South Bay by Jackie Weekend Guide April 11, 2019

The South Bay by Jackie.com website is continuously being updated. I’m not exaggerating - pretty much all day, every day, someone is doingsomething to improve the website experience. We’re constantly adding, removing, editing and updating posts and links as new information is received. Behind the scenes, there are the technical aspects of managing a website – everything from the speed with which a page opens, to programming, to obscure mechanical things I know nothing about and have no desire to. Then there’s the most crucial task - monitoring that all-important SEO (ensuring you’ll find the website online). To have your website show up on the first page of a Google search result is difficult, and getting and keeping your website as the number one search result is practically a full-time job. As busy as we are keeping the website running smoothly, improving our SEO, and confirming the information we provide is correct and current, I really haven’t paid much attention to what other local websites are doing. So, my team and I recently spent a couple of hours browsing several South Bay, event-centric, hyper-local websites. Some provide valuable information for specific groups and do it well. Others…. not so much. Here’s what I learned from this exercise….
-We discovered an alarming amount of incorrect and/or outdated information posted to many of these sites.
-Several sites are using automation to select events, and in the process, are including events outside the South Bay.
-The vast majority of these websites are side hustles, which means they’re not a priority to whomever is managing them.
-Many of these websites are literally copying and pasting information from my website onto theirs. (I’m not referring to the local service providers that have requested and received permission to feature the information on my website in their newsletters or on their websites for their clients use.)
-We found a significant lack of consistency. That will happen when a website has several contributors with different styles, experiences and views.
-I was personally appalled by the dreadful grammar and spelling. We all make errors from time to time, but it’s an epidemic online!
South Bay by Jackie.com is my baby, and I put my reputation on the line the moment we launched it. So it’s important to me that it remain the most trusted, comprehensive and up-to-date, hyper-local website in the South Bay…. And that’s why over 400,000 people are using it.
Kinecta Federal Credit Union announces the 2019 Professional Clothing Drive from April 5 through April 19. Kinecta will be collecting gently worn or new professional clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women who are overcoming difficult challenges, entering the workforce after military service, or transitioning to a new job. Kinecta Federal Credit Union’s Professional Clothing Drive will support Working Wardrobes and The Unity Shoppe’s programs. Working Wardrobes has changed the lives of nearly 100,000 men, women, veterans, and young adults by providing them career training, job placement assistance and professional wardrobe services so they can confidently enter the workforce and achieve self-sufficiency. Unity Shoppe operates a year-round free grocery and clothing store so people can shop with dignity for their basic needs. How to Donate:
-From April 5 to April 19, bring new or gently used men’s and women’s business clothing, shoes and accessories to any Kinecta Federal Credit Union branch. For branch locations, and clothing drive hours, please visithttps://www.kinecta.org/locations/.
-White-collar and blue-collar business clothing, shoes and accessories such as purses ties, belts and jewelry accepted
-All sizes accepted; plus-sizes are especially needed
-Items must be clean and without tears, missing buttons or stains
-Tax receipts will be available
The Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce presents the monthlyNetwork Café on Thursday, April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sea Level. Make the most of your lunch hour and enjoy great networking and lunch. You’ll see old friends and may even meet your next business contact. Bring plenty of business cards, an appetite and a smile! Admission is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. If you plan to attend, you must RSVP! For additional information and registration, visit the website at http://web.redondochamber.org/events/Network-Cafe-at-Sea-Level-2527/details. Sea Level is located at 655 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
The City of Torrance Community Services Department presents the annual Senior Prom: Springtime in Paris on Thursday, April 11 from 12:45 to 2:30 p.m. at the Ken Miller Recreation Center. The event features Liz Holmes and her 18-piece band playing all your favorite ballroom dance tunes and tempos including foxtrot, swing, waltz and more. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments and snacks provided by Brookdale South Bay. The cost is $12 per person. Tickets are on sale now at the Torrance City Hall West Annex, 3031 Torrance Blvd, Mon-Thurs. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, call 310-320-5918. The Ken Miller Recreation Center is located at 3341 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA.

