South Bay Weekend Guide December 3, 2015

The holiday season is only four weeks long and there are numerous treasured, annual events squeezed into that short window. So many of these events are scheduled for the same dates and times and since no one has yet figured out how to be in two places at once, we miss a lot. The last few years I’ve been mixing it up - instead of going to the same events I’ve attended year after year in my own neighborhood, I’ve been travelling to different areas of the South Bay to experience other traditions. Trust me, they’ve all been amazing! I know we’re most comfortable with the familiar but you’d be surprised what you miss sticking to the same routine. In the past, traffic and parking were always great excuses not to roam far from home, but with Uber and Lyft, there’s no reason not to anymore, and most of the Beach Cities’ events are just a bike ride away via the Strand. Each of the cities in the South Bay has charms all its own and I encourage everyone to go forth in the spirit of undying adventure and experience something different this year. Who knows…..this could be the beginning of a new, treasured tradition.

The City of El Segundo Recreation & Parks Department and Mattel, Inc. proudly present the annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 3. El Segundo City Hall Plaza at Main Street will be revelry central from 3 to 7 p.m. featuring traditional holiday entertainment with carolers, a craft boutique and farmers’ market. The main stage will be located at Main Street and Holly Avenue and will feature musical performances by various school and community groups. Check out the Candy Cane Lane Kid Zone for free games, crafts and train rides. Go to Santa’s Village for a visit with the jolly, fat guy in the red suit and a special appearance by Barbie. Kids will receive a free gift from Mattel while supplies last. Join the Mayor and City Council for the official Tree Lighting countdown at 5:30. Once the tree is lit, enjoy a special concert on the main stage. For additional information, call 310-524-2700 or visit the website at http://elsegundo.org/depts/recreation/special_events/default.asp.

The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce will host the Holiday Tree Lighting & Rock for Tots Toy Drive Charity Concert on Thursday, December 3 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach Pier. Santa’s Holiday Village will feature face painting, a balloon artist, hot chocolate and snow courtesy of Killer Shrimp in addition to a little face time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Take a ride on the Kinecta Holiday Carousel – better yet, donate a toy and get a FREE ride! Beach Cities Toy Drive will be collecting new, unwrapped toys valued at $5 to $10. The concert will feature performances by Jeremy Buck and the BANG, Justin Hopkins, Barley, Pacific Storm, Joe Cipolla, Minor Mix, HB Youth Music and other special guests. The tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. at Pier Plaza and the Strand. For additional information, visit the website athttp://business.hbchamber.net/events/details/tree-lighting-ceremony-and-rock-for-tots-toy-drive-3142.

The annual Riviera Village Holiday Stroll takes place on Thursday, December 3 at from 5 to 9 p.m. A parade featuring marching bands from local schools and that jolly guy in the red suit, Santa Claus, gets underway at 6 p.m. at the corner of Catalina Avenue and Avenue I. With over 300 fashionable boutiques offering a wide variety of unique gift ideas, Riviera Village is the destination of choice for discerning shoppers. The Village takes on a cheerful holiday atmosphere with lights, decorations and festive music for your enjoyment as you stroll along the avenues admiring the festooned store fronts. Once the shopping is done, take a relaxing ride in a horse-drawn carriage and treat yourself to dinner at one of the many fine dining establishments. As always, reservations are highly recommended! Catalina Avenue will be closed to traffic from Avenue I to Elena Avenue from 5 to 9 p.m. to facilitate the happy shoppers. This is a very popular event so plan to arrive early! For additional information, visit the website at http://rivieravillage.org/content/view/32/69/. Riviera Village is located in the area between Palos Verdes Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway and Avenue I in Redondo.

Planet Blue will celebrate the Grand Opening of their new location at The Point on Thursday, December 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy lite bites, cocktails, music and raffles and the first 50 customers will receive a special gift. The event will benefit Sandpipers Manhattan Beach. If you plan to attend, please RSVP tomeghan@volkpr.com. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.shopplanetblue.com/. Planet Blue is located at The Point, 840 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite B102, El Segundo, CA 90245.

The LA Sheriff’s Lomita Station hosts the annual Santa Sleigh Tour from Friday, December 4 through Saturday, December 19. They’ll be guiding his sleigh through streets of Lomita and Rancho Palos Verdes. A sheriff’s patrol car will precede Santa’s Sleigh announcing his arrival. Please look for ‘Santa Stops Here’signs along the route. Children of all ages are encouraged to come out, chat with Santa, and get a candy cane. This special visit is sponsored by, and coordinated through, the efforts of the personnel at the Lomita Sheriff Station. To view the schedule, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LomitaSheriffsStation/photos/a.488951347812262.112852.448683245172406/1079422758765115/?type=3&theater.

