Author: Igor Nastaskin
The Story Behind Betty’s Bench, a Lower-Riviera Landmark
For those who live in the lower part of the Hollywood Riviera – or anyone driving to El Retiro Park and Library — a familiar sight is the long wooden bench at the corner of Via La Circula and Camino Del Campo. A decorative plaque on the bench reads: “Betty’s Bench, In Loving Memory, 1920-1998.” But who was Betty? And who made this beautiful bench for her? The answer goes back decades to the great love between Don and Betty Marousek. Married in 1944, the Marousek’s were spellbound by the Hollywood Riviera and happily settled into a charming home on Camino Del Campo in 1959. It was there that they raised three children who attended our local schools. Betty was a principal at nearby Riviera Hall Lutheran School on Palos Verdes Boulevard, and Don, a former Colonel and pilot with the Marine Corps, worked in machine tool sales. In his spare time, Don liked to do woodworking, a hobby for which he had a special talent. Betty noticed that children gathered school mornings at the corner of Via La Circula and Camino Del Campo to wait for the bus to Riviera Elementary. With nothing to sit on, they would rest on the ground while waiting for their ride. It wasn’t comfortable, and it certainly wasn’t conducive to keeping their clothes clean. So Betty suggested that Don build the students a bench, and around 1989, it was lovingly installed on their corner. Riviera school children delighted in gathering at the bench where they could sit and chat while waiting for the bus. When Betty died in 1998, a heart-broken Don went to work making the beautiful plaque that adorns the bench today, a touching memorial to her life and love of children. Recently, lower Riviera residents Jim Ellingson, a retired Torrance firefighter, paramedic, and hazardous materials specialist, and John Wisser, a retired sergeant with the Redondo Beach police department, noticed the bench was in bad shape, eaten away by termites and battered by the sun. After getting permission from the home’s current owners, they got to work restoring the bench to its former splendor. Jim comes from a family of carpenters and does woodworking as a hobby, so with the assistance of John, he expertly sanded, cut and replaced the worn-down seat boards and back support. He repainted the bench the exact same color as the original and meticulously restored the plaque Don had created for Betty, down to painting the green leaves that frame the inscription. Thanks to Jim and John’s hard work and care, the bench is now good as new. Though a school bus no longer takes local children up to Riviera School, Betty’s Bench still gets regular use by elderly walkers who need to catch their breath, mothers taking a break as they push heavy strollers to El Retiro Park, and couples on an evening stroll to the Village. Over the years, Betty’s Bench has witnessed seasons come and go, children grow, neighbors move away, and people pass on. But it stands as a touching reminder that the sense of belonging a neighborhood brings endures the test of time. Do you know a Riviera resident with a story to share? Please give me a call at 310-892-6016 or e-mail: [email protected]
Popular Beaches Near Hollywood Riviera
Summer is here, and that means just one thing: It’s time to hit the one of the many popular beaches along the Hollywood Riviera shoreline! Whether you’re into carving a wave or simply sunbathing on the sand, here are some beaches where you can enjoy all that summer has to offer! Redondo County Beach This beach extends 1.5 miles south from the pier and connects with Torrance City Beach. It not only attracts those seeking to enjoy sunbathing, boogie boarding, and some of the best surfing around for both beginners and experts alike (in fact, plaques near the pier stake its claim as the birthplace of the sport in California), but also all of the nearby waterfront attractions. There’s the Redondo Beach Pier, open 24 hours a day with a variety of shops, restaurants, bars with live music and a roster of fun events, as well as the International Boardwalk, which leads from the northern terminus of the pier around Redondo Beach Marina and offers shops and venues. King Harbor is subdivided into four marinas: King Harbor Marina, Port Royal Marina, Portofino Hotel & Marina, and Redondo Beach Marina (where you can take a romantic Gondola Amore cruise through the harbor; take a ride on the 70-foot Ocean Racer speedboat; and check out a glass bottom boat). Along the shore of King Harbor, near the Sportfishing Pier, the popular Seaside Lagoon is a protected saltwater lagoon for swimming, sunbathing and volleyball. Children’s play equipment is available there, along with a snack bar and a grassy area. Visitors to Redondo Beach Pier, King Harbor and the beach area have a choice of parking lots. The most convenient are the two pier and plaza parking structures. Several other nearby city parking lots are available, along with some street parking. Paying at an automatic Pay Station? Use your credit card and submit your cell phone number. When time is about to expire, you’ll receive a text alert and can extend your time by replying to the text. South Redondo Beach Situated between Avenue A and Miramar Park, this stretch of white sandy beach has plentiful volleyball courts. Yet other activities popular