June 10, 2021
I attended the Rock the Cure event last Saturday at Ragin Cajun – the first in-person fundraiser in 15 months! All covid policies were followed – masks, social distancing, sanitizer stations all over the place – and it was a rockin’ good time. Speaking of Ragin Cajun – and full disclosure here, they’re one of my advertisers – I swear, they have the best fried chicken west of the Mississippi. Since we’re on the subject of food… do you ever find yourself thinking you’re in the mood for something but can’t quite put your finger on what it is you’re in the mood for? That happens to me ALL THE TIME. So I recently made a list, an actual list, of my favorite dishes. For instance, I go to Tower 12 for the short rib plate; Eatalian Café in Gardena for the arugula/prosciutto pizza; the Surf Food Stand in El Porto for the breakfast burrito; Locale 90 for the cacio e pepe; Coyote Cantina for the brie and mango quesadilla; Rebel Republic for the burger; Sea Level for the beet salad; Table Manners for the crispy chicken sandwich (with pimento!), Lucille’s for fried green tomatoes…. I could go on and on. Regrettably, there have been many other favorite dishes that have, poof, disappeared off the menu at various establishments. Baleen Kitchen took the pane perdu off the brunch menu and now I have to make it myself, and it’s never as good. I know, I know, first world problems, but still, I bet many of you have experienced the same thing. I understand that restaurants change up their menus regularly to keep things fresh, but it still irks. So many restaurants have closed during the pandemic, but on the bright side, just as many new ones have opened and I’m looking forward to finding new favorites on their menus!
The Jewish Community Center of Manhattan Beach will host a Shabbat Dinner Under the Stars on Friday, June 11 at 7 p.m. at the JCC. Celebrate Gimmel Tamuz, the Rebbe’s special day at a delicious community Shabbat dinner. Enjoy a beautiful meal outdoors with a view of the stars. The event features restaurant style dining, outdoor heating, socially distanced seating, sushi and a multiple course dinner menu. There is no cost to attend, but sponsorships are available. Suggested sponsorship is $120 (in honor the Rebbe’s 120 years) or any amount you can do. To RSVP, visit https://www.jccmb.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/5127429/jewish/Shabbat-Under-the-Stars-Dinner.htm. The Jewish Community Center is located at 2108 Vail Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA 90278.
Join volunteers at Seaside Heroes Park for the monthly Community Beautification Event every second Saturday of the month (June 12) from 8 to 11 a.m. All are welcome to get down and dirty and lend a hand cleaning, weeding, and dead heading – including groups or individuals who need community service hours. Even though the park is small, it’s a huge job to keep it looking good. As of October 2020, volunteers have put over 2300 work hours into the project. This is a labor of love and the organizers are immensely grateful to anyone who gives their time. COME MAKE FRIENDS! DO GOOD! HAVE FUN! BE SURE TO BRING YOUR MASK TO WEAR. There will be waivers for everyone to sign so please arrive by 7:45 am, if possible, so you can begin the work at 8 am. Meet at 22812 Kathryn Avenue in Torrance. Bring tools (if you have or will be supplied), sunscreen, water, energy. Donations are also accepted via Paypal and personal check to cover the cost of water, tools, and promotion of the event. To schedule yourself or your group, contact Jenna Christensen at 310.920.9387 or via email at [email protected]. For additional information and photos of the event, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/seasideheroespark.
The Virtual Manhattan Wine Auction will take place on Saturday, June 12 starting at 5 p.m. Celebrate the traditions of the Manhattan Wine Auction through an exciting live stream show, incredible silent and live auctions, virtual tastings, and extraordinary culinary and wine experiences. Live auction preview and silent auction open online June 5. Live auction opens online June 10. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://manhattanwineauction.com/.
The Torrance Cultural Arts presents Live Music in Torino Plaza on select Saturdays at 7 p.m. In person performances are back and TOCA is proud to bring four amazing live concerts to the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. The schedule is as follows:
• May 22: Louie Cruz Beltran
• June 12: The Smooth Touch Band
• June 19: The Fenians
• July 3: LA All Stars of Funk
All current city, county and state COVID protocols will be followed. Tickets are $32/$35. For additional information, call the ticket office at 310-781-7171 or visit the website at https://torrancearts.org/. Torrance Cultural Arts Center is located at 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503.
Aaron Jacobs Productions presents Summer Swing Nights: Drive In Edition on Saturday, June 12 from 8 to 10 p.m. at El Camino College. Put on your dancing shoes and turn back the clock to the 30s, 40s and beyond! Attendees will enjoy the jazzy vocal stylings of The Swing Tones with special guest singers, accompanied by a live 7-piece big band, plus swing dance lessons with the Los Angeles Swing Dance Posse and top tap performer Chester Whitmore. Vendor booths specializing in vintage wear and accessories, plus local specialty food trucks, will be on site. Attendees are encouraged to attend in their own vintage cars, with VIP ticketing options. Tickets are $50/$275. Additional Summer Swing Nights will take place on August 7 and September 4. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-swing-nights-2021-drive-in-edition-tickets-141231127103?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. El Camino College is located at 16007 Crenshaw Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90506.
