South Bay by Jackie Weekend Guide February 6, 2020

Guess where I’ve been the last few days? Computer Hell. (Dante’s Divine Comedy really needs to be updated with this as the tenth level of the underworld.) My laptop, which I’ve never had any issues with, dropped dead Tuesday afternoon at approximately 2 p.m. with no warning. Just like that, poof. I’ve been to Computer Hell a handful of times with previous computers, so I keep a backup laptop…. but having a backup that you haven’t had to use in three years comes with its own set of challenges. It’s all so frustratingly time consuming. Whoever said technology would make life simpler deserves to be horsewhipped, is an idiot, should have a lobotomy, needs to rethink that statement. In the meantime, I have a big weekend to look forward to – I’m playing in the 900 Club NextStep Poker Tournament again! Last year I made it to the final table and came in sixth place. I plan to play even better this time. Wish me luck!
Riviera Village presents First Friday on Friday, February 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. This free, monthly event is the place to be every first Friday! Head to the Village and enjoy live music, food samplings, gallery viewing, promotional offers and more while you dine and shop. Riviera Village merchants and art galleries stay open until 8 p.m. The energy will be fueled by live music at various locations from 6 to 8 p.m. If you plan on having dinner at one of the many fine dining establishments, reservations are highly recommended. For additional information, visit the website at http://rivieravillage.net/.
The South Coast Botanic Garden presents Social Irrigation on Friday, February 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. End your week in the most fun and relaxing way possible! Check out the Garden’s newest program, Social Irrigation. Bring your friends and family and let them take care of the rest. Beer, cider and wine will be available for sale onsite. Pre-purchase picnic box meals so it’s ready when you arrive, courtesy of Torrance Bakery. Of course, you are welcome to bring your own picnic as well. This month’s event features The Blue Breeze Band, an award-winning dance party band that specializes in Motown, R&B, Soul, Funk, Jazz and Blues. This is the perfect family night out with yard games and plenty of space for the kids to dance and have some fun. So grab your blankets, chairs, and dancing shoes! Tickets are $9/$12/$16. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at https://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/event/social-irrigation-4/. South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274.
Join volunteers at Seaside Heroes Park for the monthly Community Beautification Event every second Saturday on the month (February 8) from 8 to 11 a.m. All are welcome to get down and dirty and lend a hand cleaning, weeding, and dead heading – including groups or individuals who need community service hours. Even though the park is small, it’s a huge job to keep it looking good. As of January 2019, volunteers have put over 1300 work hours into the project. This is a labor of love and the organizers are immensely grateful to anyone who gives their time. COME MAKE FRIENDS! DO GOOD! HAVE FUN! Meet at 22812 Kathryn Avenue in Torrance. Bring tools and gloves (if you have or will be supplied), sunscreen, water AND energy. Donations are also accepted via Paypal and personal check to cover the cost of water, tools, and promotion of the event. To schedule yourself or your group, contact Jenna Christensen at 310.920.9387 or via email at cjenna@realtor.com. Seaside Heroes Park is located at 22851 Anza Avenue, Torrance, CA.
The Redondo Beach Pier Association and Cancer Support Community host Yoga on the Octagon the second Saturday of each month (February 8) from 10 to 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and take part in this all level yoga class where the International Boardwalk meets the Redondo Beach Pier (the octagon below Kincaid’s). Participants should bring a yoga mat, towel and bottled water. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.redondopier.com/events/. The Redondo Beach Pier is located at 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. If it rains, the class will be held at Cancer Support Community at 109 West Torrance Boulevard.