here include surfing, biking, skating, walking, running, swimming, windsurfing and beach walking. At the rear of the beach is the paved Marvin Braude Bike Path, which starts at Torrance and continues all the way to Santa Monica. Parking for South Redondo Beach can be found along Esplanade and on the lettered side streets of Avenue A through I. Concrete ramps and stairs lead down the bluff from the sidewalk on Esplanade to the beach. Nearby is the best kept secret in South Redondo-Riviera Village, with many shops and restaurants. Torrance Beach This beach is a southern continuation of Redondo Beach, extending 1.5 miles before reaching Malaga Cove at the base of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It’s simply a nice place to spend the day, whether its surfing, sunbathing, playing in the waves or strolling along the shore. Hint: The best waves are usually found at the southern end where the beach break usually goes right. A storm drain empties into the ocean at Torrance Beach, creating a sandbar that produces great waves. The location is known as Burn Out, picking up its name from the Hollywood Riviera Beach Club building that burned there in 1959. Waves are best when there is an offshore wind from the east. The Surfside Grill concession stand is located right on the beach at the southern end of the bike trail and close to the Lifeguard Headquarters. Wooden tables are set around the small family-run restaurant, which serves up hot dogs, cheeseburgers, fries, corn dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches and breakfast burritos. The grill is open daily during the summer from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Parking lots are on a bluff overlooking the beach along Paseo de la Playa, with numerous ramps leading down the bluff to the beach. Miramar Park This 1.6-acre park found next to the Torrance Beach parking lots offers restrooms on the beach, a scenic view of the ocean, paths and grass. A Fido Fountain, a low water fountain designed especially for dogs, is located in the middle of the park, along with a drinking fountain for people. There is a metered parking lot and parking available along the street. Hours are 6 a.m.-10 p.m. RAT Beach The beach immediately south of Torrance Beach is known as RAT Beach (Right After Torrance). Although here is no direct access to the beach, most visitors walk along the sand from Torrance Beach. Kelp tends to gather in the cove at RAT Beach, often washing up on the shore, which makes the area popular with divers and spear fishers who find an abundance of marine life in the kelp forest. The beach also is favored by intermediate and advanced kite- and wind-surfers. What’s your favorite beach in Hollywood Riviera?
Riviera Village: A South Bay Best-Kept Secret
Whether you’re visiting Redondo Beach or are a South Bay local, a definite must on your list of things to see and do should be the Riviera Village, a charming pedestrian-friendly district offering more than 300 one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, galleries, salons and services—all in a prime coastal locale, just two blocks from the ocean. This one-stop destination is a great place to spend a day shopping for a unique collection of clothing and gifts, dining at a wealth of eateries, pampering yourself at a salon or spa, taking part in a variety of fun activities and much more. Here are some of what you can expect to find at Riviera Village. Shopping at Riviera Village There’s something for everyone at Riviera Village. Think art, flowers, fashion boutiques, home décor and more. Several galleries call the Village home, including Moon Dancer (known for its eclectic mix of Native American jewelry and artifacts), Sacred Stone (with an epic collection of crystals) and Dion (specializing in the area’s local native beach/surf culture), while other interesting finds include Finley’s (a great place to pick up pre-owned watches from Cartier, Rolex, Omega and other brands); The Urban Clothes Horse (for stylish men’s and women’s clothing, as well as cowboy boots); and The Catalina Cooking Store (with everything a home chef could want or need, from cookware by Le Creuset and handmade hardwood cutting boards to cookbooks from around the world and a selection of gourmet foods). There’s also Always Fabulous (a designer women’s consignment boutique specializing in handbags, shoes, clothing, jewelry, and accessories); The Aloha Bungalow (featuring surf-inspired art by Santa Ana artist and surfer Joe Vickers); Lollipop, A Children’s Boutique (with a collection of baby, toddler, and kids apparel, accessories, baby gifts, wood toys, books, swaddles, blankets, and plush toys); and much more. Dining From French to Italian, there’s a restaurant at the Village that’s sure to please all tastes. Among the most popular go-to establishments: 1892 Bistro (opened as a landmark to the year Redondo Beach was established and featuring European American cuisine, including the must-try vegan “Impossible Burger,” and house-made desserts like fresh blueberry bread pudding and delicious churros); The Rockefeller (which, in addition to great food, prides itself on serving independent American craft beer); and Gabi James (where South Bay native and chef extraordinaire Chris Feldmeier serves up a tasty menu of Spanish and coastal French-style cuisine). Looking for