South Bay by Jackie Weekend Guide February 15, 2018

It poured at our house Monday night. We were watching the Olympics with the volume turned way up and had no idea it was raining until I stepped outside to drop something in the recycling bin. I ran back inside yelling “It’s raining! It’s raining!” I get so stupid excited when it rains. I want to be outside in my raincoat and boots stomping through puddles. (What am I, six years old?) Regrettably, it was pretty late and we were ready for bed. The only other measurable precipitation in the South Bay this winter happened in January – and I was out of town at the time (arg). We’ve had some promising looking clouds this week, so I’m hopeful another system will roll through….preferably during daylight hours. Now, I’m pretty sure most of you would rather be inside during a rain event, so if it does rain, never fear, there are all sorts of indoor events scheduled over the next few days.

Today, Thursday, February 15, the Torrance Police Department will conduct their third High Visibility Enforcement operation at the intersections of Prairie Avenue and Redondo Beach Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard and Artesia Boulevard. Traffic sign boards reminding drivers to obey traffic laws will be placed at both intersections. Several motor officers will also be present to devote the majority of their time to educating the community. Officials will be focusing on JAYWALKING, a primary concern for injury collisions in those areas. On Friday, February 9, 2018, an HVE operation was conducted at Sepulveda Boulevard and Hawthorne Boulevard between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. The majority of the violations centered around IMPROPER CELLPHONE USAGE and DISREGARDING STOP SIGNS. Next week, the Torrance Police Department will participate in a multi-jurisdictional task force to address traffic concerns throughout the city. Primary focus will be on drivers who conduct unsafe lane changes and drivers who LANE STRADDLE.

I attended the Opening Reception last weekend, and trust me, you don’t want to miss this….. El Segundo Museum of Art presents Experience #33: AWKWARD opening today, Thursday, February 15 and running throughApril 28. Experience 33: AWKWARD will show the wonderful collection creators Mike Bender and Doug Chernack continue to grow with the help of families from all over. Art is a state of mind and when you decide to expose yourself to awkwardness you will soon discover that perfection is totally overrated. It is time to smile and see how family portraits have a true right to stay in art histories priority list. The homestyle setting in ESMoA’s gallery will provide insight on how to keep your own family memories alive with fun. New opening hours: Thursday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. As always, admission is FREE! For additional information, visit the website at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide. El Segundo Museum of Art is located at 208 Main Street in El Segundo.

The West Basin Municipal Water District is offering a two partRainwater/Greywater Class & Seminar tonight, Thursday, February 15 (class) and Tuesday, February 27 (workshop) from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Learn about the benefits, ordinances and guidelines of using rainwater and greywater and qualify for a $100 discount on greywater parts. Register now to attend this FREE seminar at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA 90278.

The Unified Small Business Alliance hosts the FREE monthly Networking Mixer on Friday, February 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the USBA Headquarters in Torrance. The USBA invites everyone to this FREE Networking event. Bring plenty of business cards and your 30 second elevator speech. They will be serving coffee and cookies. Free admission, no membership dues, no strings attached. If you’ve never attended one of the USBA events, you should make a point to stop by – it’s always a very casual, friendly evening. For additional information and to RSVP, visit the website at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide The USBA headquarters is located at 2501 West 237 Street, Suite A in Torrance.

In case you missed it last Friday….. Hey 19 Public House presents DJ Mark Stylz every Friday night through March 3, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. People always ask me, “Jackie, where can we go out dancing? You know, someplace local, someplace casual, not some nightclub hipster scene.” Those in the know have been dancing at Hey 19 for the last two years, and now DJ Mark Stylz will be spinning old school tunes (90s!) guaranteed to get you moving. Friday night for real people, out for a good time, is now a thing. It’s not a place to be seen, so don’t be that person. Come have a good time, dance, drink, eat til 1 a.m. For additional information, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide. Hey 19 Public House is located at 4525 Calle Mayor, Torrance, CA 90505.

The Torrance Refinery Action Alliance invites the community to take part in a Rally & March to Ban MHF on Saturday, February 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Columbia Park. This is a family friendly, peaceful, and non-partisan demonstration. All who want to ban MHF/HF are welcome! The march and rally is fully permitted by the City of Torrance. Homemade signs are welcome and encouraged. TRAA president and other community members will speak about why this battle is important, what progress has been made and what still needs to be done. There is one parking lot off Prairie, two off West 190th, and one off 186th. There is a neighborhood across Prairie Avenue where you can park and walk over the bridge to the meeting location. Meet at the amphitheater by the Prairie Parking lot at 10am sharp! Location is towards the NE corner of the park. March distance will be just over one mile round trip, ending where it began at West 190th and Prairie Avenue. Rain or shine, the rally will take place! MHF stands for Modified Hydrofluoric Acid which is used at the PBF Energy Torrance Refining Company located in the heart of the South Bay. February 18 will be the three year anniversary of the ESP explosion at the refinery where a 80,000 pound piece of fallen equipment came within feet of a tank containing 50,000 pounds of Modified Hydrofluoric Acid. To view the CBS video discussing the near miss of a catastrophe, click here: https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide If you have any questions regarding the demonstration, contact TRAA’s outreach coordinator, Cathleen Clay via email at chcagc@yahoo.com or call (424) 263-5034. Columbia Park is located at 4045 West 190 Street in Torrance.

