February lectures sponsored by the Peninsula Seniors give Palos Verdes homes owners an opportunity to learn more about different interesting topics, and allow them to meet other local residents. These lectures take place at Hesse Park, located at 29301 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes, in the Fireside Room on Wednesday’s from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

On February 8, 2012, the community will learn about the development of the Peninsula from two women who wrote a book about the early days.  Written by Betty Lukas, and edited by Marjeanne Blinn, “Peninsula Past: the Complicated Birth of Paradise” debuted December 8, and consists of 31 essays and archived photos which had appeared in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News.  As many of you know Betty is a docent in the Local History Room at the Peninsula Center Library, and Marjeanne is an adult services librarian there.  They will be bringing books for sale for local history buffs.

On February 15, the speaker will be Ms. Dina Aryan-Zahler who is a staff engineer for the Port of Los Angeles.  She will talk about development ideas and the plans that will create a world class harbor and an active community attraction here in our own backyard.  Some of these plans for the Port will include U.S.S. IOWA, an artist and craftsman center, an international marine research and technology center, Ports’O'Call Village, and a downtown water attraction.

On February 22, Coleen Sass and volunteer Alan Cook will talk about the Community Helpline and how it has been providing support and crisis intervention services to the Peninsula for the last 40 years. They will talk about the six week training course that is involved for all the volunteers, and how the Helpline became became such a benefit to our community. This should be an interesting topic for those who are not aware of some of the services our Peninsula offers residents.

On February 29, Don Nose, president of the Go For Broke National Education Center in Torrance, and Directors Ken Akune and James Ogawa, will talk about how in WWII, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was the most highly decorated unity in the history of the United States.  It was made up of 442nd and 100th Battalions that were entirely Japanese-American volunteers, whose families had been sent to relocation camps at the start of the war. There will be a presentation showing detailing how this famous combat unit fought in two wars.

Photo courtesy of the Peninsula Seniors

Palos Verdes homes owners love to see whales off their coast and the Whale Watching season is upon us.  It officially started December 1, 2011 and according to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center,  559 whales have been spotted to date.  This is a higher number than normal and 5 whales were spotted just this morning!   Most of the whales are traveling south to Baja but seven were spotted going north.

There is something so exciting about seeing these magnificent creatures.  You have several options.  Point Vicente Interpretive Center located at  31501 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes 90275 welcomes visitors to this premier whale watching site for viewing (bring binoculars).  For more information, call 310-377-5370.   If you want to see the whales up closer, there are two companies that have whale watching tours for a fee.  San Pedro Spirit Cruises (310) 548-8080 has tours on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m., and Sundays at 12:00 p.m. Voyager Excursions in Redondo Beach (310) 944-1219 has daily whale watching tours.

Photo courtesy of Voyager Excursions

On Saturday, February 4, 2012, the Peninsula Seniors will sponsor Coffee & Cars at the Peninsula Shopping Center (off Silver Spur Road and Hawthorne Boulevard in Rolling Hills Estates).  A group of car enthusiasts will bring their Hot Rod, Custom, Muscle Car, Sports Car, Antique, and other special interest vehicles, to the Peninsula Shopping Center parking lot where you can admire the cars, meet the owners and ask them questions.

This free event gives Palos Verdes homes owners an opportunity to meet and socialize with Peninsula Seniors members, their guests, and other South Bay area car lovers.  If you are not over 55 and would like to bring your favorite car to show, you can get an honorary car or a “senior-in-training” badge to cover you for the event.

Coffee & Cars is held the first Saturday of every month in the parking area near Starbucks and Rite Aid in the Peninsula Shopping Center. Each month, a different type of car is features and for the month of February, Italian Cars will be shown.  For a fun morning activity put on your comfortable shoes and enjoy the outdoors with other car buffs.

For more information contact Peninsula Seniors at (310) 377-3003.

Photo courtesy of Arvin Design

Did you start the New Year promising to be more organized and de-clutter this year?  Well here is the perfect opportunity to get rid of all those old electronic devices you don’t use and start de-cluttering your home or office.  Palos Verdes homes owners have the opportunity to recycle their old TV’s, computers, phones and other electrical devices and help the Palos Verdes public schools at the same time.  Waste Management is offering this one time opportunity to unload your E-waste items and 100% of the proceeds will be given to the Peninsula Education Foundation.  This is a win-win for everyone.

