SPOTLIGHT: Catalina Classic week
The newly installed Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race Commemorative Statue will be dedicated at the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday, August 24, at 2 p.m. The dedication culminates a five-year effort by the South Bay Boardriders Club and the City of Manhattan Beach. The statue’s three paddlers were sculpted by former Hermosa Beach pro surfer Chris Barela. Barela also sculpted the Tim Kelly lifeguard statue at the Hermosa Beach pier, and Dive N’ Surf founders Bob and Bill Meistgrell at the Seaside Lagoon, in Redondo Beach. Paddleboards shaped by pioneer surfboard builder Dale Velzy will be exhibited at the Catalina Classic statue dedication.
The annual 32-mile Catalina Classic race from Catalina Island to the Manhattan Beach pier takes place this Sunday, August 27. Top finishers should reach the pier about 11 a.m.
Following Sunday’s race, the Hermosa Beach Historical Society will host the unveiling of a plaque commemorating Velzy’s original surf shop, which opened in the early 1950s and is recognized as the first retail surf shop. The Velzy plaque will be installed next month at the shop’s former location at 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
The plaque unveiling reception at the Historical Museum begins at 2 p.m. Guests will be invited to share their memories of Velzy.
The museum is located at the Hermosa Beach Community Center, 710 Pier Ave. Information: hermosabeachhistoricalsociety.org.
Thursday, August 24
Village concert
Free summer concert in Manhattan Village. 6 – 8 p.m. David Rosales (surf rock, folk, Americana). 3200 Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach. For information and future concerts visit shopmanhattanvillage.com/events/summer-concerts-in-the-plaza-3/.
Stones tribute
Summer concert on the Redondo Beach Pier 6 – 8 p.m. Running Hot (Rolling Stones tribute). 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach. Visit redondopier.com for future concerts.
Coffee with the mayor
Join Mayor Richard Montgomery for a casual conversation over coffee. First and last Tuesdays of the month. 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Dunkin’, 1100 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach. Check the city calendar at manhattanbeach.gov or email the Mayor rmontgomery@manhattanbeach.gov to confirm location.
Friday, August 25
Redondo arts Last CA 101
Opening reception representing 134 artists at the galleries, 36 artists in the gift shop, and 20 artists at the banquet installation. 12 – 7 p.m. Redondo Beach Historic Library, 309 Esplanade, Redondo Beach. Information: friendsredondbeacharts.org/ca-101.
MB Dune restoration
The City of Manhattan Beach is seeking volunteers for a dune restoration event. Given the unprecedented amount of rain this winter, the project area now warrants removal of invasive species and maintenance of the existing sand fencing and signage. 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at 23rd Street and The Strand. To sign up and information: santamonicabay.org.
BCHD mental health first aid
Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. Space is limited. In person/virtual. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 514 N Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach. Registration: bchd.org. For additional assistance, reach out to Jackie Uy, Jackie.uy@bchd.org.
Saturday, August 26
HB Historical’s “Beach Through the Decades”
The 7th Annual Gala fundraising event benefiting the Hermosa Beach Museum. Celebrate history together under the stars. St. Cross Church, 1818 Monterey Blvd., Hermosa Beach. Whether you like history, beach culture, music, or art, this gala is not to be missed. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.
Richstone Summer Beach Party
The 9th Annual Endless Summer Beach Party California Dreamin’ benefitting Richstone Family Center. Food and beverage tastings from South Bay favorites. Live music by Night Shift. 5:30 – 9 p.m. The Beach at King Harbor, 208 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach. Tickets and information: e.givesmart.com/events/x1q/.
Final tribute
The last summer concert at the Redondo Beach Pier featuring 1969 (classic rock). 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, west end of the pier. 6 – 8 p.m.
75th Anniversary
El Segundo Public Library Diamond Jubilee celebration. 111 W. Mariposa Avenue. 12 noon. Music and refreshments. Artist talk, 3 p.m. For more information contact Roz Templin at (310) 524-2773.
Sunday, August 27
Catalina Classic
Paddlers from all over the world will take to the waters and race from Catalina Island to the Manhattan Beach pier. Established in 1955, the Catalina Classic is the oldest and most celebrated endurance paddleboard race in the world. Paddlers leave the Isthmus Cove, Catalina Island at 6 a.m. and paddle 32-miles to the Manhattan Beach Pier. The top finishers should arrive at Manhattan Pier about 11 a.m. Information: catalinaclassicpaddleboardrace.com.
White point volunteer day
Help care for the gardens at White Point Nature Preserve by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeks, watering native plants, grooming trails, and more. Sign up at pvplc.volunteerhub.com/.
Polliwog Park concert: My Generation
With songs from musical royalty like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and The Who providing the spark, “My Generation” lights up audiences with the best music ever written in their tribute to the British invasion. 5 – 7 p.m. Polliwog Park Amphitheater, 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach.
Tuesday, August 29
Baby-toddler storytime
Come enjoy some play and bonding through thymes, fingerplays, and books. This lapsit-style storytime is for babies up to 24 months and their parents or caregiver. Free. 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. Manhattan Beach Library, 1320 Highland Avenue.
Wednesday, August 30
Flamenco 5
Flamenco featuring Spain’s flamenco sensation Cristo Cortes. 7 p.m. Hermosa Beach Community Theatre, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.com/e/flamenco-5-tickets. Information: Mizuhosatoflamenco.com.
Summer series
Last Summer concert with Pedro Reis Band (R&B, Motown). The Point, El Segundo, 850 S Pacific Coast Hwy. 6 – 8 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on.
Ongoing:
Volunteers needed
Help the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy Rapid Response Team, Fridays & Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Work alongside the field staff to help protect important wildlife habitat. Help with trail maintenance, fence building, installing signage, and more. Students can receive community service hours. No experience needed. 15 and up. Sign up at: pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Help restore native habitats
Year-round volunteer opportunities at various locations throughout the South Bay, include Hopkins Wilderness Park, the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt Trail, the Redondo Beach Bluffs, and Alondra Park. Great opportunities to learn, get outside, connect with nature, and make a difference in your community. Sign up at southbayparks.org. Contact info: info@southbayparks.org.
