Could a seat on a Manhattan Beach board or commission be good fit for you? To learn more about the job, MB News took a deeper dive into what is entailed in the position, and spoke to several current commissioners about their work.

But first, some basic facts to know: The city of Manhattan Beach is looking for residents to fill upcoming vacancies on its boards and commissions. Vacancies will be available on the Cultural Arts Commission; Library Commission; Parks and Recreation Commission; Parking and Public Improvements Commission; and Los Angeles County West Vector Control Board.

Those who are interested may visit the City of Manhattan Beach Boards and Commissions webpage to learn more about each board and commission and to submit an electronic application. The application deadline is Thursday, April 14, at 5:30 p.m.

Board and commission interviews will take place at a City Council meeting on April 26, at a time and location to be determined. The City Council will consider all applications and appoint members to the boards and commissions at the May 3 City Council meeting.

In general, the role of boards and commissions is to advise and provide recommendations to the City Council regarding issues that are presented to the commission from either the City Council, City Staff, or initiated by the commission itself and approved by the City Council for study. The name "board" or "commission" has the same weight - it appears to be merely Manhattan Beach tradition whether a body was established as a board or commission. Boards and commissions have a permanent nature as opposed to a committee, which may be established for some specific and perhaps temporary purpose.

All members of boards or commissions must be registered voters and residents of the city of Manhattan Beach. Commissioners and board members are appointed by city council members (with the exception of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District nominee), and are subject to ratification by the City Council. Terms are for three years with a two-term limit, with the exception of student representatives and the Los Angeles County West Vector Control Board Trustee nominee.

Generally, boards and commissions meet once per month (Planning Commission meets twice per month) and always in the evening after traditional business hours. 

Commission and board seats are volunteer positions.

To get a better sense of what it means to be on a commission, MB News spoke with several current commissioners about what the job entails.

"While projects and timelines may vary, it’s a manageable commitment and a rewarding experience," said Joe Marcy, who currently serves as chair of the Cultural Arts Commission. "It's truly a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with community leaders."

Marcy highlighted a few of the projects that the Cultural Arts Commission is working on, including utility infrastructure beautification, digital displays, the Manhattan Beach Art Center revitalization, performing arts, sculptures, murals, and rainbow crosswalks.

"When you volunteer in this capacity, you establish professional relationships with city staff, City Council and community leaders," said Marcy. "These individuals are inspirational. You’ll learn more about internal operations, government structure and personal and professional development. At the end of the day, it’s a wonderful platform to make a difference."

Who would make a good commissioner? "Anyone who has a good skill set and has a passion for the city is a good candidate," said Janet Jones, a current member of the Library Commission and a former member of the Parks and Rec Commission.

"You get out of it what you put into it," added Jones.  "You also get a sense of pulling back the curtain of how the city is run, and you have a chance to put your mark on it - and by that I mean you individually, but also as a commission."

Jones cited the example of how when she served on the Parks and Rec Commission, the group proposed the creation of a Salute to the Troops picnic and concert, an event that kicked off the summer series at Polliwog Park and has since become an annual tradition (the pandemic notwithstanding).