Posts by Mark McDermott

by Mark McDermott  The term “housing crisis,” so often used to describe California’s housing shortage, just took on new meaning for the thousands of families who lost homes in the Los Angeles County wildfires in the last week. Many of the 5,000 left without homes in Pacific Palisades are looking for temporary and permanent new…

by Mark McDermott    The Seeds of Knowledge, an art installation on Metlox Plaza that recognizes lifetime contributors to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, added 13 new honorees at a ceremony in December.  MBEF Endowment president Roger Spencer that the “extraordinary generosity” of the donors, each who have contributed at least $100,000.   “It’s because of…

by Mark McDermott  Over the course of three and a half decades, Richard Montgomery has become so ubiquitous within Manhattan Beach that he has become one of its fundamental elements —  sand, sky, wave, pier, and Montgomery, also known as “the crisis mayor.” He will go down in local history as one of only five…

by Mark McDermott Bruce Greenberg arrived on the Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board of Education through unusual circumstances.  A former board member had abruptly resigned and two years remained in that term. A special election would have cost $879,000, so the board instead had candidates apply directly to them, in the high pressure environment…

by Mark McDermott  On the surface, 2024 was a relatively quiet year in Manhattan Beach. Even town politics were unusually pacific. This was particularly surprising because the lack of drama came in an otherwise loud election year.  A few years ago, divisiveness was the word local leaders were using to decry what appeared to be…

by Mark McDermott  Steve Napolitano and Richard Montgomery said their farewells at City Council Tuesday night, while Steve Charelian and Nina Tarnay were sworn in as first-time council members. Reelected Councilperson Joe Franklin was also sworn in again.  The departure of Napolitano and Montgomery marks the end of an era in Manhattan Beach city government.…

by Mark McDermott  Mira Costa High School has famously produced everything from cutting edge physicists to famous actors, musicians, and writers. But the school has one tradition that is perhaps most steadfast: year after year, Mustang athletes are among the most elite in the nation, and are sought after by major college sports programs.  This…

by Mark McDermott  If this was their last rodeo, Councilmembers Richard Montgomery and Steve Napolitano left the Manhattan Beach City Council much the way each had served over their collective nine terms, the last two serving together.  Montgomery is known for his elephantine memory of most municipal business across the last two decades, and for…

by Mark McDermott  The City of Manhattan Beach announced this week that Fire Chief Michael Lang will be retiring. Lang, who has spent 32 years in the fire service, including the last four leading the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, will continue to serve until his successor is found.  “It has been a privilege to serve…

by Mark McDermott  When Jen Dohner made the decision to run for the Manhattan Beach Unified School District’s Board of Education, she braced for a tough campaign. Two years ago, the school board race was contentious, with six candidates running for three seats.  But a funny thing happened on the way to Election Day. Two…

by Mark McDermott  Students in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District are increasingly feeling a positive sense of belonging at their schools, according to a survey conducted in partnership with the Beach Cities Health District.  The BCHD Tri District Survey is administered each spring and fall and includes MBUSD, Redondo Beach Unified, and the Hermosa…

by Mark McDermott  Kai Kushner is only 18 years old but his legend as a surfer has been growing steadily for the better part of a decade. He was a ripping mop-haired micro-grom who stood out in the El Porto lineup while still in single digits. By 10, he already had a Ripcurl sponsorship.  Kushner…

by Mark McDermott  The Stadium Way project, a $4.6 million upgrade to the area adjacent to the Mira Costa High football stadium, is nearing completion, marking the very end of Measure EE school bond work that began seven years ago.  The project includes a new entrance, modern lighting, accessible pathways and seating, new benches, an…

by Mark McDermott  The Manhattan Beach City Council formally appointed Talyn Mirzakhanian as city manager at its November 6 meeting.  Mirzakhanian has worked for the City of Manhattan Beach since 2020, first as a planning manager, then as community development director, and since August as acting city manager. The City Council conducted a nationwide search…