Hermosa Beach News Briefs, Nov. 30, 2011
Tree lighting
The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at the foot of the Hermosa pier. A city fire truck will serve as the sleigh for Santa who, along with Mrs. Claus, will be available for photos and field holiday requests from kids.
The event will feature holiday carolers from Mira Costa High School, a ukulele band from Hermosa View School and hot cocoa for sale from the Hermosa Beach Woman’s Club. Also scheduled to perform are singers from Puttin On Production’s “White Christmas,” the Irving Berlin musical, which is set to open Dec. 9 at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse.
Also on Dec. 1, more than 25 downtown area businesses will hold open houses as part of the monthly First Thursdays, which will coincide with the tree lighting festivities. Tree lighting attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the holiday tree, for donation to charities supported by the 19thAnnual Beach Cities Toy Drive.
Shred for schools
Competitive skateboarder Sebastian “Seabass” Kuhr, 10, will launch a take to his snowboard for a “Shred for the Schools” fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 10 at Snow Fest, in which Spyder Surf uses tons of snow to turn hilly Pier Avenue into a winter wonderland.
Kuhr also holds an annual “Skate for the Schools” event to raise money for Hermosa’s cash-strapped public schools, which raised more than $4,000 last time.
He will shred beginning noon at Snow Fest, hosted by his sponsors Spyder, Volcom and Electric. Donations can be made to the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation through his mom, Samantha, who can be reached at sam.kuhr@verizon.net or 310-600-0649. Donors enter a drawing with a 2012 Volcom snowboard and 2012 Electric goggles as grand prize.
Kiwanis Claus
The Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club Christmas tree lot is open for business at Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway for the 24th straight year. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 to 9 weekends.
Visitors can choose from more than 2,000 premium Noble and Douglas firs, fragrant rosemary and healthy live trees, colorful wreaths, garlands and door swags as Christmas carols and friendly Kiwanians add to the holiday spirit.
All proceeds support community causes such as PS I Love You, Children’s Miracle Network, Relay for Life, Project Touch, Easter Seals, city schools, Beach Cities Toy Drive, pediatric trauma and scholarships for kids.
All trees can be fireproofed and delivered. Master and Visa cards are accepted, and purchases are tax-deductible. For more call 310-466-0960.