Sandpipers present the annual Holiday Homes Tour beginningFriday, December 4 and running through Sunday, December 6. The Holiday Homes Tour is one of Sandpipers largest fundraising events of the year and offers a delightful way to kick off the holiday season. Guests will tour four distinctive South Bay homes exquisitely decorated for the holidays. The homes will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. These homes offer a variety of decorating styles that will inspire you to try something new and different in your own home. Enjoy seasonal entertainment, themed cocktails and bites while touring these magnificent homes. Afterward, visit the Holiday Boutique and Café for delicious food and some shopping. They offer unique jewelry, children’s wear, hostess gifts and many other great items. The Holiday Boutique is located at the Neptunian Woman’s Club at 920 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach. Presale tickets are $30, tickets at the door are $35. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://sandpipers.org/events/hht/.

The Manhattan Beach Chamber presents the monthly Business Connection Luncheon at Hennessey’s Tavern on Friday, December 4 from noon to 1:30 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to mix and mingle with like-minded business leaders. For those who have never attended, here is what to expect:

•Period of networking

•Grouped with other business leaders to learn one on one about each company.

•Introduction of you and your business to the entire group.

•Opportunity to continue networking after lunch.

Admission is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. To register, visit the website at http://business.manhattanbeachchamber.com/events/details/business-connection-luncheon-december-7376. Hennessey’s Tavern is located at 313 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Manhattan Beach.

The City of Lomita hosts the annual Holiday Tree Lighting onFriday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. in front of City Hall. Attendees will enjoy hot coffee and cocoa while enjoying an evening of wonderful holiday performances. For additional information, call310-326-0140 or visit the website at http://www.lomita.com/cityhall/announcements/Tree-Lighting-Flyer-2015.pdf. Lomita City Hall is located at 24300 Narbonne Avenue in Lomita.

310 Young Professionals will host the annual Holiday Soiree onFriday, December 4 from 7 to 11:45 p.m. at Big Door Studios in El Segundo. This is THE holiday party to be at in the South Bay and one of the biggest and best networking events of the year. The evening will include a silent auction, live music (multiple bands/artists), food, drinks, dancing and awesome people all in one incredible space at Big Door Studios! (Note: I’ve been to Big Door Studios a couple of times and it’s fabulous!) Tickets are $35 per person. All proceeds from the event will go to charity. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website athttps://www.universe.com/events/310-young-professionals-holiday-soiree-tickets-el-segundo-VY87N3. Big Door Studios is located at 114 Sheldon St, El Segundo, CA 90245.

The first Lorna Jane “Active Living Room” lifestyle store will host aGrand Opening Party on Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the new location in Downtown Manhattan Beach. The Lorna Jane Active Living Room concept store is complete with a Lorna Jane boutique and exercise studio that hosts a variety of classes daily. Inspired by Lorna Jane Clarkson’s daily practice of moving her body, nourishing from the inside out and believing anything is possible, the Active Living Room allows the Lorna Jane sisterhood to create their own active rituals and make every day count. The Manhattan Beach location is the first Active Living Room concept store in Los Angeles. Guests are invited to join Kim Lyons for a workout at 9 a.m. Following the workout, My Fit Foods will be providing light bites and Kreation Juice will be serving juice samples. Everyone is welcome to this FREE event! For additional information and registration, visit the Eventbrite page athttps://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/grand-opening-launch-party-lorna-jane-manhattan-beach-tickets-19299037942. Lorna Jane is located at 211 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Downtown Manhattan Beach.

Katalyst for the Arts of Phantom Galleries LA presents theOpening Reception of Aeipathy: Collaborative Works by artists Shannon Donnelly and Scott Meskill on Saturday, December 5 from6 to 9 p.m. Curated by fine art photographer Gloria Plascencia, the exhibition showcases their collaborative paintings and sculptures. Aeipathy refers to an enduring and consuming passion, and that passion is vibrantly present in the individual and collaborative work Donnelly and Meskill create. The two artists began collaborating three years ago as an exercise in creative exploration. A closing reception for Aeipathy will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, December 20. For additional information, contact Gloria Plascencia at (310) 869-4992 or via email at g.plascencia@sbcglobal.net. Katalyst for the Arts of Phantom Galleries LA is located at 12609 Hawthorne Blvd, Hawthorne, CA 90250.

