Jackie's South Bay Weekend Guide

The beauty of the internet is all about having the information you want, at your fingertips, when you need it. How, where and when you spend your leisure time is just as important as breaking news stories. That’s where the South Bay by Jackie website and Weekend Guide comes in—and you won’t believe the range of events happening in the South Bay this weekend!

Support local merchants and get a jump start on the weekend at the Downtown Torrance Market Place. Every Thursday, Old Town Torrance takes to the streets with gifts, arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, food and produce, antiques and more. The weekly event features live music, tastings and product demonstrations from over 30 vendors and runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Torrance expert Dave Brownlee of Antique Appraisals will place a value on your treasures for $3 per item. Downtown restaurants and shops will stay open late with sidewalk sales and Market Place specials. Free parking is available in the public parking lot on Cravens Avenue and the public parking structure with entrances on Sartori and Cabrillo Avenues. Free valet parking is also available at The Depot Restaurant located at 1250 Cabrillo Ave.. The Downtown Torrance Market Place is located at Sartori and El Prado in Torrance. For more information, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/downtowntorrancemarketplace.

Total Wine & More presents a Taste of Italian Wine Class – Salute Italia! on Thursday, April 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guests will take a tour through some of Italy’s most exclusive wineries. Whether you want to expand your knowledge of Italian wines or simply find the perfect wine to accompany your favorite Italian dish, you’ll learn everything you need to know in this class. From the crisp and refreshing whites of Northern Italy, to the country’s renowned red wine appellations, guests will enjoy an impressive selection of Italian varietals, including Brunello, Barolo and Amarone. This new class is only $25 per person and seating is limited. The event will be held at the Total Wine & More superstore located at 1505 Hawthorne Blvd. in South Bay Marketplace. For more information and to make reservations, call 310-542-1460 or visit the website at totalwine.com.

This falls under the heading, “You don’t see this every day.” Reza Baluchi will attempt to be the first person to run from the mainland to Catalina Island and back. Reza will climb into his Hydro Pod Bubble Runner and begin his run to the island on Friday, April 12 at 6 a.m. Reza will depart from Moonstone Park in Redondo Beach at 280 Marina Way. City 2 Sea will provide the support boat for this historical journey. He hopes to run the first leg of 27 miles to Catalina in 12 hours, allowing extra time for currents, and then run the second leg back on Saturday in a quick 10 hours. Reza runs for world peace and has quite a list of achievements. He’s run in over 55 countries on six continents and plans to run in all 175 recognized countries of the world. In 2007, Reza ran the perimeter of the United States covering 11,720 miles in 202 consecutive days. In 2009, he ran 3,300 miles from Santa Monica to New York City in 43 days. Head to Moonstone Park at 6 a.m. this Friday to see Reza off on his latest journey! For more information on Reza and his achievements, visit the website at runwithreza.org.

Hermosa Beach Rotary presents the annual Spring Boutique on Saturday, April 13. This unique event offers shoppers a selection of items including vintage jewelry, handmade soaps, food art and gluten-free treats, hand-sewn items, home decor, Mary Kay products and more. The Spring Boutique takes place from 9 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m. and parking is free. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hermosa programs including Friends of the Park, Youth Programs and the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation. For more information, visit the website. The Spring Boutique will take place at the Rotary Clubhouse located at 2521 Valley Drive in Hermosa Beach.

The Point Vicente Lighthouse is open to the public the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free—that’s this Saturday, April 13. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. Re-opened in 2006, the 10,000 square foot center focuses on the unique natural features and history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and houses a museum, theater and changing exhibits. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. After climbing the lighthouse tower and touring the Interpretive Center, stroll along the scenic trail or relax at one of the picnic tables dotting the grounds while looking for migrating whales, taking in vistas of Catalina Island and contemplating the deep blue. Pack a picnic basket and prepare for a lovely afternoon. The Point Vicente Lighthouse is located at 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West in Rancho Palos Verdes. For more information, call 310-541-0334 or visit the website at vicentelight.org. The Interpretive Center is adjacent to the lighthouse. To contact the Interpretive Center, call 310-377-5370.

Tennis great Maria Sharapova is celebrating the launch of her premium candy collection Sugarpova at Tabula Rasa Essentials in Manhattan Beach on Saturday, April 13. Sharapova has created her own candy business to offer an accessible bit of luxury, interpreting classic candies in her own signature style. Sugarpova is a premium candy line that reflects the fun, fashionable, sweet side of the international tennis sensation. Meet the four-time Grand Slam Tennis Champion and winner of the 2013 BNP Parlbas Open as she serves up some sweet treats from 4 to 6 p.m. Sharapova will be signing purchased bags of her candy inside the shop. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit The Maria Sharapova Foundation and local charity Walk With Sally. Visit the website at tabularasamb.com or call 310-318-3385. Tabula Rasa Essentials is located at 919A Manhattan Ave. in Manhattan Beach.

Shade Hotel hosts the fifth annual Open Toe Shoe Party on Sunday, April 14 to benefit The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. All guests are invited to wear their best open toed shoes combined with a pedicure from a favorite salon or spa and strut their stuff! The event gets underway with a VIP Reception at 1 p.m. The doors open for general admission at 2 p.m. The top three contestants as judged by a celebrity panel will win amazing prizes. Don’t forget to bring cash, a checkbook or credit card because there will be some remarkable items up for grabs at the silent auction—from the music, TV and movie industries as well as vacation getaways, sports memorabilia, premier restaurant gift certificates, spa packages and winery tours. Tickets are $75 for general admission or $100 for admission to the VIP reception. Reservations may be made online at onesmallvoicefoundation.org. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted the day of the event for registration and the silent auction. The event will raise funds for the optic nerve hypoplasia research of Mark Borchert, MD. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to optic nerve hypoplasia research at The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. For more information, visit the website at shadehotel.com. Shade Hotel is located at 1221 N. Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach.

Temple Menorah and the Klein Chaplaincy Service, in partnership with the Rosenberg Cultural Center, present The Distinguished Speaker Series: Leaders in Action. The Series will explore the poignant moral and ethical issues that confront us in the 21 Century. Each speaker is an accomplished, well-known and respected authority in his field. Elliot N. Dorff will close out the series this Tuesday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. on the impact of technology and medicine in the 21 century: ‘Matters of life and death; a moral choice’ Tickets are limited. Temple Menorah is located at 1101 Camino Real in Redondo Beach. For more information, call 310-316-8444. For ticket purchase, visit the website.

It’s never too early to begin planning for your financial future and it’s never too late to get your financial affairs in order. Tax season is here and you’ll want experienced professionals with a proven track record and flawless reputation on your team. Brigante, Cameron, Watters & Strong, Certified Public Accountants and Consultants, is the largest full-service accounting firm in the South Bay. BCWS is dedicated to providing professional services of the highest quality and is offering a special promotion for our audience. Mention The South Bay Show or South Bay by Jackie and receive a 10 percent discount on tax services (new clients only). Give them a call at 310-542-0011 or visit the website at www.bcws.com. Did I mention April 15th is just around the corner?

As always, check the calendar links and ‘Things to Do’ page on my website, southbaybyjackie.com, for details on these and other events throughout the South Bay.

On The South Bay Show this morning, our guest was Andrea Zislis. Andrea filled us in on the Open Toe Shoe Party taking place this Sunday, April 14 at Shade Hotel.  Don’t worry, if you missed it, you can listen to it online.

Have a great South Bay weekend!

Jackie

southbaybyjackie.com