WHY A TRIBUTE TO STEVE NAPOLITANO:
From the Editors of MB Weekly
Few public servants embody the spirit of Manhattan Beach more profoundly than Steve Napolitano. His lifelong dedication to this community is a rare blend of passion, integrity, and steadfast leadership. Steve’s story is one of perseverance and commitment. Born and raised in Manhattan Beach, he attended local public schools, worked as a janitor to support himself through Loyola Marymount University, and taught in inner-city schools while earning his law degree. These experiences grounded him and deepened his connection to the values of hard work and fairness.
Serving as the youngest-ever elected official in Manhattan Beach and now its longest-serving Mayor and City Councilmember, Steve has always placed public safety as his top priority. Under his leadership, initiatives that enhance quality of life, protect the environment, and support seniors and children have come to fruition. His service is more than a job – it’s a calling.
Steve’s roots run deep, and his love for this city is evident in his policies and personal life. He is raising his children blocks from where he grew up, instilling the same values guiding his remarkable career.
We at MB Weekly offer this tribute to Steve Napolitano for his accomplishments, character, and unwavering dedication he brings to Manhattan Beach. Our community is better, safer, and stronger because of him.
MB WEEKLY – TRIBUTE:
Steve Napolitano: Like father like son.
A TRIBUTE TO STEVE NAPOLITANO:
** Thank you Councilmember Napolitano for your distinguished service on the Manhattan Beach City Council! Job well done! – With over 30 years of public service on our MB City Council, the Honorable Steve Napolitano has earned our appreciation and respect for his dedication and love for our community. In recent years, Steve has been the undisputed leader on City Council, noted for his wry wit and down to earth common sense. Having a 35 year career of public service to a city and its residents, I can say with certainty that Steve was one of the most experienced and knowledgeable City Councilmembers in our City’s history and, in fact, one of the most experienced and knowledgeable in Southern California. Since Steve grew up in Manhattan Beach and lived his entire life in Manhattan Beach, he had a unique perspective on what made our community great. It was in Steve’s DNA. Clearly, Steve was one of our community’s “favorite sons”. I don’t know who will step on the next Council as a leader but I do know that Steve’s leaving our City Council will leave a void. Steve’s impact was profound and lasting. I know that Steve’s next chapter will be in public service, it’s in his blood, it’s who he is. I, and many other residents, wish him the very best. —- Mark Burton (Former Manhattan Beach Mayor)
** The city was incredibly fortunate to have Steve Napolitano on the City Council during such challenging times. The pandemic was especially tough on restaurants and businesses, and without Steve’s leadership, my businesses would not have not faired as well as they did. Thank you, Steve, for everything you’ve done to support and enrich our beautiful Manhattan Beach! —- Michael Zislis (Prominent Hotel and Restaurant Owner)
MB WEEKLY – TRIBUTE:
Steve Napolitano: Younger years.
A TRIBUTE TO STEVE NAPOLITANO:
** Steve has been a fixture of Manhattan Beach for so long, it is hard to imagine him doing or being anything or anywhere else. From the beach volleyball courts to the City Council chambers Steve has been a tireless public servant to the good people of Manhattan Beach for what seems like forever! Steve has always been a stand up guy. Fair and honorable are two of the many words describing public servants who are also statespersons. Steve Napolitano has always been fair and honorable. In my 72 years here in Manhattan Beach, I have seen many different city councils. Steve Napolitano’s years of service rank him within the top group of elected officials to serve our city. With a little more free time, I hope to see you at the Shellback Tavern more often my friend. —- Bob Beverly (Shellback Tavern)
** I’ve always admired Steve’s brand of humor. Whenever he is making a presentation, he slyly sneaks in a humorous remark that it takes you a moment to absorb. He also thinks up these remarks during spontaneous discussions. I hope wherever life leads him, he can continue to use his sense of humor. —- Lynne Gross (Roundhouse Aquarium Board Member)
MB WEEKLY – TRIBUTE:
Steve Napolitano: Group events.
MB WEEKLY – TRIBUTE:
Steve Napolitano: Community events.
A TRIBUTE TO STEVE NAPOLITANO:
** Whenever someone has given decades of service to a community, they leave a mark. As a local realtor, I am often in the position of speaking with clients who are moving to Southern California for the first time. Buyers want to know where to live in Los Angeles. Although the commute to where you work is always going to be a driving factor, finding good schools and a safe place to live is the biggest draw. Steve Napolitano has worked tirelessly to help Manhattan Beach maintain its character. Manhattan Beach is clearly one of the few cities in the greater Los Angeles area where you can state it does have a true sense of community. Having someone local at the helm for so long helps shape our city into what it is – a place where tradition and progress coexist harmoniously. Steve’s leadership has preserved our small-town charm while guiding us through complex challenges with integrity, compassion, and dedication. His vision and commitment have made Manhattan Beach a place we are proud to call home, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. Thank you, Steve, for making a difference that will be felt for generations. —- Ed Kaminsky (Manhattan Beach Realtor)
** Many of us at Continental Development Corporation have known and worked with Steve since he first joined the City Council 30 years ago. We have all enjoyed his passion and dedication to Manhattan Beach and strong work ethic for the betterment of the City. Steve has always seen the bigger picture on developments and been supportive of projects that are good for the community. In addition to his years with the City, his position working with Supervisor Don Knabe was also a very positive experience for our Company. Steve will be missed on the Council, but his continued involvement with Manhattan Beach will be evident. We wish him the best in all his future endeavors. —- Richard Lundquist & Senior Staff (Continental Development Corporation)
MB WEEKLY – TRIBUTE:
Steve Napolitano: Public events.