The Western Museum of Flight presents the Run Up to Father’s Day on Sunday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity for selfies with the T-38 and famous test pilot, Roy Martin. Air show favorite War Dog (SNJ/T-6) will be on display. Meet and greet air show pilot, John Collver. Aviation models, kits, apparel and mementos will be available for purchase. Suggested donation is $5. For additional information, visit the website at https://www.wmof.com/. The Western Museum of Flight is located at 3315 Airport Drive, Red Baron #3, Torrance, CA 90505.
Metlox Plaza presents Live Music at Metlox every Sunday (June 13) from 2 to 4 p.m. from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Each Sunday afternoon Metlox Plaza will feature a different band or musician for shoppers, diners and gatherers to enjoy. Metlox Plaza is a unique shopping and dining destination located at the gateway to Downtown Manhattan Beach. Metlox boasts a European style town square where upscale shopping and dining offerings intertwine with landscaped courtyards, fountains, a fire sculpture and public art that celebrates the history of the Metlox Pottery manufacturing facility that occupied the site from 1927. For additional information, visit the website at http://metloxmb.com/. Metlox Plaza is located at 451 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Manhattan Beach with convenient metered parking in the Metlox structure.
Los Cancioneros Master Chorale presents its third virtual concert of the pandemic, Happy Together, premiering Sunday, June 13 at 4 p.m. It is free to watch and available any time after the premiere. Donations are gladly accepted. The concert features highlights from previous concerts, including songs from Hamilton. Two new songs were taped outdoors and an additional two songs were done virtually. Los Cancioneros Master Chorale has been providing quality concerts to the South Bay for 72 years….. not even a pandemic can stop them! To watch the concert, visit https://www.lcmasterchorale.com/.
The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce and {pages}, a bookstore, will host an Author Event with Michael Levine on Tuesday, June 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Michael Levine is an author, brand, and media expert. Levine’s Broken Windows, Broken Business was ranked as one of the ten most influential business books of the last decade by Entrepreneur Magazine several years ago. This event will allow attendees to engage in a stimulating conversation about his new revised edition of Broken Windows, Broken Business which has 25% new material. You’ll learn about The Broken Windows Theory for Business and how you can apply it in simple steps to receive significant rewards and more. The book can be purchased at {pages}. Register for this FREE event at https://business.manhattanbeachchamber.com/events/details/author-event-with-michael-levine-10153. {pages} is located at 904 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
The Redondo Beach Elks Lodge #1378 will host a Flag Day Celebration on Tuesday, June 15 starting at 5 p.m. The South Bay community in invited to attend this moving tribute to the history of our country’s flag and participate in the retirement of flags. Dinner will be available for purchase beginning at 5 p.m. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. with the Flag Retirement at 7:45 p.m. This is a family friendly event and all are welcome. Reservations are appreciated. For additional information and to make a dinner reservation, call 310-372-8488. The Redondo Beach Elks Lodge is located at 315 The Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
Here’s a HEADS-UP on a few events you’ll want to plan for now!
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/night-bazaar/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/palos-verdes-dream-house-raffle/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/gnome-sweet-gnome-fathers-day-weekend/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/classic-car-show-cruise-nights/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/goat-yoga-2/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/roundhouse-aquarium-grand-re-opening/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/fathers-day-mini-golf-the-point/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/epipalooza/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/kontrapunktus-baroque-concert/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/riviera-village-garden-concert-series/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/fathers-day-sunday-drive-beer-tasting-the-adm/
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/fathers-day-brunch-cigars-cognac/
The Roadium Open Air Market presents Drive-In at the Roadium. The Roadium has revived its classic 1950’s drive-in for a one-of-a-kind movie-going experience. On select nights, guests can enjoy a great film in this throwback retro setting, along with food trucks, concessions, and more. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with the movie starting at sundown. Admission is $25 per car. For additional information, visit the website at http://roadium.com/. For ticket purchase, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-friday-drive-in-at-the-roadium-grease-tickets-61667943479. The Roadium Open Air Market is located at 2500 West Redondo Beach Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90504.
LA Arts Society presents Pop Up Drive-In Movie Screenings at the Gardena Cinema back lot. Since its founding, Los Angeles Arts Society has hosted several successful film screenings and has several others in the works. For 2020, they have established LA Arts Society Pop-Up Drive-In Cinema at the Gardena Cinema back lot. The aim is the bring some of the best curated cinema to Los Angeles in a safe, entertaining and enjoyable setting. The schedule is constantly being updated, so check the Eventbrite page. Tickets are $20 per car/truck/SUV, regardless of number of people in your vehicle. Gates will open at 7 p.m. sharp. Arrive early for priority drive-in spots. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jurassic-park-drive-in-cinema-friday-tickets-115661906877?aff=erelexpmlt. Gardena Cinema is located at 14948 Crenshaw Boulevard, Gardena, CA 90249.
