South Bay Weekend Guide December 8, 2016

Joe Terry and I were invited back this year to host the annual King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade taking place this Saturday, December 10. If you can’t be there, this is the next best thing! The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. with the podcast starting at 5 p.m. so be sure to tune in on your computer, laptop, tablet, or phone to see all the action LIVE! Several restaurants located in and around the Marina will also be carrying the feed. To watch the live parade podcast, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/210240122731908/.

The Redondo Beach Chamber presents the monthly Network Café at R10 Social House today, Thursday, December 8 at 11:30 a.m. Make the most of your lunch hour with efficient networking and great food, while taking in the scenic waterfront views. Meet new business contacts and catch up with old friends. Come hungry and bring plenty of business cards! Admission is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. If you plan to attend, you must RSVP (you still have time!). For additional information and registration, visit the website at http://web.redondochamber.org/events/Network-Cafe-at-R10-Social-House-2199/details. R10 Social House is located at 179 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

The North Manhattan Beach Business District presents the annual Holiday Open House & Walkabout tonight, Thursday, December 8 from 5 to 9 p.m. The Walkabout offers another opportunity to get your holiday shopping done in a fun and festive way. Participating shops, businesses and restaurants along Highland Avenue from 32 Street to 42 Street will stay open late for an evening of music, shopping, dining and entertainment. Merchants will be offering discounts, samples, snacks and libations making for a thoroughly enjoyable shopping experience. The kids will enjoy balloon art, face painting, artists, popcorn, raffle prizes and more. The area restaurants are sure to be busy, busy, busy, so reservations are highly recommended. Santa will be flying in from the North Pole, landing at the “Miracle on 34th Street” from 6 to 8 p.m.! Bring the wish list and camera! For more information, visit the website at http://www.citymb.info/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/51625/35?curm=12&cury=2016.

The City of Hermosa Beach invites children of all ages to compete in the annual Sand Snowman Contest on Saturday, December 10 from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. Just because the South Bay doesn’t experience cold, snowy winters doesn’t mean you have to miss out on traditional winter pastimes. The South Bay may not have snow but there’s sand….lots and lots of sand. So instead of building a snowman, how about building a sand snowman? It is recommended that you arrive early to claim a prime building site. Registration starts at 8:45 a.m. north of the Hermosa Pier at shoreline and building commences at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for the Most Unique, Most Traditional, Best Dressed, Hermosa Beach Favorite and Funniest. Judging begins at 11:15 a.m. with awards being presented at 11:30 a.m. It’s time to assemble the construction crew, haul out the heavy equipment (pails, shovels, coal, corn cob pipe, etc.) and get into a winter state of mind. Awards and prizes are nice, but bragging rights are better. For more information, contact the Community Resources Department at 310-318-0280 or visit the website at http://www.hermosabch.org/index.aspx?page=20&recordid=3421.

Terranea Resort will host three seatings for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 10. Santa will journey from the North Pole for a magical breakfast and photo opportunities in the Grand Ballroom at Terranea. Guests will enjoy bakery and waffle stations, beverage and hot food stations, as well as an egg kitchen, kids buffet and festive crafts. Seatings are scheduled for 9:00, 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. Adult tickets are $59, tickets for children ages 2 – 10 are $27, and children under age 2 will have free entrance. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.terranea.com. Terranea is located at 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.

Ruby’s Diner presents the annual Cruise at the Beach Christmas Car Show on Saturday, December 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Ruby’s parking lot. The Christmas edition of Cruise at the Beach is a South Bay tradition that keeps automobile aficionados returning year after year. Take a stroll among some of the finest examples of the Southern California car culture and marvel at this amazing collection of classic automobiles. Judging begins at 9 a.m. with the trophy presentation at 2 p.m. In keeping with the spirit of the season, please bring an unwrapped toy to benefit the Cheer for Children Christmas Toy Drive. If you wish to display a car or require more information, contact Larry Neville at 310-962-7438. Registration is $20. Ruby’s Diner is located at 245 North Harbor Drive in Redondo Beach.

