Palos Verdes Source

Palos Verdes homes owners are in for a special treat as the Cherry Blossoms are blooming at the South Coast Botanic Garden.  This is the closest location for us to see the beauty and color of these trees.  This yearly event reminds us that Spring is just around the corner.

The South Coast Botanic Garden is one of Palos Verdes’ best kept secrets.  It is never crowded and one is free to roam for hours through 87 acres of beautiful settings.  There is plenty of parking in their large paved lot.

The Garden is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  and is located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula 90274.  The cherry blossoms should continue for a couple of weeks.

                         Whale watching is a welcomed event in Palos Verdes and Saturday, March 6, 2010, is our official “Whale Of A Day” at Point Vicente Interpretive Center, 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  In addition to whale watching from the bluff, there were be games, events and “inflatables”.  Admission to Whale Of A Day is free and parking/shuttle service will be available at the Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall on Hawthorne Blvd.

The Point Vicente Lighthouse will also be open for complimentary tours by the Coast Guard.

As of February 22, 2010, 361 whales have been spotted since the beginning of the whale watching season (December).  292 whales were traveling south and 69 were heading north, according to the Peninsula News.  Whale watching season runs through April.

Photo couresy of Tom Underhill Peninsula News 2008

The upcoming holiday season will offer several events to be enjoyed by owners of Palos Verdes real estate. This year there are 4 beautifully decorated homes featured in the 53rd Yule Parlor Parade sponsored by The Neighborhood Church (benefiting South Bay charities) to be held on December 4th and 5th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a Christmas Tea served at the Neighborhood Church from noon 4:00 p.m.  Call 310-378-9353 for more information.  The Neighborhood Church Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 13 at 5:30 and 7:30.

The 2009 Holiday Festival presented by Las Amigas at Torrance Memorial Medical Center ( south parking lot) features beautifully decorated holiday trees.  The schedule is Dec.2 from 5 pm to 9 pm, Dec. 3 from 4 pm to 9 pm, Dec. 5 from 10 am to 9 pm and Dec 6 from 10 am to 4 pm.

The 2009 Rolling Hills Holiday Parade of Lights which is sponsored by the City of Rolling Hills Estates, will be held Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.  There will be marching bands, drill teams, equestrian entries, floats, etc.  The parade will take place on Silver Spur Drive.

The Promenade on the Peninsula will have several  2009 holiday events beginning with the Annual Tree Lighting Event on November 21, 2009 at 6:00 pm.  Pictures With Santa will be held November 28 and December 19 from 1 to 4 pm.  Breakfast With Santa will be held December 12 from 8:30 to 10 am (tickets available at Ruby’s Diner).

Photo courtesy of Promenade on the Peninsula

On Saturday morning, September 12, we will see 100 antique and classic cars driving around the Palos Verdes Peninsula as part of the Palos Verdes Concours Tour d’Epicure Road Rallye. This year’s theme is “A Tale of Two Lights”, a mystery about the Point Vicente and Point Fermin lighthouses.

On Sunday, September 13, the Concours d’Elegance will begin at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes. This year’s car show features an Italian theme with the Maserati as the marque car along with other Italian Classics, Italian Motorcycles and Race Cars. There are 21 different class trophies to be awarded in categories such as Antique, Vintage, American and European Classics and Luxury. Palos Verdes Art Center and Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Foundation are bbeneficiaries of the event. Click here for more information on the Councours.

Photo courtesy of Palos Verdes Concours l

Fourth of July on the Palos Verdes Peninsula will be celebrated at two special public events. There will also be several local firework displays in the evening.

This year Palos Verdes Estates will be holding their48th Annual Independence Day Celebrationat Lunada Bay School, 520 Paseo Lunado. The festivities are free to the public and will begin at 9:45 a.m. with entries into the Apple Pie Contest followed by the Children’s Decorated Bike/Scooter Parade at 10:00 a.m. There will be music and family games for all ages. Everyone is welcome to bring picnics to enjoy on the lawn.

Rancho Palos Verdes will be hosting their 34th Annual Independence Day Celebration at Point Vicente Park/Civic Center at 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be Rides & Games, Arts & Crafts Booths, Music, Pie Eating Contest & Hula Hoop Contest, Petting Zoo and Helicopter Rides. Admission is free, on-site parking is $4 per vehicle and free shuttle service is provided along Hawthorne Blvd.

Fireworks can be seen in the evening at the Redondo Beach Pier/Seaside Lagoon at 9:30 p.m., at Torrance’s Charles Wilson Park at 9:00 p.m. & the Barge off the Coast of Torrance Beach at 9:00 p.m., and at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro at 9:00 p.m. More information on fireworks displays can be accesses by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of City of Rancho Palos Verdes

Free summer fun in Palos Verdes Peninsula is not just for owners of Palos Verdes real estate, but is open to all. Here are some of the events to chose from this summer:

The Lunada Bay Homeowners Association will be hosting “Summer Concerts in the Park” at Lunada Bay Park, Palos Verdes Estates, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on July 9 (Beth Rhode & Guests – Brazilian Jazz) and July 26 (Marti Harris & Friends – Jazz). It is recommended that you brig low beach chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner and enjoy the music.