a great Happy Hour? Be sure to visit Hennessey’s Tavern for $5 drinks and appetizers Monday-Friday from 4-7 p.m. Relaxing and More Feel like getting pampered? The Village has you covered with spots like the Abbracci Med Spa and Boutique (offering state-of-the-art facial treatments, laser hair removal, photo facials and injectables side by side with unique gifts, jewelry and high-end skin-care products); Indulgence Body & Skin Care (with massage therapies, body and skin-care treatments, and waxing); and Allomi (a sanctuary for holistic health and healing, complete with yoga, dance, meditation and more). The Village also offers a full lineup of professional services, offering up some of the best dentists, doctors and architects in the South Bay. Activities Don’t miss the 42nd annual Riviera Village Summer Festival, set for June 28-30 in the heart of the Riviera Village of Redondo Beach, at the corner of Catalina and Avenue I. Sponsored by the Riviera Village Association, the festival features more than 300 exhibitors, high-end arts and crafts booths, a beer and wine garden with live entertainment, an international food court and carnival rides for the kids. The best part? It’s always free to attend. Hours are Friday from 3-9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Other fun events include 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 the Farmers Market (Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.), where you can enjoy live music while you shop for certified California grown farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers as well prepared food from vendors, gourmet specialty foods, and arts and crafts. Located in the triangle parking lot at 1801 S Elena Ave. An added bonus? The Village is the go-to place to rent a bike or Segway and cruise the world-famous South Bay bike path, which starts just west of the Riviera Village, while nearby beaches are popular with families, surfers and volleyball players. Getting There and Parking Riviera Village is nestled along the Pacific Ocean, just 20 miles southwest of L.A. and minutes from LAX. Expect to find plenty of parking in the “triangle parking lot” between Avenida del Norte and S Elena Street, as well as individual spots on all streets. Many businesses in the Village have private spaces for customers behind the business, where you can quickly park and stop in to collect your items. Parking in the Riviera Village is metered parking payable by coin or credit card. For more information and a full directory of businesses, visit rivieravillage.net.
Things to Do at the Redondo Beach Pier
With more than 50 oceanfront dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities, this South Bay landmark is considered a one-stop destination for all things fun and interesting. The Redondo Beach Pier also 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 a souvenir for someone special. Here are some of the great things to do at the Redondo Beach Pier, plus directions for getting there and more. If you haven’t been to the Pier, it’s a definite must when visiting sunny Redondo Beach! Most Popular Restaurants for Dining Out The Pier offers numerous dining choices for every taste and budget from casual to fine dining, and with many establishments boasting panoramic ocean views. Some of the most popular restaurants include: Tony’s on the Pier Diners at this family-owned and operated restaurant established in 1952 will find a duo of bars, seafood specialties, and a variety of fresh fish, pasta and steak selections. A highlight of the spot known as “Old Tony’s”? The second-floor “crow’s nest-lookout” room featuring breathtaking views from Palos Verdes to Malibu and Catalina Island, and the perfect place to enjoy a Mai Tai served in a souvenir glass that’s yours to keep. Don’t miss Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and Monday-Thursday from 3-10 p.m. El Torito This casual eatery has been serving up authentic meals that resemble what you might come across in a traditional Mexican hacienda since 1972. Also on the menu: expansive ocean views, as well as the Weekend Brunch Buffet with made-to-order omelets, a decked-out taco and burrito bar, and more; Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 3-7 p.m. in the cantina; and Taco Tuesday from 3-10 p.m. in the cantina. As a special treat, children 12 and younger can enjoy one kid’s meal for $1 every Wednesday with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steak House Expect elevated seafood and steak options, along with ocean views for days, an outdoor patio, daily dining room specials, and a buzzing happy hour daily in the bar area from 3-6:30 p.m. and after 9 p.m. The lounge also a great spot for live music Wednesday from 6-9 p.m., and also for Sunday Brunch from noon-3 p.m. Activities and Spots you Won’t Want to Miss There’s plenty to see and do on and around the Pier. Among the activities and spots you won’t want to miss: Redondo Beach Marina Found adjacent to the Pier, the Marina offers a variety of ocean-oriented activities for the entire family. Included is sport fishing; romantic gondola cruises; kayak, paddle boat and stand-up paddleboard rentals; the “Looking Glass,” a 19-passenger, USCG-inspected, semi-submersible underwater viewing boat; and seasonal whale-watching excursions. Once night falls, it’s the ideal place