Author: Igor Nastaskin
Redondo Beach Neighborhood Amenities to Look into Before Purchasing a Home
If you’re seeking a new home in Redondo Beach, research is key when it comes to making the right choice. After all, what’s around it can sometimes matter just as much as what’s in it. That means you’ll want to assess your and your family’s needs to determine what matters to you the most. With that in mind, here are just some of the neighborhood amenities you should look into before buying a home in this world-class coastal resort city. Schools If you have children, schools should be at the top of your list. Even if you’re planning on having kids in the future, having good schools in your neighborhood will make things easier down the road. You won’t have to deal with your kids taking long bus rides or a shuffling of schedules to try to drop them off at the right time. So, before buying, you should know what schools are in the area and what their boundaries are. In Redondo Beach, many preschool-age children get their start at one of two Beach Cities Child Development Centers found at 850 Inglewood and 514 N. Prospect avenues. There, the philosophy and curriculum are geared toward encouraging and empowering children to learn and succeed in a positive, caring and nurturing environment, and building the foundation for a strong educational future. Both preschools are situated in recently remodeled facilities boasting age-appropriate classrooms and playgrounds surrounded by trees and grassy areas that provide students with abundant opportunities for outdoor play and adventure time. Both follow the same curriculum and guidelines, offering a developmental program designed to foster the physical, cognitive, social, emotional and cultural development of each child. With a belief that children learn through hands-on activities, the environment is designed to allow free movement, choices, and exploration according to all interests and abilities, and includes music and yoga. Members of the teaching staff are experienced educators of young children, and all have at least an equivalent of an associate’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Teachers are required to attend in-service training, workshops, and conferences throughout the year, and each staff member also is certified in CPR and First Aid. The top-rated Redondo Beach Unified School District (RBUSD) is the next stop for many students. It consists of eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, one continuation school, and one adult school. The District’s instructional program includes language arts, mathematics, social science, science, physical education, and visual/performing arts. World languages are taught in middle and high school, and an optional dual-language program in Spanish/English also is offered to begin in kindergarten. Each school has received one of the following recognitions: California Distinguished School, California Gold Ribbon School, California Green Ribbon School, California Model Continuation High, and National Blue-Ribbon School. Conveniences Malls and retail establishments within a five-mile radius can also make a difference, so you should look into these things before making an offer. If you ever need anything, that means you won’t have to run across town. Some of the places you might want to be near include: South Bay Galleria, a three-level shopping, dining and entertainment destination boasting more than 140 retailers. Found at 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., just off the 405 Freeway, South Bay Galleria also offers various community activities, including Kids Club events on the first Tuesday of each month, along with a Farmers Market every Thursday (through Dec. 26) from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the corner of Artesia and Hawthorne boulevards. Riviera Village, nestled along the Pacific Ocean at 1799 S Catalina Ave., just 20 miles southwest of L.A. and minutes from LAX. One of the South Bay’s best-kept secrets, Riviera Village is a charming pedestrian-friendly district offering more than 300 one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, galleries, salons, and services. Riviera Village also is known for its many activities, including the free Riviera Village Summer Festival each June with more than 300 exhibitors, arts and crafts, a beer and wine garden with live entertainment, an international food court and carnival rides for the kids; First Fridays, when participating merchants and art galleries stay until 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month and offer live music, dining specials and sales; and a Farmers Market (each Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the triangle parking lot at 1801 S Elena Ave.) The Redondo Beach Pier, with more than 50 oceanfront dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities. The Redondo Beach Pier is situated at 100 Fisherman’s Wharf—at the end of Torrance Boulevard, west of Pacific Coast Highway—and is a great place to take in some panoramic and coastline ocean views while on a leisurely stroll, enjoy a variety of water activities, hear some live music, and pick up unusual gifts and souvenirs. Among the Pier’s annual events is the Summer of Music, the biggest free summer concert series in the South Bay, featuring live performances by nationally touring artists. Scheduled this year for July 4 through Aug. 31, concerts are held at the west end of the Pier and on the Boardwalk. Coming up: tributes to the Police (July 27), Beatles (Aug. 8) and Eagle’s (Aug. 31). Public Parks Love the outdoors and exercising? Make sure there are public trails or parks close by. It can motivate you and your family to stay active. Some of the most popular parks