South Bay Weekend Guide April 7, 2016

There are all sorts of interesting, educational, fun events taking place over the next few days…..but don’t forget, it’s tax season! We had a former IRS agent on the show yesterday and he shared so many great tax savings tips, I’m encouraging everyone to listen to the program. I probably shouldn’t mention this (just because some of us have a tendency to procrastinate) but we have a couple of extra days this year to file our tax returns. Apparently, Friday, April 15 is some sort of holiday in Washington DC so we have until Monday, April 18 to file….but that doesn’t mean you should put it off! Get the paperwork done now and then go out and have some fun!

The Torrance Chamber of Commerce will host a City Council Candidates Forum this morning, Thursday, April 7 at 7:45 a.m. at the Toyota Automobile Museum. Check-in and breakfast begin at 7:45 a.m. with the forum starting at 8 a.m. All Torrance residents are invited to meet and hear from the six candidates who are running to fill the three open seats on the Torrance City Council. Participants include current Council Members Mike Griffiths and Geoffrey Rizzo in addition to new candidates Genghmun Eng, Milton Herring, Leilani Kimmel-Dagostino and Asam Sheikh. The cost is $20 for Torrance Chamber Members and $30 for non-members. If you plan to attend, register with the Chamber by calling 310-540-5858. For additional information, visit the website at https://torrancechamber.com/event/torrance-city-council-candidates-forum/. The Toyota Automobile Museum is located at 19600 Van Ness Avenue in Torrance.

Vroom, vroom! The Cruise is back! Cruise at the Beach returns to Ruby’s Diner in Redondo Beach on Friday, April 8! Open to the public, this free event happens every Friday night 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. Take a stroll before or after dinner and marvel at this fine collection of classic automobiles. It’s time to roll into spring the South Bay way! 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.

Kelly Fitzgerald will be playing live at The Slip on Friday, April 8 from 8 to 11 p.m. Some of you will remember Kelly as lead singer of Eden who played at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. She has toured all over the world as a solo and ensemble performer and she and her band have shared stages with artists such as John Hiatt, Shelby Lynn, Nancy Griffith, Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, The Gin Blossoms, Vonda Shepard, The BoDeans and others. Kelly is known for her soulful style, which is a blend of folk, blues and rock. There’s never a cover charge at The Slip, so stop by, enjoy some tunes, a few sips and bites. That’s how you kick off the weekend the South Bay way! For additional information, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1609408142708673/. The Slip is located at 120 North International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, California 90277.

The Circle presents the annual Palos Verdes Homes Tour, The Unexpected Revealed, on Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The tour features three diverse homes and a spectacular garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Each home reflects the personality and lifestyle of the talented woman who lives there. The homes were selected for aesthetics as well as efficient work spaces, innovative storage solutions and use of unique finishes and materials. Hop on the map and self-drive to two diverse homes and the garden stop where there will also be a unique Garden Gift Shop. A shuttle from the Art Center will take guests to a bonus loft-style town home. Complimentary valet parking is available at the Art Center where you will also enjoy a STRIPE CAFE lunch, shop collectibles and boutiques, have an opportunity to bid on great silent auction items including two beautiful plein art paintings and two travel opportunities, and enter a chance to win a door prize. The bidding on the silent auction items is open online now. General admission tickets for the home tour are $60 per person online or $70 at the door. Attendees will self-drive to three homes in Palos Verdes Estates and be shuttled to the fourth home from the Palos Verdes Art Center. Complimentary parking will be available at the Art Center. There are no cameras, pets, food, children under 12, large bags or high-heeled shoes allowed and the homes are not handicapped accessible. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.pvhomestour.org/. The Palos Verdes Art Center is located at 5504 Crestridge Road in Rancho Palos Verdes. Volunteers will be on site to direct guests to the shuttle.

The public is invited to join the Beach Cities Cycling Club and special guest Anthony Kennedy-Shriver of Best Buddies International, for the second annual Redondo Beach Group Ride & Lunch Kick Off on Saturday, April 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The BCCClub will offer three FREE non-competitive, local bike rides of varying distances to choose from. The rides will have a staggered start (8:00 to 8:45 AM) leaving from the Redondo Beach Pier area, near Captain Kidds. During the rides, attendees will have a chance to talk with Anthony Kennedy-Shriver and learn more about Best Buddies, in addition to meeting Coach Jim Hannon, BCCClub/B-4 Team Captain. Following the bike ride, Best Buddies will provide food, coffee, giveaways, prizes and more. Riders should meet at the north end of the Redondo Beach Pier near Captain Kidds. For additional information and to register for the bike ride, visit the website at http://bccclub.org/BCCClub-BB-2016.html. To learn more about the Best Buddies organization, join the B-4/BCCClub Team and ride in the Hearst Castle Challenge, or make a donation, visit the website athttp://bestbuddieschallenge.org/hc/.

