Manhattan Beach Real Estate Blog

Manhattan Beach Library Reconstruction

Manhattan Beach Mobile Library

Libraries are a vital part of every thriving community. The city of Manhattan Beach and its residents recognize the importance of pairing an award-winning school district with a great library system, which is why they’ve initiated the rebuilding of the Manhattan Beach Library. The construction will double the size of the previously existing library!

The Manhattan Beach Library is one of the oldest continuing libraries in L.A. County, and the City of Manhattan Beach felt it was time for an upgrade. As of June, the library has been closed for major reconstruction.

By June 2015 the library will be a bigger, more modern, two-story version of its former self. It is being built according to an eco-friendly design. City staff envision the building obtaining LEED gold-level certification. 

In the meantime while the library is closed, residents can browse the Manhattan Beach Express Library – a temporary facility on Highland Avenue. In addition, Manhattan Beach residents can use the Hermosa Beach Library. The library will be operational, but its hours and its collection will be limited. The good news for Manhattan Beach bookworms is that, thanks to a 16-year-old Mira Costa High School student, they now have access to free books from a little wooden box planted in the Civic Center courtyard.

Little Free LibraryThe Little Free Library looks like a birdhouse, and its purpose is to be a vehicle for a community-wide...

A Decade of Progress in Manhattan Beach

Rosecrans and Sepulveda Blvd in Manhattan Beach Circa 1966

One of the largest decisions made by the City Council during the "Decade of Progress" was the closing of the walk-streets. Some 4,700 signatures had been collected in a three-week campaign to keep Manhattan Beach walk-streets closed to vehicular traffic. It was the desire of the residents to maintain the unique personality of the neighborhoods. In 1962, an ordinance was endorsed by the Council, even though the City Attorney felt the ordinance was worthless. The walk-streets were to stay closed permanently.

Another decision made in 1962 was the renewal of the Manhattan Beach International Paddleboard Race, which had been abandon in 1961. It had been held annually, since 1955, with one exception; in 1959, when its finish line, the City Pier, was undergoing repairs; and in 1961, due to rough seas, which made holding the race unsafe. The events thrilled thousands of residents and visitors alike, bringing media attention to Manhattan Beach.  

By the year 1966, the City was primarily residential, with a population of 36,078 a 6.3% change from 1960, with a median income of $8,289 and median age of 29. The dynamic capital improvement programs truly were a testimony to its "Decade of Progress." Nearly every phase of Manhattan Beach’s operations had been vastly upgraded and groundwork had been laid for more spectacular improvements in the years to come. Capital developments during the past decade had been achieved without resorting to bonded indebtedness.

In 1967, there were many specialty projects: more and more property owners requested lot splits, gas lighting assessment districts were requested, one being at 31st street between Bell and Laurel...

Distinguished Speaker Series Ticket Giveaway

Image from the distinguished speaker seriesThis upcoming Tuesday marks another great speaker arranged for the Distinguished Speaker Series of Redondo Beach. George Papandreou, former Prime Minister of Greece will be speaking at the event that’s hosted at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.

The Distinguished Speaker Series is known for arranging inspiring and entertaining speeches by some of the most influential individuals of our generation. We’re excited to be hosting a Facebook contest for two free tickets to the event that’s this Tuesday, October 22nd.  Visit our Manhattan Beach Homes Facebook page  for rules on how to enter.

Good Luck!

 

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Fall Events In Manhattan Beach

Pumpkin patch in Manhattan Beach

With Fall being in full swing, we think it’s time to try and drum up some excitement for events around town. The weather might be colder and wetter but that isn’t going to slow down all of the fun seasonal events that are scheduled for the next few weeks.

The Teen Center Bus Trip is scheduled for October 18th. If you have kids between the ages of 11-15, this is the perfect trip for them! They can dress up in costume and go trick or treating in Disneyland. Registration prior to the event is required and it can be done on the city's website.

If you’re into photography, the Creative Arts Center is opening up a new exhibit on October 21st that’s called “Both Sides of the Lens.” Photographers and Digital Artists (PADA) Group Members will be hosting the exhibit. The Exhibition page provides more information on the art exhibit and what you can expect to see.

