South Bay Weekend Guide February 9, 2017

Valentine’s Day…. it’s not just for couples anymore! There are a few fun, Valentine specific, singles events scheduled, but now that I think about it, it’s absolutely possible to meet a future ‘special someone’ at any of the events listed below. Chances are, the people that would go to the same event as you, means you already have something in common. If you go to the theater, you’ll undoubtedly meet another theater lover; if you’re involved in local business, you could meet a like-minded individual at a Chamber event; if you like to work out, you’ll be surrounded by other health conscience people; you could even meet someone during a ride-share! It’s like, Valentine’s Day, every day, in the South Bay……

It’s that time of year again! Time to choose your favorites in the Easy Reader News Best of the Beach poll! It’s a great opportunity to let your local service and product providers know how much you appreciate them. Voting ends on February 19! To cast your votes, visit the website at http://www.easyreadernews.com/144889/best-beach-2017/.

I’m sure many of you have already heard this, but just in case….. The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce has named Mark Lipps, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). “We are excited to announce the appointment of Mark Lipps, as President and CEO of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce” said Elisabeth (Lilly) Swardstrom, Board Chair. “Setting a solid foundation for the Chamber and its future success has been the board’s primary goal over the past six months and, although hundreds of resumes were submitted for the position, Mark’s commitment to the community, business acumen and integrity, made him a prime candidate for the position.” Lipps stated “As a long-time resident and business owner, I am very excited to build on my passion for Manhattan Beach, through our work at the MBCC. Working together with our city management, business corridors and citizens, I believe we will create extraordinary opportunities for local business, small, medium and large”. The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce continues to serve the South Bay, with a commitment to businesses, the civic community and local residents. Congrats, Mark!

Downtowner is now live in Manhattan Beach offering FREE, on-demand rides! Search for ‘Downtowner’ in your app store and download. Request a ride and hop in – it’s that easy! Ride anywhere from 1st Street to Rosecrans, up to Pacific Avenue. No more searching or paying for parking. This service can be used for everything from shopping and dining to yoga classes and doctor’s appointments. Tips are most appreciated! This is a trial program, so let’s all use it and maybe it will become permanent!

More transportation news…. RideYellow is an app that matches you with a local, knowledgeable taxi driver. RideYellow launched January of 2016 in Long Beach and has quickly expanded throughout the United States, including Florida, San Diego, East Los Angeles and now the South Bay. Thanks to the two taxi fleets South Bay Yellow Cab and United Checker, RideYellow now has an extensive coverage area in the South Bay. A full list of the the RideYellow coverage area can be found on the RideYellow website at http://rideyellow.com/. With this expansion comes a special $15 off promotion to all new app users. With the promo code “FREERIDE” users will get $15 off their first ride when paying with a stored credit card. The RideYellow app works just like any ridesharing platform, with easy ordering and payment. A user can order a taxi and track it while it is on its way. What sets the RideYellow app apart from other apps is that users can pay with cash instead of only having the option of paying with a stored credit card. Also the RideYellow app uses drivers that have passed government fingerprint background checks, have full coverage insurance plans and each taxi must have 24 hours video surveillance. Over the next couple of months the RideYellow app will be launching a lot of great features to make it more practical as a daily way to get moving faster around the South Bay.

The Torrance Police Department will host Coffee with a Cop this morning, Thursday, February 9 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Starbucks located at 5050 West 190 Street. All community members are invited to attend, meet with Torrance Police officers, discuss community issues and drink coffee. Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the Torrance Police Department. Join your local police officers for coffee and conversation – no agenda or speeches; just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the officers in your neighborhood. For additional information, view the flyer at
http://www.torranceca.gov/TPD/Documents/Coffee_with_a_Cop_Starbucks.pdf.

The Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts the monthly Network Cafe this afternoon, Thursday, February 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Phuket Thai Restaurant. This is lunchtime networking at its finest. Attendees will enjoy great food, meet new business contacts and have fun, all in the same amount of time you’d normally be away from your desk. Tickets are $25 for Chamber Members and $30 for non-Members. If you plan to attend, you must register. For additional information, visit the website at http://web.redondochamber.org/events/Network-Cafe-at-Phuket-Thai-2212/details. Phuket Thai Restaurant is located at 901 North Pacific Coast Highway #100B, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

The community is invited to join the Japan Business Association and the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce for the annualGrand Mixer on Thursday, February 9 beginning at 4 p.m. This year’s event will be hosted by Sunrider International in Torrance. Beginning at 4 p.m., Sunrider will offer tours of the Chen Art Gallery, one of the most significant privately-held collections of Chinese antiquities in the United States, including Imperial artifacts spanning nearly every Dynasty in Chinese history. Following the Chen Art Gallery tour, guests will enjoy an evening of refreshments and catering from Red Car Brewery and live entertainment by Japanese-American Beatles cover-band, The Mockers. This event is a great way to meet and greet some of the Torrance area’s most influential International business leaders. Admission is $20 for Torrance Chamber Members and $40 for non-members. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at https://www.torrancechamber.com/event/18th-annual-jba-grand-mixer/. Sunrider International is located at 1625 Abalone Avenue in Torrance.

The next Beach Cities Free Fitness Weekend takes placeFriday, February 10 through Monday, February 13. These Free Fitness Weekends are a partnership between BCHD and local studios and gyms to provide opportunities for residents to be healthy and have fun being physically active! Free Fitness Weekends was designed by BCHD to introduce people of all income and ability levels to a wide variety of fitness offerings, including yoga, Pilates, cycling, strength training, boot camp and more. Over 25 fitness studios in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach have joined the community initiative. Some classes require pre-registration while others are available on a first come, first served basis. For a full class schedule and descriptions, visit the website at http://www.bchd.org/freefitness.

Terranea Resort presents Full Moon Yoga on Friday, February 10 at 6 p.m. The class will take place on the Ocean Lawn under the full moon and is open to both guests and locals. Yogis of all levels are welcome, and participants are asked to bring a yoga mat and $20 to contribute to a local charity. Space is limited, and reservations must be made by calling The Spa at 310-265-2740. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.terranea.com/palos-verdes-events?year=2017&month=02&day=10&emonth=02&eday=10. Terranea Resort is located at 100 Terranea Way in Rancho Palos Verdes.

I had a sneak peek of this exhibit last weekend and its fantastic….. The Palos Verdes Art Center presents the Opening Reception: Wearable Expressions 7th International Juried Exhibition onFriday, February 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. Palos Verdes Art Center’s exhibition of wearable art returns with innovative works in fiber, jewelry and accessories by artists from around the globe chosen by an international jury. Artists participating in this year’s exhibition are from Asia, Europe, Australia and both North and South America. Featuring wearable art in all media, Wearable Expressions promotes the adornment of the body seen through the aesthetic lens of fine art. Wearable Expressions is established to promote the sharing of new visions and the exploration of innovative techniques and materials in art to wear. You don’t want to miss the unveiling of this amazing exhibition of wearable art! For additional information, visit the website at http://www.wearableexpressions.com/. The Palos Verdes Art Center is located at 5504 West Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.

3-D Theatricals presents Once on This Island at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center February 10 through February 19. As is the hallmark of 3-D Theatricals, their own spin on Broadway shows will be in full-play when this glorious, Caribbean-infused family musical of enormous heart and magical wisdom opens at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Once on This Islandpremiered on Broadway in 1990 and was the recipient of eight Tony Award nominations. Full of capricious gods, island magic, and joyous dance numbers, the production is directed by Rufus Bonds, Jr. Musical Direction is by Corey Hirsch, with Choreography by Yusuf Nasir. Costumes are by explosive young fashion designer and internet sensation Nephi Garcia.

ABOUT THE SHOW:
A one-act musical by the award-winning team of Lynn Ahrens (Book and Lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty (Music), Once on This Island is based on the 1985 novel My Love, My Love or The Peasant Girl by Rosa Guy, and is set in the French Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. With elements of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid; and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a peasant girl on a tropical island uses the power of love to bring together people of different social classes. In almost non-stop song and dance, Once on This Island follows the story’s young heroine, Ti Moune, on her quest to prove that love is more powerful than the forces of prejudice, hatred and death.