The City of Torrance will gather to mark the Official Opening of Bocce Courts at Columbia Park on Saturday, December 10 at 10 a.m. Major components of the Bocce Courts project include three regulation-size bocce ball courts. The courts include concrete perimeter curbing; synthetic grass playing surfaces; brick paver spectator areas; and fully handicap accessible viewing and playing areas. The location was formerly used for roller hockey and basketball. Bocce is a sport similar to lawn bowling played on a court that is about 90 feet long and about 12 feet wide. A game can be conducted between two players or two teams of up to four players each. Players attempt to score points by rolling a ball down the court and getting the closest to a smaller ball called a pallino. Local bocce advocates approached the City requesting that consideration be given to constructing Bocce Courts at Columbia Park. The group donated $21,483 for the project. On April 14, 2015, the City Council appropriated the donation, and additional funding was allocated to the project from Parks and Recreation Open Space Funds. “I am happy to say that we are pleased with the overall result of the new fully accessible Bocce Courts at Columbia Park. They are now ready to be enjoyed by present and future generations of Torrance residents,” said John Jones, Community Services Director. The City thanks the community for its patience, cooperation and support throughout the renovation process, and invites the public to join in the celebration of the Columbia Park Bocce Court dedication. The Bocce Courts are located in Columbia Park at 4045 190 Street, near the east parking lot off Prairie Avenue.

Alpine Village presents the annual Christmas Faire on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. both days. Guests will get in the holiday spirit with festive lighting, decorations and falling snow as Alpine Village is transformed into a cozy, snow-covered Bavarian winter wonderland. The event features arts-and-crafts vendors set up throughout the Village, a snow play area and craft area for kids to decorate stockings and ornaments. Santa will make a guest appearance each day of the Faire to take photos and hear what the children have on their wish lists for Christmas. Guests will enjoy holiday music by local artists and traditional German holiday fare including grilled bratwurst and Gluehwein (Glowing Wine), the German version of spiced mulled wine. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/events/holidays/. Alpine Village is located at 833 West Torrance Boulevard in Torrance.

The Redondo Pier Association presents the annual Holiday Concert & Santa on the Pier on Saturday, December 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. The event features live music and attendees are encouraged to sing along to all the most popular holiday favorites. Santa will be holding court on the pier, so be sure to bring your list and be on your best behavior. The event also features giveaways and surfing Santa photos. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Love in the Mirror Toy Drive. Holiday tunes performed by a surf rock band on the Pier overlooking the deep blue…..this is how the South Bay celebrates the season! For additional information, visit the website at http://www.redondopier.com/. The Redondo Beach Pier is located at 100 Fisherman’s Wharf in Redondo Beach.

The King Harbor Yacht Club presents the annual King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 10. A longtime favorite of locals and visitors to the area, this hugely popular South Bay event gets under way at 4:30 p.m. in the main channel of King Harbor. As always, the Body Glove yacht Disappearancewill lead off the parade with this year’s Grand Marshalls! The SUPs will be on the water at 4:30 followed by the boats lighting up the night at 5:30. Boats participating in the parade will be judged by vessel type in several different categories. Awards will be given for Best Costumes, Best Lighting, Best Animation, Best Execution of Theme, Best in Fleet and the Overall Winner. If you plan to observe from shore, you can do so from any number of vantage points in King Harbor, from the Redondo Beach Marina, Redondo Pier, Portofino Hotel and Marina/Sea Wall, Seaside Lagoon Sea Wall and several restaurants with harbor views. King Harbor Marina/Moonstone Park will provide FREE bleacher seating provided by Bay Club. Seating is first come, first serve. Starting at 3:30 p.m. a couple of food trucks will be available with food and beverages for purchase. Access is from Marina Way. All boats and SUPs are encouraged to participate and there is still time to register! To register, visit the website at http://www.KHYC.org or http://www.KHBF.org. Proceeds from the event benefit the P.S. I Love You Foundation, King Harbor Youth Foundation and Sea Scout Ship 618. Joe Terry and Jackie Balestra of The South Bay Show will be hosting a Facebook Live podcast during the event. To watch, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/210240122731908/.

