There is no shortage of things to do in the South Bay, but I’m always on the lookout for new and different adventures here in our backyard. (I mean, really, who wants to get on a freeway?) Anyway, I was invited to stop by the recently opened Survios Virtually Reality Arcade located in Del Amo Fashion Center. This was my first encounter with VR and, wow, it was a ton of fun. Virtual reality is immensely entertaining and appropriate for all ages. You can read all about it at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/survios-virtual-reality-arcade-world-experience/ and get a special discount using my promo code!
The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) presents the Hermosa Beach Open as part of the AVP Pro Tour Gold Series Thursday, July 26 through Sunday, July 29. Every year from 1984 through 2010, Hermosa Beach was a cornerstone in the AVP schedule and in 2017, it was a cornerstone in the schedule again. Appropriately, Hermosa Beach falls right next to Manhattan Beach on the 2018 schedule. The 2018 Hermosa Beach Open will be made up of 24 Main Draw teams for men and women- 14 auto entries, 2 wild cards, 8 qualifier teams. Watch the finals on NBCSN July 29, 9:00 -10:30 p.m. General admission to the AVP Pro Tour is free to the public with VIP tickets featuring upgraded viewing and hospitality. For additional information, visit the website at http://avp.com/event/avp-hermosa-beach-open/. The Hermosa Beach Open will take place on the south side of the Hermosa Beach Pier.
Ten Thousand Villages will be having the Annual Tent Sale Thursday, July 26 through Sunday, July 29. Once a year, Ten Thousand Villages fills a tent with unique Fair Trade products priced at 25% to 75% OFF usual retail prices. Many items are made from recycled or upcycled materials, and all help to preserve the traditional crafts and skills of a region. Clearing out the warehouse helps make room for more artisan purchases. Stop by the huge tent behind the store discover beautiful handmade items at amazing prices. If you are a regular Ten Thousand Villages shopper, you will appreciate these special items. If you’ve never been to the store, come and see what makes people passionate about the store and its mission. Stock up on handcrafted gifts and jewelry while helping artisans in developing countries. Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit Fair Trade retail store, and is staffed by volunteers. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.tenthousandvillages.com/redondobeach#fndtn-home. Ten Thousand Villages is located at Food & Wine Pairing today,Thursday, July 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be an elegant, upscale, tasting event featuring oils, vinegars and wine. During the event, attendees will enjoy small bites using Oil & Vinegar’s unique products sourced from artisan producers around the world, as well as fine wines from the Boisset Collection in Napa Valley. Tickets are $5 and benefit Habitat for Humanity. Stop by after work and enjoy some great food and wine. It’s all for a wonderful cause! For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the Eventbrite page at ###a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=123072680&msgid=996656&act=HNKQ&c=974518&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Ffood-wine-pairing-with-artisan-oils-vinegars-and-handcrafted-fine-wines-tickets-47041829378%3Faff%3Deac2" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r%3D123072680%26msgid%3D996656%26act%3DHNKQ%26c%3D974518%26destination%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.eventbrite.com%252Fe%252Ffood-wine-pairing-with-artisan-oils-vinegars-and-handcrafted-fine-wines-tickets-47041829378%253Faff%253Deac2&source=gmail&ust=1532704600853000&usg=AFQjCNGgvcFw2793GKKd3tZ5XdZxlcHPYA">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/food-wine-pairing-with-artisan-oils-vinegars-and-handcrafted-fine-wines-tickets-47041829378?aff=eac2. Custom Design & Construction is located at 2001 East Mariposa Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245.
This season, Shakespeare by the Sea presents two brand new productions staged at venues throughout the South Bay. Performances of The Merry Wives of Windsor and The Winter’s Tale will take place during July and August. The Merry Wives of Windsor – a rollicking romantic comedy which tells of Falstaff’s folly: courting two married women at the same time. It’s mischief and mayhem galore. The Winter’s Tale – the story of Leontes, a King who banishes his family wrongfully, and is taught the meaning of forgiveness through the inspired plan of a wise, loyal woman. The shows take place this weekend at Wilson Park located at 2200 Crenshaw Boulevardin Torrance
-Friday, July 27 at 7pm: The Winter’s Tale
-Saturday, July 28 at 7pm: The Merry Wives of Windsor
Greek amphitheater area behind the skate park. Sloped lawn gets steeper the further you get from the playing space. Low beach chairs or blankets work best. Warm layered clothing recommended.
