South Bay Weekend Guide December 1, 2016

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving and made a dent in your gift list over the weekend. Black Friday is a little too insane for me to venture out to the stores.…but I did shop locally on Small Business Saturday and then took advantage of all the great deals and free shipping on Cyber Monday. So, all my holiday shopping is DONE, which means I’ll have time to attend many of the holiday events taking place all over the South Bay. I hope to see some of you tonight at the Riviera Village Holiday Stroll!

The City of El Segundo Recreation & Parks Department and Mattel, Inc. present the annual Holiday Tree Lighting later today, Thursday, December 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. El Segundo City Hall Plaza at Main Street will be revelry central with traditional holiday entertainment, carolers, a craft boutique and farmers’ market. The main stage is located at Main Street and Holly Avenue and will feature musical performances by various school and community groups. Check out the Candy Cane Lane Kid Zone for free games, crafts and train rides. Go to Santa’s Village for a visit with the jolly, fat guy in the red suit and a special appearance by Barbie. Kids will receive a free gift from Mattel while supplies last. Join the Mayor and City Council for the official Tree Lighting countdown at 5:30. Once the tree is lit, enjoy a special concert on the main stage. For additional information, call 310-524-2700 or visit the website at http://elsegundo.org/cals/events.asp. The event will take place in the 300 block of Main Street and City Hall Plaza in El Segundo, CA.
The annual Riviera Village Holiday Stroll takes place tonight, Thursday, December 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. The Village takes on a cheerful holiday atmosphere with lights, decorations and festive music for your enjoyment as you stroll along the avenues admiring the festooned store fronts. A parade featuring marching bands from local schools and Santa Claus, gets underway at 6 p.m. at the corner of Catalina Avenue and Avenue I. With over 300 fashionable boutiques offering a wide variety of unique gift ideas, Riviera Village is the destination of choice for discerning shoppers. Once the shopping is done, take a relaxing ride in a horse-drawn carriage and treat yourself to dinner at one of the many fine dining establishments. As always, reservations are highly recommended! Catalina Avenue will be closed to traffic from Avenue I to Elena Avenue from 5 to 9 p.m. to facilitate the happy shoppers. This is a very popular event so plan to arrive early! For additional information, visit the website athttp://rivieravillage.org/content/view/32/69/. Riviera Village is located in the area between Palos Verdes Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway and Avenue I in Redondo Beach.
Taking place for over 40 years, the Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza (also known as Candy Cane Lane) is one of the largest holiday decoration displays in the country. You can walk or drive through the neighborhood reveling in the sights, sounds and scents of the season. It’s a wonderful way to spend the evening and one the entire family will enjoy and remember for years to come. The wildly extravagant decorations are on display starting tonight, December 1 and runs through January 1 from about 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. You don’t want to miss this! For additional information and directions, visit the website at http://www.yelp.com/biz/sleepy-hollow-christmas-lights-torrance.
Sandpipers presents the annual Holiday Homes Tour beginning Friday, December 2 and running through Sunday, December 4. The Holiday Homes Tour is one of Sandpipers’ largest fundraising events of the year and offers a delightful way to kick off the holiday season. Guests will tour four distinctive South Bay homes exquisitely decorated for the holidays. The homes will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offer a variety of decorating styles that will inspire you to try something new and different in your own home. Enjoy seasonal entertainment, themed cocktails and bites while touring these magnificent homes. Afterward, visit the Holiday Market and Café for a snack and some shopping. The Market features unique jewelry, children’s wear, hostess gifts and many other great items. In addition, the Home Tour will host a Rooftop Happy Hour on Sunday, December 4 from noon to 5 p.m. at 200 Pier Avenue. This special stop on the Tour is open to the public and features delicious food, wine, beer and live entertainment. Throughout the weekend, free shuttle service will be provided with stops at each of the homes, the Holiday Market & Cafe, and the Rooftop Happy Hour. Presale tickets are $30, tickets at the door are $35. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://sandpipers.org/events/hht/. The Holiday Market & Cafe is located at the Neptunian Woman’s Club at 920 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach.