The 1200 block of East Acacia Avenue in El Segundo magically transforms into Candy Cane Lane every holiday season since 1919! The homes are festooned with lights and decorations beginning the second Saturday of December and Santa’s sleigh stops for a visit on certain nights through December 23. The street will be closed to through traffic through Christmas night, and most houses will still have their lights up through New Year’s weekend. The lights are generally on until about 10. Check the schedule on the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/El-Segundo-Candy-Cane-Lane-1200-Block-East-Acacia-Opens-12-12-7-pm-583239865139034/?fref=ts. The 1200 block of East Acacia Avenue is located west of Sepulveda and south of Imperial Highway in El Segundo.

The monthly Torrance Antique Street Faire takes place on Sunday, December 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features 200+ sellers with antiques, collectibles, vintage clothes, jewelry, LP’s, toys, tools, plants, home decor and more. Have your antiques appraised for only $3, enjoy a free crafting activity with Karen’s Krafts 4 Kids and live music. Rain or shine, free admission, free parking and pet friendly – can’t beat that! For additional information, call (310) 328-6107 or visit the website at http://www.torranceantiquefaire.com/. The Torrance Antique Street Faire is located at 1317 Sartori Avenue in downtown Torrance.

South Bay Mompreneurs present the Winter Holiday Gift Boutique on Sunday, December 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Lakes at El Segundo Golf Course. Some of the local, mom-owned businesses will be coming together to help you finish up the holiday shopping. While you’re at it, be sure to pick up a little something for yourself (because after all that holiday shopping, you deserve it). The first 20 – 30 guests to arrive will receive a swag bag filled with goodies! In addition, there will be a raffle for a piece of Park Lane jewelry worth $100. Participants include: Rodan & Fields, Barefoot Books, Stella & Dot, Park Lane, Jamberry, One Hope Wine, Thirty-One, Perfectly Posh and many more. For additional information, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1042246155898606/. The Lakes at El Segundo Golf Course is located at 400 South Sepulveda Boulevard, El Segundo, California 90245.

The El Segundo Chamber of Commerce and Chevron presents the annual Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 11. The parade gets underway at 1 p.m. and is expected to end about 3 p.m. The route begins on Main Street at Imperial Avenue and proceeds south to El Segundo Boulevard. The grand stands will be located at Main Street and Holly Avenue on the west side of the street where parade entrant performances will take place. Floats will be theme decorated and Saint Nick will make his appearance at the end of the procession. Prior to the parade, have lunch at one of the many area restaurants and afterward browse the local shops and knock a few items off your gift list. Floats, music, marching bands, antique cars, giveaways, Santa and more….can you think of a better way to celebrate the season? For additional information, visit the website at https://www.facebook.com/elsegundochamber.

The annual Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks sponsored by Skechers will take place Sunday, December 11. Manhattan Beach’s signature holiday event gets underway at 4 p.m. with a concert by the Hyperion Outfall Serenaders followed by the award-winning Mira Costa Jazz Ensemble at 5 p.m. and local favorite, Joe’s Band, will be ‘Rockin’ the Holidays’ at 6 p.m.Skechers’ Snow Park will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with five 50′ sled runs, two snow play areas and snowmen available for family photos. A donation of canned goods, cash, or a new, unwrapped toy is requested for admission to the Snow Park. The Bounce Park will have two huge slides and the Fire Dog bouncie for smaller children. The Holiday Fireworks start at 7 p.m. and will be synchronized to holiday music with an extended grand finale sponsored by Belkin. This is a hugely popular event so be sure to arrive early to nab prime seating – bring your own beach chairs and blankets. Ride-share options are strongly encouraged as streets start closing at 1 p.m. and parking is full by 2 p.m.usually. Come down early and shop, the retailers will hold your bags for you so you don’t have to carry them around the Fireworks Festival. Here is a LYFT discount code that is good for rides to and from Downtown Manhattan Beach on December 11from noon to 9 p.m. https://www.lyft.com/invite/mbfireworks. For additional information, visit the website at www.mbfireworks.com. The Manhattan Beach Pier is located at the western end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard.

