The holidays are just around the corner—fasten your seatbelts!—and local holiday events start as soon as next Wednesday. Before the seasonal craziness kicks into high gear, take some time to enjoy a few of the fabulous activities taking place over the next few days.
Circus Vargas returns to Torrance from Nov. 8 through Nov. 19. Tabares Entertainment presents famed singing Ringmaster Kevin Venardos for a production of musical magnitude in its most exciting, innovative edition ever. Acting as Master of Ceremonies, Venardos skillfully melds melody with movement, adds a bit of Broadway and a splash of razzle-dazzle for an unbelievably entertaining extravaganza. Take a look beyond the sawdust and spangles, a peek past the mystique and wonder and discover why Circus Vargas is America’s Favorite Big Top Circus! The Big Top will be located at Del Amo Mall on Hawthorne Boulevard south of Torrance Boulevard. Ticket prices range from $20 to $65 depending on seat location. For more information and ticket purchase, visit the website at circusvargas.com.
We’ve all seen it on the news ... Hurricane Sandy stormed up the East Coast ravaging several States and residents are struggling to find food, clothing and shelter. It’s a mess and people are suffering. Here’s one way you can help alleviate some of the misery. Barsha Wines, Spirits and Tasting Room and LAwonders are hosting a fundraiser for those affected by Hurricane Sandy on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will feature wine, appetizers, music, raffle drawing and more to raise funds with 50 percent of the proceeds being donated to the American Red Cross. Guests will also receive a 5 percent discount off all retail items throughout the evening. The raffle prizes include restaurant gift cards, wine tastings, brewery tours and other items from local businesses. It’s time to assist those in need and every little bit helps. Barsha Wines is located at 917 North Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach. For more information, visit the website at barshawinesandspirits.com/tasting-room-2/ or call 310-318-9080.
The Esplanade renovation in Redondo Beach has proved one of the most successful community improvements projects in the South Bay. The original plan called for three art installations along the popular promenade with more to be added in the future. The Redondo Beach Public Art Commission has approved a new design by mosaic artists Debbie Collett and Patti Linnett for the bollards on the Esplanade. Now it’s time for a little fundraising to complete the project. Fringe Home Furnishings & Boutique in Riviera Village will be doing their part to raise the necessary capital. You can help by shopping at Fringe on Saturday. The store will donate 20 percent of their sales on the appointed day to this worthy public art project. It’s a great opportunity to get a little holiday shopping done while helping make the Esplanade a unique creative space. A special VIP reception will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. with refreshments. Fringe Home Furnishings is located at 1806 S. Catalina Ave. in Riviera Village in Redondo Beach. For more information, contact Fringe Home Furnishings at 310-316-9100.
It’s time for the GI Joe Fall Pier to Pier Run/Walk! The event takes place on Saturday 10 and gets underway at 7 a.m. at the Hermosa Beach Pier. Three times a year—Spring, Summer and Fall—runners and walkers come out to the beach to root each other on at the water’s edge. Joe Charles of Manhattan Beach Bootcamp hosts this challenge in memory of Charlie Saikley and it’s a big favorite with South Bay locals. Challenge family, friends and co-workers to take part in this very popular South Bay activity. The course goes from the Hermosa Beach Pier to the Manhattan Beach Pier and back in the sand and covers a total of four miles. The runner with the fastest course time—male and female—wins $100. Registration is $35. You can sign up for the Pier to Pier Run/Walk at mbbootcamp.com. It’s time to earn your bragging rights. For more information, contact Joe Charles at 310-981-9339.
The City of Redondo Beach will observe Veterans Day 2012 at the Veterans Memorial in beautiful Veterans Park at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The solemn observance will include reflection and remembrance, music, commentary and honors to all those members of the military who have served their country. Local elected officials and military dignitaries will be in attendance and take part in the tribute. The Redondo High School USMC Junior ROTC and the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums will perform. Donations and ontributions are still being accepted for the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial. Sponsorships are available along with the purchase of Memorial Bricks. The service will be followed by a barbeque picnic sponsored by the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge #1378. The barbeque is free for all veterans and members of the military. A $5 donation is requested from all others. The event is open to the public. If you plan on attending the barbeque, please RSVP to Karen Buchanan at 208-473-6626. Veterans Park is located at 300 The Esplanade at the corner of Torrance Boulevard and Catalina Avenue near the Pier in Redondo Beach. For more information, visit the website at RBVeteransMemorial.com.
Are you searching for a unique, fun and interesting way to expand your business prospects? Bridges to Italy and the Academy of Foreign Languages host a monthly mixer for South Bay Italians, Italian professionals, Italophiles and anyone interested in networking with Italian businesses and individuals in the South Bay. Each month, this popular networking event showcases a particular topic with experts on hand to enlighten and educate attendees. The upcoming mixer features a Wine Tasting and will take place on Tuesday at Dolce Vita Cafe starting at 6:30 p.m. Renowned chef and radio personality, Mario Martinoli, is the proprietor of Dolce Vita and he’ll be serving up Roman appetizers to accompany the wine selections. The wine tasting will be presented by architect and winemaker Cosimo Pizzulli. By day, Cosimo is the owner of Pizzulli Associates, an interior architecture firm in Santa Monica. Cosimo established the Pizzzulli Family Winery in 2006 which is located in Camarillo. This is a perfect opportunity to meet, interact and exchange ideas with Italian professionals and other internationally oriented individuals in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Tickets are $20 per person and include the wine tasting and a mouthwatering assortment of appetizers. To purchase tickets, visit the website at savethewine.eventbrite.com. Dolce Vita Restaurant is located at 1718 S. Catalina Ave. in Redondo Beach. For more information, contact Bridges to Italy at 310-944-2998 or the Academy of Foreign Languages at academyofforeignlanguages.com.
The Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department and the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business Association present the Annual Holiday Open House and Pier Lighting on Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. The Holiday Open House is Downtown’s restaurants’, retail stores’ and businesses’ way of saying ‘Thank You’ to their customers and community for their support and patronage throughout the year. Get in the spirit of the season and enjoy an evening of holiday music, shopping and dining. Downtown merchants will be open until 9 p.m. and will present some distinctive gifts ideas and intriguing offers this holiday season. Restaurants will be offering samples from their original menus which are sure to prime your palette for an evening of wonderful food. The Pier Lighting Ceremony will commence at 6 p.m. with live entertainment. The Mayor will flip the switch at 7 p.m. and illuminate the Pier with holiday lights. Carolers and strolling musicians will be found throughout the downtown area and Santa and his helpers will be on hand for photo ops. Bring the kids and don’t forget the shopping list!
As always, check the calendar links and ‘Things to Do’ page on my website, southbaybyjackie.com, for details on these and other events throughout the South Bay.
On The South Bay Show this morning, our guest panel included Daiana Baldanzi, Bianca Dellepiane, Mario Martinoli and Cosimo Pizzulli. We discussed the Italian Mixer and Wine Tasting taking place at Dolce Vita Café on Tuesday. Don’t worry—if you missed it, you can listen to it here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/november-8-2012-italian-mixer-dolce-vita-cafe/.
The South Bay Show presents Preparing for Disaster in America. This very instructive program airs every Tuesday morning on Blog Talk Radio at 7 a.m. Our guest next Tuesday is Dean Reese. Dean will tell us what happens when cell service goes down. It will be an interesting and informative hour so tune in! You can listen to it live or at your leisure here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/november-13-2012-lance-charnes/.
Have a great South Bay weekend!
Jackie
