Spotlight:
Springfest Redondo, Teen Talent contest
This year for the first time, Springfest will host a Teen Talent Competition, on Friday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. Teens will compete for scholarships to Coast Music and Rise Dance Academy. The 42nd annual Springfest runs Thursday, March 20 through Sunday, March 23. Featuring over 20 carnival rides and games, a kids zone, bands, and a Beer & Wine Garden. Also, food trucks, a Community Marketplace, and Student Entrepreneur Booths. Free admission. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Hours: Thurs. 5 – 9 p.m., Fri. 5 – 10 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. For ride tickets, entertainment line-up, and general information visit nrbba.org/springfest.
Thursday, March 20
Watercolor Florals, The Artist Mill
Learn simple techniques to create beautiful flowers in watercolor. With 25 years of professional in-house surface design experience in the home goods industry, instructor Regina Chiu will lead you on a wondrous watercolor journey. 6 – 7:30 p.m. $50 per person. The Artist Mill, 1138 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach. To RSVP, more information and a list of future classes visit: theartistmill.com.
Ripple Effect gallery tours, MB Art Center
Discover ocean conservation through art at Ripple Effect. Join the guided gallery tour, then create your own magnetic tide pool specimen in the education space. A perfect blend of environmental awareness and hands-on creativity. All materials provided. Ripple Effect will be on display at the Manhattan Beach Art Center, 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach until Sunday, March 30. The event is free and open to the public. Information: manhattanbeach.gov.
Friday, March 21
High School All-Star Basketball
The annual South Bay Athletic Club Basketball Classic featuring outstanding seniors from South Bay high schools will be at Bishop Montgomery High School, 5430 Torrance Blvd., Torrance. The 28th annual girls game will start at 5:30 p.m. followed by the 31st annual boys game at 7:30 p.m. Admission cash only at the door: General admission $10. Students and youth (with school ID) $5, children 5 and under free. Players invited include Girls game: Siena Blaustein (Redondo), Olivia Dinisco (Redondo), Coco Funakoshi (Redondo) and Kristyn Kim (Mira Costa); Boys game: Dryson Bryker (Mira Costa), Jacob De Armas (Mira Costa), Luke Hammerschmidt (Mira Costa), Christian Kranz (Mira Costa), Hudson Mayes (Redondo), Brayden Miner (Redondo), Enesi Piuleini (Mira Costa).
Sports luncheon
March Madness will be the topic of USC assistant basketball coach Jim Hefner at the South Bay Athletic Club luncheon at the H.T. Grill, 1701 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach. The weekly SBAC meeting, which starts at noon, is open to the public. Reservations are not necessary. The cost of lunch is $30.
McNally’s Pride play, Westchester Playhouse
Love! Valour! Compassion! is Terrence McNally’s Tony Award-winning play that explores friendship, love, betrayal, and the struggles of gay men navigating life and relationships. Set over three summer weekends at a lakeside home, the play captures the humor, heartbreak, and humanity of a group of eight friends as they confront their fears, desires, and mortality. Reserve seats are $25 online at kentwoodplayers.org or by email at boxoffice@kentwoodplayers.org or by calling (310) 645-5156. Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Los Angeles.
Joslyn Center Friday movie
Manhattan Beach Joslyn Community Center free weekly movie screening. Enjoy a different film each week in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. 1:30 – 4 p.m. 1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach.
Friday Fun at Madrona Marsh Preserve
Friday Fun takes place every Friday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. for children ages 3 to 6 and their parents or guardians. This hands-on program includes storytime, science, art, and a tour of the Madrona Marsh Preserve. The first hour is spent inside the Nature Center, while the second hour is dedicated to exploring the Preserve. The program emphasizes respect for all living things and encourages environmental stewardship. Free but registration is required and limited. To register, call (310) 782-3989 Tues. – Thurs. from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. If unable to attend, cancel to allow another family to join. 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance.
Saturday, March 22
Beach Cities E-Bike Town Hall & Community Ride
Join assemblymember Al Muratsuchi for an engaging Beach Cities Town Hall about the latest efforts in e-bike education, infrastructure and enforcement happening locally and across California. 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Bike ride will start at 12:30 p.m. Bring your regular bike or e-bike. Parras Middle School Gym, 200 N. Lucia Ave., Redondo Beach. RSVP: a66.asmdc.org/events.
Docent guided nature walk, Forrestal Preserve
This is a guided walk which will appeal to a wide age range and offers some spectacular vistas of the coastline. The docents will be able to locate the local geology and there are many rock formations exposed in this area. You will also be able to learn about the plants and animals which make up our Coastal Sage Scrub habitat. Moderate difficulty, sturdy footwear is recommended. In the event of rain, this walk will be canceled. 9 a.m. Forrestal Nature Reserve/Ladera Linda Community Center, 32201 Forrestal Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes. For more info, visit losserenosrpv.org or call (310) 544-5260.
Spring Artisan Market, Lawndale
Celebrate the arrival of spring at the 3rd Annual Spring Artisan Market with over 20 makers and curators, featuring a variety of amazing local artisans, goods, food, and music. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. C&S Garden Center, 4167 Marine Ave., Lawndale. Free admission. csgardencenter.com.
Spiked, a celebration of Agave, Botanic Garden
Additional dates: Sun., March 23, Sat., March 29, and Sun., March 30. A brand-new event at the South Coast Botanic Garden with Tequila and Mezcal tastings, chocolate tastings, entertainment, and more. $15. Free for members. VIP $20 for members/$37 general public. This is a 20-minute guided experience that includes chocolate and an agave soda-tasting option for those under 21 or non-tequila drinkers. VIP ticket holders will also receive a limited-edition collector’s pin and access our VIP area, complete with yard games and free chips to keep you energized while you sip and socialize. Agave roasting demonstration, sip on specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, grub on tacos and tortas, and groove to live music. Hands-on fun with a Papel Picado demonstration and crafting station; interactive games and stunning photo ops. 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Tickets: southcoastbotanicgarden.org. South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Gem & Mineral Show, Torrance
Through Sunday, March 23. Get ready for an exciting weekend of rocks, gems, and minerals. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious beginner, or just looking for a fun and family-friendly event, this show has something for everyone. Free admission. Live demonstrations, kid’s activities, and food on-site. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Ken Miller Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd., Torrance.