Shakespeare by the Sea is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ignite imagination, promote literacy and offer a venue for technical and performing artists to exercise their passion. So grab a few lawn chairs, blankets and picnic basket and settle in for a theater production by the greatest playwright of all time. These shows are free and open to the public. All seating is on a first come, first serve basis. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.shakespearebythesea.org/.
The P.S. I Love you Foundation presents a Day at the Beach on Saturday, July 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Manhattan Beach. Day at The Beach is an extraordinary experience that matches over 300 adult volunteer mentors with over 300 at-risk children from different schools, shelters and foster care programs across LA County for a day of fun. The P.S. I Love You Foundation and its’ partners provide all of the necessities for a perfect beach day including t-shirts, boogie boards, school supplies, food, drinks, toys and games, and access to special activities like face painting, surf lessons, make-up lessons, and relay races. Day at The Beach brings the community together through an easy and memorable event that allows adults to mentor, give back and share time and hope with at-risk youth living in nearby communities. For additional information and registration, visit the website at http://www.psiloveyoufoundation.org. The event will take place on the sand at 8th Street in Manhattan Beach.
Absolution Brewing is having a Mid-Summer Party on Saturday, July 28starting at noon. The event will feature sliders, sushi and gelato at noon, Firkin Tasting Session from noon to 4 p.m., a DJ set by Vox from 4 to 7 p.m.and live music by Barley from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are only for the Firkin session, so if you just want to come and enjoy the music, food, and the array of beers on the wall, no ticket required! Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/absolutions-mid-summer-party-2018-firkin-session-tickets-tickets-47996980260. Absolution Brewing Company is located at 2878 Columbia Street, Torrance, CA 90503.
The Universe Multicultural Film Festival presents a second screening ofSenior Entourage on Saturday, July 28 at 2 p.m. at the Peninsula Center Library. The movie features Edward Asner, Mark Rydell, Helen Reddy, Marion Ross and Charles Robinson. After the screening, meet them in person and learn what these Hollywood Icons are up to today! A local Palos Verdes film company is one of the producers and filmed some of the scenes along the coast of Palos Verdes. This event is FREE to attend. Free parking, too! For additional information, visit the Facebook event page athttps://www.facebook.com/events/241876956639911/. The Peninsula Center Library is located at 701 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.
Walk With Sally presents the annual White Light White Night fundraiser on Saturday, July 28 from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Top of the Plaza at Continental Park. The event boasts “A Taste of LA” featuring 25 of the city’s top tier, chef driven restaurants; special musical guest Belinda Carlisle; and live and silent auctions! It’s the South Bay’s hottest event of the year and is truly a night to remember! White Light White Night is the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser, raising the funds necessary to financially support the program throughout the year. Walk With Sally’s free mentoring programs support children of parents or siblings with cancer – one child at a time, one heart at a time. Be sure to wear your brightest whites! For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.walkwithsally.org/. Continental Park is located at 870 South Nash Street, El Segundo, CA.
The Torrance Rose Float Association will host the annual Luau Partyfundraiser on Saturday, July 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ken Miller Recreation Center. The family friendly event features live music, a spectacular Hawaiian show, plenty of island food, photo booth and activities for the kids. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt, dress or grass skirt, if they dare. The evening will include opportunities to support the Torrance Rose Float Association with drawings and a silent auction. The cost is $50 for adults; $25 for children 3-12, Under 3 free. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.torrancerosefloat.org or call 310-618-2425 or via email at info@torrancerosefloat.org. The Ken Miller Recreation Center is located at3341 Torrance, Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90501.
The Automobile Driving Museum presents three Summer Swing Nights onSaturday, June 23, July 28 and August 25 at 7 p.m. Put on your dancing shoes and turn back the clock to the Big Band sounds of the 1930s and 40s. The evening features the Swing Dames with their 7-piece Big Band and host Rob Pope. Enjoy favorite tunes such as Chattanooga Choo Choo, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and more, revived to their original Big Band Glory, then get your picture taken next to that one-of-a-kind 1940’s car of your dreams. The Food Truck Fair and Swinging Bar will keep your cravings down so you can dance the night away! The live music goes to 11 p.m. Pre-purchase tickets are now available for all three Summer Swing Nights: One night $20, two nights $35, three nights $45. All tickets include one free drink. $30 at the door. Discounted group sales and customized packages are also available. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at https://www.automobiledrivingmuseum.org/event/swingnights/. The Automobile Driving Museum is located at 610 Lairport Street, El Segundo, CA 90245.