MB WEEKLY – TRIBUTE:
Steve Napolitano: Around the City.
A TRIBUTE TO STEVE NAPOLITANO:
** I’m sorry to see Steve Napolitano leave the Manhattan Beach City Council due to term limits. Steve has done so much for our community to improve our residents’ quality of life and public safety. He’s also been a watchdog for prudent spending of taxpayer dollars and on all budgetary matters. Steve’s exemplary service and dedication was second to none. Steve was my role model when I was on the City Council and especially while I was Mayor. While Steve will be missed on Council, I’m sure he’ll continue to be serving our community in the future. —- Wayne Powell (Former Manhattan Beach Mayor/Councilmember)
** Steve Napolitano has done a great job for Manhattan Beach throughout his years as mayor and councilman. He has been very receptive to citizen input and has helped make our town the great place it is today. Obviously the citizens appreciate what he has done, because even though unfortunately he lost his bid to become a judge in the last election, 82% of Manhattan Beach voters supported him. —- Russ Lesser (Former Manhattan Beach Mayor)
MB WEEKLY – TRIBUTE:
Steve Napolitano: Holiday parades.
MB WEEKLY – TRIBUTE:
Steve Napolitano: Fun times.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE THE MANHATTAN BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY:
** To date, I haven’t used it. However, I do have a library card and one of my upcoming New Year’s Resolutions is to use the library regularly. I like to read, so I’ll be checking out books next year rather than buying them. —- Mark Burton (Former Manhattan Beach Mayor)
** I use my Kindle to read books and newspapers and look up everything else on line. I hear it is great for kids, but I have only been inside once when it first opened. —- Paul Wafer (Manhattan Beach)
** Weekly —- Kate Andersen (Manhattan Beach Accountant)
** I don’t believe I have ever found a reason to use the Library other than to point out it exists to new clients moving to Manhattan Beach. —- Ed Kaminsky (Manhattan Beach Realtor)
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOMEBUYING TICKS UP DESPITE RISING PRICES. THE AFFECT ON REAL ESTATE IN MANHATTAN BEACH:
** What is interesting about the real estate market is 2024 will go on record as one of the lowest transaction volume in decades. Despite the low number of sales, prices held steady in most markets, including Manhattan Beach, which has shown a slight increase of .4% overall. (Source Trendgraphix Y.O.Y. pricer per sqft) If you look a little closer, new home prices have trended up in most of the areas in Manhattan Beach and some of the older homes that are 20-30 years old didn’t see the same increases. There is currently a higher demand for new or newer homes over the older homes. The supply of new homes remains low the demand is still high enough despite the current interest rate market. If we see mortgage rates dip in the coming months, we could easily a continued jump in demand, which will put upward pressure on values. —- Ed Kaminsky (Realtor)
** The dip in mortgage rates will have a positive effect in real estate for Manhattan Beach. It will help encourage 1st time buyers to engage in the market and offer strong bids for properties. It also helps the residential income market in MB as lower rates will help increase the positive cash flow of these properties. —- Vince Altamura (Realtor)
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1. ** I love The Church Lady! —- Gerry H.
2. ** It’s increasingly difficult to enjoy any entertainment without being bombarded by woke agendas. —- Gabe P.
3. ** Coyote crossing MBB & Poinsettia just now at 7 am. —- Lynn H.
4. ** Wellness check called in on Elon Musk after he doesn’t post on X for over 17 minutes. —- Don M.
5. ** Put your brain in gear and your phone away when driving! People’s lives hang in the balance. Today, I dodged FIVE distracted drivers – texting, chatting, and one guy puffing a joint, obliviously blocking traffic. Is it too much to ask for turn signals and attention? Drive responsibly, assholes! —- Gloria B.
6. ** Vietnam Veterans of America South Bay Chapter 53 will award $1,200 scholarships to selected college or technical-bound graduating seniors from local South Bay area high schools in 2025. Entries must be received before April 6th. For questions or more information. —- Contact Chair@vva53scholarships.org
7. ** Free bridge lessons. Everyone welcome. You play a game in your very first lesson. Bring a partner or come alone. No experience is necessary. The first four lessons are free. Each class is 2 hours. The start date is January 14th, 2:15 pm. —- Saint Cross Church Hermosa Beach 310 600-4275
8. ** Save 20% of every order of Urban Plates in Manhattan Beach —- www.UrbanPlates.com/plate-pass
9. ** MB WEEKLY – READER QUESTION: Do Women Get More Headaches Than Men? —- Send your reply to: MBWeekly@TimeWire.net (100 word maximum)
10. ** Fleming’s Steakhouse in El Segundo was a disaster. Terrible service, late and poorly cooked steaks, and zero presentation. They comped returned dishes, but the damage was done. This was a company dinner – almost ruined. A $50+ filet should deliver excellence, not disappointment. Total failure in customer care. —- Carla A.
11. ** Growing up is realizing that school was actually fun and without it a year would’ve felt like a month. —- Zeke B.
12. ** More than HALF of California’s legal cannabis products contain unmonitored chemicals! The state’s tangled supply chain and faulty data make it impossible to trace contamination. A system meant to protect us is failing. Where’s the accountability? Consumers deserve transparency, not toxic guesswork. —- Pauline D.
13. ** The oldest millennials will soon turn 44. —- Tori T.
14. ** Marijuana and sports gambling tell a story about American politics. Twenty years ago, both were largely illegal. Now, most people can partake in them legally. —- Holland T.
15. ** It’s never really explained how Santa gets into apartment buildings. —- Darren H.
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