Sunday, March 23
Joanna Medawar Nachef Singers
The Medawar Singers signature Gospel concert will feature the JMNS singers in solos, duets, ensemble singing and with guest artists. Don’t miss an uplifting, incomparable and soulful performance of this powerful and exciting American music genre. 7 p.m. James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance. Tickets: torr-internet.choicecrm.net/dist/#/events/productions.JMNSingers.
Preschool Fair, AdventurePlex
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Free Preschool Expo. Visit preschools under one roof. Avoid preschool panic. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 1701 Marine Ave., Manhattan Beach. For info, contact Maya@manhattanbeachchamber.com.
Riviera Village Farmers Market
Farm fresh produce, fresh baked goods, juices, plants, arts & crafts, and lots more. Live music. 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 1801 S. Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach.
Torrance Antique Street Faire
A monthly event in charming Old Torrance, where visitors can browse antiques, collectibles, and oddities from over 180 vendors. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Fee admission. El Prado and Sartori Avenue, Torrance. More information visit torranceantiquefaire.com.
Passport Fair, Peninsula Library
Get your passport just in time for summer travels. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. No appointment needed. Walk-ins only. Arrive with your DS-11 application completely filled out in black ink, mother’s maiden name on 2nd page, line 10, and with NO ERRORS. Passport photos are available onsite for $15. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Peninsula Center Library community room, 650 Deep Valley Dr., Rolling Hills Estates. For more information visit pvld.org/services/passport.
Monday, March 24
Champion’s Club Classic Golf Tournament
Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach Foundation 15th Annual Champion’s Club Classic Tournament at the Virginia Country Club in Long Beach. The event features a private clinic with PGA professionals, a round of golf, special contests, lunch on the course, and a dinner following the day’s activities. Registration, putting contest, pro golf clinic, and shotgun start, 9 – 11 a.m. Cocktails reception, dinner, auctions, awards, and presentation of the Craig Cup, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. 1602 N. Virginia Road, Long Beach. Sign up and information at memorialcare.org/events/champions-club-golf-tournament.
Hermosa Mayor’s Town Hall Forum
Join Hermosa Beach Mayor Dean Francis for his next Town Hall Forum from 6 – 8 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 1315 Valley Drive. The town hall-style meeting will serve as an opportunity for residents to meet the mayor and ask questions. RSVP is optional for residents, but if you would like to RSVP, email DFrancois@hermosabeach.gov with “RSVP-March 24” in the subject line.
Tuesday, March 25
Redondo Union School volleyball matches
Volleyball matches versus other South Bay high schools on the north side of the Hermosa Beach Pier. 2 – 5 p.m. For more information contact mark@dayatthebeachevents.com.
Firewise Peninsula — Virtual
Join the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy for an informative session on how native plants and open spaces benefit our environment—even in fire-prone areas. Learn how you can landscape your property and natural spaces to support local wildlife while also protecting your home from wildfires. Featured speakers are Jon Keeley, US Geologic Service and Greg Rubin, CA’s Own Native Landscape Design. 6 – 7:30 p.m. Questions? Call (310) 541-7613. RSVP: pvplc.org/event/firewisepalosverdes0325.
Wednesday, March 26
Medicare 101, TMMC
Attend Torrance Memorial’s complimentary virtual Medicare 101 Program via Zoom to learn about Medicare and the different types of insurance plans available. 6:30 – 8 p.m. No reservation required. Free. For questions call (310) 257-7239. Zoom link: zoom.us/my/torrancememorial meeting ID: 550 271 0842.
Warner Bros Studios Tour, from Hermosa
Explore one of the busiest working studios in Los Angeles with expert tour guides, who will take you behind the scenes of the studio that has been entertaining the world for over 100 years. The tour is about 1 hour, with a recommended additional 2 hours unguided. After the studio tour, head to The Original Farmer’s Market for lunch and shopping before heading back to Hermosa Beach. 8:15 a.m. – 4 p.m. $85/$80 Hermosa Beach resident discount. A Charter Bus Company is used to transport participants to excursion sites from the Hermosa Beach Community Center, 710 Pier Avenue. All day parking is available in the lot behind the Hermosa Beach Community Center. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. For questions call (310) 318-0280. Register: hermosabeach.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/10337/683.
Upcoming:
Call for artists, Manhattan Beach
Utility box beautification project around Manhattan Beach. The Cultural Arts Commission is extending the deadline for proposals of artwork to be installed on utility boxes throughout the city. All applications and materials are due no later than Monday, March 31. Information and application: If you have any questions or need any additional information, contact submissions@manhattanbeach.gov. manhattanbeach.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/cultural-arts/art-in-public-places/utility-box-beautification-program.
Adult & Pediatric First Aid, CPR/AED
Saturday, April 5. American Red Cross CPR/AED training. Limited to 20 participants. No charge to residents and employees of the South Bay. Minimum age of 18 yrs to attend the class. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Joslyn Center, 1601 N. Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach, just north of Fire Station #1. Arrive 20 minutes before to get settled in. Class will start on time. You must pre-enroll to be assured of a seat in the class. Start by sending an email to Jeanne: 1certtraining@gmail.com. To RSVP with your full name, phone, email, and home address. ER