The community is invited to the Grand (re) Opening & Holiday Open House at Holly Socrates Gallery on Friday, December 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. In addition to her own work, Holly Socrates is now offering maker goods for gifts and home, focusing on one of a kind handmade items – American, Artisan and Fair Trade Goods – with a few main stream lines as well. If you plan to attend, an RSVP is requested. For additional information and to RSVP, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/677434712422270/. Holly Socrates Gallery is located at 150 Main Street, El Segundo, CA.

The City of Lomita hosts the annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, December 2 at 5:30 p.m. in front of City Hall. Attendees can sip complimentary coffee and hot cocoa while enjoying an evening of musical performances and a visit from Santa! For additional information, call 310-326-0140 or visit the website at http://www.lomita.com/cityhall/. Lomita City Hall is located at 24300 Narbonne Avenue in Lomita.

I hear that this is a big hit with the kids (of all ages!)…….Diners at Rock & Brews PCH will get to experience the Lady of Magicup close and personal on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. The Lady of Magic, Sisuepahn Phila, will entertain guests at their tables with her own brand of magic. Who knows what tricks she may have up her sleeve? Be amused and delighted while enjoying great food and cold brews! There is no cover charge and all ages are welcome! For additional information, visit the website at http://ladyofmagic.com/. Rock & Brews is located at 6300 South Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
This is such a great venue…..South Bay Customs presents Hoist the Holidays toy drive and holiday party benefitting St. Jude Children’s Hospital on Friday, December 2 from 7 p.m. to midnight. The evening features raffles, libations, and live music by Hoist the Colors, Big Bad Rooster and Sanguine & Shiny. It’s going to be a great night for a kick-ass cause. This is a family friendly event and all ages are welcome. Price of admission is $10 or a new, unwrapped toy. For additional information, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/565489286984730/. South Bay Customs is located at 115 Penn Street, El Segundo, California 90245. (It’s the cool custom motorcycle shop!)
I have it from a good source they will be at lots in the South Bay…… Grab your tinsel and ornaments! Beginning when the tree lots open on Saturday, December 3, Wescom Credit Union will be surprising holiday shoppers by picking up the tab when they go to buy their Christmas tree this season. As a way of showing the community #WescomKindness and spreading holiday cheer, Wescom will pay for shoppers’ tree selections (up to $100 in value per customer) at 14 Christmas tree lots throughout the Southland. Each of the pop-up lots will give away $2,000 worth of Christmas trees to unsuspecting customers, compliments of Wescom. Wescom’s mobile banking branch, Big Blue, will also make an appearance at one of the lots, and @Liz_Wescom will be tweeting the location the morning of the surprise appearance. Shoppers who take a picture with Big Blue and tag it #WescomBigBlue automatically enter to win a $25 Wescom Visa® gift card between now and December 31, 2016.
SEA Lab presents Fishtivities: A Multicultural Celebration on Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At 10 a.m. guests will learn about different holidays through crafts and stories; at 11 a.m. enjoy a live caroling performance of holiday songs; at 12 p.m. the daily fish feeding will take place followed by a tour of the touch tanks. The cost is $5 per person and $2 per cup of food for the fish feeding. For additional information, visit the website at http://lacorps.org/programs/sea-lab/visit/. SEA Lab is located at 1021 North Harbor Drive Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
This is a fun and really interesting event……Terranea Resort is offering a Sea Salt Workshop on December 3 at 10 a.m. at the Sea Salt Conservatory. Explore Terranea by Land and Sea with an experience highlighting the resort’s Farm-to-Terranea philosophy. Sea Salt Workshop attendees will enjoy an intimate workshop, salt pairing, and wine, as they learn about the resort’s sea salt harvesting process with Terranea’s award-winning chefs. Terranea’s Sea Salt Conservatory is used to produce Terranea’s own signature sea salt. Created using local seawater from the Pacific Ocean, the greenhouse conservatory serves as a natural evaporation chamber, resulting in high quality, mineral-rich sea salt, and ultimately enabling the resort to become sea salt-sustainable. The workshop will include a sea salt tasting and salt pairing along with a glass of wine by ONEHOPE Wine. The cost is $65 per person and advance reservations are required. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age. The Sea Salt Conservatory is located adjacent to the Palos Verdes Ballroom Terrace. For additional information and reservations, call 310-265-2885. Terranea Resort is located at 100 Terranea Way in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Marsatta Chocolate will host a Reading & Book Signing with Sweet Coco author Jake Perez on Saturday, December 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. All children who love chocolate and books (especially chocolate books!) are invited to attend. Sweet Coco is all about the wonderful world of chocolate making. Jake Perez will do a reading and sign purchased books. Attendees will also get to sample Marsatta’s new organic peanut butter bits and organic lemon bits. No RSVP is necessary – just show up! For additional information, call 310-318-0489. Marsatta Chocolate is located at 4604 Del Amo Boulevard (storefront is on Anza Avenue), Torrance, CA 90503. FYI – these chocolates make incredible gifts! I wouldn’t mind finding a few in my stocking. Hint, hint.
The City of Rolling Hills Estates is proud to present the annual Palos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 3, beginning at 6 p.m. Join the community as the Parade of Lights illuminates the night along Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive, through the Promenade on the Peninsula to Norris Center Drive. The Parade of Lights is designed to showcase the unique character of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Enjoy the fanfare as magical floats, marching bands, costumed characters, equestrian units, classic cars, drill teams, community and civic groups make their way along the route. Of course, there will be a special appearance by Santa Claus! At the conclusion of the parade, awards will be distributed to the various parade unit categories. The mall will be open for shopping until 9 p.m. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.ci.rolling-hills-estates.ca.us/index.aspx?page=332 or call 310.541.0688. The Promenade on the Peninsula is located at 550 Deep Valley Drive in Rolling Hills Estates.

