South Bay by Jackie Weekend Guide February 13, 2020

♫Love is in the air♫….. I appreciate that we have a special day set aside to celebrate LOVE – a day just to show your peeps how much you love and appreciate them! Having Valentine’s Day fall on a Friday will be tougher than usual if you haven’t already made dinner reservations BUT, there are other ways to celebrate. Pack a picnic, go to the beach and watch the sunset; take a romantic stroll through South Coast Botanic Garden (way better than a dozen roses!); visit one of our local cultural arts centers and take in the current exhibition; enjoy tunes (and maybe some dancing!) at one of the many live music venues in the South Bay. Then again, you always have the option to cook dinner at home and snuggle up with a romantic movie! However you decide to celebrate LOVE, have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Back by popular demand….. The Redondo Beach Main Branch Library is offering Life Planning Classes: A Five-Part Series Empowering Older Adults & Their Families during February and March. A free five-part series in partnership with H.E.L.P. focusing on elder care is offered at the Redondo Beach Main Library. Classes are free and open to everyone. No reservations are required. All classes are on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to Noon. The topics and dates are as follows:
February 13 – Wills, Trusts & Probate
February 20 – Elder Care and Residential Choices
February 27 – Financial Planning for Long-Term Care
March 5 – Safe Senior Living: Medication Awareness
For additional information on programs and services at the Redondo Beach Public Library, call (310) 318-0675, option 5, or visit the website at http://www.redondo.org/library. The workshops will be held in the 2nd floor Meeting Room of the Redondo Beach Main Library located at 303 North Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach. Free underground parking is available at the library.
El Segundo Museum of Art presents Experience #45: STARDUST, opening on Thursday, February 13 at 1 p.m. and running through Saturday, May 16, 2020. The new Experience 45: STARDUST will explore the different pathways of thinking. Art is a state of mind. Artworks are able to prime and inspire your brain activity. They can wake you up, where intuition has put you to sleep. Through STARDUST the visitor will experience the underlying laws of creative thinking. STARDUST is a backstage pass to the world of artistic stimulation and a showcase of the power of an artist collective. The ESMoA Experience Award recipient for STARDUST is Rachel Reid, a Los Angeles based artist, transforming stardust into a sequence of ceramic variations. As always, admission is FREE! For additional information, visit the website at https://esmoa.org/. ESMoA is located at 208 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245.

The Hawthorne Historical Society presents the 2020 Lecture Series on Thursday, February 13 and Thursday, February 20 at 6 p.m. at the Museum. On February 13, Cheryl Marcus-Caglese and Derek Gable will share their stories about the history of Mattel. On February 20, United States Census Bureau Partnership Specialist, Magda Armistead, will discuss Hawthorne’s role in obtaining a complete and accurate count in the 2020 Census. Attendees will enjoy socializing, light refreshments and the presentation. Suggested donation is $5 per person. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to HawthorneHistorical@gmail.com. The Hawthorne Historical Museum is located at 14100 Prairie Avenue, Hawthorne, CA 90250.
The Remedy Pharm will host a Valentine’s Day Beauty Extravaganza on Friday, February 14. Be your own Valentine and treat yourself to a full day of pampering, fun and 20% discounts. Receive samples of top beauty brands including Trilogy, Derma E and Neocell. Enjoy strawberries and tea while you browse! For details, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/remedypharm/. The Remedy Pharm is located at 23811 Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90505.
The Torrance Elks will host a Valentine’s Day Dance on Friday, February 14 starting at 6 p.m. It’s a pajama party, so wear your best PJs! The event features live music by The Jokers and ‘breakfast for dinner’, with eggs, bacon, potatoes and more. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. with the band starting at 7:30 p.m. In addition, the first 24 ladies to walk up to the band and say I LOVE THE JOKERS will get a special gift. Suggested donation is $10 per person. For details, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/453764605513291/. The Torrance Elks Club is located at 1820 Abalone Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501.
The Torrance Refinery Action Alliance (TRAA) will hold a Press Conference & Community Call to Action for the fifth anniversary of the Torrance Refinery explosion on Saturday, February 15 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Torrance. Th event features speakers, short TRAA-produced videos, and an announcement of a major new campaign to mandate that the Torrance Refining Company and Valero in Wilmington — the only two refineries in California that use HF — transition to one of the modern, vastly safer processes. This event is free to attend. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.traasouthbay.com/. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 21333 Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, CA.
The Western Museum of Flight presents the Celebrity Lecture Series: Clearing the Way with guest speaker, Lt. Col. Mark D. Bortnem on Saturday, February 15 at 11 a.m. LtCol Mark D. Bortnem will describe to us the special capabilities of the F/A-18 Hornet in its role of supporting Marine ground forces in combat. This versatile aircraft with its wide variety of weapons, communications, target identification, combined with air-to-ground prowess and air-to-air combat superiority, is the perfect weapon system to provide advanced attack in support of ground forces while defending those forces against enemy air attack. Strap on your G-Suit and climb aboard for a fascinating and exciting narrative! Admission is free for museum members and $10 for non-members. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.wmof.com/upcomingevents.pdf. The Western Museum of Flight is located at Torrance Airport, 3315 Airport Drive, Red Baron #3, Torrance, CA 90505.
The Manhattan Beach Community Counsel and the Beach Cities Health District are again offering a Seniors Art Group every Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. from February 15 through March 21 at the Manhattan Beach Community Church Assembly Hall Building. This group is designed to offer seniors in the South Bay community a place to come together to create, reflect and have fun. The group will be facilitated by art therapists and will include various projects using a variety of art materials. The cost is $10 per session and includes all materials for each class. Participants can sign up for each class individually or all six weeks. For additional information, contact Isabelle Williams at 424-291-2148 or via email at isabellaelenawilliams@gmail.com. The Manhattan Beach Community Church Assembly Hall Building is located at 303 South Peck Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA (second floor).

