communities, families and youth, creating opportunities that extend far beyond products. At the P.S. I Love You Foundation, our mission is to empower children with resilience, social-emotional wellbeing, and a love for life. Michael’s contributions connect beautifully with this work, reminding us that when leaders invest in community, they inspire hope, build confidence, and strengthen the future for our youth. His greatness lies not only in what he has built, but in how he has given back, blending compassion with action.
** Ed Kaminsky (Kaminsky Realty): Michael Greenberg is a true pillar of the South Bay. He was instrumental in building Skechers into a global company while intentionally keeping a strong footprint in Manhattan Beach – through local real estate investment, office development, and the creation of thousands of jobs that continue to benefit our community and local economy. I’ve crossed paths with Michael through real estate transactions as well as at countless charity and community events, where his support has always been genuine and generous. His revitalization of the Roundhouse in Manhattan Beach has allowed children of all ages to experience ocean life up close. Through the Friendship Walk and many other charitable efforts, he has consistently supported the Friendship Foundation and countless local causes.
** Steve Napolitano (Manhattan Beach Former Mayor): I think it’s appropriate to recognize someone like Michael at this time of year when “It’s a Wonderful Life” will soon be watched by millions – a movie that reminds us how life may have turned out had we never been born. Imagine how different our downtown would be today if Michael hadn’t stepped in to help many of the family run businesses about to go bust. Imagine how our community events would suffer or fold if not for Michael and his family’s support. Imagine our iconic Roundhouse Aquarium without the game-changing revitalization led by Michael in memory of his son who we lost too soon. Imagine the lives of the developmentally challenged without the benefit of the Friendship Foundation which he started. Imagine someone who does all that without asking for thanks or recognition. Manhattan Beach may be a very rich city on paper, but the character of our community would be very poor without Michael Greenberg. I’m happy, proud, and honored to call him my friend.
** David Lesser (Manhattan Beach Mayor): Manhattan Beach has greatly benefited from Michael Greenberg’s generosity and thoughtful contributions for more than 25 years. Most know of his support for our Holiday Fireworks, Pier to Pier Friendship Walk that raises funds for the Friendship Foundation and South Bay education foundations, and Manhattan Beach Pier Roundhouse Aquarium. But many may be unaware of his impactful engagement with smaller local organizations. He has been there without fanfare to listen, offer suggestions, and create partnerships for a host of community causes. Michael has consistently served as a supporter and champion for our community. We are grateful for his positive contributions.
** Russ Lesser (Manhattan Beach Former Mayor): Skechers and Michael Greenberg have been amazing supporters of Manhattan Beach. Along with the Skechers walk and the improvements to the Oceanographic Teaching Station (OTS) at the end of the pier, they have made many other contributions to the city. For example, when Manhattan Beach was a host town for the Special Olympics World Games, Skechers paid for all the athletes to stay in what is now the Westdrift hotel. They are a great example of corporate responsibility. We are lucky to have them in our city.
** Allen Sanford (BeachLife & California Surf Club): There are leaders that talk, and there are leaders that act… Michael Greenberg has been a true leader in our community for decades and his actions speak louder than anything we could say – he is constantly giving back, making lives better, and finding ways to further enrich this special place we call the South Bay. Michael is a textbook example on those looking for a Master Class in leadership.
** Cedric Tuck-Sherman (Manhattan Beach Rotary Club President): On behalf of the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club, I am honored to add our voice to those recognizing Michael Greenberg’s extraordinary contributions to the community spirit of Manhattan Beach. Michael exemplifies civic leadership at its best. His generosity, humility, and steadfast commitment to giving back have strengthened local causes and inspired others to serve. What sets Michael apart is that his jaw-dropping success has never distanced him from his community – it has deepened his involvement. Manhattan Beach is stronger, more connected, and more compassionate because of Michael’s leadership. We are grateful for his enduring example and proud to recognize him as a true community champion.
** David & Gale Slay (Slay Restaurants): It is a well-deserved honor for a very humble friend that cares so much about our community and people in general. Michael Greenberg is the epitome of how, especially now more than ever, to treat people. MB Weakly, great call for naming Michael your first Person of the Year… well deserved.
** Dan Stern (Manhattan Beach Former Mayor): I don’t know Mr. Greenberg but I certainly know of his philanthropic work in our neighborhood. His activities with the Friendship Foundation and the Roundhouse Aquarium immediately come to mind. We are lucky to have his charitable work and his company’s employment opportunities. Thank you for all you do.