for twilight fishing, spectacular sunsets, delicious dinners and more. Redondo Fun Factory There’s still time to enjoy lots of fun at this longtime International Boardwalk establishment before it closes its doors on Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2019. It’s referred to as the largest indoor family entertainment center on the West Coast, complete with rides (think the Tilt-a-Whirl), and arcade and carnival games like Skee-Ball. Summer Events The Pier is home to Summer of Music, the biggest free summer concert series in the South Bay, featuring live performances by nationally touring artists July 4 through Aug. 31, Thursday and Saturday from 6-8 p.m. Concerts are held at the west end of the Pier (behind Tony’s) and on the Boardwalk (below Kincaid’s). Coming up: performances by South Bay indie rock band Big Mess, followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m. (July 4), along with tributes to the Police (July 27), Beatles (Aug. 8) and Eagle’s (Aug. 31). Be sure to bring your low-back chair or beach blanket, and visit the website for a full lineup! Parking will be a $20 flat rate on the Fourth of July and all other times; parking at the north or south structures of the Redondo Beach Pier is $2 per hour. Another fun activity is the Redondo Beach Pier Association and Cancer Support Community’s Yoga on the Octagon the second Saturday of each month (starting July 13) from 10-11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and take part in this all-level yoga class where the International Boardwalk meets the Redondo Beach Pier (the octagon below Kincaid’s). Participants should bring a yoga mat, towel and bottled water. Shopping on the Pier Whether you’re seeking beautiful fresh-water pearl jewelry, a one-of-a-kind T-shirt, or a great selection of other unusual gifts and souvenirs, you’ll find it at one of the shops on the Pier. To find something for yourself or someone else, here are just some of the spots you should be sure to visit: Chic at the Beach Featuring Caps, T-shirts, sweatshirts and jackets, many with a “Redondo Beach” logo perfect for a gift or souvenir. Kobe Pearl & Gem Co. Customers can hand-select an oyster, with every oyster containing a cultured pearl, or if you’re lucky, a rare black pearl. Kobe will then hand-set your pearl in yellow or white gold, or sliver. Mermaid’s Dowry A great place to find photo frames, boogie boards, candy, beach toys and more, all to remind you of your trip to the Redondo Beach Pier. Slightly Different For more than 30 years, this shop has been mesmerizing guests with an eclectic collection of jewelry, fairies, dragons, and other unique and affordable gifts and souvenirs. T’s Toe Rings & Gifts The place to go for a handmade, custom-fit toe ring in sterling silver, gold-filled and solid gold. Unique island style jewelry, gifts, handicrafts and interior decor also are available. Tony’s Hats ‘N Things A fun variety of caps and hats for all ages, along with many other souvenir T-shirts and classic Hawaiian shirts. Public Artwork While at the Pier, be on the lookout for the Whaling Wall, a life-sized mural depicting the California gray whale migration painted by Laguna Beach artist Wyland in 1991. In 2011, Wyland updated the mural in honor of the 20th Anniversary. The Whaling Wall can be seen on the AES Power Generating Plant, at Harbor Drive between Herondo Avenue and Beryl Street. Nearby Hotels Thinking of staying over during your visit to the Pier? Check out one of these area hotels located within walking distance from the Pier, or just a short drive or bike or cab ride away: Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel 300 N. Harbor Drive Days Inn 4111 Pacific Coast Hwy. The Portofino Hotel & Marina 260 Portofino Way Ramada Limited Redondo Beach 435 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. Redondo Beach Hotel 400 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Pier Inn 206 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. Shade Hotel 655 N. Harbor Drive For More Information The Redondo Beach Pier is at 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, at the end of Torrance Boulevard, west of Pacific Coast Highway. The Pier is open 24 hours a day for walkers, fishermen and business patrons. The shops and restaurants will have varying hours; some opening early in the morning and some open until 2 a.m. How to Get To Redondo Beach Pier: From the Harbor (110) Freeway – Exit Torrance Boulevard west to the Redondo Beach Pier. From the San Diego (405) Freeway – Exit Inglewood Boulevard south to 190th Street, west to Pacific Coast Highway, and veer left on to Catalina Avenue to the Redondo Beach Pier. From Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy. 1) – Veer right on Catalina Avenue if you are driving south, or turn left on Torrance Boulevard if you are driving north to the Redondo Beach Pier. Parking Rates: Pier Parking Structures – $2 per hour, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year Redondo Beach Marina – 4th of July, $20 flat rate Alternative parking nearby – various privately-operated parking lots are available throughout the northern half of the Harbor Enterprise (along North Harbor Drive, Marina Way, Yacht Club Way and Portofino Way) at varying rates. These lots are convenient to restaurants, marinas and general recreation areas.
