South Bay by Jackie Weekend Guide January 16, 2019

Geesh.....got rain? Being a transplant from the east coast, I still find it peculiar how very lush the landscape becomes during the winter season in Southern Cal. While most of the country is dreary, brown, cold and snowy, all the green things are growing wild here. The hillsides are verdant, grasses flourish, vibrantly colored flowers blossom seemingly out of nowhere, and dusty hardpack transforms into moist, fertile soil. Many years ago, someone had chained a bicycle to an old pipe coming out of the ground on the Esplanade. The bike remained there for months, dirty and rusty – I walked my dog by it every day. Then the rainy season began, and in a matter of just a few days, weeds and vines began growing up and around it. It was beautiful… incongruent, but beautiful. I thought it would make a great photo, but this was before we all carried a phone in our pocket, and I never did get a picture of it. So, while you’re out and about, dodging puddles, attempting to stay dry, stop for a moment and look around. It’s like seeing through a pair of green tinted glasses.

DineLA Restaurant Week continues! A bi-annual dining event established to introduce diners to the extensive assortment of restaurants in neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County, DineLA Winter Restaurant Week takes place over 14 consecutive days and runs from January 11 through January 25. Local foodies and visitors to the area will have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of specially priced prix fixe menus from some of LA’s best restaurants during this this period. Restaurants from El Segundo to Rancho Palos Verdes will be participating in this culinary event. Some of the restaurants will feature lunch, some will offer dinner and some will present both, so check the website at http://discoverlosangeles.com/restaurantweekv2/. Diners may make a reservation online at Open Table or contact the restaurant directly. Due to the popularity of this event, advance reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are welcome but there is no guarantee they can be accommodated. This is a great opportunity to sample something different and it’s sure to whet your appetite without emptying your wallet!
The Redondo Beach Police Department, in collaboration with the American Red Cross, will host the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive today, Thursday, January 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Redondo Beach Police Station parking lot. The drive, which occurs during National Blood Donor Month, pits public safety and law enforcement agencies along with their friends and family to positively impact our community to see who can donate the most blood and ultimately help save the most lives. To schedule your life-saving appointment, visit the website at http://www.redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor Code BADGESOCAL. Identification is required to donate. For additional information, contact Officer Daryn Glenn at (310) 379-2477 x2493. The Bloodmobile will be parked in the Redondo Beach Police Station parking lot located at 401 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

Ten Thousand Villages will host the annual Fair-Trade Rug Event for one weekend only starting today, Thursday, January 17 through Sunday, January 20. The shop will be filled with hundreds of one-of-a-kind hand knotted rugs from Pakistan direct from the crafts cooperative. The rugs come in all sizes and colors, each a work of art. This once a year opportunity supports rug artisans in Pakistan. In addition, there will be a presentation, Journey to Pakistan and Back, on January 17 at 6:30. Attendees will learn about the artisan process from design and dying to knotting and finishing. RSVP is required: 310-465-1600. Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit Fair-Trade retail store. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/redondobeach#fndtn-home or call 310-465-1600. Ten Thousand Villages is located at 1907 South Catalina Avenue Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
The business owners of Downtown Manhattan Beach will host the annual Winter Sidewalk Sale Friday, January 18 through Monday, January 21. For four days, shoppers can take advantage of drastic price reductions on merchandise ranging from clothing to home furnishings and everything in between. Participating stores look forward to sharing the best deals and some stores start on Thursday night with a “sneak peek” and local’s discount… just ask! Enjoy massive retail markdowns, pleasant outdoor dining, gorgeous weather, convenient parking and glorious ocean views… all on the sidewalks of beautiful downtown Manhattan Beach. Regular store and restaurant hours will be in effect. For additional details, visit the website at http://www.downtownmanhattanbeach.com/.
The Beach Cities Symphony presents Musical Travel through Europe and Asia on Friday, January 18 at 7:15 p.m. at Marsee Auditorium. The evening will feature concert pianist, Esther Keel, and a visual photography presentation during the playing of Borodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia piece. A pre-concert lecture on the music starts at 7:15 p.m. As always, the public is invited to attend the concert FREE of charge! For additional information, visit the website at http://www.beachcitiessymphony.org/. Marsee Auditorium at El Camino College is located at 16007 Crenshaw Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90506.