Barsha Wines and Spirits are hosting a little Halloween fun for the adults on October 24th with a “Hallo-wine” event. Prepare your favorite costume for the event because we’re sure everyone will be clamoring for the $200 gift basket that will be given away to the best costume. Who said Halloween was only for the kids?

Of course Fall won’t be the same without the Manahttan Beach 23rd Annual World Famous Pumpkin Race Festival on October 27th.  The Halloween festival and pumpkin race will be at the Manhattan...

Sunscreen Film Festival Coming to Manhattan Beach

Sunscreen Film Festival PosterThis weekend, Hollywood is coming to Manhattan Beach.

Manhattan Beach businesses and studios will host parties and screenings for the Sunscreen Film Festival, a recognized annual event in the world of independent film. Sunscreen is an acclaimed national event attended by over 11,000 people each year. In past years, its guest list has included such A-listers as John Travolta and Kelly Preston. For eight years the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Society has put on the festival, which is sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A few years ago, MovieMaker Magazine voted it one of the “25 Coolest Film Fests” in the nation.

What’s different about Sunscreen is that its organizers put emphasis on participation. Anyone who attends will have the opportunity to attend workshops put on by established screenwriters and production managers about writing and making films.

More than 20 independent films will be screened this weekend, most of them at Arclight in El Segundo. Manhattan Beach Studios, a production studio on Rosecrans, will host the opening party on Friday night, October 11th. The Belamar Hotel will host the Awards Ceremony and party on Saturday night beginning at 9:15 p.m.

The full list of events and tickets are available on their Sunscreen Film Festival website.

We’re excited to show filmmakers and film enthusiasts from all over the country how beautiful Manhattan Beach really is. Do you think Manhattan Beach is the right location for the festival? 

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41st Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair

Manhattan Beanch's Hometown Fair Banner

Summer may have just ended but Manhattan Beach comes to our rescue this weekend with its 41st Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair that will be held on October 5th and October 6th.

In 1972, local residents that wanted to strengthen the feel of community within Manhattan Beach started the historic Hometown Fair. The fair operates as a non-profit venture that is made possible by volunteers and city involvement. No commercial sponsors are a part of the production of the fair because it would take away from the fairs mission of strengthening the small town feel within the community.

The food booths won’t disappoint with a huge array of items to pick from. Whether you’re there for the BBQ or the funnel cakes and countless sweets, you’ll have a hard time walking away to enjoy the rest of the fair. 

Everyone at the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair Beer Garden

The Beer Garden will be on Dorsey Field at the north end and it will be open at 10:00am with tickets available until 5:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Four different charities operate the Beer Garden each year and the proceeds go to them. You can drink and help out the community, what more can you ask for? Not to be outdone, the Wine Garden will be serving premium wines as well as hosting wine tastings on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00pm. Ayline Amiryan will be performing...

Robinson Elementary Named 2013 National Blue Ribbon School

National Blue Ribbon School EmblemWe often say that Manhattan Beach has some of the best elementary schools in the entire country. This month, one of them was awarded a special distinction we’re proud to share with you.

Robinson Elementary (also known as Opal Robinson) earned the honor of being named a National Blue Ribbon School – a great source of pride for the school, whose enrollment is about 400 students. During this round of awards, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan bestowed Blue Ribbon status on less than 1 percent of public schools. Robinson was one of just 236 – from a pool of nearly 100,000 – to be chosen. Of that number, just 13 schools were located in the state of California.

“Since the program’s founding, the U.S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award on more than 7,000 of America’s schools.” We’re proud to work in a community that strives for excellence in education and that cares genuinely about nurturing young minds. Robinson will be formally honored in November during a national ceremony scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized for academic excellence and inspired teaching. Since 1982, the Department of Education has used the Blue Ribbon standard to recognize the top echelon of public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. According to the Department of Education’s website, the “National Blue Ribbon Schools flag overhead has become a mark of excellence in education recognized by everyone from parents to policymakers in thousands of communities.”

Students from Robinson Elementary...