4 Reasons Why Summer is a Great Time to Move
Planning to move soon? Those who can be flexible in scheduling can choose the right season to relocate, making the entire experience run more smoothly. Here, Realtor.com explains why summer is one of the most preferable times when it comes to moving. 1. Long days with plenty of sun While winter weather conditions can make moving difficult, warm weather means you won’t have to deal with a cold environment that can make a move difficult or uncomfortable. Warmer weather means longer days and more daylight, which gives you more time to move in and out of a home. This is especially helpful for those who are not hiring a moving company and will be doing the heavy lifting themselves. 2. Children are not in school For those with families, moving in summer means no disruption of the school year or daily routine for the children. Plus, you won’t have to plan your move around a school schedule, and you’ll have extra hands on deck to help you out with the move. Disrupting the school year with a major move can be difficult, not only with all of the school activities but also with after-school activities and sports activities. 3. There are yard sales galore Summer also brings more neighborhood yard sales, which can be beneficial to both buyers and sellers. As a seller, you can team up with neighbors and share the task of promoting the yard sale and bringing in foot traffic. As a buyer, you will have more yard sales to peruse for any items you need. Plus, yard sales can be a great way to reduce the amount of stuff you have to move and also put some extra cash in your pocket. 4. The selling season peaks in summer The summer housing market heats up for sellers, so if you’re anxious to move, you’ll probably have an easier time finding a new place and getting out of your current house. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there are more buyers in the market in the spring and summer, with June topping the list as the best month to sell, based on seller premiums. Sellers could see premiums of 10 percent or more during the summer.
Riviera Native a Chart Topper
The hills of the Hollywood Riviera have always been alive with the sounds of music for the Quillin family. That’s because dad Bruce, a pianist, and percussionist who performed with the San Diego Youth Symphony, passed his love of music down to his and his wife Annie’s, three children when they were very young. For those of us who had kids at Riviera Elementary in the early 2000s, one of the highlights of the annual talent show was the Quillin’s rock band. With Bruce on the drums, son Joe on guitar, and daughter Olivia on piano, over the course of four years they performed everything from The Monkey’s theme song, to Elvis’ Jail House Rock, to Guns and Roses’ Sweet Child of Mine. (Oldest son, Reilly, plays the guitar and piano but was a Richardson Middle School student at the time). It was those performances, which began when Olivia was only five, that inspired a passion for music in the youngest Quillin. As her piano skills grew, Olivia soon added bass and guitar to her instrumental repertoire, and before long the family garage was converted to a practice room for her musical ambitions. Fast forward 16 years and today, 21-year-old Olivia is a singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer with a modern take on soul and R&B that’s making the music industry sit up and listen. Under the alter-ego “Swsh,” Olivia’s powerhouse vocals, signature sound, and raw lyrics are capturing a quickly growing fan base that includes non-other than Elton John, who featured her single “Break the Fall” on his radio show. Other singles, including “Momma’s Kisses,” “Flowers” and “Gone” have sparked wide-spread enthusiasm, and the album “Soup,” debuted at #1 on BBC Radio, and was labeled as one of this year’s essential R&B albums. As she continues to write and record her music, Olivia is touring the country to perform for live audiences at festivals and concert halls. You can listen to Swsh on YouTube and Spotify. And be sure to keep your eyes open for this local resident’s rise to music stardom. Congratulations Olivia – and count us among your fans!