If you want to avoid the crowds at street level and watch the fireworks in style, head to Shade Hotel and Sip Under the Sparkle on Sunday December 11 at 4:30 p.m.! Celebrate the 28 annual Holiday Fireworks Show on the rooftop Skydeck. A DJ will provide the tunes and the rooftop bar will be mixing up seriously crafty cocktails. In partnership with Toys for Tots, a new, unwrapped toy is the price of admittance. Reservations are highly recommended otherwise you’ll miss this spectacular view of the fireworks! For additional information and reservations, call 310-469-3466. Shade Hotel is located at 1221 North Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

The Strand House presents the annual Light Up the Night event on Sunday, December 11 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. This holiday party offers the best view of the Strand and Manhattan Beach Pier from anywhere in the South Bay. An evening of fun, food and fireworks, this event coincides with Manhattan Beach’s annual Holiday Firework Show. This spectacular show was featured on Travel Channel’s Jingle Brawl in 2013. This is your front row seat for the best fireworks show in the country and The Strand House is the perfect location to gather with friends and family to enjoy this festive community event. This will be a very busy day for the downtown Manhattan Beach area with several street closures and closed parking lots. Please allow yourself plenty of extra time to arrive. Dinner will be served promptly at 5 p.m. They will be unable to accommodate late arrivals. Tickets are $162 per adult (4 course chef’s dinner) and $64 for children (three course chef’s dinner). Beverages and alcohol are not included in the ticket price. The dining room floor plan was designed for optimal viewing of the fireworks. Seating is a combination of larger communal tables and some smaller tables. Guests will be seated according to group size and what fits best with the restaurant floor plan. All tables face our floor to ceiling windows looking out over the pier. Requests for specific tables are not able to be honored. For additional information and ticket purchase, call 310.545.7470 or visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-light-up-the-night-at-the-strand-house-tickets-28933043512?aff=ehomecard. The Strand House is located at 117 Manhattan Beach Boulevard.

Jingle bells are rockin’ and KISSmas is rollin’ at Rock & Brews this holiday season. The rock-inspired restaurant will share in the spirit of giving with their annual 12 Days of KISSmas Specials. Guests can revel in the festivities with special offers on brews, delicious appetizers and Rock & Brews’ merchandise from December 12 to December 23 at both South Bay Rock & Brews locations. Featured KISSmas menu specials include:

• Free kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult entrée

• Three free pizza toppings

• Free onion rings with the purchase of an entrée

• Free garlic cheese fries with the purchase of an entrée

• Free jalapeño poppers with the purchase of an entrée

• Free Bavarian Pretzel with the purchase of an entrée

• Free purple rain drops with the purchase of an entrée

To complement the festivities, KISSmas beer and cocktail specials will include half-off select draught brews, $4 local beer flights, 2-for-1 select draught brews and 2-for-1 Bloody Marys. And for those looking to share the gift of rock and roll, Rock & Brews will offer $10 t-shirts. For more information about KISSmas at Rock & Brews, visit the website at http://www.rockandbrews.com. Rock & Brews El Segundo is located at 615 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245. Rock & Brews Redondo Beach is located at 6300 South Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will host the Holiday Regional Mega Mixer on Monday, December 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Torrance Marriot. Build business referrals and network with over 200 South Bay businesspeople! Partnering chambers include Carson, El Segundo, Gardena Valley, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, LAX Coastal, Lomita, Los Angeles Gateway, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, Torrance and Wilmington. Admission is $10 and includes hors d’oeuvres. A no-host bar will be available, as well as fantastic raffle prizes! For additional information and to RSVP, visit the website at http://www.palosverdeschamber.com, call 310-377-8111 or via email at office@palosverdeschamber.com. The Torrance Marriott is located at 3635 Fashion Way in Torrance.