Performance dates and times: Friday, February 10 at 8:00 pm(Preview); Saturday, February 11 at 8:00 pm (Official Opening);Sunday, February 12 at 2:00 pm; Friday, February 17 at 8:00 pm;Saturday, February 18 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm; Sunday, February 19 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now for $25 – $100. There is a Ticket Handling Fee of $3 per ticket. To purchase tickets, visit the website at www.3dtshows.org. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is located at 1935 East Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA 90278. Complimentary parking is located directly in front of the theatre.

Absolution Brewing is hosting a Love Test on Saturday, February 11 starting at 5 p.m. How well do you really know that special someone? There’s only one way to find out – over a couple of cold brews! They’ll also be pouring two new beers for the occasion: a Strawberry-Chocolate Milk Stout and a Raspberry Blonde Ale. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.absolutionbrewingcompany.com/. Absolution Brewing Company is located at 2878 Columbia Street, Torrance, CA 90503.

El Segundo Museum of Art presents Brain Finissage on Saturday, February 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. Have you ever met a Nobel Laureate? You’ll get your chance at this special ESMoA event! The community is invited for a reception to celebrate the closing of BRAIN at ESMoA with the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings and featured artist Peter Badge. The end of this fantastic Experience will be celebrated by the preview of the book Nobel Heroes, published by Steidl, presenting all 400 Nobel Portraits by Peter Badge. Special Nobel Laureate guests include Louis Ignarro, USA, Physiology or Medicine, 1998; William F. Sharpe, USA, Economic Sciences, 1990; Sir Fraser Stoddart, UK, Chemistry, 2016; and Arieh Warshel, Israel/USA, Chemistry, 2013. Space is limited, so if you plan to attend, you should RSVP NOW. As always, admission is FREE! For additional information, visit the website at http://esmoa.org/. El Segundo Museum of Art is located at 208 Main Street in El Segundo.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Sunscreen Film Festival West presents the dating game, Room full of Cupids on Saturday, February 11 from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Comedy Garage. The event is a fundraiser for Sunscreen Film Festival West and promises to be a ton of fun. See below for all the details….

1. Sign up and secure your spot through the Eventbrite link athttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/room-full-of-cupids-dating-game-tickets-31629683234.
2. Upon arrival Bar is open and mingling will begin. You will be given a questionnaire. Name, short bio and 6 questions you would ask to learn about your date.
3. All singles will put their names in a hat, separated by male/female. Next the host will select a main dater and 6 suitors.
4. Single dater takes the microphone or host will read their Bio. They give their best “Pitch”, then they blindfold/separate the main dater.
5. Then they take the 6 questions from the dater and ask one question per suitor.
6. After the audience (Cupids) observe the six questions and responses they flash a “Red or a green” “Date or dump”
7. The three with the top votes stay on stage and get to read or have their one minute “bio” read. The Cupids narrow down to the final suitor. Blindfold comes off.
8. The daters meet. If the dater agrees on the “set up” they send them on a date. Leave the stage and they do again with different daters! ROOM FULL OF CUPIDS

Admission is $20 per person and covers drinks, cover charge and quite possibly…. LOVE. For additional information, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/room-full-of-cupids-dating-game-tickets-31629683234. Comedy Garage is located at 553 Mary Ann Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90278.

The South Coast Botanic Garden presents the annual Sweetheart’s Stroll in the Garden on Saturday, February 12. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic afternoon in the Garden. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, blanket or chairs and enjoy music on the Upper Meadow by VOX DJ’s and VIP Entertainment. Food may also be purchased from Richeeze Grilled Cheese Truck. Beer tastings will be provided by Red Car Brewery and wine from Plough/Wooden Valley Wines. The Foil Place will be onsite to provide a complimentary, personalized engraving with the purchase of a wine glass. The event is FREE for Garden Members. Consider becoming a Member and show your sweetheart the best day ever! General Garden admission applies.