The Hermosa Beach Chamber will host the monthly Networking Mixeron Thursday, April 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach Museum. Come network with locals, relax and have fun at the April Networking Mixer. Share in the excitement as they draw local Non-Profits to participate in the Charity Beer & Wine Garden at this year’s Fiesta Hermosa events. This event is FREE attend. RSVP is required at https://hbvbchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/3648. For additional information, call 310-376-0951 or via email atinfo@hbchamber.net. The Hermosa Beach Museum is located at 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach.
Women’s Voices in Tech Networking Happy Hour will take place on Thursday, April 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tin Roof Bistro on the back patio. Sponsored by Twilio, this mixer brings together some of the most influential and inspiring women entrepreneurs, investors, and tech executives in Los Angeles. Who is this event for? Women leaders in tech, women entrepreneurs in tech, and the men and women who support and invest in them! Enjoy networking in a fun, relaxed atmosphere; mingle with highly successful men and women in the entrepreneur, startup, and tech space; connect to fellow techies that can help you advance your career or business; meet developers to recruit for projects; and maybe find your next client, employee, business partner or co-founder. This event is FREE to attend. For additional information, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-voices-in-tech-networking-happy-hour-the-tin-roof-tickets-58687605207?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Tin Roof Bistro is located at 3500 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
Vroom, vroom! The Cruise is back! Cruise at the Beach returns to Ruby’s Diner in Redondo Beach for the season on Friday, April 12! Open to the public, this FREE event happens every Friday night April through October and features a gathering of vintage automobiles on display in the Ruby’s Diner parking lot from 4 to 8 p.m. Enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their hot rods, street rods and muscle cars and strut their stuff. A favorite with local car enthusiasts, this popular event has grown tremendously over the years and features vintage and classic cars from all over Southern California. The evening also features music, trivia, trophies and raffle. If you wish to display a car or require more information, contact Larry Neville at 310-962-7438. Ruby’s Diner is located at 245 North Harbor Drive in Redondo Beach.
The Knights of Columbus will host the final Fish Fry in honor of the Lenten season on Friday, April 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nativity School Annex. The community is invited to enjoy a traditional meatless meal of baked fish or deep-fried fish, with a baked potato or French fries, coleslaw, roll, coffee and punch Cake. The cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children under 12. There is a $5 corkage fee if you bring your own wine. The Nativity School Annex is located at 1415 Engracia Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501.
Riviera Village presents First Friday on April 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. This free, monthly event is the place to be every first Friday! Head to the Village and enjoy live music, food samplings, gallery viewing, promotional offers and more while you dine and shop. Riviera Village merchants and art galleries stay open until 8 p.m. The energy will be fueled by live music at various locations from 6 to 8 p.m. For additional information, visit the website at http://rivieravillage.net/.
Join volunteers at Seaside Heroes Park for the monthly Community Beautification Event on Saturday, April 13 from 8 to 11 a.m. All are welcome to get down and dirty and lend a hand cleaning, weeding, and dead heading – including groups or individuals who need community service hours. Even though the park is small, it’s a huge job to keep it looking good. As of January 2019, volunteers have put over 1300 work hours into the project. This is a labor of love and the organizers are immensely grateful to anyone who gives their time. COME MAKE FRIENDS! DO GOOD! HAVE FUN! Meet at 22812 Kathryn Avenue in Torrance. Bring tools and gloves (if you have or will be supplied), sunscreen, water AND energy. Donations are also accepted via Paypal and personal check to cover the cost of water, tools, and promotion of the event. To schedule yourself or your group, contact Jenna Christensen at 310.920.9387 or via email at cjenna@realtor.com. Seaside Heroes Park is located at 22851 Anza Avenue, Torrance, CA.