JUNE 15TH FULL REOPENING DETAILS: On May 21, the California Governor’s Office announced new details on the “full reopening” that starts June 15, 2021. There will be no capacity restrictions or physical distancing requirements. California Department of Public Health mask rules must be followed. This means vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks in most situations, even indoors. Travelers must follow CDC and state travel recommendations. Indoor ‘mega events will require additional restrictions that can include proof of vaccination or recent negative covid-19 test. For details about the reopening plan, visit https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Beyond-Blueprint-Framework.aspx. The State will keep current masking guidance until June 15, and L.A. County will do the same. This means that LA County Department of Public Health’s guidance remains aligned with the local Health Officer Order of May 3 until further notice. Workplaces remain under Cal/OSHA masking and distancing requirements, which have not yet been changed. And for unvaccinated people, masks are still required outdoors any time distancing cannot be maintained.
LA County moved into the Yellow Tier on May 6, 2021. A revised Los Angeles County Health Officer Order went into effect on Thursday, May 6, to reflect newly permitted activities. For details, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/.
As part of the recently passed American Rescue Plan, LA County residents who lost their job during the last 18 months will be eligible to remain on their former employer’s insurance plan (through COBRA) at no cost until September 30. In addition, Los Angeles County residents are now able to apply for financial help for funeral expenses through FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program. For all the details, visit https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/american-rescue-plan-eligibility-for-health-insurance-funeral-expenses/.
Same day COVID-19 Tests are available for all LA County residents. The Los Angeles County COVID-19 Test Site is located on the campus of Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) at 514 North Prospect Avenue in Redondo Beach. L.A. County residents can schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test by visiting the Los Angeles County website at https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/. Appointments have been filling up quickly. Residents are encouraged to continue to check the site for availability at the Redondo Beach location or make an appointment at another LA County site.
CITY LINKS: The following are South Bay city websites offering information and updates on operations and procedures regarding COVID-19. New updates are being issued by individual cities regarding re-opening plans and new closures.
• El Segundo:
https://www.elsegundo.org/our-city/emergency-management/corononavirus-updates
• Gardena:
https://www.cityofgardena.org/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Hawthorne:
https://www.cityofhawthorne.org/covid-19-home
• Hermosa Beach:
https://www.hermosabeach.gov/our-community/quick-links/coronavirus-updates-from-the-cdc
• Lawndale:
http://lawndaleca.hosted.civiclive.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=16676137&pageId=17352338
• Lomita:
https://lomitacoronavirus.info/
• Manhattan Beach:
https://www.citymb.info/services/learn-about/coronavirus
• Palos Verdes Estates:
https://www.pvestates.org/community/information-on-coronavirus
• Rancho Palos Verdes:
https://www.rpvca.gov/1277/Information-on-Coronavirus-COVID-19
• Redondo Beach:
https://www.redondo.org/depts/city_manager/coronavirus_update.asp
• Rolling Hills Estates:
https://www.ci.rolling-hills-estates.ca.us/community/advanced-components/news-list
• Torrance:
https://www.cityoftorranceca.com/
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/. South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274.
Looking for Things to Do in Torrance? 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.
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. To watch the video, visit https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/sea-lions-released-at-terranea/.
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 on-line this year. Everyone is welcome to join the ‘Reading Colors Your World’ summer reading program. How It Works:
• Register online or in person for either the Children, Teen or Adult Summer Reading Program at https://redondo.beanstack.org/
• Complete the Summer Challenge by logging your minutes or books
• Participate in virtual programs via zoom and Library Facebook
• Earn digital badges by completing activities and reading books
• Some activities will enable you to enter a monthly opportunity drawing or earn an extra badge
• Pick up Finishing prizes at the Main Library. Dates of pickup to be determined
For additional information, visit the website at https://www.redondo.org/depts/library/default.asp.
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. Applications and a summary of duties for each commission are available by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 310-325-7110 or by visiting the website at http://www.lomita.com/cityhall/cclerk/index.cfm?p=boards.cfm&h=m.
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. “We are honored to exhibit these poignant portraits in our art space,” says Destination: Art President Margaret Lindsay. “Destination: Art believes acknowledging the local community, and these healthcare workers have had a far greater impact on all of our lives than we may ever know.” View the show online or in person by making an appointment. To watch the video of the opening reception, visit https://youtu.be/K_NfRU2g-gM. Destination: Art is located at 1815 W 213th Street, #135, Torrance, CA. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.destination-art.net.
Check out my new show, South Bay by Jackie, The Podcast! Last week I forgot to include the link for this show. Mea culpa, mea culpa. Two guests joined me from the Zislis Group – serial entrepreneur, restaurateur, hotelier and philanthropist, Michael Zislis and Jenna Record, Vice President of Marketing for the Zislis Group. Learn about the latest addition to the Zislis Group’s restaurant roster, The Brews Hall in Hermosa Beach, get updates on their other properties and hear details on the upcoming job fair. You can watch the podcast at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/michael-zislis-jenna-record-the-zislis-group/. All shows are archived at https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/south-bay-by-jackie-the-podcast.php.
Have a fabulous South Bay Weekend!
Jackie
https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/