The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation presents The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation presents A New Orleans Christmas with Jeff Bordes & Friends on Sunday, December 4 for two shows only at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the James Armstrong Theatre. Back by popular demand, A New Orleans Christmas with Jeff Bordes and Friends is a heartwarming holiday show mixing the spirit of Christmas with the soul of New Orleans. The whole family will love the lively arrangements of seasonal favorites led by jazz trumpeter Jeff Bordes. The show will feature special guests and will leave you dancing the Second Line in the aisles! Tickets are $20 and $30 and are available for purchase at the box office and online. For additional information, visit the website at http://torrancearts.org/new-orleans-christmas-with-jeff-bordes-and-friends/. The James Armstrong Theatre is located at 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503.n Sunday, December 4for two shows only at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the James Armstrong Theatre. Back by popular demand, A New Orleans Christmas with Jeff Bordes and Friends is a heartwarming holiday show mixing the spirit of Christmas with the soul of New Orleans. The whole family will love the lively arrangements of seasonal favorites led by jazz trumpeter Jeff Bordes. The show will feature special guests and will leave you dancing the Second Line in the aisles! Tickets are $20 and $30 and are available for purchase at the box office and online. For additional information, visit the website at ###a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=123072680&msgid=926764&act=HNKQ&c=974518&destination=http%3A%2F%2Ftorrancearts.org%2Fnew-orleans-christmas-with-jeff-bordes-and-friends%2F" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r%3D123072680%26msgid%3D926764%26act%3DHNKQ%26c%3D974518%26destination%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Ftorrancearts.org%252Fnew-orleans-christmas-with-jeff-bordes-and-friends%252F&source=gmail&ust=1480685882363000&usg=AFQjCNERevPn09voYjsbcpORDTaYpDR7fA">http://torrancearts.org/new-orleans-christmas-with-jeff-bordes-and-friends/. The James Armstrong Theatre is located at 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503.