Most Popular Things to Do In Redondo Beach This Summer
Whether you’re a local or visiting there is always fun things do in Redondo Beach and Hollywood Riviera. From attending Fourth of July festivities to strolling the Redondo Beach Pier and checking out the beaches, here are just some of the most popular things to enjoy in this charming resort destination during the summertime. The New South Bay Beachlife Festival Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend? Look no further than an epic Beachlife Festival in Redondo Beach, May 3-5, 2019. What better place to have an amazing music festival than on the sand, with the sounds of waves crashing nearby? If you’re looking for something unique, there will be BYOBoats in the mornings. There will also be performances by Willie Nelson, Bob Weir, Brian Wilson, Jason Mraz, Ziggy Marley, Slightly Stoopid, Steel Pulse, Anuhea, Roots of Creation, and more! Celebrate 4th of July at Seaside Lagoon The city of Redondo Beach has a special Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show planned for July 1 at Seaside Lagoon. Seating is first-come, first-serve for the family-friendly event, which will open at 2 p.m. with supervised swimming, arts and crafts, inflatable slides, a party, patriotic music and special museum from Ruby’s Diner, capped off with a Firework Spectacular at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25. Be sure to come back and visit this large, saltwater lagoon in King Harbor daily during the summer, from May-September, for swimming at a sandy beach, a children’s play area and more. On July 4, grab your beach chair or blanket and head to the Redondo Beach Pier for the kickoff of the free Summer of Music concert series. The action begins at 6 p.m. with a performance by local indie rock band Big Mess, followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Concerts continue through Aug. 31, with the next show by Australian rocker Hamish Anderson set for July 6. While at this U-shaped landmark, be sure to visit its roundup of restaurants and bars overlooking the ocean, as well as numerous boutiques and shops, or return to enjoy seasonal whale watching, harbor cruises, kayaking, pedal boating and stand-up paddle boarding. The pier also hosts one of Southern California’s longest-running kite festivals, a chalk art festival, classic car show, holiday concert and monthly yoga meet-ups. Take a Cruise from Redondo Beach Pier Interested in seeing some sea life? Redondo Beach Whale Watch and Nature Cruise tours depart from the Redondo Beach Pier year-round. Tours take place on a 65-foot, 45-passenger excursion vessel called Indian, which features inside and outside seating, and a full-service galley serving coffee, tea, beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks. Whale-watching trips take about two-and-a-half hours, and visitors have the chance of seeing a variety of whale species, such as magnificent gray whales, minke, humpbacks, fin and sperm whales, as well as sharks, dolphins, seals and many species of seabirds. Nature cruises take 45 minutes and head a mile outside the harbor to see sea lions, dolphins and plenty of seabirds. Visit South Bay Sailing for adult sailing lessons, as well as uniquely created courses, and after-school, spring and summer sailing camps for children. Cruises and private charters also are available, with guests either learning some of the basic sailing principles from one of the certified instructors or kicking back and enjoying a relaxing cruise along the South Bay coastline. Enjoy the Great Outdoors & Dominguez Park Outdoor enthusiasts will love the area’s beautiful natural surroundings. A local favorite is the 24-acre Dominguez Park, featuring grassy areas with large trees, picnic areas and play equipment for children, a leash-free dog park and two little-league fields. Don’t miss the duo of historic homes at Heritage Court. Relocated to the park from their original locations to save them from demolition, the Queen Anne House has been beautifully restored to its former glory and boasts the city’s Historical Museum, while the Morrell House is an excellent example of Victorian architecture with a charming rose garden and courtyard. The park is open from dawn until dusk every day of the week. Other nature draws include Hopkins Wilderness Park, an 11-acre park boasting meadows, forests, streams and ponds. Created in the late 1970s as a center for conservation, nature study and camping, the park features several hiking and mountain trails winding through various ecological habitats; picnic areas and an amphitheater; play structures and sandboxes, camping and a Visitor Center offering nature-related classes. Hopkins Wilderness Park is open daily, and admission is free. Hit the beach at “LA’s Ocean Adventure Capitol” Redondo County Beach is a 1.5-mile-long stretch of sand along the city’s waterfront that begins at the Redondo Beach Pier near Veterans Park and continues south. Known as “L.A.’s Ocean Adventure Capitol,” this popular attraction offers volleyball courts, surfing, swimming, fishing, and walking and mountain biking along the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail. There’s also picnic areas, a grassy park and children’s play area. Torrance Beach also is nearby. The southernmost of the big beaches on