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These two galleries are right next door to each other so you can hop from one to the next!

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Gallery H of Phantom Galleries LA presents a solo exhibition of work by multidisciplinary artist Kristine Schomaker titled, Mirror, Mirror! The exhibition opens with a reception on Saturday, December 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. and runs through Sunday, December 20. An artist talk is scheduled for Saturday, December 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Mirror, Mirror! is inspired by Kristine’s continuing project “A Comfortable Skin,” which deals with society’s obsession with physical appearance. For additional information, contact Gloria Plascencia at (310) 869-4992 or via email atg.plascencia@sbcglobal.net. Gallery H Phantom Galleries LA is located at 12619 Hawthorne Boulevard in Hawthorne, Ca 90250.

The City of Hermosa Beach invites children of all ages to compete in the annual Sand Snowman Contest on Saturday, December 5from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. Just because the South Bay doesn’t experience cold, snowy winters doesn’t mean you have to miss out on traditional winter pastimes. The South Bay may not have snow but there’s sand….lots and lots of sand. So instead of building a snowman, how about building a sand snowman? It is recommended that you arrive early to claim a prime building site. Registration starts at 8:45 a.m. north of the Hermosa Pier at shoreline and building commences at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for the Most Unique, Most Traditional, Best Dressed, Hermosa Beach Favorite and Funniest. Judging begins at 11:15 a.m. with awards being presented at 11:30 a.m. It’s time to assemble the construction crew, haul out the heavy equipment (pails, shovels, coal, corn cob pipe, etc) and get into a winter state of mind. Awards and prizes are nice but bragging rights are better. For more information, contact the Community Resources Department at 310-318-0280 or visit the website athttp://www.hermosabch.org/index.aspx?page=20&recordid=2619&returnURL=%2Findex.aspx.

The City of Rolling Hills Estates is proud to present the annualPalos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 5, beginning at 6 p.m. Join the community as the Parade of Lights illuminates the night along Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive, through the Promenade on the Peninsula to Norris Center Drive. The Parade of Lights is designed to showcase the unique character of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Enjoy the fanfare as magical floats, marching bands, costumed characters, equestrian units, classic cars, drill teams, community and civic groups make their way along the route. Of course, there will be a special appearance by that jolly guy in the red suit, Santa Claus! At the conclusion of the parade, awards will be distributed to the various parade unit categories. The Promenade on the Peninsula is located at 550 Deep Valley Drive in Rolling Hills Estates. The mall will be open for shopping until 9 p.m. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.ci.rolling-hills-estates.ca.us/index.aspx?page=332 or call 310.541.0688.

Alpine Village presents the annual Christmas Faire for three weekends: December 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20, 2015. The free event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. each day. Guests will get in the holiday spirit with festive lighting, decorations and falling snow as Alpine Village is transformed into a cozy, snow-covered Bavarian winter wonderland. The event features arts-and-crafts vendors set up throughout the Village, a snow play area and craft area for kids to decorate stockings and ornaments. Santa will make a guest appearance each day of the Faire to take photos and hear what the children have on their wish lists for Christmas. Guests will enjoy holiday music by local artists and traditional German holiday fare including grilled bratwurst and Gluehwein (Glowing Wine), the German version of spiced mulled wine. For additional information, contact John Baumgaertner at johnb@alpinevillagecenter.com or visit the website at http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/events/holidays/. Alpine Village is located at 833 West Torrance Boulevard in Torrance.

Terranea Resort presents the annual Holiday Tree Lighting onSunday, December 6 from 4 to 9 p.m. This annual event is the perfect kick off to the season and immediately puts you in a festive mood! Afterward, guests will enjoy a feast at Catalina Kitchen featuring a gourmet pizza station, braised Italian meatballs and fresh pastas. Leave some room for the next stop – the ice cream sundae bar! Tickets are $35 for adults and $18 for children 5 to 10 years of age. Children under 5 are free. For additional information and ticket purchase, call (310) 265-2766 or visit the website athttp://www.terranea.com. Terranea Resort is located at 100 Terranea Way in Rancho Palos Verdes.