The Veterans Affairs Commission will host Veterans’ Benefits Day on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hawthorne Memorial Center. All veterans are encouraged to attend this FREE event and learn about available benefits from participating sponsors including: DAV, WLA VA Hospital, UCLA, Vets Advocacy, Red Cross, Veterans Service Organizations, Mindful Warrior, LA National Cemetery, US Vets, Raytheon, and many more. Lunch will be provided courtesy of In-n-Out Burger. For additional information and registration, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawthorne-veterans-benefits-day-tickets-54733851423?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete. Hawthorne Memorial Center is located at 3901 West El Segundo Boulevard, Hawthorne, CA 90250.

The Redondo Beach Pier Association and Cancer Support Community presents Yoga on the Octagon the second Saturday of each month (April 13) from 10 to 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and take part in this all level yoga class where the International Boardwalk meets the Redondo Beach Pier (the octagon below Kincaid’s). Participants should bring a yoga mat, towel and bottled water. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.redondopier.com/events/. The Redondo Beach Pier is located at 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. If it rains, the class will be held at Cancer Support Community at 109 West Torrance Boulevard.
Los Serenos hosts the annual Whale of a Day event on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. Co-Sponsored by Los Serenos de Point Vicente and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the event celebrates the migration of the Pacific Gray whale from the frigid waters of the Arctic seas to the warm lagoons of Baja California. Attendees will enjoy the fun, food, entertainment and education on the PVIC grounds. Admission is FREE, parking is FREE. Free parking will be available at the Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall located at 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, with free shuttle service to and from the event site. There is no onsite parking. For additional information, call 310-544-5260 or visit the website athttp://www.rpvca.gov/ or http://www.losserenos.org. The Point Vicente Interpretive Center is located at 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
Farmers & Merchants Bank will host an Open House on Saturday, April 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event features FREE lunch from In-N-Out Burger and family activities including face painting, a balloon artist, a prize wheel and more in the parking lot. The state-of-the-art 9,000 square foot facility, two stories tall, proudly serves the community of Redondo Beach just as F&M Bank has done throughout Southern California for 112 years. This event is FREE to attend and open to the public. Farmers & Merchants Bank is located at 1333 South Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, 90277.
The Torrance Sister City Association presents the annual Bunka Sai Japanese Cultural Festival on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Ken Miller Recreation Center. This fun-filled event features taiko drums, kimono models, martial arts, calligraphy, a tea ceremony, bonsai flower arrangements, doll exhibits, games, story-telling, music, dance, food and more. Admission is FREE! For additional information, visit the website athttp://torrancesistercity.org/gallery/bunkasai2018/bunkasai2018.html. The Ken Miller Recreation Center is located at 3341 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA.
Social Workplace will host a Comedy Pop Up on Saturday, April 13 at 7 p.m. The show features stand-up comedy from Candice Thompson (The Tonight Show, The Struggle Podcast); Eliot Chang (Comedy Central Presents); Big Irish Jay Hollingsworth (All Def Digital, 2 Broke Girls); and Paul Antonio Verdugo (Comedy Pop-Up Podcast). BYOB. There’s street parking next to the venue. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Lineup subject to change. Tickets are $10. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.socialworkplace.com/event/comedy-pop-up-in-lomita/. Social Workplace is located at 2315 Lomita Boulevard, Suite 200, Lomita, CA 90717.
The South Bay Coastliners Barbershop Chapter is proud to sponsor the annual Harmony Sweepstakes Los Angeles Regional A Cappella Singing Contest on Saturday, April 13 at 7:30pm at the El Segundo Performing Arts Center. As first place winners of last year’s competition, Business Casual, is returning to Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival to host the 2019 Los Angeles Regionals. With a new set of hopeful competitors, Business Casual will take the stage as reigning champs and help usher in the new champion of this year with a fantastic set, and the South Bay Coastliners’ Barbershop Chorus will sing to introduce this fun competition. This year’s contest features several talented groups representing a wide variety of a cappella styles. All general admission seats are $28 and $10 for students. VIP seating is available for $35. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.harmony-sweepstakes.com/losangeles.html. El Segundo Performing Arts Center (El Segundo High Auditorium) is located at 640 Main Street in El Segundo, California.
The Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay presents the Gala Spring Concert on Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Norris Theater. This final concert of the 2018/2019 season features Pianist Steven Lin, the 2014 Arthur Rubenstein Silver Medalist. The concert will feature Mendelssohn: Overture to “Die schöne Melusine,” Op. 32; Schumann: Piano Concerto in a minor, Op. 54; and Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90 “The Italian”. A reception will follow the performance at the Norris Theatre. Tickets are $65. NOTE: There is no elevator for balcony access. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.mycosb.org/. The Norris Theater is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.
The Manhattan Beach Police Department will be conducting aDUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. The purpose of the checkpoint is to promote public safety, increase the awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving, and deter impaired driving and unlicensed driving. By publicizing these educational and enforcement efforts, the Manhattan Beach Police Department believes that drinking and driving, and driving while unlicensed, will be reduced. This “Zero Tolerance” approach to enforcement sends a clear message to those who still don’t heed the warning to designate a sober driver before celebrations begin. Simply put, “If you are over the legal limit, you will be arrested.” The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.

The Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce presents the annual State of the City on Tuesday, April 16 at 7 a.m. at Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel. Mayor Bill Brand and Members of the Redondo Beach City Council will speak on how the city is managing its resources, what was accomplished last year and how the City is preparing for 2019. Tickets are $25/$35. Registration includes breakfast. $7 Self-Park or $17 Valet. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website athttp://web.redondochamber.org/events/State-of-the-City-Address-2545/details. Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel is located at 300 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
Students in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), sponsored by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, will pitch their businesses to an Investor Panel of business leaders on Tuesday, April 16 at 5 p.m. at Trump National Golf Club. Since January, 25 students in grades 7 through 12 have been trained by local business professionals using the YEA! curriculum to create a business or nonprofit organization. These students have done everything from completing a business plan, to product development, to delivering an elevator pitch. On April 16th these students will pitch their businesses to a panel of business leader investors in the hopes of receiving real money to invest in their startups. Business leaders from the greater Los Angeles area are welcome and encouraged to attend, and become a YEA! sponsor, which includes a seat on the Investor Panel. The public is invited to drop in at any time during the free Investor Panel event. In addition, the students will hold their Trade Show at the Palos Verdes Street Fair & Music Festival on Saturday, June 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission to the Street Fair is free and open to the public. For information on being a YEA! Sponsor and to sit on the Investor Panel, contact Ann Sidler at Ann@palosverdeschamber.com or call 310-377-8111. For additional information, visit the website at http://business.palosverdeschamber.com/events/details/yea-investor-s-panel-14240. Trump National Golf Club is located at 1 Trump National Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
The Torrance Chamber of Commerce presents the monthly South Bay HYPE Mixer on Tuesday, April 16 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at The Depot. HYPE is all about Helping Young Professionals Excel! The Guest Speaker this month is Chef Michael Shafer, Owner of The Depot, community organizer/sponsor and uber-volunteer…. this is the guy that makes things happen. Bring plenty of business cards, bring a friend, bring a smile. Admission is FREE for TACC Members (with business card) and $5 for guests. Ages 21 to 45 welcome. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at https://www.torrancechamber.com/event/depothype/. The Depot is located at 250 Cabrillo Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501.
Promenade on the Peninsula will host an Earth Day Celebration on Wednesday, April 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy free activities, entertainment by Amuse Music Center, giveaways, special demonstrations by PV School Gardens, About Stormwater, Felix Design and Keller William and learn about building a clean, healthy, sustainable world for generations to come. Special animal exhibits by Cabrillo Aquarium and Reptacular Reptiles; FREE shredding (up to 3 boxes per person); battery drop-off; recycling and more. For additional information, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/2262168517361456/. Promenade on the Peninsula is located at 550 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.
