Planning Commission

The Planning Commission implements the city’s zoning ordinance and considers land use applications such as use permits, variances, planned development permits, historic landmark requests, CEQA, and appeals of certain decisions made by the Directors of Community Development, and recommends to the City Council zone changes, code amendments, and modifications to long-range planning documents, including but not limited to the city’s General Plan and Local Coastal Plan. It is the only existing Commission that makes official determinations. Planning Commission decisions may be appealed to the City Council. It consists of five members. It meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m. in a hybrid format (in-person in City Council Chambers and virtually via Zoom).

Seat No. 3 (Member-At-Large): Joseph Ungoco
Seat No. 4 (Member-At-Large): Robert Tokashiki
Seat No. 5 (Member-At-Large): Rachel Croessman

Parking and Public Improvements Commission

The Parking and Public Improvements Commission (PPIC) makes recommendations to the City Council on public parking issues, capital improvement projects, traffic management and activities within the public right-of-way including encroachment permits. It consists of five  members: three members selected at-large, and two members owning and/or operating businesses located in the city, excluding home-based businesses. It meets the 4th Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in a hybrid format (in-person in City Council Chambers and virtually via Zoom).

Seat No. 1 (Member-At-Large): Allen Kirschenbaum
Seat No. 2 (Business Community): Kit Becker
Seat No. 3 (Member-At-Large): Joe Marcy

Parks and Recreation Commission:

The Parks & Recreation Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council regarding the recreational needs of all citizens, and shall promote supervised public recreation within the city. It consists of seven members: four members selected at-large, one member from the Older Adult community, one representative appointed by the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, and one student representative. It meets the 4th Monday of every month at 4:00 pm. in a hybrid format (in-person in City Council Chambers and virtually via Zoom).

Seat No. 2 (MBUSD Nominee): Karen Komatinsky
Seat No. 3 (Member-At-Large): Larry Zimbalist
Seat No. 7 (Student Representative): Daniel Greenberg

Library Commission:

The Library Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council regarding library services provided by the Los Angeles County Library System to the citizens of Manhattan Beach. This Commission also serves as a liaison between the county, city and public/private community groups supportive of library services. It consists of six members: five members selected at-large and one student representative. It meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 4:00 PM in a hybrid format (in-person in City Council Chambers and virtually via Zoom)

Seat No. 4 (Member-At-Large): Dina Doll
Seat No. 6 (Student Representative): Katherine Jester

Cultural Arts Commission:

The Cultural Arts Commission assists the City Council in developing an Annual Work Plan for Cultural Arts in the city. The commission also encourages and supports public art (festivals, concerts, special events and educational programs) in the community. It consists of six members: four members selected at-large, one member selected with art-related experience, and one student representative. It meets the 3rd Monday of every month at 4:00 p.m. in a hybrid format (in-person in City Council Chambers and virtually via Zoom).

Seat No. 1 (Art Experience): Carol Patterson
Seat No. 5 (Member-At-Large): Jen Dohner
Seat No. 6 (Student Representative): Samantha Erlich-Fein