The Automobile Driving Museum wants you to get revved up for the annual Valentine’s Day Rides on Sunday, February 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the Automobile Driving Museum with your sweetie for a walk down memory lane full of classic vehicles and romantic Sunday rides in a curated example of their historic cars. Sunday rides do not need a reservation. They are first come, first served. Rides are inclusive with the suggested donation for admission. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.automobiledrivingmuseum.org/ or call 310-909-0950. The Automobile Driving Museum is located at 610 Lairport Street El Segundo, CA 90245.
The community is invited to attend a Children’s Wellness Forum on Tuesday, February 18 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach Community Center. Learn how vaccine mandates will affect your family. Guest speakers will discuss current legislation and the effect it can have. Attendees can mix, mingle and shop local wellness vendors. The guest speakers will start at 6:30 followed by a movie screening. This event is FREE to attend! For additional information and registration, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/childrens-wellness-forum-tickets-93035169697?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. The Hermosa Beach Community Center is located at 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. The main entrance is on Pier Avenue next to the sculpture of the surfer.
The Hermosa Beach Look Ahead Program will use virtual reality to show the effects of climate change on Wednesday, February 19 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach Farmers’ Market. The Hermosa Beach Pier, Pier Plaza and The Strand are among the most popular destinations in the City, so it may be hard to imagine them submerged in water due to rising sea levels. The City of Hermosa Beach will help the public see just what that would be like with a new initiative, Look Ahead Hermosa Beach, which uses virtual reality (VR) to provide an immersive experience of the city’s risks of flooding and how climate action can make a difference in protecting the community. The City is launching this program in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, Climate Access and Whitespace VR. Look Ahead Hermosa Beach will be available to the public from noon to 6 p.m. on February 19 at the Hermosa Beach Farmers’ Market on Pier Plaza and at other venues and events so that the public can visualize how climate change may threaten familiar locations and learn how these sites can benefit from climate solutions and get involved. Look Ahead Hermosa Beach includes facts about climate change in the region and an opportunity for community members to share their concerns and opinions with the City of Hermosa Beach. Users can explore the City’s website and sign up for the City of Hermosa Beach’s newsletter to learn more about the City’s plan to cut carbon and increase resilience. The City’s website also provides an opportunity to sign up to receive notifications to attend City of Hermosa Beach climate-related planning meetings and register to get emergency notifications. This initiative is part of the City’s efforts to prepare and certify a Local Coastal Program in coordination with the California Coastal Commission. Coastal access, recreational facilities and coastal hazards are among the policy areas that must be addressed to comply with the California Coastal Act. For additional information on the Look Ahead Hermosa Beach Program, visit the website at http://hermosabeach.gov/lookahead. The Farmers’ Market takes place on Pier Plaza, Hermosa Beach, CA.
This is the kick-off event for Mardi Gras week….. Ragin Cajun Cafe has teamed up with King Harbor Brewing to offer a four course Beer Dinner on Wednesday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. Come spend an evening with the crew from King Harbor Brewing, taste some amazing local beer, meet fellow beer lovers and enjoy four delectable Cajun courses! Tickets are $45 per person. Seating is limited and they will sell out! For additional information, call 310-540-7403 or visit the website at http://www.ragincajuncaferb.com/. Ragin Cajun is located at 525 South Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach.

