Retrospective: Hermosa's pier goes on the clock — and MBEF writes a record check

The one thing. Hermosa's pier went on the clock. At Tuesday's joint Public Works and Parks & Rec session, staff put the structure at "poor to serious" condition and the math on the table: a new pier pencils at $58.6 million (in 2032 dollars), versus roughly $100 million to keep repairing the old one forever. The city needs to choose by the end of 2026; high-priority repairs start once the summer crowds leave. Easy Reader →

Your money. A nonprofit deadline worth knowing: organizations on a calendar tax year — a category that includes plenty of local foundations and clubs — file the Form 990 by May 15. Form 8868 buys an automatic six-month extension to file. IRS →

At City Hall. Manhattan Beach opened budget season May 5: after the FY2027 presentation, council sent staff hunting for an additional $1 million in potential cost reductions and asked for analysis on parking-rate increases and the feasibility of a bond measure. The full minutes are posted. Minutes →

Schools. MBEF granted MBUSD $7,636,400 for 2026-27 — the largest gift in the foundation's 43-year history, delivered early so the district could rescind some of its 58-plus authorized pink slips before final notices. Executive Director Hilary Mahan's target: $8 million. Easy Reader →

The pulse. Hearts of Hermosa set sail May 9: HBEF's "Come Sail Away" gala filled Hermosa Vista School with yacht rock, a live auction, and five hours of fundraising for Hermosa's schools. Downtown MB, meanwhile, welcomed Coucou — a new French bistro at 1131 Manhattan Avenue — and brought back "Build a Bouquet" for Mother's Day. HBEF →

Next → Hermosa's pulled fees return to the dais, and Zillow grades April.

Pier to Pier — the smart local read for MB & Hermosa. General information, not advice.