The Hermosa Beach City Council voted Tuesday night to appoint longtime South Bay public servant Steve Napolitano as interim city manager.
Napolitano is an attorney in private practice and a lifelong South Bay resident who brings more than three decades of experience in local government, legal practice and city leadership to his new role, including five terms as Manhattan Beach’s Mayor and Councilmember and 12 years as a senior deputy to former Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.
“Steve has a demonstrated ability to tackle the civic challenges that matter most to our community—including improving our infrastructure and civic facilities, supporting economic development, addressing homelessness and enhancing public safety,” said Hermosa Beach Mayor Rob Saemann. “His life history, strong local ties and commitment to public service provide him with a deep understanding of both the South Bay and governmental operations, ensuring that the City of Hermosa Beach continues to deliver excellent services to our community.”
Napolitano will replace Public Works Director Joe SanClemente on May 28. SanClemente has served as temporary interim city manager following former City Manager Suja Lowenthal’s departure on May 8. SanClemente will continue to serve as public works director moving forward. The Council also announced that it will launch a broad search for a long-term city manager.
“I’ve lived in the South Bay my whole life and know Hermosa Beach well—from its coastal character to its unique challenges,” said Napolitano. “I’m honored by the Council’s confidence and look forward to collaborating with staff, City leadership and the community to strengthen City services, support Council’s priorities and preserve what makes Hermosa unique.”
In his previous position as a Manhattan Beach City Councilmember and Mayor, Napolitano presided over the rebuilding of city infrastructure, increased funding through several voter-approved tax and fee measures, hired more police and firefighters and improved city services. He was both the youngest and the longest-serving elected member of the Manhattan Beach City Council. He also served as president of the Independent Cities Association and was active with the Contract Cities Association and the League of California Cities.
Prior to his tenure on the Manhattan Beach Council, Napolitano assisted former Supervisor Knabe in overseeing Metro, the Department of Beaches and Harbors, County Counsel, the Arts Commission and County museums and libraries. He helped advance the County’s green building and landscaping policies, including the establishment of the Clean Power Alliance, which provides clean energy to many L.A. County cities including Hermosa Beach. He also spearheaded the revitalization of County libraries, helped establish a business concierge program to create a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs, expanded low-income housing requirements in Marina del Rey and served as the Supervisor’s representative to Hermosa Beach and several other South Bay beach cities.
From 2017 to 2022, he served as chief of staff and senior advisor to Long Beach Councilwoman Stacy Mungo, where he oversaw staff and provided direction on strategy and policy. In addition to his extensive track record of public service, Napolitano is also a licensed attorney experienced in municipal law and has recently represented hundreds of clients before the California Board of Parole.
Napolitano has received numerous honors for his public service, including the South Bay Chambers of Commerce Service Award, H.E.L.P. Inspiration Award, Manhattan Beach Distinguished Service Award, Cancer Support Community Certificate of Appreciation, Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Award and induction into the Mira Costa High School Hall of Fame. He earned his Juris Doctor at Loyola Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount University. He lives in Manhattan Beach with his family.