in Redondo Beach where you can partake in almost every summertime activity imaginable include: El Retiro Park, a 4.78-acre park known as “the retreat” found at 126 Vista del Parque that was acquired in parcels from 1945 to 1950 and formerly used as a tree nursery. It features two recreation buildings, as well as a duo of lighted tennis courts, children’s play equipment, a rotunda, picnic area with barbecues, a small softball field, a basketball court, and two parking lots with a total of 60 parking spaces. An added bonus? The El Retiro Branch Library can be found adjacent to the park and is open daily from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Hopkins Wilderness Park, an 11-acre facility at 1102 Camino real that serves as a great place for families to camp on the weekends. Among the highlights is a garden featuring drought-tolerant plants to educate the community about native plants and California friendly demonstration gardens, along with numerous hiking trails offering several different views of the surrounding areas. This is a great place to explore with kids. Just be sure to bring quarters to buy food to feed the turtles and fish. Veterans Park, a 6.4-acre green space at 309 Esplanade. Not only will you find some beautiful ocean views here, but there’s also a children’s play structure, plenty of grass and trees, and a memorial to Redondo Beach’s veterans. Be sure to bring a kite to take advantage of great kite-flying conditions here. In addition, each Thursday, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Veterans Park hosts the Redondo Beach Certified Farmers’ Market. Other things to consider Do you or your family like to partake in activities such as team sports? You’ll want to find out if the community has leagues you or your kids can join and whether games take place close to your new home. If your kids are into competitive dance, find out where the closest studio is. These things will matter, especially when they become regular activities. Entertainment also is important to consider, with local restaurants, theaters, and bowling alleys providing an abundance of things to do. Find out what is offered near the home you’re looking into buying, get the lowdown on these entertainment aspects, and then decide if it’s right for you and your family.
Riviera Business Owner Says “I Do” to Bridal Store
Louise de Castro never dreamed she would one day be in the bridal gown business. But fate had plans for her, and as the owner of Bridal Elegance, she’s thrilled she could marry her business acumen with an industry entrenched in love and happiness. Louise’s path to the bridal business began five years ago when she became a full-time caregiver for her elderly parents, who were both critically ill. She quit her job in human resources to devote her time to tending to the needs of her parents, who moved in with her family. Always close to her parents, Louise was grateful she could care for them in their time of need. But she also experienced the toll that comes with full-time caregiving and realized she needed more balance in life. She just wasn’t sure how to make that happen. At about that time, her daughter’s friend mentioned how fun and uplifting it was working in a local bridal boutique. Soon after, Louise found herself working every Saturday at the same shop while skilled caregivers cared for her parents. “Bridal stores tend to be very happy places, filled with excitement and smiles, and it was the perfect fit for me,” said Louise. So when the shop’s owner retired two years ago, it was an easy decision for Louise to purchase the business and voila, Bridal Elegance was born. Bridal Elegance specializes in modern, vintage, princess and bohemian bridal gowns, as well as plus-size wedding attire, bridesmaid dresses and accessories. “We give clients a real say ‘yes to the dress’ experience, with one-on-one consults with stylists, lots of gowns to choose from, large dressing rooms and comfortable sitting areas for friends and family” said Louise. “We really focus on catering to the bride’s needs.” With December the most popular month for engagements, Bridal Elegance is especially busy right now with brides-to-be searching for the perfect dress. Louise suggests brides order their dress about eight months before the wedding to allow time for it to arrive and for alterations. Most brides these days are leaning toward bridal dresses with clean lines and a simple design. And where do today’s brides meet their fiancé? “I’d say at least fifty percent of my clients meet their significant other on an online dating site,” said Louise, a mother of four who has raised her family in the Riviera since 1994. “It seems that meeting through Bumble and Hinge is slowly replacing traditional ways of finding that special someone. But no matter how they meet, brides are always excited to find the perfect gown, and I’m grateful I get to play a role in that.” Bridal Elegance is located at 2851 Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance. You can reach them at 310-406-3917, or visit them online at www.bridalelegancestudio.com
6 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Vacation Home in Redondo Beach
From beachfront homes and condos, to properties within walking distance to the beach, restaurants, shops and entertainment, buying a vacation home in Redondo Beach can be the ultimate dream for those who want to experience seaside living first-hand. While vacation homes can be a worthy investment, however, some people often seek to purchase of a second home without fully considering the financial and time commitments involved. To know if you’re truly ready to buy a vacation home, answer these six key questions first to see how prepared you are to take the plunge.
