No Violation of State Law

Manhattan Beach Mayor Bob Holmes did not violate any state laws by using the city letterhead for a newsletter in which he stated his opposition to a ballot initiative, according to City Atty. Carl Newton.

Proponents of the measure, which would limit building height to a maximum of 26 feet and restrict commercial parking in residential zones, had asked for an investigation into whether Holmes had improperly used the city letterhead to express his views.

Holmes had responded that the city letterhead was part of a newsletter he regularly sends at his own expense to 750 to 800 residents, and he did not intend to imply that it represented the opinions of all City Council members.

In a letter to the council, Newton said that as long as the city seal and letterhead are not used falsely to present material as an official publication, their use is not illegal.

Petitions for the proposed initiative have been submitted in hopes of qualifying it for the June 7 election.