Manhattan Beach continues to roll out the red carpet to those who were displaced by January's devastating L.A. wildfires: Last week, city officials and the Downtown Manhattan Beach businesses distributed 200 bags filled with goodies and information for the recently relocated families with children in the Manhattan Beach schools.

Among other things, the bags contained gift cards to local restaurants, referrals to local businesses, maps, a list of all of the "signature" events of Manhattan Beach, and a city holiday ornament.

The bags were delivered to American Martyrs School, where 50 new families have enrolled, and to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, where 150 new families have enrolled.

"We know you are busy trying to understand what comes next," Manhattan Beach Mayor wrote in a letter that was included with the gift bag. "While we can’t help with that, we hope you will find a welcoming community that is eager to help in any way. We know it takes more than a house to rebuild a life."

Howorth also asked her fellow councilmembers to name a few special events that they love about Manhattan Beach, and their list included the Manhattan Wine Auction, Concerts in the Park, the Manhattan Beach Open, the International Surf Festival, the Great Pumpkin Race and Halloween on the walk streets, and the Manhattan Beach Santa Float and the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks during the winter holidays.

Jill Lamkin, executive director of the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professionals Association, rounded up numerous gift items to include in the bags, ranging from restaurant gift cards, to toothbrushes & toothpaste, to note cards depicting the Manhattan Beach Pier. 

"We understand that your journey here was likely prompted by one of the most difficult experiences in your life," wrote Lamkin, on behalf of the DTMB board, in a letter to gift bag recipients. "Please know that our community is one of connection and care, and we'd like to introduce you to everything that makes Manhattan Beach such a special place to live."

Many indiviuals and families who were displaced by the L.A. wildfires have chosen Manhattan Beach as a temporary or permanent place to land. New real estate deals hit a record $245 million in the first six weeks of 2025, in part driven by a wave of incoming residents. More than 200 students have joined MBUSD since the fires.

Meanwhile, the city and its residents have extended a warm welcome to individuals and families who were displaced by the L.A. wildfires. Last month, a group of Manhattan Beach residents coordinated a welcome party that drew more than 500 displaced Pacific Palisades residents who have relocated to Manhattan Beach.