Calendar
Thursday, December 2
Let’s Go Strolling…
Enjoy a magical night in the Riviera Village while shopping under the holiday lights from 5 – 9 p.m. and don’t forget to stop in at the Jewelry Party at 7 p.m., 166 via Los Miradores (for Shimabukuro and K Doubet designs) and the Dion Gallery, 1713 S Catalina, for a new art exhibit. The entire Village will be a’glitter. Bring family, neighbors and friends! And, an extra-special treat, don’t forget the horse-drawn sleigh!
Gum Tree Santa
First Thursdays is bigger and better than ever this month, from 5 – 9 p.m. all over downtown Hermosa, come shop for the holidays and enjoy the First Annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest, and Santa will be at the Gum Tree from for photos. Live music at select locations around town, too. Do wander in!
I Come First in Business
M.H. Nicholas, author of “I Come First: How the Individual Ego Rules Every Business Decision” discusses multiple business challenges and provides strategy and solutions at Borders, 3700 Torrance Blvd., 7 – 9 p.m. 310-683-6327.
Friday, December 3
Sandpipers Homes Tour
The Sandpipers Homes Tour is today – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is $25 pre-sale, or $30 at the door. Entirely separate is fabulous boutique and café dining at American Martyrs Gym, 701 15th St., Manhattan Beach (with complimentary admission). Tix and info: 310-374-1748 x6 or sandpipers.org. Free shuttle available!
Trinity Sample Sale
You’re invited to the Trinity Care Hospice 4-day Doncaster clothing season samples at huge discounts today and tomorrow, and Mon and Tues, Dec. 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Rolling Hills Plaza, corner of PCH and Crenshaw, Torrance. Current season samples – all sizes: petite, misses, women’s – at huge discounts. All major credit cards accepted. Beautiful clothes, handbags, accessories and jewelry! Proceeds benefit Trinity Care Hospice. 310-717-4334 or ehupp@rhgp.com for more details.
PV Yule Parade
The Neighborhood Church, 415 Paseo del Mar, PVE, offers a traditional Yule Parlor Christmas Tea, noon – 4 p.m., where home tour goers to its three wonderful and distinctive Peninsula residences can relax and listen to the music, and chat and shop for specialty gift items. Each home on the tour is unique and highlights a specific theme, open today and tomorrow, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Net proceeds benefit South Bay and Harbor Area charities. Tix: $35 days of tour, or in advance, $30. Call for tix outlets: 310-378-9353.
PV Hood’s Robin
Peninsula High Drama takes a trip through Sherwood Forest with rollicking and (somewhat) bawdy Robin Hood today and continuing through two weekends at Pen High’s Performing Arts Center auditorium. Tix are $12 at www.penhighdrama.com or at the door. Show times are 7 p.m. (tonight, and Sat., 12/4, Thurs., 12/9, Fri., 12/10, and Sat 12/11, and 2 p.m. for Sunday matinees, 12/5 and 12/12. Join the fun! 27118 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates.
Patti {pages} & more
Come see and hear wonderful Patti Hawn – author of “Good Girls Don’t,” 6 p.m. at Pages. On Dec. 7, y’all are invited to a Young At Art Christmas Party/Fundraiser from 6-9 p.m. and on Dec. 9, to hear (and see) David Levinson, author of “Everyone Helps, Everyone Wins” at 7 p.m. Details: 310-318-0900 or find our more at: info@pagesabookstore.com. 904 Manhattan Ave., MB.
Saturday, December 4
St. James Holiday Boutique
All are welcome to the 30th Holiday Boutique, today and tomorrow, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., rich with handmade crafts, quilts and afghans, jewelry, holiday decorations and more! Lunch is available for purchase. 415 Vincent St., Redondo Beach.
Tax Deductible Trees!
Xmas tree purchases are tax deductible at the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club Christmas Tree Lot at the corner of Pier and Pacific Coast Hwy., M – F from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., and S/S until 9 p.m. This lot gives a lot – to you and our community.
SEALab Desal Demo
From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the SEA Lab in Redondo Beach for a tour of the new Desalination facility and Water Education Center. Free and open to the public. 1021 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach. Details: www.westbasin.org.
Lighthouse Santa
Each year Parkers’ Lighthouse in Long Beach hosts Breakfast with Santa benefitting Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach where children and families enjoy a wonderful breakfast, then Santa Claus sails into the Parkers’ dock on his yacht at 9 a.m. and the kids get a chance to visit him and participate in a larger than life-size photo. 8 a.m. – noon. Breakfast: $6.95 kids under 12; $8.95, adults. 435 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach. Reservations: 562-432-6500. Please bring an unwrapped toy for a child, from newborn to 8 years old, for the little ones spending the holiday at Miller Children’s Hospital.