Here’s a HEADS-UP on a few events you’ll want to plan for now!
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/state-of-the-region/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/social-hour-social-workplace-thirsty-third-thursdays/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/goat-yoga/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/crawfish-eating-contest/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/ragin-cajun-mardi-gras/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/laugh-zone/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/guys-night-out/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/dancing-south-bay-stars-3/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/torrance-antique-street-faire-8/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/a-faery-hunt/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-music-express/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/beach-cities-free-fitness-week/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/lets-connect-mixer/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/manhattan-beach-state-of-the-city-address/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/restaurants-roses-fundraiser/
This event listing is current as of yesterday, but new events are posted EVERY DAY! Check the website for updates at http://www.SouthBayByJackie.com for details on these and other events happening throughout the South Bay.
I received this information yesterday and while it’s still a couple of weeks out, I’m including it now since it will sell out really fast…. Michael Franks and Robert Bell present Closing Night – The Last Supper on Saturday, February 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Chez Melange. Chez Melange opened in November 1982 and now, after 37 years, will be closing their doors. The night will be filled with exciting food stations, Stryker's and Drew's open bar, live music and a live auction. Tickets are $200 per person. To make a reservation, call (310) 540-1222. For details, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1631685100319165/. Chez Melange is located at 1611 S Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

I recently came across this article on Old Town Torrance in the L.A. Times. They mention about eight local businesses but there’s SO MUCH MORE! Best part? All parking in the downtown area is FREE! Read the article at https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-01-31/what-to-do-in-historic-downtown-torrance.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that a couple of the stores at The Collective would be closing. Jeffrey Scott Vintage closed last month but Mixt will be open until February 26, Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you haven’t been there, now is the time to go – Mixt is having a closing sale with everything 50% off! The Collective is located at 324-326 Tejon Place, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274. (Just west of Malaga Plaza and behind City Hall.)
There are only a few days left to vote for your favorite dancer and/or charity in the annual Dancing with the South Bay Stars event! If you haven’t bought tickets to the show yet, you better get on it – they’re selling out fast! If you can’t attend the performance, you can still support your favorite dancer or charity by voting online. Just click on the picture and vote for your favorite at https://torrancearts.org/dancing-south-bay-stars-ix/.
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to nominate individuals within the Torrance area and the surrounding communities to be honored at the Multicultural Celebration on April 17, 2020. Download the Multicultural Celebration Nomination Form and submit your form by mail or drop-off at 3480 Torrance Boulevard, Suite 305, Torrance, CA 90503 or via email to Michelle@torrancechamber.com with “MC Nomination” included in the subject line. Nominations must be received no later than Monday, March 9, 2020. You can download the form at https://files.constantcontact.com/63310378001/0385c1b4-b76a-4caf-bf26-6dfe3034b85b.pdf.
The South Bay Women’s Association is seeking Scholarship Applicants. Women who are graduating high school seniors, currently enrolled college freshman or students continuing with post-graduate work may apply. Applicants must reside in the Greater South Bay area. The deadline for applications is February 21, 2020. For additional information and applications, visit the website at https://www.sbbwa.com/scholarships.
Senator Ben Allen is organizing a Toiletry Drive through Friday, February 28. They are accepting donations of the following items in regular or travel sizes: soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, lotion, toothbrushes and more. They will also be collecting hand and bath towels, socks and blankets. Items may be dropped off at Senator Allen’s District Office located at 2512 Artesia Boulevard, Suite 320, in Redondo Beach, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, visit https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/toiletry-drive/.
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 guest is Jill Moeller, Founder of Simply Mindful Services and we’ll do a deep dive on Mindfulness – what it is, how it works, what it can do for you. Listen live at 8 a.m. or at your leisure at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/jill-moeller-simply-mindful-services/. 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 360, we’ll learn about the MB Rotary ‘Poverty Simulation’ from guests Annie Hendrickson, Event Chair and MB Rotary Past President, Ken Deemer. The event is scheduled for Saturday March 14 at the Joslyn Community Center. Listen live at 8 a.m. or at your leisure at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/mb-rotary-poverty-simulation/. Tune in every Friday morning at 8 a.m. for the latest happenings in Manhattan Beach!
Happy Valentine’s Day and have a fabulous South Bay weekend!
Jackie
www.SouthBayByJackie.com/Weekend-Guide.php