The City of Torrance Community Services Department and local Homeowners Associations are proud to sponsor Movies in the Park. These movie nights will take place at various parks throughout the city this summer. Everyone is welcome and admission is free. Pack up a picnic basket, blanket and lawn chairs and join friends and neighbors for an evening of family-friendly cinematic entertainment as the parks convert into outdoor movies theaters. Each event will feature a different movie beginning at dusk (around 8 p.m.) so bring a jacket, popcorn, cocoa and snacks and join in the fun! The schedule is as follows:
-Despicable Me 3: Saturday, July 28. El Retiro Park, 126 Vista del Parque
-Moana: Saturday, August 25, Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Boulevard
For additional information, call 310-618-2930 or visit the website at https://www.torranceca.gov/our-city/recreation/special-events/movies-in-the-park.
The City of Gardena will host a Public Forum: Fireworks in Gardena onMonday, July 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Council Chambers. The community is encouraged to join Chief Tom Kang in a discussion regarding the annual fireworks show on the Fourth of July at Rowley Park. Your input is valuable and this is your chance to voice your opinion. For additional information, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GardenaPolice/. Gardena City Council Chambers are located at 1700 West 162 Street, Gardena, CA.
The City of Redondo Beach will host an Unveiling Ceremony for the new public art installation, Waves, on Monday, July 30 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Waves, a new artwork by artist Gordon Huether, was commissioned by the City and is the first public art commission funded by the John Parsons Public Art Fund. The 37’ x 15’ permanent, custom, large-scale aluminum sculpture adorns the exterior of the Performing Arts Center and distinguishes a major entry point of the City. The City’s Public Art Program boasts an inventory of 30 works, and Waves is an achievement in the City’s efforts to inspire community through public art. The gathering will be underneath the artwork in the Performing Arts Center’s west patio area. The community is encouraged to attend this FREE event. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.redondo.org/depts/recreation/cultural_arts/public_art/default.asp.The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278.
American Red Cross Communities that Care will be at the Manhattan Beach Farmers’ Market for a Blood Drive on Tuesday, July 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They really couldn’t make it any easier for you to sign up to donate blood and save a life! To sign up, visit the website athttps://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time and save up to 15 minutes by completing health history questions the day of your donation. The Blood Mobile will be located on the corner of Morningside Drive and 13 Street.
The Redondo Beach Library offers a variety of activities for all ages including music, writing, dance, language, reading, crafts and more. A few require registration but all of them are FREE! To view the schedule, visit the website at http://www.redondo.org/library. For additional information on Library programs and services, call (310) 318-0675, option 5 for Adult or Teen Programs, option 6 for Children’s Programs.
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy offers a calendar full of special activities and monthly events. For additional information and registration, visit the website https://pvplc.org/.
The annual International Surf Festival will take place Wednesday, August 1 through Sunday, August 5. The host city for this year’s Festival is the City of Redondo Beach. The event promotes the four South Bay beach cities, the world’s best lifeguard service, and physical fitness for thousands of participants. Scheduled events include the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Medal of Valor Dinner, Charlie Saikley Volleyball Tournament (better known as 6-man!), surfing championships, the Dick Fitzgerald two-mile beach run, sand soccer, the Velzy-Stevens Pier to Pier Paddleboard Championship, sand castle contest, beach volleyball and several other activities. The International Surf Festival is presented by BEACHSPORT.org, the Chambers of Commerce and the Cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Department of Beaches and Harbors. For additional information and schedule, visit the website at http://www.surffestival.org/.
Here’s a HEADS-UP on a few events you’ll want to plan for now!
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/hermosa-beach-summer-sidewalk-sale/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/launch-party-boots-brews-bbq/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/first-fridays/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/movies-alta-vista-park/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/arts-on-the-hill/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/el-segundo-movie-park/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/movie-stars-lomita/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/ice-cream-social/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/el-segundo-summer-concerts-in-the-park-series/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/hermosa-beach-summer-concert-series/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/zumba-park-3/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/national-night-out/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/cruise-food-truck-rally/
This event listing is current as of yesterday, but new events are posted EVERY DAY, so be sure to check the website for updates athttp://www.southbaybyjackie.com for details on these and other events happening throughout the South Bay.
Calling all dudes and dudettes! The 2018 International Surf Festival is seeking volunteer Lifeguard Competition Judges. They need 12 individuals on Friday, August 3, and 12 on Saturday, August 4. The training takes less than 15 minutes and takes place the evening of the competition. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. It’s incredibly fun, you’ll walk away with a free t-shirt commemorating the event and be a part of a long-standing South Bay tradition! Tell a friend! For additional information and to register as a volunteer, visit the website at https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2363362/false#/invitation.