RUHS Holiday Boutique
Help support Grad Night 2011, 10 a.m. p- 4 p.m., at Redondo Union High School, 710 Diamond St. Free admission gets you first choice of great holiday sale items from a variety of vendors: handmade jewelry, vintage purses, knitted goods, the Purse Lady, Creative Memories (Bring your favorite photos on a flash drive and you will be able to create and order your holiday cards, or personalized photo gifts), Willow House, Cookie Lee, dolls, photo cards, The Gold Lady (a bring-your-old-gold-for-cash fundraiser), Stella and Dot Jewelry, Tupperware, hand made egg art, and many more fun gift ideas. 310-415-0946. Opportunity drawings will be held at the end of the day – no need to be present.
spcaLA’s PAWS to Read
This wonderful program is for independent readers who want to practice their reading skills with a friendly dog, who is willing to listen and cuddle. Free. Please sign up for your 15-minute slot (between 10-:30 a.m. – noon) the morning of the program. Space is limited. Redondo Beach Library, Storytime room. 303 N Pacific Coast Hwy.
A Civil War Christmas
Join the celebration today and tomorrow, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Drum Barracks Civil War Museum (1862). The museum highlights several new exhibitions including the restored Gatling Gun and its reproduction carriage mount, new exhibits on California’s role in the Civil War and more from 1845-1875. Union and Confederate soldiers will set up camp; the Berdan Sharpshooters will keep the peace, and blacksmith Ken Kurz will demonstrate his important Civil War craft. And don’t forget the horse-drawn trolley traveling along Banning Blvd. Admission is free! 1052 Banning Blvd., Wilmington. 310-548-7509.
Alta Vista Winter Fest
Celebrate early at Alta Vista’s Winter Festival & 45th Anniversary Celebration,
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. in front of the school, 815 Knob Hill, R.B. The event coincides with the Book Fair and grand opening of the remodeled library. Fun includes a silent auction, vendor booths, food court, bake sale, a DJ, face painting, & games. Tix for the Carnival are for sale, and books priced in Library. All ages welcome!
DAR Workshop
El Redondo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution holds a workshop for members and guests to assemble gift bags for Chemawa Indian High School in Salem, Oregon. The oldest continuously operating boarding school in the United States, and serving American Indians and Alaska Natives from around the country. 1 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2200 Via Rosa, PVE. For a list of items needed or to make other donations: 310-373-2332 or 310-540-6230.
Managing Food Allergies
Joshua Davidson, MD, an allergy and immunology specialist, discusses food allergies, including common symptoms, available testing and treatment. Food and drink will be provided, and children are welcome to attend. 10 – 11 a.m., 3400 Lomita Blvd., #301, Torrance (adjacent to Torrance Memorial Medical Center. More info: 310-534-4494 or joshua.davidson@me.com to RSVP.
Summer Studios Art Sale
Holiday Arts and Crafts sales begin today and tomorrow: paintings, ceramics and sculpture, jewelry, wood turnings photography, cards and other arts and crafts. Check it out! 2161 Lomita Blvd., Lomita. More info – and find out what it’s all artsy about! www.summerstudios.net.
Gulf Oil Spoil, oops, Spill
Go Fish at Café Boogaloo’s tonight with a great excuse to drink, watch football, socialize, and even do a little holiday shopping – with all proceeds supporting the International Bird Rescue Research Center (think Gulf oil disaster).
$10 entry deals you into the bar-wide game of Go Fish and lots of fun, meeting new people and competing for a prize! Then take break to bid in the silent auction to help the IBRRC continue its difficult and rewarding work. 3 – 8 p.m., 1238 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach.
Sunday, December 5
Dennis McNeil Concert
Enjoy this festive and uplifting concert at American Martyrs Church as Dennis McNeil and his illustrious ensemble present a Family Christmas Concert, at 7 p.m. The whole family is invited as special arrangements have been made for a visit from Santa, but only if the children sing loud enough! A reception immediately follows in the Blessed Kateri Room across from the church. Tix: $10 each or $30 per family benefit American Martyrs School. 310-322-9200.
Monday, December 6
Roundhouse: Look’n Good
Join the Roundhouse 5 – 7:30 p.m. for a Fundraiser and Trunk Show Boutique at Look! Optometry, 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., during which time 20% of all purchases will be donated to help save this icon. Sunglasses, jewelry and scarves are available; Roundhouse photos by Patrick Donahue; and pastries by Robin Schwartz plus a fun silent auction. $10 donation at the door includes two wine or soda tickets and raffle opportunity.
Grief Recovery
Claire Chew, MA, a specialist in Grief Recovery, is the guest speaker from 6 – 8 p.m., at The Wellness Community-South Bay Cities. Gain practical tips in working through grief this holiday season, learning how to receive a ‘booster’ to revive and lift your spirits in completing 2010. TWC-SBC offers a program of emotional support, education and hope for cancer patients and their loved ones at NO cost. Call 310-376-3550. 109 W Torrance Blvd., upper Pier parking, Redondo Beach. www.wellnessandcancer.org.