The Torrance Historical Society presents Torrance Holiday Traditions on Sunday, December 4 at 2 p.m. at the Torrance Historical Society & Museum. Sleepy Hollow was not the only holiday tradition in Torrance. From the start, the City saw holiday celebrations as a way to bring people together. Explore some of the old traditions that were popular from the roaring 20s, through the Great Depression, to the boom of the post war years. Learn about Santa’s Village on El Prado, the decorating of Old Torrance shops for the season and the community Christmas tree. Reference Librarian and local historian, Michael George, combs the old records to see how folks celebrated the season back in the day. Torrance Holiday Traditions is free to attend and open to the public. Reservations are not required, but seating is limited and will be available on a first come/first served basis. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information, contact the Museum at 310.328.5392 or visit the website at http://www.TorranceHistoricalSociety.org. Torrance Historical Society & Museum is located at 1345 Post Avenue in Torrance.
The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce will host the Holiday Tree Lighting & Rock for Tots Toy Drive Charity Concerton Sunday, December 4 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach Pier. This Concert/Fundraiser is in association with the Beach Cities Toy Drive. The concert will start at 3 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. with an impressive line-up of live bands including performances by Jeremy Buck and the BANG, Justin Hopkins, Barley, Pink Roach with Joe Cipolla, Max Volume, the Holiday All-Star Band and special guests. Attendees are encouraged to bring a toy worth at least $5 – $10 in value. Be sure to purchase some raffle tickets for a chance to win impressive prizes such as an electric guitar, a brand new bicycle, snowboard/ski passes, and one night hotel staycation packages. There will also be special concert t-shirts sold at the show, with all proceeds going to the Beach Cities Toy Drive. The Tree Lighting will take place at 6 p.m. followed by the grand entrance of Santa Claus. There will be a meet and greet photo station with Santa Claus, a Holiday Carousel sponsored by Kinecta, and hot chocolate. This is a great family holiday tradition bringing the community together to share in the fun and excitement of the season, all for a good cause. For additional information, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/556098047914837/?notif_t=plan_user_invited¬if_id=1479162815096927. The Hermosa Beach Pier is located at the western end of Pier Plaza, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.
Terranea Resort celebrates the start of the season with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 4 at 5 p.m. at Catalina Terrance. Guests will enjoy lively entertainment, holiday crafts for all ages, and spirited music from local entertainment. Share your holiday spirit and bring an unwrapped gift to donate to Toys for Tots. Entry to the event is complimentary with a toy donation. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.terranea.com/traditions. Terranea Resort is located at 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.

South Bay Galleria will host Paws & Claws: Pet Photos with Santa on Sunday, December 4 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Why should humans have all the fun? Pets have a wish list too, so bring your furry friend for a visit with Santa! Pets must be carried and/or on a leash at all times. This is strictly a visit with Santa for photos – it does not include the Adventure to Santa experience. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.southbaygalleria.com/events/. South Bay Galleria is located at 1815 Hawthorne Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA 90278.
The City of Torrance Community Services Department will be accepting team registration for the Winter 2016 Adult Softball, Basketball and Roller Hockey programs. Leagues are being offered Sunday through Friday for Co-Ed, Men’s and Women’s teams. Registration begins December 5 and ends January 13. Leagues are scheduled to begin the week of January 22, 2017. For additional information regarding the Adult Sports Leagues, please contact Garrett Craig at (310) 781-7590 or visit the website at http://www.TorranceCA.Gov/Parks/26427.htm.

