Jackie's South Bay Weekend Guide

I attended the Grand Opening of Rock & Brews PCH last night and I think it’s safe to say, the South Bay has never before experienced anything like it. Yes, all KISS band members were in the house, but beyond that, it was like old home week with a veritable who’s who of Torrance: the Mayor, City Council members and commissioners, Chamber members, local business owners, residents…I even ran into Smokin’ Smitty! There were kids and dogs and everyone had a great time but the biggest surprise of the night was the live performance. Gene, Paul and the boys played an impromptu set and blew the roof off the place! I’ve already posted a few pics and video on the SBBJ Facebook page, so take a peek here.  

Walk In, Dance Out hosts Swing & Sway at the Joslyn Center in Manhattan Beach the second Friday of every month from 8 to 11 p.m. The South Bay ballroom dancing community is extraordinarily welcoming and encouraging, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to practice your moves and dare I say, strut your stuff. Walk In, Dance Out offers dance instruction at several locations throughout the South Bay. Many of the students and instructors attend this monthly event and are delighted to share their knowledge and expertise. The cost is $10 per person with light refreshments and a no-host bar. The Joslyn Center is located at 1601 Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach. For more information, visit the website at www.walkindanceout.com or call 310-373-8487. 

The Manhattan Beach Police and Fire Departments host the Annual Police & Fire Open House on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This annual event has been a community favorite for many generations and serves as recognition for Fire Service Day and National Police Week. In addition, the sixth annual Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony will take place on the same day in the Public Safety parking lot at 15^th Street and Valley Drive at 10 a.m. and will immediately be followed by the Police & Fire Open House at 11 a.m. Guests will have the opportunity to meet members of the MBPD and MBFD including: the SWAT Team, Motor/Traffic Officers, Firefighters/Paramedics, Parking/Animal Control, and K-9 Team, as well as volunteers that support Neighborhood Watch, Victim Assistance, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Explorers and the Volunteers in Policing program. Highlights of the day include a fire fighting demonstration and the Crisis Negotiator Team’s robot demonstration. There will be an extensive display of specialized equipment and public safety vehicles including a fire truck, paramedic van, SWAT van, beach patrol Rhino, beach quad runner, patrol car, traffic motorcycle, T-3 (electric standup vehicle), animal control rescue truck and the Mobile Command Center. In addition, the Police Jail and Fire Station will be open for guided tours throughout the day. The Manhattan Beach Public Safety Facility is located at 420 15th Street in Manhattan Beach. For additional information, contact Public Information Officer Stephanie Martin at 310-802-5186 or by email at smartin@citymb.info.

If you’ve ever driven along the coast of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of the Point Vicente Lighthouse. Built in 1926, the 67 foot high tower is perched on a cliff offering breathtaking views of the endless Pacific. This is a working lighthouse and its beacon can be seen from twenty miles at sea. The Lighthouse is open to the public on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. 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 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 http://www.vicentelight.org/. The Interpretive Center is adjacent to the lighthouse. To contact the Interpretive Center, call 310-377-5370.

The Automobile Driving Museum is bringing back the Sunday Drive! Located at 610 Lairport Street in El Segundo, the ADM exists to preserve automotive history with an impressive, rotating collection of 150 classic, antique and historic cars on display. Every Sunday, the ADM takes guests for a ride in three of their magnificent automobiles. This may be the only automotive museum in the world that offers such an opportunity. In addition, Several Southern California collector car clubs showcase their vehicles at the ADM and on any given weekend you can find collections of particular makes and models. The ADM is a non-profit organization and offers a variety of ways for you to lend your support. A donation of $5 per adult is suggested and children are admitted free. The ADM is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. For more information, visit the website at www.automobiledrivingmuseum.org or call 310-909-0950.

It’s never too early to begin planning for your financial future 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% discount on tax services (new clients only). Give them a call at 310-542-0011 or visit the website at www.bcws.com. April 15 may have come and gone but there’s always next year! 

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

On The South Bay Show this morning, our guests were Carl Jacobsen and Earl Rubenstein of the Automobile Driving Museum located in El Segundo. This world-class museum offers guests the opportunity to take a ride in beautifully preserved vintage vehicles every Sunday! Don’t worry, if you missed it, you can listen to it here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/may-9-2013-earl-rubenstein-carl-jacobsen-the-automobile-driving-museum/.

Have a great South Bay weekend!

Jackie

www.southbaybyjackie.com