Hammitt, the Hermosa Beach-based luxury handbag brand, is hosting a Spring Break Sample Sale on Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Manhattan Country Club. The sale is a rare opportunity to get the chic leather handbags at a discount. The party will include light brunch bites and cocktails, a DJ, and ongoing opportunity drawings for guests to win generous prizes. The handbags retail from $250 to $1,500 and carry a lifetime warranty. The last sample sale had over 800 people in attendance. The General Admissions entry (10:00am) is free, but all attendees must be registered. To register or purchase a VIP ticket, go to http://www.Hammitt.com. VIP tickets will be sold, allowing for early entry to the event (9:00am). All proceeds from the sale of VIP tickets will be donated to Walk With Sally. Walk With Sally is dedicated to providing free mentoring support programs and services to children of parents, guardians or siblings who have cancer or have succumbed to cancer. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.Hammitt.com. The Manhattan Country Club is located at 1330 Parkview Avenue, off Rosecrans, in Manhattan Beach.

The Torrance Cultural Arts Center presents the 19 annual What’s Up For Kids Expo 2016 on Saturday, April 9. This annual event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include continuous entertainment including a performance by Le Petit Cirque at 12:30 p.m., hands-on activities and craft area, fantastic giveaways and door prizes and the Cover Kid Photo Contest! Kids can enjoy games with the DJ, a craft area, performances, treasure hunt and so much more. Come explore all the fun, exciting things your kids can do this summer – from academics to sports, beach to science, and everything in between, including day and sleep-away camps – all under one roof! In addition, a wide array of products and services for parents and children will be on display. Admission and parking are FREE! For additional information, contact Cindy Donnelly at 888-544-1042 or by email at cindy@whatsupforkids.com or visit the website at http://whatsupforkids.com/expos/whats-up-for-kids-family-expo-and-camp-fair. The Torrance Cultural Arts Center is located at 3330 Civic Center Drive in Torrance.

The Sunday Drive program is so popular, the Automobile Driving Museum recently began offering guests rides in their fabulous fleet on select Saturdays! Convertible Saturdays will feature rides with the top down, weather permitting, of course. You could find yourself tooling around town in anything from a 1939 Cadillac Limo Convertible to a 1978 Fiat Spyder Convertible. Convertible Saturdays are scheduled for April 9, April 23, May 28, June 11 and June 25. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.automobiledrivingmuseum.org/weekend-rides/ or call (310) 909-0950. The Automobile Driving Museum is located at 10 Lairport Street, El Segundo, CA 90245.

Head to The Point for the Grand Opening of Kendra Scott on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy sips, sweets and jewels! Plus, spend $75 and receive a free gold Starla Necklace in platinum or iridescent drusy while supplies last. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.thepointsb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50. The Point is located at 830 South Sepulveda Boulevard, El Segundo, California 90245.

Buffalo Fire Department hosts FREE Outdoor Concerts every Saturday night this spring! The music begins at 6 p.m. and runs through 9 p.m. Gather family and friends and enjoy a few relaxing hours of music under the stars. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs. For additional information, visit the website athttp://www.buffalofiredepartment.com/ or call 310-320-2332. The venue is located just outside Buffalo Fire Department at 1261 Cabrillo in the Courtyard at El Prado in Torrance.

El Segundo Museum of Art presents Family Movie Night with a screening of Sputnik on Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m. Recommended for families with children 8+, this adventurous film tells the story about the “real” happenings of November 9, 1989 in Germany, the day the wall came down! Guests will enjoy free popcorn and soft drinks, and chairs and cushions will be provided – or feel free to bring your own. As always, admission is FREE! For additional information, visit the ESMoA website at http://www.ESMoA.org or call 424-277-1020. ESMoA is located at 208 Main Street in El Segundo.

April’s Fools puts its comedic spin on singing competitions at The 19 Annual Lip-Sync Off taking place on Saturday, April 9 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Second Story Theater in Hermosa Beach. “The Annual Lip Sync Off, also known as ‘The ALSO’, has become a virtual institution in the South Bay,” cites the show’s Director, known only by three capital letters: IRV. The ALSO is a trimmed down version of the genre, relying on stronger syncing skills and not relying on elaborate sets, costuming and back-up dancers. “Unlike those big studio productions, ours is a much purer art form,” says co-director, Gina Pesapane. “The goal is to fill the stage with character and charisma, resulting in a higher quality of performance. We’re very proud of what we have accomplished with these shows.” In the end, the audience will need to decide for themselves and they should expect to be well entertained while doing so. The show is intended for audiences 13 and older due to some adult content. Advance tickets are $8 or $10 at the door. Purchase tickets online at http://www.aprilsfoolsimprov.com. The Second Story Theater is located at 710 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach.