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Mykie’s Coffee & Bakery Truck on Saturday, January 19 from 9 a.m. to noon at Mychal’s Learning Place. All are welcome to enjoy FREE café beverages and homemade pastries! Mychal’s Learning Place believes that children and adults with developmental disabilities deserve to be challenged with opportunities that build self-esteem and independence, creating long-term success for life. In doing so, they encourage each child and adult to develop their individual talents and the skills necessary for them to interact and contribute to society. For additional information, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/529367114232868/. Mychal’s Learning Place is located at 4901 W Rosecrans Avenue, Hawthorne, CA 90250.
The Western Museum of Flight presents the monthly Celebrity Lecture Series with Capt. Roberto “Bob” Ruiz on Saturday, January 19 at 11 a.m. Like tens of thousands of other young Americans in World War II, Bob Ruiz answered his nation’s call by enlisting in the US Army Air Force. On completion of flight training, he was assigned to the 389th Bomb Group as a pilot flying his Consolidated B-24 Liberator in many extremely hazardous missions over the German heartland. Of his 35 missions, perhaps the most harrowing was a massed bomber attack over Berlin. While successfully completing his bomb run, his aircraft was struck multiple times by enemy anti-aircraft fire. He nursed his crippled airplane all the way back to England with only two of his four engines still functioning. Barely clearing the English coastline and with several of the aircraft’s control systems malfunctioning, he executed a successful emergency landing. For this, and several other courageous actions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Hear the personal account of this remarkable American war hero. In addition, 1st Lt Ed J. Lopez who flew P-47 Thunderbolts famous for escorting Allied bombers and ground attack missions over Europe, will be on hand to answer questions and autograph copies of his book Flight of a Hell Hawk. Admission is $10. Children attend free and parking is free. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.wmof.com/. The Western Museum of Flight is located at 3315 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505.
This event sold out the day it was announced, but there might be a wait list….. The South Coast Botanic Garden presents Goat Yoga on Saturday, January 19 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.and 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 23 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy the benefits of yoga, bask in the fresh air of the Garden, and hold your poses alongside Nigerian Dwarf goats! According a recent Huffington Post article, this new fitness trend is “the cutest way to find your center!” Our friends at Hello Critter will deliver an experience you won’t soon forget. Bring a yoga mat, camera and sense of humor. Space is limited so register today! The fee for Members is $30, for non-Members, $35. For additional information and registration, visit the website at https://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/event/goat-yoga/. The South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274.
Resin Gallery will host the Opening Reception: Pierce the Veil on Saturday, January 19 from 4 to 9 p.m. Artist Jonmar is unveiling a new art exhibit that is both awe-inspiring and mind-bending. John is a world class painter, app developer, published storyteller, animator, inventor, musician, and all-around modern-day Renaissance Man in the purest sense of the word. Through augmented reality (AR), Jonmar’s mixed media paintings come to life through iphones and idevices – piercing the veil into another dimension of storytelling and stunning visual experience. To see examples of Jonmar’s immersive AR, visit https://vimeo.com/304920548. This event is FREE to attend. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.resinhb.com/. Resin Gallery is located at 618 Cypress Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.
The annual Southern California Slack Key Festival returns to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on Sunday, January 20, for one performance only at 2 p.m. One of the most acclaimed Hawaiian concerts to ever leave the islands, the Southern California Slack Key Festival takes fans on a Hawaiian musical journey that showcases Grammy-winning slack key guitarists, the best hula dancers in the world, special guest performers and an Island Marketplace. This year’s Southern California Slack Key Festival line-up includes George Kuo, Kawika Kahiapo, Sonny Lim, Jeff Peterson, Jim “Kimo” West, Teresa Bright, Bobby Ingano, and Kunia Galdeira. The Island Marketplace – free to the public – takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., complete with Shave Ice, Hawaiian food, and great Hawaiian products and crafts. Ticket prices range from $20 to $135. For additional information and ticket purchase, call 562-556-4824 or visit the website at http://www.kalakoa.com/slackkey.html. The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Redondo Beach.