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FOUNDATION BACKGROUND:
** Skechers Foundation
At the Skechers Foundation, our mission is to strengthen communities all over the world by supporting our greatest asset – children. Our goal is to assist and inspire youth so they can thrive, no matter their circumstances. The Foundation’s signature event is the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, a beloved tradition that rallies thousands every October for a fun-filled celebration at the beach, where families and friends gather to walk from Manhattan Beach Pier to Hermosa Beach Pier and back in support of our children. Since 2009, the event has raised millions of dollars to support children with special needs through the Friendship Foundation, public education, the revolutionary Friendship Campus (opening in 2026), and our national college scholarship program. Countless lives have been changed through the generosity of the participants and sponsors. Through donations, public education foundations are able to retain vital academic programs, maintain smaller classrooms, improve libraries, and upgrade school technology. The Walk also funds the Skechers Foundation’s national college scholarship program, which has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to deserving students across the country since 2017.
https://skechersfriendshipwalk.com
** The Friendship Campus
Slated to open in spring 2026, the Friendship Foundation’s new, inclusive Campus will provide children and young adults with physical and intellectual diversities with the tools to transition to the workforce and pursue their passions. This facility will revolutionize postsecondary training in areas such as technology, media, hospitality, retail, trades, and more. The goal is that no young adult will be left behind. Ultimately, the Campus aims to launch a future where the business world recognizes the potential of a workforce that includes those with disabilities.
https://www.friendshipfoundation.com/campus/
** The Roundhouse Aquarium [Harrison Greenberg Foundation (HGF)]
The renovation of the century-old Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier took place in 2018. In memory of Harrison Greenberg, the son of Skechers President Michael Greenberg and Wendy Greenberg, the Roundhouse was reinvented as a state-of-the-art aquarium, free to the public, that features experiential learning stations, tanks to house sea life, and multi-media visuals to elevate the overall experience, while maintaining the building as a monument to oceanic education for generations to come. The Roundhouse welcomes nearly 250,000 visitors each year and serves over 19,000 students through onsite and off-site marine education programs. Donations to this educational space provide funding for these programs, quality care for the sea creatures, education for visitors on topics like preventing plastic pollution and the impact of climate change, and facility maintenance that is required due to the harsh conditions of the marine environment. Most importantly, all students and visitors are inspired to learn, have fun, and discover their connection with the ocean.
https://roundhousebeautification.com/
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Big Apple Ball Drops Early In MB – Kiwanis Hosts NYC-Style New Year’s Eve Bash:
Manhattan Beach will ring in 2026 on East Coast time as the Kiwanis Club hosts a special New Year’s Eve fundraiser from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at 920 Highland Avenue. The celebration will feature an open bar, festive atmosphere, and a champagne toast at 9 p.m. PST, coinciding with New York City’s midnight countdown. Proceeds support the beloved Kiwanis Santa Sleigh and the Manhattan Beach Kiwanis Children’s Charitable Fund. Doors open at 6:30, and guests must exit by 10:30.
www.MBKiwanis.org
Estell Boutique:
Discover what’s chic, cozy, and irresistibly festive this holiday season at one of Manhattan Beach’s most beloved boutiques. Please bring your friends and join us for a celebration of fashion, friendship, and holiday joy!
912-A Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach | (310) 985-7717
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1. ** A late-night scare in the South Bay: A woman in an allegedly stolen Hyundai Elantra led police on a six-mile high-speed chase from Gardena to Hermosa Beach around 11 p.m. recently. The pursuit ended when she crashed into a parked Ford SUV near the North End Bar on Hermosa Avenue. —- Editor’s Note
2. ** Calling somebody “a grinch” should be a compliment that means they exhibited tremendous personal growth. —- Vern S.
3. ** Good morning, neighbors – my name is Thelma. My team of three specializes in cleaning homes, apartments, and Airbnb properties. Kitchens, bathrooms, refrigerators – whatever you need, we can help. Reliable, thorough, and ready when you are. Contact me anytime at 310-987-8372.
4. ** Addicts and dealers buy Fentanyl cheaply in MacArthur Park. Then hop on the train straight to Santa Monica and sell it for three times as much. —- L.K.
5. ** Too bad no one close to Mark Burton can help him stop posting. On pools, he drowns. Facts: A new 50-meter pool might or might not serve community needs beyond high schoolers and youth teams. Adult swimmers use Begg; it’s not just for kids. No one can use the “South Bay Aquatics Center,” he mentions, except kids getting lessons. There are no adequate pool facilities, and Burton craps on the Bay Club proposal with lies, saying it will cost the city money. It must be hard to be so wrong on everything. Just stop, already, Mark. —- Chuck Willard, Manhattan Beach
6. ** A new review of six randomized controlled trials reveals CBD’s reputation as a sleep aid doesn’t hold up. CBD alone performed no better than a placebo for sleep or anxiety. Only THC-containing products offered any subjective sleep benefits. CBD doesn’t activate the brain’s sleep receptors the way THC does. —- Dr. Michelle Zarrin, Redondo Beach
7. ** Some Redondo Beach residents say they’ve spent their whole lives looking up at the steel poles welcoming them home to the marina. Change isn’t easy, especially for a beloved landmark. But a new King Harbor gateway sign is coming next year, after the City Council approved a fresh design this week. —- E. N.
8. ** Everyone in the world could blink at the same time, but no one would know because everyone’s eyes are closed. —- Mia A.
9. ** Downtown Manhattan Beach is truly our crown jewel. My family enjoyed an early dinner on Manhattan Avenue, surrounded by beautifully decorated shops and twinkling holiday lights. —- Erin H.
10. ** Call me old school, but I don’t see much benefit in them using AI regularly. Just a couple of examples… For research, we actually have books and libraries, in addition to the ever-present internet. For writing skills, the students will not develop them if AI is used all the time to compose writing assignments. Writing teaches you to organize thoughts and present them clearly and understandably. Students won’t develop valuable skills if AI does the heavy lifting. —- Terry Watson
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