South Bay Community Calendar 1-9-2020

Downtown Hermosa Beach Business Improvement (BID) funds could be used to restore events canceled during COVID, such as the New Year's Even celebration on Pier Plaza. Photo by Kevin Cody

Two New Year’s Eve countdowns were celebrated on Pier Plaza. The first beach ball dropped at midnight, east coast time (9 p.m., above) and the second at midnight west coast time. Photo

Thursday, January 9

RBPD blood drive

The American Red Cross currently has a critical need for blood donors of all blood types – especially type O. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of type O blood. Give blood today, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Redondo Beach Police Department, 401 Diamond St., Redondo Beach. Donors are urged to make an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor app. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

HBPD blood drive

Donate your life saving plasma at the Hermosa Beach Police Blood Drive. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hermosa Beach City Hall, Council Chambers, 1315 Valley Dr., Hermosa Beach. To sign up visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code:  BADGESOCAL. 

Thursday films

The Palos Verdes Library District presents January Films. Free. A variety of films every second Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. & 6 p.m. Palos Verdes Library District, 701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills Estates. 

Take a hike

Not for beginners. 5-8 miles in 2 hours with many hills through various areas on the Peninsula. Multiple speed groups. Start in the slowest group and work your way up. Come early so that everyone can sign the Waiver by 6:30 p.m. Meet in the Peninsula Center (Hawthorne & Silver Spur) parking lot near Hamburger Habit (enter from Silver Spur at Silver Arrow). Rain cancels. For questions and information contact William Lavoie at mrmnply@aol.com, (310) 378-8723 or Brooks Chadwick at xcskiers@earthlink.net, (310) 544-0600.

Friday, January 10

Therapeutic Metabolic Nutrition

Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach (CSCRB) hosts Jeanne Peters RD, Nutrition Director of the Nourishing Wellness Medical Center. Participants will learn how high quality, nutrient dense, low carb and even keto type diets can help prevent and manage the cancer process. Food and supplement strategies plus doable lifestyle modification for healthy sleep will also be discussed. 1 – 2:30 p.m. 109 West Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach. A healthy lunch will be provided by “The Spot” in Hermosa Beach from 12:30 – 1 p.m. Advance registration required. Call (310) 376-3550 or visit cancersupportredondobeach.org.

Saturday, January 11

World wide web

Learn about your online privacy and about how the internet works. Topics include your digital footprint, your right to online privacy, why and how companies share your information, social media and privacy settings.  Free, open to the public. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Redondo Beach Main Library, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach. Free underground parking at the Library. For more information on programs and services at  Redondo Beach Public Library call (310) 318-0675, option 5, or visit redondo.org/library. 

Tax planning at Torrance Memorial

Torrance Memorial presents Taking Care of Your Financial Health, a free interactive seminar presented by Torrance Memorial’s Professional Advisory Council (PAC). Hear from two CPAs and learn tips for wrapping up your 2019 tax return and how to plan for 2020 and beyond. Continental breakfast will be provided. 9 – 11 a.m.  Torrance Memorial, 3315 Medical Center Dr., Torrance. For registration info call (310) 517-4728 or visit torrancememorial.org/Events/Event_Details.aspx?Event=67.

MCHS vs April’s Fools

Improve challenge

April’s Fools Comedy Improv Troupe presents “3rd Annual Comedy Match,” Directed by Rick Ramirez and Doris Usui. April’s Fools and Mira Costa High School Improv Students go head-to-head in an improv challenge. $10. 7:30 p.m. Pier Avenue Second Story Theater at the  Community Center, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. For tickets call (310) 318-1705 or buy online at AprilsFoolsImprov.com.

Kids Coder Dojo Workshop

Bring a laptop/Chromebook with WiFi capability and a parent. For grades K-8.  Registration required. 3 – 4:30 p.m. North Branch Library Meeting Room, 2000 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach. To register visit: zen.coderdojo.com. The Redondo Beach Public Library is now on facebook. Follow at facebook.com/RedondoBeachLibrary. 

Tidepool walk

Visit the newly landscaped trails lined with drought tolerant plants and interpretive signage.  Explore the tide pools and pillow lava formations. Moderate walk. 3 p.m. Park in lot at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, 5970 Palos Verdes Dr. South, Rancho Palos Verdes. Sign up at pvplc.org.  

