Celebrating the beach life in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach
Previous years’ South Bay High School Surf League MVPs were recognized during the Spyder SurfFest two weeks ago on Pier Plaza. The MVPs are (left to right) Hannah Stiles Alex Abad Tommy Ostendorf Johnny Joseph Dayton Silva and John Balk, with (far right) league director John Joseph. Photo by Ed Perkins/Spyder Surf
by Kevin Barry
As I take stock of my surroundings in Manhattan and Hermosa, I am reminded of how the creative forces of my friends in business and philanthropy are such a great influence.
Carrie Cook, Chairperson of the Hermosa Valley School’s Book Fair, said it best when she remarked on the “positive way our beach community participates and is engaged in our quality of life.” Among the South Bay inspirations for Carrie’s comment are the Hearts of Hermosa fundraiser and the upcoming Manhattan Wine Auction, where dozens of restaurants contribute to the Hermosa and Manhattan education foundations; Rockefeller gastro pub’s night to benefit the Jimmy Miller Foundation; Shade Hotel’s event for the Roundhouse Aquarium; and Saint Rocke stepping up to save the Summer concerts at the beach.
We need to support these people and organizations that add quality and meaning to our neighborhood.
Hermosa Beach Mayor Howard Fishman’s recent State of the City address, in which he described a rebounding economy was also positive, and I felt that same optimism meeting with the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee. We discussed revitalization plans for the Manhattan Village and a course of action to get the Sepulveda and Rosecrans Corridor businesses more unified. And, while we’re on the subject, plan a date to have appetizers and a glass of wine at Tin Roof Bistro (request a table on the bocce-ball patio), then head over to the ArcLight Cinema for a mellow night out.
Also, keep in mind these establishments and projects that are enriching the neighborhood:
– El Gringo Hermosa’s fresh new look, featuring Brent Broza photographs and Rob Waxman paintings.
– MB Post, which just a garnered James Beard Foundation nominations for Best New Restaurant and Best Pacific Region Chef. It’ now open for weekend brunch.
-Uncorked, Easy Reader’s 2012 Best of the Beach wine shop, a proud supporter of Hermosa’s First Thursdays. They host friendly wine tastings.
– Sangria Restaurant, which is being renovated from the sand up and will soon reopen this week as American Junkie, with a new cutting-edge concept;
– Abigaile, a distinctive brasserie/brewery in the former Union Cattle Co. space;
– Manhattan Country Club’s exciting KAA Design renovation, which is nearing completion.
– Bank of Manhattan’s new eco-friendly branch by Starr Design across from the Manhattan Beach city hall.
We also have so much to be thankful for as the fabric of our lives is woven by such great innovative “collaborations of inspiration” as:
– Redondo Beach-based Body Glove’s partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau to develop a new line of wetsuits and action lifestyle products. A percentage of sales will go toward protecting our planet’s underwater ecosystems through the work of Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society.
– Pages Bookstore, in Manhattan Beach, which just celebrated its second anniversary and recently hosted a special night with Louis Zamperini, the legendary subject of the New York Times bestseller, Unbroken. He told amazing stories and cracked jokes. We sang happy birthday as the 95 year-old blew out the candles on his cake. Put down your iPad and learn about Pages’ book clubs, kid’s story time and author events!
Events like the Spyder SurfFest bring commerce to our area and keep alive beach traditions, making us feel connected. The Hermosa Beach Surfers Walk of Fame inductions honors our community’s roots, and it’s fun to see my Junior Lifeguard students proudly wearing their blue sweatshirts. Embracing those roots was important in the decision to continue the International Surf Festival 6-Man Volleyball Tournament’s 50-year tradition, as was the inclusion of the historic Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race as an official Manhattan Beach Centennial event. The race connects with a time when life was simple and paddleboards were made out of wood.
And, nothing illustrates the excitement generated by new coalitions more than the South Bay Boardriders Club (SBBC) “dedicated to celebrating the rich history of the South Bay surfing culture introducing families, youth, and our community to all aspects of ocean activities, and being guardians of our local shoreline.” The SBBC founders have created a vibrant, all-ages alliance. As I’ve been competing in their winter surf contests, I’m grateful to this Club for getting my shoulders ready for the upcoming summer. This will be my 32nd year as an LA County Lifeguard.
The SBBC has also been a great supporter of the Dig 4 Jimmy: Surf ‘n’ Turf Invitational. This annual event at the Manhattan Pier is the only combined surf contest and volleyball tournament in the world. It will be held May 6. So take off your shoes, BYOBC (Bring Your Own Beach Chair), listen to some great Polynesian music, see some wonderful Hula dancers, taste the salt air and bring your friends and family along to spend this special day at the beach!
Kevin Barry is the outgoing President of the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association. He was recognized in 2011 as California State Assembly’s 53rd District Small Business Person of the Year and is co-owner of Sangria (American Junkie) Restaurant, and MCafe at South Bay BMW, and an investor in MB Post. He is also the event director of the Surf ‘n’ Turf Invitational.