10 Fun Valentine’s Day Ideas
Wracking your brain about what to get your significant other for Valentine’s Day this year? In an effort to help, we culled through some of our previous blog write-ups and also hit the Internet to find some suggestions and came up with these 10 fun gift and date options in Redondo Beach—just in time for the most romantic day of the year.
Financial New Year’s Resolutions? Riviera Local Can Help You Keep Them
Did you make New Year’s resolutions for 2020? If so, you’re not alone. Most Americans make at least one resolution for the new year, whether it be to lose weight, exercise more or learn a new skill. Among the most popular resolutions is to manage money better, and that’s where a certified financial planner like Riviera resident Kim Bright comes in. Financial planners help their clients develop a plan to reach their monetary goals, including buying a home, tax planning, paying off debt and saving for retirement. For Kim, a good place to start with most clients is to focus on the acronym RETIRE – R – Risk management E – Essentials of cash flow management T – Tax strategy I – Investment management R – Retirement planning E – Estate planning “I take a holistic view of a client’s financial life and together we figure out how to best achieve their goals,” says Kim, who specializes in working with women in transition. “Many of my clients are women who are going through major life events such as marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, receiving an inheritance, buying or selling a family business, adopting or having a baby, or planning for a child’s education,” she says. Kim also works with individuals and couples on financial planning concerns including retirement planning, tax strategy, and investment management. With a career in financial services for 35 years as well as a CPA, Kim founded Bright Financial Planning in 2012 so that she could help clients achieve financial peace of mind. Kim is a licensed Certified Financial Planner ™ (CFP®). The CFP® certification is recognized as the highest standard in personal financial planning with a fiduciary responsibility to conduct business solely in the best interest of clients. “A goal without a plan is just a dream,” she says. “I help clients develop that plan and put it in motion.” Kim raised her three children in the Riviera, and in her free time enjoys biking, hiking and visiting with friends in our special community. For a complimentary 30 minute consultation on achieving your financial goals, you can reach Kim at 310-257-0751, [email protected], or check out her web page at www.brightfinancialplanning.com.
Quite the Catch: Riviera Siblings Launch Fresh Seafood Business
Growing up in the Ito’s Hollywood Riviera household, it’s no surprise that Matt, Blake, Claire, and Mica were hooked on seafood from an early age. Fresh yellowfin tuna. Succulent red snapper. Delicate opah. Family dinners were a smorgasbord of sushi, sashimi, and grilled fish thanks to dad Rex Ito, whose Prime Time Seafood business sells fresh fish to food servicers and restaurant chains nationwide. The Ito kids, now in their twenties, dipped their toes into the seafood business during their years at South High by selling their father’s fresh fish to neighbors in the Hollywood Riviera. Their after-school business was a huge hit and whet their appetite to follow in their father’s footsteps. So it’s no surprise that earlier this year, the Ito siblings took their fishmonger heritage a step farther by launching their own business, the Riviera Seafood Club, which ships fresh fish directly to homes in California. “We’re like the farm-to-table movement, but for us, it’s the ocean to table,” said Matt Ito, the oldest of the four Ito siblings. “Our seafood goes from the fisherman to our warehouse, to fed ex arrival at your door, so it’s extremely fresh and flavorful. It doesn’t sit around at a distribution facility or grocery store before it’s on your dinner plate.” Riviera Seafood Club sells only sustainable, responsibly sourced seafood. Current offerings include Pacific red snapper (whole and filets), premium sashimi-grade tuna, Bluefin tuna (toro), select searing grade tuna, kampachi (amberjack) filets, wild-caught shrimp and arctic char. Ordering the seafood is as easy as going to You can also reach them via email at [email protected]. Check out their website for handy how-to videos, such as step-by-step instructions on how to cook seared ahi. Ready to try delicious fresh fish delivered right to your door? Go to www.rivieraseafood.com and get $15 off your first order (new customers only) with this code: IgorSaidSo15.