Peninsula Library concert

In January and February, the  Palos Verdes Library District will present a concert series featuring musical talent from Southern California. Today, Andre Giraldo plays classical guitar featuring compositions from around the world. All concerts will be held on Saturdays at 1 p.m. Peninsula Center Library Community Room, 701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills Estates. For more information contact Tim Parker at tparker@pvld.org or by phone (310) 377-9584, ext. 218.

Sunday, January 12

MB Community Church blood drive

The Manhattan Beach Community Church hosts a Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 303 S Peck Ave., Manhattan Beach. Donors are urged to make an appointment to give now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

DREAM 2020: Persevere!  

A free, interfaith event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King features a panel discussion with Derik Smith, Associate Professor of African-American Literature and Culture at Claremont McKenna College; Rev. Dr. Eric Law, founder and Executive Director, Kaleidoscope Institute; and Rabbi Leah Lewis, Temple Menorah, Redondo Beach. The Echoes of Praise dancers will perform. Sponsored by the South Coast Interfaith Council, South Bay Baha’is and the Center for Spiritual Living. 2 – 4 p.m. Redondo Beach Center for Spiritual Living, 907 Knob Hill Ave., Redondo Beach.   

Wild & Scenic film festival

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival will have two showings, with 15 movies in 2 Hours. Raffle with outdoor gear from Patagonia and REI, photo booth and Handcrafted Brouwerij West Beer. 4 p.m. Warner Grand Theatre, West 6th Street, San Pedro. Tickets online $15 or $20 at the door. For tickets and info visit pvplc.org.

Spiny succulents at the Botanic Garden

Nurseryman and author Jeff Moore explores some of the truly extraordinary succulents in cultivation: cacti, euphorbias, fouquieres, alluaudias, and a host of other dry-climate and often spiny architectural wonders. 1 p.m. South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. For more information visit southcoastcss.org.

Mammals & reptiles

Learn about the mammals and reptiles that live in nature preserves of the Peninsula. Take part in games and hands-on learning experiences designed to teach you to identify the tracks and scat of coyotes, raccoons, rabbits, snakes, and skunks. Then, take your new sleuthing skills out on the trails, to find out what kinds of wildlife are nearby. Free for all ages. Stroller friendly. Leashed dogs welcome. 10:30 a.m. George F Canyon Nature Preserve, 27305 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills Estates. RSVP at pvplc.org, Events & Activities. 

Monday, January 13

Se habla espanol? 

Spanish Language practice for adults and teens. Improve your Spanish language skills through conversational practice under the guidance of Spanish-speaking facilitator Nichols Brown. Participants should already know some Spanish. Free. 6:15 – 7:45 p.m. North Branch Library meeting room, 2000 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach. For updated information visit redondo.org/library. 

Botanic garden bugs

Through Sunday, March 29

Bugs are nature’s ecosystem superheroes. Find out how by picking the Bug Life you want to explore in the Garden. From butterflies to spiders, ants and more. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes. Free entrance with membership or general garden admission. For information and tickets visit southcoastbotanicgarden.org.

Wednesday, January 15

Torrance Memorial teaches

mindful healthy life

As you think about health goals for 2020, learn to incorporate mindfulness for a healthy diet and navigating internal and external cues. Learn techniques for meditation and mindfulness for your emotional health. 7 – 9 p.m. No reservations required. Free. Hoffman Health Conference Center at Torrance Memorial, 3315 Medical Center Dr., Torrance. Call (310) 517-4711 for more information. 

Crystal Alchemy,

Singing Bowls

Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach (CSCRB) hosts Teresina Mosco, certified Qi Gong and Crystal Bowl instructor. Mosco will introduce Shi Bashi —18 healing movements of flowing Qi Gong. Flowing Qi Gong combines movement, visualization, meditation and breath regulation to enhance the flow of vital energy. Shi Bashi releases blockages and teaches the gentle art of “letting go” of the old and making space for the new. The program will conclude with the healing sounds of Crystal Alchemy Singing Bowls. 12 – 1:30 p.m. 109 West Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach. Call 310-376-3550 or visit cancersupportredondobeach.org. 

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