The annual Keep the Esplanade Beautiful Mixer will take place on Wednesday, April 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at HT Grill. In addition to an update on the 2018 Keep the Esplanade Beautiful accomplishments and plans for 2019, the event will feature appetizers, a silent auction, special raffle and a no host bar. Contributions to Keep the Esplanade Beautiful are not only appreciated, they’re tax deductable! For additional information, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/KeeptheEsplanadeBeautiful/. HT Grill is located at 1701 South Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA.
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce presents the State of the State on Thursday, April 18 at 8 a.m. at Sunrider International. The event features State Senators Ben Allen (26th District) and Steven Bradford (35th District) with Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (66th District). Tickets are $40 for TACC Members and $60 for non-members. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website athttps://www.torrancechamber.com/event/state19/. Sunrider International is located at 1625 Abalone Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501.
The Palos Verdes Art Center / Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education invites the community to Meet Douglas Kirkland on Thursday, April 18 at 11 a.m. This special event is in conjunction with Douglas Kirkland, an exhibition of works by Hollywood’s legendary photographer. The legendary Hollywood photographer will tell the stories behind his iconic photos during an informal tour of the exhibition by the maestro himself. The exhibition includes over 60 photographs spanning Kirkland’s career – many presented in heroic scale, including an array of photos that cover the exterior facade of the Art Center. Admission is FREE. For additional information, visit the website at http://pvartcenter.org/. The Palos Verdes Art Center is located at 5504 West Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.

Here’s a HEADS-UP on a few events you’ll want to plan for now!
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/social-hour-social-workplace/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/mayors-good-friday-breakfast/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/gourmet-chef-fest/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/spring-carnival/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/breakfast-visit-bunny/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/drive-thru-shred-fest/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/celebrity-lecture-series-wmof/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/kids-kites-earth-day-celebration/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/fun-games-fundraiser/
This event listing is current as of yesterday, but new events are posted EVERY DAY! Check the website for updates athttp://www.southbaybyjackie.co... for details on these and other events happening throughout the South Bay.
It has come to my attention that the Farmers’ Market schedule I have listed on the Recurring Events page has gotten so buried among all the other events, people aren’t finding it. So I’ve decided to create a page just for local farmers’ markets. That way, you won’t have to scroll endlessly for the information. It’s now right at your fingertips on the menu bar! Check it out at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-farmers-markets.php.
The ninth annual South Bay Water-Wise Garden Tour is seeking beautiful and creative drought tolerant gardens to display for its self-drive tour in October. For your garden to be considered, please contact by April 27. Call Peggy at 310-515-0934. The proceeds from the garden tour go to support the Gardena Willows Wetlands Preserve.
This morning on The South Bay Show: South Bay Spotlight, our guest is Anabela Moreno, Commissioner of the Hawthorne Veterans Affairs and we’re going to learn about the Veterans’ Benefits Day event taking place on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hawthorne Memorial Center and what attendees can expect. Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it anytime at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/anabela-moreno-veterans-benefits-day/. Tune in every Thursday at 8 a.m. to keep up with what’s going down throughout in the South Bay!
Tomorrow morning on The South Bay Show: Manhattan Beach Chamber 360, our guests will be Jan Fleming and Sandy Savaiano from the Neptunian Women’s Club and we’re going to learn about the nearly completed, extensive renovation of the Neptunian Clubhouse and the Welcome Back Beach Bash fundraiser taking place on Saturday, May 11. Listen to the podcast live at 8 a.m. or anytime athttps://www.southbaybyjackie.com/neptunian-womans-club-beach-bash/. Tune in every Friday morning and discover what’s happening in Manhattan Beach!
Have a fabulous South Bay weekend!
Jackie
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com