Attendees can also purchase the following a la carte items:
Beer and Wine Tastings: $5 for 5 tastings
Photo Booth by Cheryl Ogden: $4/photo
Wine Glasses: $10 each
Best Value (5 tasting tickets, 1 photo booth ticket and 1 wine glass): $19

If you want the total VIP Experience, upgrade for $25 per person for the following perks:
Appetizers and signature beer cocktail generously provided by Red Car Brewery & Restaurant
1 wine glass with personalized engraving from The Foil Place
5 beer/wine tastings
1 souvenir photo with free photo frame
Interactive gardening demo by Sunflower Farms

VIP tickets are limited and pre-registration is highly recommended. VIP tickets do not include Garden Admission for non-members. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org/. The South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 23600 Crenshaw Boulevard in Rolling Hills Estates.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy presents the annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Sunday, February 12 at 4 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach Community Center. The Conservancy is pleased to present the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on tour with an exciting selection of environmental and adventure films that illustrate the Earth’s beauty, the challenges facing our planet and the work communities are doing to protect the environment. This premier environmental and adventure film festival will inspire the audience and ignite interest in the ways individuals can help protect nature while creating a positive future for the next generation. With a grant from Patagonia, the Conservancy has added a new venue in Hermosa Beach. Featuring films that will take us from California to Chile and Lebanon, and ranging from quiet hikes to slack-lining in wild places, the festival will thrill all ages. The two-hour film festival will include incredible raffle and door prizes to win a $300 REI tent and various other great prizes – tickets are $5 each (or $20 for six). During the brief intermission, audience members are invited to test their skills on a slack-line! Prizes will be given to all participants and one master prize will be awarded to most accomplished slack-liner! Fifteen short films will be screened over two hours. Tickets purchased online are $10. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $15. Doors open at 3 p.m. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://pvplc.org/_events/WildScenic_about.asp. The Hermosa Beach Community Center is located at 710 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach.

The Mix-A-GoGo team is ringing in the New Year with a Kickoff Party and massive networking event on Monday, February 13 from5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The event features local restaurants, breweries, distilleries and wine shops showcasing their fabulous goods. There will be live music, giveaways and some very special announcements about MixAgogo! Tickets are $20 per person. It’s time to mix, mingle and make new connections! For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mixagogo-2017-kickoff-party-tickets-30987936753?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=esfb&utm-source=fb&utm-term=listing. The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA 90278.

Orland’s Pizzeria & Birreria celebrates the most romantic day of the year with a Valentine’s Day Dinner on Tuesday, February 14. The evening will feature a four course menu paired with beer from Absolution Brewing.

First Course:
Amuse Bouche – Absolution Raspberry Blonde
Second Course:
Chef’s special soup – Absolution Penance Pale Ale
or
Strawberry salad w/ seared scallops & a lemon-lime vinaigrette
Third Course:
Short rib tortellone w/ a veal & lamb reduction – Absolution John Bullington bitter
or
Pistachio crusted sea bass w/ white asparagus & spinach
Fourth Course:
White Chocolate, strawberry filled ice cream – Absolution Coconut Stout

Those preferring wine will be accommodated. The price is $59 per person and if you plan to attend, you must make a reservation! To reserve a table, call 310-792-9300. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.pizzeriaorlandos.com/. Orland’s Pizzeria & Birreria is located at 1000 Torrance Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

The Manhattan Beach Chamber presents the annual State of the City address on Wednesday, February 15 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Joslyn Center. Mayor David Lesser will speak on how the city is managing its resources, what was accomplished last year and how the City is preparing for 2017. This annual event is a great opportunity to get informed and make new business connections. Tickets are $35 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members. Breakfast will be provided. For additional information and registration, visit the website at http://business.manhattanbeachchamber.com/events/details/state-of-the-city-manhattan-beach-8472. The Joslyn Center is located at 1601 North Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

Kicking off its second year in business, Play Hive in Hermosa Beach is hosting an Anniversary Celebration packed with special activities and entertainment for customers on Wednesday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local businesses will converge on the bee-themed kids play space to offer food, raffle prizes, demonstrations and more. Event goers can buzz on by for a discounted rate of $7 per child. Adults are free but must wear socks.

