The Manhattan Beach City Council adopted a zoning overhaul at its July 7 meeting, formally amending the city's municipal code and Local Coastal Program to comply with state 6th Cycle Housing Element requirements.

Ordinance No. 26-0009, approved on second reading, implements programs the state requires cities to adopt as part of their housing plans. Community Development Director Masa presented the item, which the city said carries no budget impact. The council also adopted Resolution No. 26-0054 alongside the ordinance.

Fallen Marine honored

The evening's most emotional moment came when the council honored the life of Chad Jenson for his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and the Marine Forces Special Operations Command. Jenson, who grew up in Redondo Beach, was 25 when he died on July 10, 2017, among 15 Marines and a Navy sailor killed in a C-130 crash in Leflore County, Mississippi. No one survived.

"This kid was a true American and a true patriot," said Chuck Arrasmith, Jenson's offensive line coach at Mira Costa High School. "He was a man for others."

Poster contest winner recognized

The council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Orhan Taner as the America 250 Poster Contest winner. The 2026 Congressional Art Competition carried the theme "America, a 250-year celebration of Liberty," and winners from each congressional district have their artwork displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol building.

Other business

Congressman Ted Lieu presented a federal Community Project Funding check for an unspecified city infrastructure project; the amount was not disclosed.

The council approved a $52,062 amendment to a professional engineering services agreement with IDS Group, Inc. for the Parking Lot 3 Redevelopment Feasibility Study, bringing the total contract to $121,234. Interim Public Works Director DeFrancesco presented the item.

A public hearing on adjusting hourly parking rates and citation penalties in the Coastal Zone was held, with Finance Director Bretthauer and Community Development Director Alkire presenting. Specific rate figures were not immediately available.

The council also approved a Girl Scout Silver Award service project for coyote awareness at Polliwog Park and Veterans Parkway, a memorandum of understanding with the Manhattan Beach Firefighters' Association, and a citywide salary schedule update.

Mayor Franklin and Councilmember Lesser requested a limit on councilmembers' conference attendance to two per year, directing City Manager Mirzakhanian to follow up.