R6 Distillery presents The Honey Taps on Sunday, January 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. With a nostalgic wink to flappers of the 1920’s and bubbly chorus girls of the swinging 1930’s and 1940’s, The Honey Taps captivate audiences with their intoxicating energy and dazzling display of top-notch entertainment. The event also features special guests Sweetie & Max and Ryan Rhythm. The evening starts with a distillery tour and tasting at 7 p.m. followed by the show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and includes the tour, tasting and taproom show. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taproom-show-starring-the-honey-taps-tickets-54490358128. R6 Distillery is located at 909 East El Segundo Boulevard, El Segundo, CA 90245.
Ready, Set, Launch! Walk With Sally presents the Friendship Bowl Kick Off on Tuesday, January 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Uncorked in Hermosa Beach. Wine flights ($15) and complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be available as attendees mingle and chat about what this year’s fundraising campaign means for Walk With Sally. They’re working to raise enough funds to support 25 new friendships, hence the #BowlFor25 campaign. If you’ve been looking for a way to honor a loved one, or want to make a difference in a child’s life, come check out what the Friendship Bowl is all about…. and, it’s a great excuse to taste a wine flight on a Tuesday night! The event is FREE to attend! For additional information and RSVP, visit the website at https://donate.walkwithsally.org/event/friendship-bowl-2019-kick-off-party/e217889. Uncorked is located at 302 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA.
Social Workplace presents Co-Work Wednesday on Wednesday, January 23.Experience Social Workplace with a free day pass! Grab a desk and free tea or coffee and enjoy access to this ultra-cool workspace and amenities. Get some work done and meet other members. Social Workspace is opening their doors to let you experience what co-working is all about. If you’re working from home, working from a noisy coffee shop or anywhere else that you find ineffective to getting Sh!t done, you need to come to Social Workplace for Co-Work Wednesday! It’s a free day. It’s a chance to try out co-working with very little commitment on your part. All they need is a show of good faith – a deposit that will be refunded when you show up on January 23. If you don’t show up, they’re keeping your 10 bucks as a donation to the coffee fund. Reserve your spot by January 21.This offer is limited to the first 15 people. Come and go as you please from 9am to 5pm. First-come, first-served. Get a Co-Work Wednesday Day Pass at https://www.socialworkplace.com/cowork-wednesday/. Social Workspace is located at 2315 Lomita Boulevard, Suite 200, Lomita, CA.
Ragin Cajun Cafe is continuing their commitment to keep the blues alive in the South Bay by presenting the Ragin Cajun Pop-Up Blues Festival at Saint Rocke on Wednesday, January 23. Headliner Mark Sells is one of the best-known guitarists in Southern California. He fills New Starboard Attitude regularly, leaving visitors on the Redondo Pier mind boggled as he wanders among them playing solos on his wireless guitar (which would leave Jimi Hendrixshaking his head in wonder). Headliner 20-year-old Ryder Green and his band won the Golden Gate Blues Society Blues Challenge in 2017 and went on to represent them in Memphis in February 2017 at the International Blues Challenge. One of Northern California hottest rising stars, his blistering renditions of blues-infused rock and funk to sublime vintage blues, rockabilly, slide, and everything in between. This wunderkind has played with Walter Trout, opened for Shemika Copeland. Headliner Blind Lemon Peel is the New Orleans blues/funk show band the Orange County Blues Society calls “the hottest band on the LA blues scene.” So Cal blues authority B. Noel Barr, Co-Producer of the New Blues Festival and President of the Long Beach Blues Society said, “An insanely great show for audiences that crave the real deal blues… (Blind Lemon Peel) may be the most uniquely original blues band you will find anywhere… they generate unbelievable energy and contagious excitement.” The concert will wrap up with an All-Star Blues Jam replete with some of Southern California’s finest blues musicians. Tickets are $10 per person. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at https://www.ticketweb.com/event/ragin-cajun-pop-up-blues-saint-rocke-tickets/8909335. Saint Rocke is located at 142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

Here’s a HEADS-UP on a few events you’ll want to plan for now!
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/museum-meet-happy-hour-mixer/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/sea-lab-nature-art-series/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/mama-book-launch-party-kids/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-chili-cook-off/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/torrance-antique-street-faire-8/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/wild-scenic-film-festival-3/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/sunset-light-gate/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/scbg-community-open-house-ribbon-cutting/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/womens-leadership-luncheon/
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.
The Automobile Driving Museum (ADM) offers a calendar full of special events, workshops and classes all year long! They also offer Sunday Drives every week in three of their magnificent automobiles. This may be the only automotive museum in the world that offers such an opportunity. The ADM is a non-profit organization and offers a variety of ways for you to lend your support. A donation of $10 per adult, $8 for seniors and $5 per child is suggested. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a peek at the January schedule, visit the website at https://www.automobiledrivingmuseum.org/events/. The Automobile Driving MuseumLocated at 610 Lairport Street in El Segundo, CA 90245.
There’s a new pediatric dentist in town! Meet Dr. Shari Carroll and check out her amazing facility! https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/dr-shari-carroll-pediatric-dentistry/.
Palos Verdes Art Center is currently exhibiting ###strong by artist Paloma Menendez. Agarrar Monte features new landscapes by Paloma Menéndez that redefine contemporary plein air painting. Paloma Menéndez is an artist and educator whose work explores space and place through painting and drawing, conveying the geographical features of landscape as well as alternative ones derived from her imagination. The exhibition will be on display ###a href="x-apple-data-detectors://112" dir="ltr" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="112">January 12 through February 24, 2019. This exhibit is FREE to attend. For additional information, visit the website at The South Bay Show: South Bay Spotlight, our guest is Marcus Goodloe, Ph.D., aka, our friend Goodie. He’s the author of KingMaker: Applying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Leadership Lessons in Working with Athletes and Entertainers, and in honor of the upcoming Martin Luther King holiday, we’re going to discuss Goodie’s book. Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it anytime at >a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=123072680&msgid=1015683&act=HNKQ&c=974518&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.southbaybyjackie.com%2Fmarcus-goodloe-author-kingmaker%2F" target="_blank"###https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/marcus-goodloe-author-kingmaker/. Tune in every Thursday at 8 a.m. to keep up with what’s going down throughout in the South Bay!
Tomorrow morning on The South Bay Show: Manhattan Beach Chamber 360, our guests will be Franca Stadvec, Angela Bennett and Michael Stadvec from Fit On Studios, and since it’s a whole new year, it’s the perfect time to discuss how to get on the path to health and wellness. Listen to the podcast live at 8 a.m. or anytime at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/fit-on-studios/. Tune in every Friday morning and discover what’s happening in Manhattan Beach!
Have a fabulous South Bay weekend!
Jackie
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com