A sampling of the festivities include:
• Cooking demonstrations by Pampered Chef
• Spanish lessons by My Escuelita
• Chair massages by Organically At Your Best
• Car seat safety tips by SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.
• Exercise classes by Bionic Mommy and yoga lessons by local resident
• Tax prep tips
• Raffle items, such as tickets to upcoming Pacific Dance Center performance

Play Hive is one of the few spaces in the South Bay that offers both indoor and outdoor activities for all-day play. Owner Shruthi Sharma says she adds new features often for kids big and small. “From local residents who stroll their kids in, to families that drive from as far as the San Fernando Valley, our customers have helped make Play Hive what it is today,” she said. “This event is a big ‘thank you’ to them and the community at large for propelling us into another great year.” For additional information, visit the website at http://www.playhivela.com or call (310) 937-7000. Play Hive is located at 307 Pacific Coast Highway in Hermosa Beach. Parking is free off 3rd Street and Pacific Coast Highway.

Nate Boyer will host Tales of a Mountain: Conquering Kili, a private fundraising event, on Wednesday, February 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The 900 Club. The event features NFL Alumni Mark Pattison, UCLA Football Coach Jim Mora and former Marine, Kirstie Ennis. The evening will include drinks and appetizers in a mix-n-mingle setting, and act as a celebration and send-off to the group who will be Conquering Kili together in March. Conquering Kili began in 2015 as an extension of the Chris Long Foundation Waterboys initiative to raise awareness for water scarcity in East Africa while empowering veterans. Through this project, combat veterans and NFL alumni will push themselves physically and mentally while forming a unique and powerful bond and serving others. The program accomplishes this by fundraising for not only the trip but also the construction of sustainable deep borehole wells, which provide clean water to East African communities who desperately need it. Come hear from Nate, Mark, Kirstie and Coach Mora on their training for Kili and their game plan for conquering the mountain. Then raise a glass and give back, as they prepare for the trek of a lifetime! Tickets are $94.29 per person. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tales-of-a-mountain-with-mark-pattison-nate-boyer-kirstie-ennis-and-coach-mora-tickets-30613959176?aff=es2. The 900 Club is located at 900 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

I was recently invited to A Basq Kitchen for a menu tasting. You can read all about my Basque Dining Adventure here:http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/basque-dining-adventure/.

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

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/painting-wine-class-terranea/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/palos-verdes-dream-house-raffle/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/rally-march-ban-mhf/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/presidents-day-sidewalk-sale/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/mustang-car-show/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/free-ballroom-dance-event/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/mixer-joes-crab-shack/

These are just a few of the special events taking place, so be sure to check the Ongoing Events page and Daily Blog on my website at 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, Joe and I caught up with what’s been going on around town. You can listen to yesterday’s show via podcast here:http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/joe-jackie-show-3/. There’s ‘More to Sea’ every Wednesday morning at 8 a.m.!

This morning on The South Bay Show: South Bay Spotlight, our guest was Pamela Penson, Founder & CEO of Adia, a professional concierge caregiver service provider to older adults located right here in the South Bay. We spoke with Pamela about Adia’s mission, the role it plays in the community and the services they offer. Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it via podcast here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/pamela-pension/. 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, our guests will be Steve Carvel, Jack Tracy and Jim Dillavou representing the Manhattan Beach Leadership Class 2017. We’re going to discuss the MB Leadership program and this year’s project, “Save Santa’s Float”. They’ll be revitalizing the very popular Santa Float that tours the city during the holiday season. You can listen to the program live at 8 a.m. or anytime via podcast here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/manhattan-beach-leadership-class/. Tune in every Friday morning for the latest from Manhattan Beach!

The South Bay Show is now scheduling On Location Podcasts. If you are interested in scheduling a podcast ofThe South Bay Show at your business, give me a call at 310-418-6851.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovebirds ♥ and have a fabulous South Bay weekend!

Jackie

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-weekend-guide-2/