The Malaga Cove Business & Professional Association in cooperation the The Palos Verdes Police Officer’s Association presents “Summer Concerts in the Park” at Farnham Martin’s Park next to the Malaga Cove Library in Palos Verdes Estates on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in July and August. You may bring your blankets at 3:00 p.m to save a spot. The concert schedule is:

• July 8 – Lori Andrews jazz harpist & Bart Samolis bass
• July 15 – Bryce Martin flute & Natalia Dalsheart piano
• July 22 – Boomer McClennan & The Rhythm Rangers
• July 29 – Bad Haggis
• Aug. 5 – Banshee in the Kitchen
• Aug. 12 – Yussi & Piratas de Amor
• Aug. 19 – Jim Sitterly & the Champs
• Aug. 26 – Bill Horn

Shakespeare By The Sea – As You Like It will be performed at Hesse Park in Rancho Palos Verdes at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5th. This will be held outdoors; bring your own low beach chairs or blankets.

Photo courtesy of LBHOA

The 43rd Annual Palos Verdes Marathon will be held Saturday, May 2, 2009, at 7:00 a.m. It will begin and end at Point Fermin Park (807 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro). According to the official website, the Palos Verdes Marathon is the second longest continuously running Marathon in the United States, second only to the Boston Marathon. That was news to me; I am impressed.

For residents, it means we probably want to stay clear of Palos Verdes Drive South and Palos Verdes Drive West & Paseo del Mar in Lunada Bay the morning of May 2nd. It looks like a new route this year. Click here to see this year’s route.

There is also a Half Marathon beginning at 7:30 a.m. and a 5-K/Community Fun Walk beginning at 8:00 a.m. This is a beautiful run along our coast with its breathtaking views.

Photo courtesy of the PV Marathon

It is Cherry Blossom Time again at South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This is the closest location for us to see the beauty and color of these trees. And when the petals fall in the breeze, it is like a silent rain. I often forget what a special place the Garden is. One can roam around for hours enjoying beauty and nature. It is a gift to our soul.

South Coast Botanic Gardens has a full calendar of events (accessible by clicking here) ranging from a Cactus & Succulent Show, to a Mother’s Day Concert to a Ferrari Car Show. The first Sunday and third Wednesday of every month at 8:00 a.m. they have Bird Walks in the Garden pointing out different and unusual species.

The Spring Plant Sale will be held Saturday, April 18, at 9:00 a.m. It’s best to get there early as the interesting plants go fast.

There are several 2008 holiday events coming up to be enjoyed by owners of Palos Verdes Real Estate. The 52nd Yule Parlor Parade featuring 3 beautifully decorated homes will be held Friday, December 5th, and Saturday, December 6th, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a Christmas Tea served at Neighborhood Church from noon to 4:00 p.m (benefiting South Bay charities). Call 310-378-9353 for more information. The Neighborhood Church Christmas Pageant will take place on December 14th at 5:30 and 7:30.

The Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights which is sponsored by the City of Rolling Hills Estates, will be held Saturday, December 6th, at 6:00 p.m.. There will be marching bands, drill teams, equestian entries, floats, clowns, etc. The parade will take place on Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive.

The Promenade on the Peninsula will have their “12 Days of Christmas $1200 Give-a-way” – you must register November 28 – 30 at the Ice Chalet. The Promenade will also host “Pictures with Santa” on 3 different Saturdays, November29th, December 6th and December 20th from 1:00 to 4:00. Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday, December 13th from 8:30-10:00 a.m. – tickets are available at the Promenade Management Office.

Free summer fun in Palos Verdes Peninsula is not just for owners of Palos Verdes real estate, but is open to all. Here are some of the events to choose from this summer:

The Lunada Bay Homeowners Association will be hosting “Summer Concerts in the Park” at Lunada Bay Park from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on July 10 (featuring One World) and July 24 (featuring The Mark Fitchett Band) . It is recommended that you bring low beach chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner and enjoy the music.

Shakespeare By The Sea – A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed at Hess Park in Rancho Palos Verdes Estates at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. This will be held outdoors; bring your own low beach chairs or blankets. If you miss that performance, Shakespeare Festival LA will be performing The Taming of the Shrew July 23-27 at the Southcoast Botanic Gardens (this not a free event – tickets are $25).

The Malaga Cove Business & Professional Association in cooperation with the Palos Verdes Police Officer’s Association presents “Summer Concerts in the Park” at Farnham Martin’s Park in Palos Verdes Estates (next to the Malaga Cove Library) on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in July and August. (Tip – you may bring your blankets at 3:00 p.m to save a spot.) The concert schedule is below:

• July 9 – Yussi (Latin/Jazz/Fusion)
• July 16- Boomer McLennan & the Rhythm Rangers
• July 23- Sam & Brenda Lynne (An Evening of Vocal Standards)
• July 30- Natalie & Brice (Flute & Piano)
• Aug. 6 – Phil Marshall (All Star Classic Blues)
• Aug. 13- Bad Haggis (Celtic Rock & Roll)
• Aug. 20- Benise w/Dr. James Sitterly
• Aug. 27- Cody Bryant Band (Real Cowboys)

Photo courtesy of LBHA