The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts the monthly Lunch Connect at The Hook & Plow on Tuesday, December 13from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s the perfect opportunity to network with other local business owners while enjoying a delicious lunch! Bring plenty of business cards, bring a friend, bring a smile! Admission is $15 for members and $20 for potential members and guests. For additional information, visit the website at http://business.hbchamber.net/events/details/the-hook-plow-lunch-connect-3411. The Hook & Plow is located at 425 Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach.

Everyone is invited to join the Village Runner team for the annual Sleepy Hollow Lights Run on Tuesday, December 13! The event gets underway at the Village Runner Redondo Beach store at 6:15 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to get in the holiday spirit while burning a few calories! The group will run through the Sleepy Hollow neighborhood of Torrance to view the Christmas Lights Extravaganza. The holiday run will be led by our fellow Village Runner and Team in Training Coach Ed Arenberg and Cami Kaplanis. The run will be about 4 miles at a fun, casual pace. There will be hundreds of cars along the route taking in the wildly extravagant decorations so participants should take precautions and wear something reflective, or better yet, maybe a strand or two of flashing lights! Bring the holiday cheer and don’t forget the camera! For additional information, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/815900678512269/. The Village Runner is located at 1811 South Catalina Avenue in Riviera Village in Redondo Beach.

Join the Redondo Beach Police Department for Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, December 14 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Coffee Cartel. The Redondo Beach Police Department and members of the community will come together in a friendly, informal environment to discuss community issues, build relationships and enjoy a good cup of coffee. All community members are invited to attend. Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the police department’s work in Redondo Beach’s neighborhoods. Engaging the community in public safety efforts is a top priority of the Redondo Beach Police Department. They share the community’s concerns and make every effort to address them. The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time. If you have any questions, contact Officer Diehr at (310) 379-2477 x2493 or via email at mike.diehr@redondo.org. Coffee Cartel is located at 1820 South Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach.

The Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce presents The Mixer on Wednesday, December 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at South Bay Galleria. You know what they say…it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. This opportunity is designed to expand your business and social networks, so bring a smile and plenty of business cards! In addition to networking, plan to come early or stay late and get some shopping done. This is the last Mixer of the year! Tickets are $10 for Chamber Members and $20 for non-members. For additional information and to register, visit the website at http://web.redondochamber.org/events/The-Mixer-2200/details. South Bay Galleria is located at 1815 Hawthorne Boulevard, #201, Redondo Beach, CA 90278.

It’s time to kick the holiday shopping into full gear! FREE Holiday Parking in Downtown Manhattan Beach, Downtown Hermosa Beach and Riviera Village has begun. Meters that are included in the program will be clearly marked with festive Holiday bags or the display on the new solar powered IPS parking meters will read, “Happy Holidays – Free Parking.” All other parking restrictions will be strictly enforced!

Don’t forget! The local Santa floats and sleigh tours have begun and the L.A. Kings Ice rink is open. Information and schedules are posted on my website at http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/special-events.php.

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

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/ugly-sweater-party/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/breakfast-with-santa/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/beach-cities-toy-drive/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/the-nutcracker/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/manhattan-beach-yuletide-5k/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/festivus-rest-us/

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/holiday-ballroom-dance/

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.

The South Bay Show podcast will be on hiatus through the end of the year. We’ll resume the live podcasts on January 4!

Have a fabulous South Bay weekend!

Jackie

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com