Shiok Asian Street Food will host a Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 8. The event will feature two Lion Dance showings at 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. (This is pretty cool because you don’t often see Lion Dances in South Bay.) They’ll be offering key Lunar New Year menu Items such as Firecracker Bao, Firecracker Prawns, Long Life Garlic Noodles, Pomegranate Siracha Prawns, and Dragon Coolers. There will also be traditional Red Envelopes and Lucky Gifts and a raffle for two Disney tickets. For additional information and reservations, visit the website at https://www.shiokeats.com/. Shiok Asian Street Food is located at 2595 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505.
NextStep presents the annual 900 Club Charity Poker Tournament on Saturday, February 8 starting at noon. The 900 Club is a members-only establishment located in Manhattan Beach and this is your chance to gain entrance to this exclusive retreat! The event will bring together members the 900 Club, celebrity guests, local businesses and friends in support of NextStep. Check-in starts at noon with cards flying at 1 p.m. The buy-in is $100 pre-purchase or $150 at the door, and rebuys will be available. Players will enjoy free appetizers all day and free cocktails until 3 p.m.! There are only 70 seats available so you have a real chance to win! Hey, it’s fun, it’s for a great cause and it’s tax deductible! For additional information and ticket purchase, click here. The 900 Club is located at 900 Manhattan Avenue in Manhattan Beach.
Join Waterfront Education for Tidal Splash on Saturday, February 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Abalone Cove. Join Discovery Leaders (and tide pool enthusiasts) for a tide pool extravaganza! There will be a very low tide, revealing an amazing marine world to explore. Through scientific observations, students will develop a further understanding of the rocky intertidal ecosystem and the predator prey relationships that exist there. At the end of the day, students will leave with a new appreciation for the incredible California coastline they get to call home! As always, these events are parent friendly if you want to make this a fun, family outing. The cost is $25 per person. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.waterfronteducation.org/calendar. Attendees should meet in the parking lot at Abalone Cove in Palos Verdes.
The Palos Verdes Art Center presents the Opening Reception of Habitat California: Flora & Fauna on Saturday, February 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. Habitat California: Flora & Fauna is an invitational and juried exhibition featuring the plants and wildlife of California in the shifting ecosystems they inhabit. The exhibition presents over 80 works of art in wide-ranging styles and media, including plein air landscape paintings, botanical drawings, and sculpture as well as video and internet art. Topics include:
* Continuing the California Landscape and California Impressionist traditions
* The intersections of urban, suburban, and wildlife habitats
* The effects of climate change on wildlife and botanical habitat and species
* Explorations in new media featuring California flora and fauna and their ecosystems
Contemporary works will be accompanied by historic botanicals and paintings by noted California artists. The Juror is Tulsa Kinney, editor and co-founder of Artillery, a contemporary art magazine based in Los Angeles established in 2006. This event is FREE to attend. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.pvartcenter.org/. The Palos Verdes Art Center is located at 5504 West Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.

April’s Fools Comedy Improv Troupe presents Foolish Love on Saturday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Second Story Theater. You’ll laugh out loud when audience suggestions are turned into comedy on stage! Directed by Valerie Gorsuch and Sandy Marchese. General admission tickets are $10 and $8 for seniors – or buy an annual pass, 12 shows for $60. For additional information and ticket purchase, call (310) 318-1705 or visit the website at http://www.AprilsFoolsImprov.com. The Second Story Theater is located at 710 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach.
The Slip Bar & Eatery will host the monthly BCHD/Blue Zones Project Social Hour on Tuesday, February 11 from 5 to 6 p.m. Italians drink a glass of red wine with each meal…and they might just be onto something. Studies show that for people who have a healthy relationship with alcohol, enjoying a glass of wine rich in artery-scrubbing flavonoids can benefit the health of the mind and body. Unwind with new and old friends during Social Hour. Attendees will enjoy discounted appetizers and the first glass of wine for $5. The monthly Social Hour takes place the second Tuesday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m. at various venues throughout the South Bay. No registration is required, just show up! For additional information, visit the BCHD website at http://bchd.org/. The Slip Bar & Eatery is located at 120 North International Boardwalk in Redondo Beach.
The Richstone Family Center invites the community to attend the Everychild Foundation Healing Center Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, February 12 at 10 a.m. The project was launched in 2016, when Richstone received a $1M grant from the Everychild Foundation. Now complete, the expanded facility houses 14 new therapy offices, a dedicated art therapy room and large multi-purpose community space that supports a broad spectrum of integrated trauma-focused treatment, wellness, and violence prevention programs for children and their families. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the facility. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.richstonefamily.org/everychild. The Everychild Foundation Healing Center is located at 13634 Cordary Avenue, Hawthorne, CA.
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce presents Women of Influence on Wednesday, February 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sunrider International. The event honors the achievements and leadership of the following Torrance Women:
• Athena Award: Charlotte Melsh, Palos Verdes Bowl
• South Bay Spirit Award: Charlene Nishimura, Pediatric Therapy Network
• Dedicated Leader Award: Tara O’Brien, Kaiser Permanente
• Community Catalyst Award: Jac Folkert, UCLA Health
Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch and the awards at noon. Tickets are $40 for Members and $60 for non-Members. For additional Information, visit the website at https://www.torrancechamber.com/event/influence2020/. Sunrider International is located at 1625 Abalone Avenue, Torrance, CA.