The Jewish Community Center presents the annual Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting at the Hermosa Beach Pier onSunday, December 6. This free, family-friendly event begins at 4 p.m. and marks the eight day Chanukah holiday celebration which begins Sunday, December 6 and ends Monday, December 14. The evening will feature music, refreshments and live entertainment including a juggling act, stilt walkers, crafts, face painting and children’s choir, in addition to a live performance by the Mira Costa & Sea Hawk Band and music from the famous “Hipsidic” singer Eli Marcus. Guests will enjoy traditional Chanukah refreshments – hot latkes and donuts – and dreidels and gifts for the children. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.jccmb.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/3134760/jewish/Chanukah-at-Hermosa-Beach.htm.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce hosts theHoliday Regional Mega Mixer on Tuesday, December 8 from5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Los Verdes Golf Course. Attendees will have the opportunity to build business referrals and network with over 200 South Bay business people. The PVP Chamber will host the members of 15 South Bay partnering Chambers including Carson, El Segundo, Gardena Valley, Harbor City/Harbor Gateway, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, LAX Coastal Area, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, Torrance and Wilmington. Admission is $10 per person and includes hors d’oeuvres. A no-host bar will be available, as well as lots of fantastic raffle prizes! This event is open to the public – all are welcome to attend. For additional information and registration, visit the website at www.palosverdeschamber.com or call 310-377-8111 or via email to office@palosverdeschamber.com. Los Verdes Golf Course is located at 7000 West Los Verdes Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes.

The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts the annualHoliday Mixer at Veranda’s Beach House on Tuesday, December 8from 6 to 9 p.m. Celebrate the season with new and old acquaintances, enjoy wine, beer and plenty of hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members and are available online and at the Chamber office. Ticket is all inclusive of entry, drinks, and food. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://business.manhattanbeachchamber.com/events/details/holiday-mixer-2015-7381. Veranda’s Beach House is located at 401 Rosecrans Avenue in Manhattan Beach.

Ragin Cajun Cafe has teamed up with local brewer Strand Brewing Company to offer a 5 course Tasting Dinner on Wednesday, December 9 at 6 p.m. Come spend an evening with Rich Marcello from Strand Brewing Company, taste some amazing local beer, meet fellow beer lovers and enjoy delectable Cajun food! Finish off the evening with a limited edition stout…. only 300 bottles were made and they were lucky enough to get some! Seating is limited and reservations are recommended – they will sell out! For additional information, call 310-540-7403 or visit the website athttp://www.ragincajuncaferb.com/. Ragin Cajun is located at 25 South Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach.

The Lomita Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club of Lomita-Harbor City will host the annual Holiday Toy Mixer onWednesday, December 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lomita Kiwanis Hall. The price of admission is one unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more. Gift certificates are welcome at well! The event features music, refreshments, holiday cheer and networking….lots and lots of networking! For additional information, visit the website athttp://www.lomitacoc.com/. The Lomita Kiwanis Hall is located at 24822 Narbonne Avenue in Lomita, CA 90717.

Here’s a heads up on a few future events you’ll want to plan for now!

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/holiday-trunk-show/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/north-manhattan-beach-open-house-walkabout/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/confessions-of-the-eight/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/usba-open-housemixer-crosshairs-tactical/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/manhattan-beach-yuletide-5k/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/holiday-concert-on-the-redondo-beach-pier/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/king-harbor-holiday-boat-parade/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/manhattan-beach-holiday-fireworks/

These are just a few of the events taking place, so be sure to check the Calendar links, Things to Do page and Daily Blog on my website http://www.southbaybyjackie.com for details on these and other events happening throughout the South Bay.

Yesterday morning on The South Bay Show: Redondo Beach: More to Sea our guest was Orlando Mule, proprietor of the new restaurant Orlando’s Pizzeria & Birreria Ristorante located in Redondo Beach. We learned how Orlando landed in the South Bay of LA via Canada and Italy and talked about the tasty food he’s dishing up. FYI, I’ve already eaten at Orlando’s and can speak from experience! You can listen to yesterday’s show here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/orlandos-pizzeria-and-birreria/. There’s ‘More to Sea’ every Wednesday morning at 8 a.m.!

This morning on The South Bay Show: South Bay Spotlight, Joe and I will run down all the upcoming holiday events! Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/the-joe-jackie-show-holiday-events/. Tune in every Thursday at 8 a.m. to keep up with what’s going down in the South Bay!

Tomorrow morning on The South Bay Show: Manhattan Beach 360, we’ll get all the details on this year’s MB Chamber Holiday Party. You can listen to the show tomorrow morning herehttp://www.southbaybyjackie.com/manhattan-beach-chamber-holiday-party/. Tune in every Friday morning at 8 a.m. for the latest Chamber news!

Have a fabulous South Bay weekend!

Jackie

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com