Voice Veggie Potluck
Join VOICE for its annual vegetarian potluck, bringing a dish to share (and your own plate and utensils). Samples from local restaurant will be provided, and all are welcome. 7 – 8:30 p.m. Joslyn Center, 1601 Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach. 310-226-2927 or www.greenervoice.org for more details.
Tuesday, December 7
Play Reading
Fun and adventure await at this monthly spontaneous and unrehearsed activity facilitated by two experienced artists in the South Bay. Short improvisation portions are interspersed between play readings every first Tues., 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Joslyn Center, 1601 Valley Drive, MB. Free, all are welcome. 310-325-3251 or 310-540-5635.
Traditional Tea
Enjoy delectable tidbits, dainty sandwiches and delicious sweets with this very traditional Christmas Tea, beginning 11:30 a.m. at St. Cross by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 1818 Monterey Blvd., Hermosa Beach. Free and open to the public, free will offerings will be taken to benefit Holy Family Adoption Services, an agency of the Episcopal Diocese of L.A. Details: www.stcross.org or 310-376-8989.
Tree, Menorah Lightings
The Redondo Christmas tree lighting ceremony takes place at the Civic Center beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by a lighting of a Hanukkiah (9-branched) Menorah at 5:30 p.m. The RUHS Jazz Band and Women’s choir plus the Alta Vista School Choir will perform. Sparky the Fire Dog is a special guest, and hot cider and cookies will be available. 415 Diamond St, Redondo Beach.
Fusion Academy Intro
Fusion Academy South Bay’s campus (location to be determined) will offer a full mixed-media art studio, a state-of-the-art music and recording studio, a Homework Café® and a social area and parents interested in learning more are invited to attend this evening’s meeting at Manhattan Beach Country Club, 1330 Park View Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. Additional parent meetings are scheduled for Jan. 18 and Feb. 15. Info: 866-311-7495 or www.FusionSouthBay.com.
Coffee Cartel Readings
Jean Holloway is featured tonight. See www.redondopoets.com for info on the poets and samples of their work, plus schedule updates. 1820 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach. 310-316-6554. Readings begin at 8:10 p.m. and are free; open mic before and after the feature.
Elder Driving
Talking with an older driver about stopping or altering driving can be a difficult and challenging conversation. Long Beach Memorial is hosting a free seminar, We Need to Talk, offering easy-to-use, practical information to help families advise their loved ones on whether it is time to limit or give up driving. Topics include warning signs, conversation openers, how to construct a caring, effective conversation about driving, selecting the right messenger, and finding other forms of transportation so your loved ones can continue to be active and remain part of the community. Call 562-933-1650 to register. 12 – 1:30 p.m., Conference Room A1, Long Beach Memorial, 2801 Atlantic Ave.
Wednesday, December 8
Roundhouse Needs Volunteers
Volunteer training at the Roundhouse Aquarium, today and tomorrow, requires both days training, 4 – 5:30 p.m., related to the animals in the aquarium and the duties and responsibilities of volunteers. Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium, end of the Manhattan Beach pier. Please call 310-379-8117, or www.roundhouseaquarium.org for more details and an application.
Beachy Keen Beauty
Beach Cities Dermatology offers the ideal time to learn about skincare, and knockout some holiday shopping with exclusive gifts, and get a jumpstart on looking great this holiday season – and after! Specials offers on injectable fillers and volumizers, peels and more. Cocktails and appetizers will be served and festivities begin at 5:30. 520 N Prospect, #302, Redondo Beach. 310-798-1515.
Dive n’ Surf Event
The 2nd annual Dive n’ Surf holiday fundraiser features legendary surf photographer Art Brewer at the Scuba Dive Team meeting, also featuring a fabulous seafood buffet dinner and raffle prizes. Marine biologist Dave Anderson, of the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, will present the aquarium’s Seafood for the Future program, a nonprofit advisory and promotional program to educate consumers and restaurants about healthy seafood choices. 7 p.m., and $20 includes the dinner, a tix to the aquarium and door prize opportunity. Cash bar. Open to the public, but limited seating! Delzano’s by the Sea, 179 N Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach. 310-374-7525 or www.delzanos.com.
Thursday, December 9
After School Crafts
Redondo Library presents an After School Craft hour for kids to make Reindeer Goodie Bags and Ornaments, 3:30-4:30 p.m., in the Main Library 2nd floor meeting room. A free program, tickets are required! 303 N Pacific Coast Hwy. Adopt-A-Family for the Holidays
Now through Dec. 15, bring joy to the families of children recently diagnosed with cancer or a serious blood disorders by participating in the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center annual Adopt-A-Family program. “Adopt” a family – donate cash, gift certificates and gifts for children and teenagers – at the Atlantic Office until Wed., Dec. 15. For more information and directions, please contact Linda Muro-Garcia, LCSW, at 562-933-8600 or lmuro-garcia@memorialcare.org. Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach, 701 E. 28th St., Suite 202, Long Beach. ER