Back by popular demand….. Scholb Premium Ales hosts the popularDownward Grog on Saturday, February 17 starting at 11 a.m. If you love yoga and beer, join Downward Grog for a gently guided class in the brewery. Whether you’re handstand-ready or just learning Warrior II, no one will be left behind! Mixed-level Vinyasa flow yoga begins at 11 a.m. At noon, DRINK BEER! Pre-pay $12 for 1 hour yoga class and 1 craft beer or $15 at the door. For group bookings of 4+, https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide for a discount.
– Please bring your yoga mat and a towel.
– Class is held INSIDE the brewery taproom.
– Parking is FREE and plentiful around the brewery.
– ALL yoga experience levels are welcome and encouraged!
– One full pour is included in your ticket and is redeemable at the end of class. No yoga under the influence!
– If you do not want your beer, they will donate 5 meals to the LA Regional Food Bank.
For additional information, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide Scholb Premium Ales is located at 2964 Columbia Street, Torrance, CA 90503.

The Automobile Driving Museum will host the next Shop Talk on Saturday, February from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Car enthusiasts are encouraged to attend this interactive lecture series that will showcase the American automobile throughout history and learn about the current status of the collector market. The featured speakers are Jim Crabtree, noted professional car historian, and Phil Skinner, Editor of Kelly Blue Book and Old Cars. Remaining scheduled lectures:
February 17: Technology & Triumphs
March 10: Current Status of the Collector Market with Phil Skinner
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and includes admission to the museum. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide. Automobile Driving Museum is located at 610 Lairport Street, El Segundo, CA 90245.

Shade Luxury Boutique Hotels will host the first annual Wedding Festivalon Sunday, February 18 from 2 to 6 p.m. at both hotel locations. The event welcomes hundreds of couples and dozens of wedding experts and will showcase both of Shade’s coastal Los Angeles properties: Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach and Shade Hotel Redondo Beach. Attendees will be offered complimentary champagne and appetizers and will enjoy live entertainment while they engage with some of the region’s most sought-after wedding experts. They will also receive exclusive booking incentives, as well as special offers from participating vendors. Activities will take place at Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at Shade Hotel Redondo Beach from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with complimentary transportation between properties. Participating vendors include wedding planners, florists, photographers, videographers, cake experts, bands and entertainers, beauty experts, jewelers, stationers and calligraphers, wedding dress designers, staging companies for rentals and more. This event is FREE to attend but registration is required! For additional information and to register, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach is located at 1221 North Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach CA 90266. Shade Hotel Redondo Beach is located at 655 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

The Narrators Toastmasters Manhattan Beach group will meet Monday, February 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Lido di Manhattan Ristorante. Attend a Toastmasters meeting and learn how to improve your speaking skills and develop the means to become a dynamic presenter. Conquer your fear of speaking, and have a whole lot of fun at the same time. Show up, learn, have fun! Admission is FREE for all guests and visitors, so you can just drop by. Narrators Toastmasters meets every Monday at Lido di Manhattan Ristorante in the enclosed patio in the back. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide Lido di Manhattan Ristorante is located at 1550 Rosecrans Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

The Redondo Beach Library presents ###strong on Tuesday, February 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Enjoy classical guitar music from around the world played by Andre Giraldo, an L.A. Based classical guitarist who performs as a soloist and as part of the trio The Artisan Guitar Ensemble. The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library. The program will be held in the 2nd floor Meeting Room at Redondo Beach Main Library. Free underground parking is available at the Library. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide. Redondo Beach Main Library is located at303 North Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach.

24 Hour Beer will host a Launch Party at Tower 12 on Tuesday, February 20 at 9 p.m. The event will feature 24 Hour Beer’s first brew, Day Beer Lager. Attendees will enjoy the brand new brew and live music by punk rock band, No Parents. Day Beer is a light, refreshing, low-alcohol day or nighttime beer compatible with an active California lifestyle. Day Beer is the beer you drink in backyards, by the pool, at the beach, and in the California sunshine. It’s the beer for post-surfing, skating, and kayaking the LA River; what you bring to a late night overpass party or an outdoor movie with friends. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide. Tower 12 is located at 53 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA.