Whatsits Galore will host a Holiday Art Fair on Monday, December 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. at A Basq Kitchen. Just in time for holiday shopping, the event features the work of local artisans including Ritchie Artwork, Chris Bowman, Deck the Halls, Soap Seas, Laura Schuler Studio, Indust-Realized and more. Admission is $10 and includes food and drink specials. For additional information, contact Ariel Perkins at 310-406-5583 or via email at arielhelene@yahoo.com. A Basq Kitchen is located at 136 North International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, CA.
The community is invited to the Grand Opening Gala & Ribbon Cutting of the newly remodeled Manhattan Beach Toyota dealership on Monday, December 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. The 18 month remodel extends over the 5.6-acre site, totaling about 29,641 square feet. The gala will host more than 300 guests including members of the Manhattan Beach City Council, representatives from Toyota Motor Sales USA, the Manhattan Beach Police and Fire Departments, the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Mira Costa High School and local business leaders. For additional information and to RSVP, contact Andrisa D. Sperber via email at asperber@manhattanbeachtoyota.com or call (310) 939-7924. Manhattan Beach Toyota is located 1500 North Sepulveda in Manhattan Beach.
On Tuesday, December 6, the Torrance Police and Fire Departments will team up for Coffee with a Cop at 85C Bakery Café from 8 to 10 a.m. The Coffee with a Cop program was started by the Hawthorne Police Department in 2011 as a way to help break down barriers between police and the community. The concept is simple, police officers and community members come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. Everyone is welcome to join the Torrance PD and their partners in Public Safety, the Torrance Fire Department for this extra special joint Coffee with a Cop event. The 2016 Torrance Police & Fire Holiday Toy Drive will also be well underway. If you would like to donate an unwrapped toy, they will be more than happy to accept them at this event. Participation is not required in order to join them for coffee! 85C Bakery Café is located at 1735 Carson Street in Torrance.
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce invites the public to their monthly Breakfast Networking Mixer on Wednesday, December 7 from 7:15 to 9 a.m. at Good Stuff Palos Verdes. The guest speaker will be Rob Katherman, Director, Water Replenishment District of Southern California, on the topic “Kicking the Imported Water Habit & Making Our Groundwater Drought-Proof.” Admission to the Mixer is $18 for PVP Chamber members, $25 for prospective members and guests and includes networking, a hearty breakfast, an opportunity to deliver an ad about your business or organization, and door prizes. For additional information and to RSVP, call 310-377-8111, visit the website at http://www.palosverdeschamber.com, or contact the chamber via email at office@palosverdeschamber.com. Good Stuff Palos Verdes is located at Promenade on the Peninsula at 550 Deep Valley Drive, #151, Rolling Hills Estates.
The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Holiday Mixer at Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach on Wednesday, December 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. Celebrate the season with old friends and make some new ones. Guests will enjoy wine, beer and plenty of hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members and are available online and at the Chamber office. Ticket is all inclusive of entry, drinks, and food. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://business.manhattanbeachchamber.com/events/details/manhattan-beach-chamber-annual-holiday-party-8427. Shade Hotel is located at 1221 North Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach.
Joe and I will be hosting the Live Broadcast of the King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade again this year! If you can’t be there in person, this is the next best thing! The parade will take place on Saturday, December 10 and begins at 4:30 p.m. Coverage starts at 5 p.m. so be sure to pull up the link on your computer, laptop, tablet or phone to see all the action live! OR, you can watch it live at several of the restaurants and bars located in and around the Marina! To watch the parade live, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/210240122731908/.

Here’s a heads-up on a few events you’ll want to plan for now!
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/north-manhattan-beach-open-house-walkabout/
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/cruise-at-the-beach-christmas-car-show/
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/breakfast-santa-terranea/
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/official-opening-bocce-ball-courts-columbia-park/
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/hermosa-beach-sand-snowman-contest/
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/holiday-concert-on-the-redondo-beach-pier/
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/alpine-village-christmas-faire/
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/king-harbor-holiday-boat-parade/
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/el-segundo-candy-cane-lane/
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/el-segundo-holiday-parade/
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/manhattan-beach-holiday-fireworks/
These are just a few of the events taking place, so be sure to check the Ongoing Events page and Daily Blog on my website at 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 guests were Karen Keidser, Chair of the King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade Committee; Julie Coll, Co-Founder of the King Harbor Boating Foundation; Abbey Featherstone, Head Coach of the King Harbor Youth Foundation; and Ron Grassl, Sea Scout Skipper for the King Harbor Yacht Club. They filled us in on what we can expect at the King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade this year. It takes place in King Harbor Marina on Saturday, December 10 and starts at 4:30. We’ll also learn about the charities that will benefit from the event. You can listen to yesterday’s show anytime via podcast here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/karen-keidser-king-harbor-holiday-boat-parade/. There’s ‘More to Sea’ every Wednesday morning at 8 a.m.!
This morning on The South Bay Show: South Bay Spotlight, Joe and I will go over this weekend’s upcoming events – and there are a LOT of holiday events taking place! You can join the conversation – call us between 8 and 9 a.m. at 714-242-5288! Don’t worry, if you missed the program, you can listen to it anytime via podcast here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/weekend-round-joe-jackie-2/. Tune in every Thursday morning 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 Andrisa Sperber and she’s going to fill us in on the Grand Opening Gala & Ribbon Cutting of the newly remodeled Manhattan Beach Toyota dealership on Monday, December 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Everyone is invited! You can listen to the program anytime via podcast here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/andrisa-sperber-mb-toyota-grand-opening-gala-ribbon-cutting/. Tune in every Friday morning for the latest from Manhattan Beach!
Have a fabulous South Bay weekend!
Jackie
http://www.southbaybyjackie.com