First Thursdays

A number of downtown businesses will stay up late tonight for the launch of First Thursdays, a free, family-friendly walking event.

First Thursdays’ spearhead Lori Ford, of Gum Tree café and gift shop, said the event is modeled after First Fridays in Venice, where storefronts stay open late and add attractions such as musicians, art exhibits or free samples.

Among the businesses staying open until 9 p.m. will be Sol-Baby, Curious, Spyder Surf, Ragin Cajun, Re:Style clothing, Mark of Excellence salon, Paciugo Gelato, Stars Antiques, Bo Bridges, Union Cattle, Mediterraneo, Blue Rose Boutique, Salvatore’s, The Coastal Connection and Café Boogaloo.

A variety of special attractions at the storefronts include everything from discounts to food samples, gift bags, art exhibits and live music.

For more get on Facebook and search “First Thursdays.”

Park plan

The Clark Field Master Plan Committee invites members of the public to submit opinions, ideas and suggestions for changes, upgrades, additions and more on the Clark Field complex, at 861 Valley Drive, by visiting the hermosabch.org website and clicking on “Clark Field Master Plan Survey.”

The survey takes about two minutes. For more information see Donna Hunter at the Community Resources Office, 710 Pier Ave., or call 310-318-0280, or e-mail dhunter@hermosabch.org.

Bike workshop

A three-hour workshop on bicycle safety, rules of the road, and equipment maintenance will be held Saturday, May 22 in the amphitheater at the south end of Hermosa Valley Park, located at Valley Drive and Gould Avenue, followed by an equipment maintenance demonstration on the lawn near the picnic tables.

Attendees should bring a bike and wear comfortable clothes, and a parent must accompany younger children. Participants seeking assistance with more involved maintenance, such as replacing pedals and mounting headlights, are urged to bring those accessories and related tools; representatives from Hermosa’s bike shops will available for advise on services and replacement parts.

Safety instruction will include an update on Hermosa’s Bike Master Plan and protocol, and state law for pedestrians, vehicles, and cyclists.

Workshop agenda:

9:30-10:30 a.m. safety and etiquette

10:30-11 a.m. cycling in Hermosa and nearby

11-11:10 a.m. stretch break and demo prep

11:10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. equipment demo and safety inspections

12:30-1 p.m. Q&A

The workshop is free for residents, but registration is recommended in order to have enough supplies. Experienced cyclists are urged to volunteer to coach attendees one-on-one during the equipment maintenance session.

For more information call the Hermosa Beach Public Works Department at 310-318-0214.

Blood drive

Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital is holding a blood drive 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 23 in Hermosa View School’s lower parking lot, 1800 Prospect Ave. Donors will receive a coupon for Paciugo Gelato. To sign up for an appointment see http://hbeach.givesblood.org.

History walk

The Hermosa Beach Murals Project host “Walk in History 1900 to 1919” Saturday, June 5 to raise funds for the painting of cultural and historical murals on large exterior walls in town.

The walking tour will explore the history of Hermosa through the viewing of significant historical sites over a one-mile course. Groups will start on the Pier Plaza and Strand at 10 a.m. (recommended for kids) and 11:30 a.m.

Each participant will receive a souvenir badge and have the opportunity to win gifts and prizes and paint a mural of their own. Commemorative T-shirts will be on sale.

Tour entry fees $35 for families up to four, and $20 for individuals; for project members it is $30 for families and $15 for individuals; $5 for additional family members and Hermosa Valley School students.

Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour is limited to 300 participants. To secure a spot send a check payable to the Hermosa Beach Murals Project (HBMP) and mail with entry form (found at hermosamurals.org) to HBMP, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

The theme for the first mural commissioned by the project is “Early Hermosa History — Our Founding Fathers and Their Contributions to our Beginnings.”

For more see hermosamurals.org. ER

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