Courtesy of the Daily Breeze….. Seven Public Forums have been scheduled in Torrance for Mayoral and City Council candidates. Three City Council seats and the mayor’s post will be decided in the June 5 municipal election, which coincides with the primary for state lawmakers. The public forums are spread over the course of three months — late March through May — and all are free except one sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, which is the first scheduled and the only one not set to be held in the evening. Cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Here’s a list of the scheduled forums open to the public:
-March 29: 7:30-10 a.m., George Nakano Theatre, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive. Sponsored by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.
-April 4: 6-9 p.m., South High School cafeteria, 4801 Pacific Coast Highway. Sponsored by the Riviera Seaside neighborhood and Southwood Riviera homeowners association.
-April 5: 7-9 p.m., Toyota Meeting Hall, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive. Before and after the forum, which is sponsored by the League of Women Voters, 30-minute meet-and-greets are scheduled with each candidate.
-April 12: 7-9 p.m., North High School library. Sponsored by the North Torrance HOA.
-April 16: 6-9 p.m., Katy Geissert Library meeting room, 3301 Torrance Blvd. Sponsored by the Torrance Performing Arts Consortium.
-April 25: 7-9 p.m., Bartlett Senior Citizen Center, 1318 Cravens Ave. Sponsored by the Old Torrance Neighborhood Association.
-May 10: 7-9 p.m. at a location to be determined. Sponsored by the North Torrance Alliance
Additional information about the election can be found at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide

FYI…. Rob Rubens Distilling & Brewing has recently rebranded as R6 Distillery. R6 Distillery is a Southern California distillery, crafting handmade spirits and whiskey with an onsite speakeasy tasting room. The rebrand is to show their commitment and dedication to the art of locally made spirits, rather than spirits and beer. For additional information, visit the Facebook page at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide. R6 Distillery is located at909 E El Segundo Boulevard, El Segundo, CA.

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

https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/redondo-beach-state-of-the-city-address/

https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/nextstep-charity-poker-tournament-900-club/

https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/dancing-south-bay-stars-vii/

https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/torrance-antique-street-faire-8/

https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/lets-connect-mixer/

https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/boat-launch-facility-king-harbor/

https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/walk-end-alzheimers-volunteer-kick-off/

https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/2018-designs-dining-fundraiser/

This event listing is current as of yesterday, but new events are posted EVERY DAY, so be sure to check the website for updates athttp://www.southbaybyjackie.com for details on these and other events happening throughout the South Bay.

I received this letter from the LRB CLass of 2017….. The Leadership Redondo Class of 2017 is organizing a “quality of life project” with the purpose of enhancing our city’s infrastructure and we want you to be a part of this celebratory undertaking. We call our project “Leadership Lighting the Way.” We are asking for your financial support to assist the Leadership Redondo Class of 2017 gift to Redondo Beach new solar lighting on the North Redondo Beach Bikeway and pedestrian path. The antiquated lights currently in place are dilapidated, inefficient, and unsightly. Improving the current lighting will enhance the path and promote a healthy beach lifestyle in an environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing manner. This new solar lighting will be a great addition to the city’s planned improvements for the Bikeway and Artesia Boulevard. Leadership Redondo is an annual program affiliated with the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the class of 2017 is comprised of Redondo Beach residents, business owners, health professionals, city employees, and merchants. Throughout 2017, we volunteered our time to travel throughout Redondo Beach, visiting our tremendous police and fire departments, city planners/engineers, schools, Beach Cities Health District, major industrial partners, and to the fine folks who represent us at City Hall to gain a unique perspective about ways to make Redondo Beach an even better city for us all. Please help us spread the word to friends and neighbors who want to be a part of something bigger! Your generosity goes a long way to improving Redondo Beach and your tax-deductible donation will help our city continue to be a healthy, fun, and conscientious city. Please visit our website at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide to see the new solar lights that will replace the current dilapidated lighting and learn more about this project. You can make a tax-deductible donation to this fantastic project on our website or mail a donation payable to:
Redondo Beach Chamber Community Foundation
Attn: Amber Corral, Leadership Redondo 2017
119 West Torrance Boulevard, Suite 2
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
We hope you join us on this journey and with your help; together we will inspire many generations to come. Thank you for your support!

This morning on The South Bay Show: South Bay Spotlight, our guest is Holly Crawford, Manager of Education at ESMoA, an art laboratory in El Segundo, California. This morning, we’re going to learn about ESMoA Experience #33: Awkward, which opens tonight. Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it anytime at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide. Tune in everyThursday 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 360, our guest will be Sheila Miller-Nelson, founder and CEO of Speak & Present Confidently. Sheila recently did a ‘lunch and learn’ for the Manhattan Beach Chamber and she’s going to share some of her expertise with us on presenting yourself confidently. You can listen to the program live at 8 a.m.or anytime at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/sheila-miller-nelson-ceo-speak-present-confidently/. Tune in every Friday morning and discover what’s new in Manhattan Beach!

Have a fabulous South Bay weekend!

Jackie

https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-jackie-weekend-guide