Author: Jackie Balestra

June 12, 2021

As the need for large-scale COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites decreases, Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) will close its COVID-19 testing site and vaccination clinics.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), vaccine demand has shifted, and the County has significantly increased the number
of sites served by mobile teams. In fact, 75% of Hermosa Beach residents, 78% of Manhattan Beach residents and 75% of Redondo Beach residents age 16+ are vaccinated with at least one dose. BCHD will be pivoting back to many of its pre-COVID-19 operations, including recently reopening its Center for Health & Fitness, and planning for a return to in-person community events and programs.  Read more... (707 words, 1 image, estimated 2:50 mins reading time)

June 12, 2021

I was riding my e-bike north on the bike path and when I arrived at Herondo, I saw a large, illuminated sign stating that electric or motorized vehicles of all types are not allowed on the Strand or Pier Plaza.

The municipal code has been on the books for several years but is now actively being enforced.

12.20.220 Motorized and electric wheeled devices.  Read more... (170 words, 1 image, estimated 41 secs reading time)

June 11, 2021

Redondo Beach Public Library 2021 Summer Reading Program runs from June 5 to August 14. This year’s theme is Color Your World.

Celebrate the awesomeness of summer at your Library! Due to COVID-19, the program will be an all on-line program this year. Everyone is welcome to join the Reading Colors Your World summer reading program.  Read more... (159 words, 1 image, estimated 38 secs reading time)

June 10, 2021

The City of Lomita is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on its Public Safety and Traffic Commission with a term ending in June 2023 and a separate vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission with the term ending in June 2025.

Lomita residents who are both 18 and older and registered to vote are encouraged to apply. Each Commission consists of five members appointed by the City Council and act in a advisory capacity to the City Council. Meetings are held once a month at 6 p.m. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend a commission meeting.  Read more... (134 words, 1 image, estimated 32 secs reading time)

June 9, 2021

Destination: Art Celebrates Healthcare Heroes with an exhibit by Dr. Carol Francis.

The pandemic may be on the wane in the US, but the effect on frontline healthcare workers is an extended period of healing.

Dr. Carol Francis, a psychologist whose practice is in Torrance, began painting portraits of these frontline healers in South Bay hospitals and care facilities, as a way to acknowledge their heroic efforts and individual struggles.

She is also an associate artist at Destination: Art Studio and Gallery in Torrance, where more than 60 of her portraits are on display.  Read more... (181 words, estimated 43 secs reading time)

June 8, 2021  Read more... (342 words, 1 image, estimated 1:22 mins reading time)

June 7, 2021

The best way to keep up with what’s going down in the South Bay – and suddenly, there’s A LOT – is to subscribe to the South Bay by Jackie Weekend Guide.

Next week, California will fully open up…… and finally, finally, events are being announced and scheduled.

When you subscribe, every Thursday morning you’ll receive an email detailing all the fabulous things to do, places to go and people to know in the South Bay.

You can subscribe by scrolling down the right side of any page of the website where you’ll find the SBBJ Weekend Guide and the RSS Feed subscription boxes.  Read more... (129 words, 1 image, estimated 31 secs reading time)

June 6, 2021

In partnership with Terranea Resort, the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) rehabilitation team released two rehabilitated sea lions back into their natural habitat at Terranea’s Beach Cove in advance of World Oceans Day on June 8.

“We are very happy to share this positive recovery as part of our ongoing mission to care for and protect Los Angeles marine life,” said MMCC President Amber Becerra. “Terranea has been a tremendous partner for more than 10 years as part of their commitment to sustainability and protecting our precious coastal habitat.”  Read more... (249 words, estimated 1:0 mins reading time)

June 5, 2021

From 1912 until 1921, Torrance was a privately held city. In 1921, the population of Torrance was about 1,800, and the community put the idea of incorporating Torrance as a city to a vote. The vote to incorporate passed, 355-11, and the city was formally incorporated in May, 1921.

Today, Torrance is a diverse, growing and thriving community.

Celebrate this milestone by experiencing all that Torrance has to offer! Each week 10 new experiences will be released for you to enjoy.

For all the detail, visit https://www.torranceca.gov/our-city/citywide-special-events/100-years-of-incorporation#ad-image-41.

 Read more... (98 words, 1 image, estimated 24 secs reading time)

June 4, 2021

South Coast Botanic Garden is now offering Bespoke Picnics!

Planning a picnic in the Garden? Let the staff up the ante for you! The Special Events team will help you set up your next picnic in the Garden with the new Bespoke Picnic program.

Pick from five themes in five locations in the Garden, and the team will do the rest! Customize your experience with various add-ons like a corkage fee for up to two bottles of wine, charcuterie plates and more.

Learn more at https://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/south-coast-botanic-garden-launches-new-bespoke-picnic-program/.  Read more... (112 words, 1 image, estimated 27 secs reading time)

June 3, 2021

Why is it the arts programs are always first to the chopping block??? I received the following from Chris Wolf, Executive & Artistic Director of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation…..

“Sadly, it is that time again.

On Tuesday May 18th, Council member George Chen moved to reduce the portion of TOCA’s funding that has been used to offset staff costs and to for other events such as Dancing with the SB Stars and the Studio Cabaret series. Chen’s reasoning for the reduction of support was he wanted to see TOCA expand our fundraising effort, not taking into consideration that we have just experienced a yearlong pandemic and were unable to host our annual SouthBay Festival of the Arts fundraiser for two consecutive years.  Read more... (498 words, 1 image, estimated 2:0 mins reading time)

June 2, 2021

Redondo Beach Public Library buildings are open for browsing and limited computer and reference service only.

Patron numbers will be metered to ensure the buildings do not exceed 75% capacity. Patrons are limited to 30 minutes or less in the buildings. There is no seating available except at a limited number of public access computers that will be available for 30 minutes per day per user. Newspapers, room rentals, study rooms, and children’s toys are not available at this time.  Read more... (216 words, 1 image, estimated 52 secs reading time)

June 1, 2021

The El Segundo Unified School District has partnered with the City of El Segundo to host COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccine Clinics for adults and youth at El Segundo Middle School June 1 through 3 and June 8 through 9.

Appointments are available after school from 1:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Children ages 12 to 15 need to be accompanied by an adult, parent or guardian. Children 16 and 17 can be alone but need to bring a signed waiver consent form.  Read more... (179 words, 1 image, estimated 43 secs reading time)