Here’s a HEADS-UP on a few events you’ll want to plan for now!
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/esmoa-experience-45-stardust/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/hawthorne-historical-society-lecture-series/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/valentines-day-dance/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/press-conference-community-call-action/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/seniors-art-group/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/valentines-day-adm/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/childrens-wellness-forum/
This event listing is current as of yesterday, but new events are posted EVERY DAY! Check the website for updates at http://www.southbaybyjackie.co... for details on these and other events happening throughout the South Bay. As always, we highly recommend confirming any event you decide to attend with the host organization.
Did you know you can now rent a classic car from the Automobile Driving Museum?!? Yes, a selection of the ADM’s collection is now available for rent to the public! If you’re looking to rent a car for a private event, movie shoot, photo shoot, etc., email Alec Carlson at alecc@theadm.org for a quote. The Automobile Driving Museum is located at 610 Lairport Street, El Segundo, CA 90245.
Dang! There are so many new businesses opening in Riviera Village it’s hard to keep up! Here are some of the latest…
• Matty’s Crawdaddyies: Serving Cajun and Creole seafood – 1723 S Catalina Ave
• Hi-Fi Espresso: Serving the highest fidelity in both coffee & fine goods – 1815 S Catalina Ave
• Riviera House: Serving coastal cuisine and craft cocktails – 1708 S Catalina Ave
• The Punchbowl: Serving cold pressed juices, fresh shakes, wellness shots, raw, vegan and organic – 1811 S Catalina Ave

• Herb + Dew Apothecary Wellness Boutique: Sells herbs and flower medicine – 1617 S PCH, STE I.
• Poke Rainbow: Serving inspired Hawaiian cuisine – 1811A S Catalina Ave
Kinecta Federal Credit Union has announced its highly anticipated 2020 Youth Scholarships and Teaching Grants for Growth program. Beginning February 1 through March 1, 2020, eligible students and teachers can apply at https://www.kinecta.org/youth-scholarships/ and https://www.kinecta.org/teaching-grants/. Eight $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to help full-time students make higher education a reality, and six $2,000 grants will be given to teachers to help them bolster instruction and classroom projects.

Residents of Torrance will vote on March 3, 2020 in the first district election and that vote will decide the direction the City of Torrance will take for the next four years. Visit http://www.torrancevotes.org to start researching candidates, discover your district and other important general municipal election information. Only registered voters in districts 2, 4 and 6 will vote for their Council Members. Register to vote by February 17 at the Torrance City Clerk’s office, any Torrance public library or visit http://www.lavote.net. Make an informed decision!
The Redondo Beach Police Department has announced the next Citizen’s Academy Class. The Citizen’s Academy Class will be held on Thursday nights (new night) for 14 consecutive weeks, starting March 5th and running through June 3rd, in addition to a Graduation Night on June 11th. Classes will be held at the Police Annex from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The goal of the program is to educate citizens regarding police policy, There will be lectures, hands-on training, various demonstrations and a ride-a-long with a police officer. Topics covered in class include police training, SWAT, traffic, K-9’s, CSI, jail operations, undercover operations, etc. They’ve received a lot of positive feedback from previous classes and will make this an enjoyable experience for participating citizens. If you’re interested in signing up for the class, contact Officer Daryn Glenn at (310) 379-2477 x2493 or via email at Daryn.Glenn@redondo.org. Spots fill up fast and there are only 30 seats. It will be first come, first serve and applicants will receive a letter of approval prior to the start of class.
Want to know how easy it is to listen to The South Bay Show podcast? Just say, “Alexa, play The South Bay Show podcast.” Or “Siri, play The South Bay Show podcast.” Or “Google, play The South Bay Show podcast. See? Easy peasy! Listen during your commute to work, or during your workout at the gym – it’ll make the time fly by!
This morning on The South Bay Show: South Bay Spotlight, our guests are Lisa and Steve Hodges, owners of Ragin Cajun Cafe and we’re going to learn about the big Mardi Gras celebration they have planned for Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23 from noon to 6 p.m. Listen live at 8 a.m. or at your leisure at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/ragin-cajun-mardi-gras-weekend/. Tune in every Thursday morning at 8 a.m. to keep up with what’s going down throughout the South Bay!
Tomorrow morning on The South Bay Show: Manhattan Beach Chamber 360, our guest will be Justin Randolph, owner of Yoga Loft, a boutique yoga and wellness studio in downtown Manhattan Beach. We’ll learn about the benefits of yoga and how it can affect you physically, emotionally and psychologically. Listen live at 8 a.m. or at your leisure at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/justin-randolph-yoga-loft/. Tune in every Friday morning at 8 a.m. for the latest happenings in Manhattan Beach!
Have a fabulous South Bay weekend!
Jackie
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com