Find out what's happening in Hermosa Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Now is the time to share your opinions on the Redondo Beach General Plan Update: Parks & Open Space Survey. The City is in the process of updating the General Plan, including the Conservation, Recreation and Parks, and Open Space chapter. This section of the Plan provides guidance for the long-term preservation and enhancement of active and passive parks and preserved open space throughout Redondo Beach. Please take a moment to share your ideas for parks and open spaces in the City. This survey will ask your opinions about future parks planning including types of activities desired, age groups to plan for and types of amenities to enhance your experience at Redondo’s parks as the community plan Redondo’s future. Your feedback will assist the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) as they review this topic and will help inform the Recreation and Parks Commission in future recommendations for parks facilities. The GPAC will share their progress regarding open space and recreation, as well as other topics such as land use, at an open house tentatively scheduled for Fall 2018. The results of this survey will also be presented at the Fall 2018 open house. The deadline to submit a response is5:30 P.M. on Friday, August 31, 2018. Take the survey athttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RedondoParksSurvey. If you have any questions or comments about the survey, contactPLANredondo@redondo.org.
Sign Up Now for the Redondo Beach Citizen Police Academy! The Academy’s purpose is to provide members of the community with a working knowledge of the Police Department along with the roles and responsibilities of its police officers. The goals of the program are accomplished through lecture, hands-on training, demonstrations and a “ride along” with a police officer. The participants will meet for three hours, one night per week for fourteen weeks, in addition to a graduation night. The information covered includes police training, SWAT, traffic, criminal investigation, K-9, gangs and narcotics. There will be an emphasis on the patrol division, since it is this unit that has the majority of public contact. The program is part of an on-going effort to improve police-community relations. It is strongly believed that the more information that the public has about the Redondo Beach Police Department, the less likely they will be suspicious, fearful or hold any misconceptions about police operations. Many conflicts are caused simply by a lack of understanding. The graduates of the program become not only better informed, but they can take back a solid foundation of information to the community. The result is a closer and more positive relationship between the Police Department and the community it serves. The next class will start January 2019. However, they are considering adding an additional class for the Fall 2018, depending on the interest. If you or anyone you know might be interested in participating in this program, please contact Officer Michael Diehr at his email address mike.diehr@redondo.org or by phone at (310) 379-2477 x2493. Officer Diehr will send out an application to you. Applications are taken on first come; first serve basis and seats are limited.
DISCOUNT! DISCOUNT! DISCOUNT! The Manhattan Beach Chamber presents the annual Bite at the Beach on Saturday, August 11 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the MBS Media Campus. Bite at the Beach aims to highlight culinary delights from around the South Bay alongside the many local, craft breweries. Guests will receive a plate and glass for the event at the entrance and have the opportunity to enjoy as many tastes from the paired restaurants and breweries as desired. This year, the event will feature over 30 restaurants and 30 beverage stations, live music, a peep show (?) and more. This event attracts hundreds of attendees and is sure to sell out. VIP tickets are $65, general admission is $45. When ordering tickets online, use the code MB360 and receive a $15 discount! For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bite-at-the-beach-tickets-47934533480. The MBS Media Campus is located at 1600 Rosecrans Avenue in Manhattan Beach.
Don’t forget all the weekly Summer Concert Series that have already begun! You can view the schedules at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/ongoing-events.php.
This morning on The South Bay Show: South Bay Spotlight, we’ll be chatting with the producers of Senior Entourage, parts of which were filmed locally in Palos Verdes. There is a special FREE screening taking place onSaturday, July 28 at 2 p.m. at the Peninsula Center Library. Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it anytime athttps://www.southbaybyjackie.com/senior-entourage-2/. Tune in everyThursday 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 guest will be Manhattan Beach City Council Member Steve Napolitano and we’re going to discuss a variety of subjects including city priorities, Sepulveda vs PCH, the homeless challenge, short term rentals, city development, the pension tsunami, and some small stuff such as how many emails per day he receives as a council member, threats and more. It will be an interesting and informative hour! You can listen live at 8 a.m. or anytime at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/mb-city-council-member-steve-napolitano/. Tune in every Friday morning and discover what’s new in Manhattan Beach!
Have a fabulous South Bay weekend!
Jackie
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com