Santa Monica Bay—extending from the Malibu area to the Palos Verdes Peninsula—its local nickname is “RAT Beach,” which stands for various things like Right At Torrance, Right After Torrance, and Redondo And Torrence. Have fun while getting educated Established by the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, the interactive, coastal science-education center SEA Lab educates visitors about marine life and the importance of ocean conservation. Run by college students and volunteers, SEA Lab offers a program of activities including beach explorations, touch tank tours and interactive classroom programs for children of all ages, as well as summer camp programs, community service projects such as beach clean-ups and a Traveling Tide Pool exhibit. Head to the Riviera Village Touted as the “South Bay’s Best-Kept Secret,” the famed Riviera Village offers more than 300 one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, galleries, salons and services. Among the special events is the free Riviera Village Summer Festival June 29 and 30, with 300-plus exhibitors, high-end arts and craft booths, beer and wine garden with live entertainment, an international food court and carnival rides for the kids; First Fridays every first Friday of the month from 5-8 p.m., complete with live music, food samplings, gallery viewing, promotional offers and more; and the Farmers Market Sundays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Indulge in Redondo’s Award-Winning Foodie Scene There are any number of fabulous restaurants to try while in Redondo Beach. Just some of the favorites: Captain Kidd’s Fish Market & Restaurant offering fresh local and international fish, as well as cooked-to-order lobster and other ocean-fresh seafood such as mussels, clams, crab and prawns against a backdrop of beautiful views over King Harbor; Dominique’s Kitchen for French-Italian cuisine and a curated selection of fine wines; Blue Salt Fish Grill serving up a variety of fresh fish, grilled seafood platters, fresh salads and fish tacos; and Eat at Joe’s for enormous burgers, hot dogs and specials such as the Mad Dog made up of yesterday’s leftovers. Scuba Dive at World Renowned Dive-n-Surf Dive N’ Surf is Redondo Beach’s go-to spot for scuba-diving, snorkeling, and surfing equipment sales and rentals, training services, boat charters, and air and rental services. Founded in 1953, this place has been outfitting and supplying divers and surfers in the South Bay providing a variety of wetsuits, dry suits, hoodies, booties, diving fins, BCD’s and tanks, along with surfboards and surf accessories such as rash vests, bags, board bags and leashes. Dive N’ Surf is a five-star PADI Instructor Development center and provides a range of scuba diving courses from Open Water to Advanced and Instructor levels with a team of highly-trained and experienced staff on hand. What fun things are you going to do this summer in Redondo Beach? Photograph: Kyle Coats | kylecoats.com
Riviera Resident Opens Craft Workshop: Reconnect With Your Creative Side
In this non-stop digital era, nothing can be more therapeutic than escaping technology and using our hands for something other than touching a keyboard or screen. This may be why more and more people are turning to do-it-yourself crafts, such as sewing, woodworking, beading, and embroidery. In fact, nearly two-thirds of U.S. households participate in at least one crafting hobby. Riviera resident Cristina McKinnon, a life-long crafter, knows how fulfilling it can be to create homemade works of art. So when she was looking for a post-retirement career after 27 years as a public servant, she jumped at the chance to open her own craft studio, AR Workshop Torrance. Located in the remodeled shopping plaza at Anza and Pacific Coast Highway, AR Workshop offers all the supplies and instruction needed to create homemade gifts and décor, including knit blankets, charcuterie boards, frames, wood signs, canvas pillows, wood trays, tote bags, and more. Customers flock there for birthday parties, corporate team building events, bridal showers, and date nights. They even offer summer camp programs for kids. “We offer a fun and relaxing environment where customers can connect on a different level,” says Cristina. “The Workshop is an inviting, creative space filled with laughter and music, where friends can spend quality time together while creating a unique and personal piece of decor they can take home that day.” Cristina and her husband, Milt, moved to the Riviera more than a decade ago, after falling in love with the first house they saw. “Milt went to Richardson and South and knew this was where he wanted to raise a family,” said Cristina. “This is where we’ve put down roots to raise our kids.” AR Workshop Torrance offers daily workshops that customers can sign up for, such as ‘Chunky Knit Blankets,’ ‘Wine-Down Wednesday Plank Workshops,’ and ‘Canvas Workshops.’ Customers are welcome to bring snacks, sips, and sweets to enjoy while they create. To sign up for a workshop, or to reserve a spot for a private event, go to www.arworkshop.com/torrance, or call 310-893-7553. Be sure to take $10 off your next project by registering with code: TORRANCEGO (does not include specialty classes). AR Workshop Torrance is located at 24046 Vista Montana, Torrance.