10 Fun Facts About Redondo Beach
Oahu native George Freeth (1883-1919) introduced surfing to the modern world in Redondo Beach in 1907. While vacationing in Hawaii, industrialist Henry Huntington spotted Freeth surfing and persuaded him to come to Redondo Beach to give daily exhibitions of “the man who walked on water.” Freeth would mount his 8-foot long, solid wood, 200-pound surfboard and wait for a suitable wave, catch it and ride onto Redondo Beach while standing upright.
Happy Birthday to Three Riviera Centenarians!
Life was a lot different 100 years ago. Just ask best buddies Maxine Dineen and Juanita Truman, who turned 100 three days apart from each other in August. Or Sally Silver (my wife’s aunt), who turned 101 in September. All three of these beautiful centenarians are long-time Hollywood Riviera residents who wouldn’t want to grow old anywhere else. Maxine and Juanita’s 30-year friendship began over their mutual love of walking the streets of the Riviera. Both live in the lower Riviera and meeting up several mornings a week for a stroll became a routine they looked forward to and continued until they were 98. Maxine and Juanita discovered they had a lot in common, starting with the fact that both grew up on farms in the Midwest, were one of 11 children in their families, and are baseball fans (Maxine for the Dodgers, Juanita the St. Louis Cardinals). Maxine’s love of walking started at age six when she walked three miles round-trip daily to school. She fondly remembers when her father brought home a car in the 1920s, making them the first family in Jackson, Nebraska to own one. Maxine left home at 16 and moved to Sioux City, Iowa where she attended secretarial school and met her future husband, Dick Dineen. In the 1960s, Dick, then a Colonel, worked as a director on the Gemini Rocket Program and Maxine stood by his side as they met America’s first generation of astronauts, including John Glenn, Wally Schirra, and Gus Grissom. Maxine has always enjoyed life and has a natural ability to derive joy from moments large and small. She drove until the age of 98 and never received a ticket. Maxine cherishes being with her five children and 13 grandchildren, and loves playing online bridge, texting family on her iPhone, and watching Notre Dame games. And she still walks regularly, even carrying her walker up the three stairs to her front door. Like Maxine, Juanita relied on her legs to get her to school, walking three miles each way to her school in Missouri. Juanita enjoyed walking so much she commuted to work for nearly 30 years by strolling from her Riviera home to her son-in-law’s office in the Village. Once there, she oversaw administrative duties and loved her job so much she didn’t retire until the age of 90. Juanita has always had a zest for life and a love of being with others, especially family. At an early age, she was influenced by an older brother who was one of the first retailers of a popular brand of vitamins in the 1930s. Juanita has taken vitamins ever since, doesn’t drink, and has always kept her mind busy with work, reading, crossword puzzles, and other activities. Though she’s a big vegetable lover, Juanita still enjoys meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a thick chocolate malt, especially when she can share them with her daughter, Donna, her two grandchildren, and her four great-grandchildren, who call her GiGi (short for great-grandma). Though Sally didn’t go for walks like Maxine and Juanita, she got her exercise running from furniture marts to carpet stores to art studios as an interior decorator, first in New York City and later in Los Angeles. Sally was born in 1918 in a small village in Poland and immigrated through Ellis Island to New York when she was five years old to flee the pogroms targeting Jews. She helped in her family’s kosher butcher shop on Coney Island until she started her interior design career, a job she loved so much she continued to fly to clients’ homes throughout the country until she was almost 90. Sally loved traveling the world, playing tennis and golf, and entertaining friends and family at her home. Her positive outlook on life and its events have served her well in her 101 years, imbuing her with a great sense of humor and a quick wit she still exhibits. Hats off to these three lovely Riviera ladies, who are inspirational examples of growing old with grace and dignity. Are you or someone you know who lives in the Riviera celebrating 100 years or more soon? Let me know so I can share the good news with our community in this newsletter. Call or text me at 310-892-6016 or email me at [email protected].