The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation presents the annual Pacific Coast International Short Film Festival on Saturday, April 9 beginning at 8 p.m. The Foundation has been a long-time supporter of local artists, and they’ve gathered them together on the James Armstrong stage for a one-of-a-kind night of fantastic fun. Audience members will be able to vote for and award the Audience Favorite Prize for the one film they like the best. General admission tickets are $10 per person. Come see some of the most creative and exciting short films the world has to offer! For additional information, film descriptions, and ticket purchase, call 310-781-7171 or visit the website athttp://torrancearts.org/pacific-coast-international-short-film-festival-ii/. The James Armstrong Theater is located at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center at 3330 Civic Center Drive in Torrance.

The Torrance Beach Drum Circle will meet on Sunday, April 10 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. right below the Torrance Beach parking lot. All ages and musical abilities are welcome to this FREE event; drums and percussion instruments are provided for everyone. It’s a classic South Bay scene where everyone enjoys co-creating spontaneous music together! For additional information, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Torrance-Beach-Drum-Circle/249121861823812.

CenterCal Properties will host an Open House on Sunday, April 10 from noon to 3 p.m. at Catalina Coffee to share the latest news on The Waterfront project. At the Open House attendees will be able to:

•Become familiar with CenterCal’s project application, which provides exciting details that have not been released before
•Ask questions about the project and clear up common misconceptions you may have heard around the community, and
•Learn how to get involved!

Refreshments will be provided by Catalina Coffee. Attendees should RSVP to taylor@thewaterfrontredondo.com. For additional information or to provide feedback, call 310-683-5033 or contact via email at info@thewaterfrontredondo.com. Catalina Coffee is located at 126 North Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

Children’s Orchard is hosting a Beach Clean Up in honor of Earth Month on Sunday, April 10 in Hermosa Beach. The community is invited to meet at the Hermosa Beach Pier at 9 a.m. Attendees will be provided with trash bags and water bottles and will receive a $5 gift card for Children’s Orchard. The final beach clean up will be held in Redondo Beach on April 17. For additional information, call the store at 310-546-8823.

The Manhattan Beach Police Department will host Coffee with A Cop on Wednesday, April 13 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Bristol Farms Café in Manhattan Beach. Coffee with a Cop is a community-based program designed to bring together police officers and the community members they serve, over coffee, to discuss issues and learn more about each other. Representatives from various divisions will include a Motor Officer, Detective, Patrol Officer, Records and a Parking Enforcement Officer who will be available for folks to interact one-on-one with. The goal of the event is to provide the Manhattan Beach community with the opportunity to have personal conversations with members of their police department, over a complimentary cup of coffee. No reservations are needed – Coffee with a Cop is designed as a casual, walk-in event. Bristol Farms Café is located at 1570 Rosecrans Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA.

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

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/neighborhood-emergency-preparedness-training/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/big-lucky-the-nakano-theater/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/gus-gallery-art-show-with-glass-blower-tanner-weiss/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/beach-cities-free-fitness-weekend/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/sugar-beach-sugar-shack/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/pets-in-the-park/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/st-baldricks-head-shaving-event/

These are just a few of the events taking place, so be sure to check the Calendar links, Things to Do page and Daily Blog on my website 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, our guest was Tim Mukherjee, a local specialist in tax planning and client representation to the IRS. Tim spent 13 years at the Internal Revenue Service both as a Group Manager in the Large Business and International Division and as an Internal Revenue Agent. Tax season is here people, and who better to give us some last minute advice on how to handle your taxes than a former IRS agent?!?? We’ve got you covered! You can listen to yesterday’s show here:http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/tax-season-with-tim-mukherjee/. There’s ‘More to Sea’ every Wednesday morning at 8 a.m.!

This morning on The South Bay Show: South Bay Spotlight, our guest is Vera Jimenez, meteorologist and traffic reporter for KTLA 5 News. I know our listeners are already familiar with Vera’s day job but this morning we’re going to learn about her latest endeavor right here in the South Bay, the Hermosa Beach Fish Shop. Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/hermosa-beach-fish-shop-with-vera-jimenez/. 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 guest will be Sona Coffee, Environmental Programs Manager for the City of Manhattan Beach and we’re going to discuss the 24th annual Earth Day Celebration and Concert which will take place in Manhattan Beach at Polliwog Park on Saturday, April 30th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in addition to a few other Earth Month events. You can listen to the program live or by podcast here:http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/manhattan-beach-earth-day-celebration-and-concert/. Tune in every Friday morning at 8 a.m. for the latest Chamber news!

Have a fabulous South Bay weekend!

Jackie

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com