Volunteers will be on hand at 3 drive through locations to help you recycle your E-waste items.  On Friday, January 20, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., and on Saturday, January 21, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00p.m., you can drop off at Palos Verdes High School located at 600 Cloyden Road, Palos Verdes Estates, or Palos Verdes Peninsula High School located at 27118 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates.  Miraleste Intermediate School will be accepting donations on Saturday only at 29323 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rancho Palos Verdes from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

They will accept old VCR’s, fax machines, TV’s, computers & monitors, printers, print cartridges, cell phones, video games, iPods, MP3 players, DVD players, gps devices, PDA’s, laptops DVD’s & players, scanners, digital cameras, copiers and power supplies.  For more information contact (310) 378-2278.

Photo courtesy of  Peninsula Education Foundation

No matter how many times we have been to the tide pools, it always is an enjoyable visit.  I love the magic of seeing all the creatures living in the pools.  Palos Verdes homes owners are lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful tide pool areas.

On Sunday, December 11, 2011, the Los Serenos de Point Vicente docents will be offering a Tide Pool Hike starting at the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park at 2:30 p.m.  These hikes are a great time to enjoy the outdoors with experts who will be discussing a variety of topics such as Palos Verdes Peninsula history, its geology, plant and animal life, as well as the marine mammals.  As you tour the tide pools and watch the fascinating marine life you will learn about the inhabitants – sea stars, sea anemones, hermit crabs and many more interesting animals.

The hike is scheduled to start when the tide is low enough to view the marine life.  You will be visiting many tide pools during this two hour hike so be sure to wear sturdy shoes.

Parking is available at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park located at 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes 90275. There is no fee for the hike and the parking fees will be waived up to 45 minutes prior to the hike and 30 minutes after.  For more information go to www.LosSeranos.org, or call (310) 377-5370.

Photo courtesy of Los Serenos de Point Vicente

Palos Verdes homes owners can enjoy a day outside with the Oceanfront Estates Walk, and can also enjoy the Point Vicente Lighthouse tour on the very same day.  The group will meet on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. (walk continues until 11:00 a.m.) at the parking lot next to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center located at 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West in Rancho Palos Verdes 90275.  This is an easy 2.2 mile hike along the bluff of our beautiful Palos Verdes coast looking out at the ocean and several coves.  It is quiet and peaceful and the trail is maintained nicely with decomposed granite.

After your walk, you can visit the Point Vicente Lighthouse which is open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m for tours.  These tours are offered only once a month on the second Saturday (except in March).  Here you will enjoy the beauty of the lighthouse which stands 67 feet tall and is one of the area’s jewels.  The lighthouse beam shines 185 feet high and is able to be seen twenty miles out over the ocean.  Point Vicente was named in 1790 by Captain George Vancouver for his good friend, Friar Vicente of the Mission Buenaventura.  In 1979, the Point Vicente Lighthouse was added to the National Registry of historic sights.   Admission is free to both the lighthouse and it’s museum.  For more information on the museum call (310) 541-0334.

Santa is going to be a busy man this year with all of his stops throughout the Peninsula for Palos Verdes homes owners.  He will be at the Promenade on the Peninsula next to the large Christmas tree on Saturday, November 26th, between noon and 4:00 p.m.

The Peninsula Center will be having Santa visit on the following dates. Saturday, December 3, 2011, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and December 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The following two weekends December 10, 11, 17 & 18th, visits will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  On Saturday, December 10th and the 17th, you will be able to enjoy the strolling Carolers during these hours.

You will have two opportunities to have Breakfast with Santa on December 10, 2011:  Santa will be at Ruby’s Restaurant from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and for only $15 (which includes 1 free child under 12) you will be able to meet Santa, have breakfast, get a family picture and enjoy the festivities.  For reservation to this sell out event contact Ruby’s at (310) 544-7829. Ruby’s is located at 550 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling Hills Estates.  You can also visit Santa from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Hesse Park located at 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes.  The cost is $15 per person.  For more information call (310) 544-6280 or for reservations go to emailparks@rpv.com.

Santa arrives at Lunada Bay Park on Thursday, December 15th, starting at 5:00 p.m.  This is a fun event with holiday festivities including refreshments, raffles, cookie decorating and possibly a visit from a fire engine.  Lunada Bay Park is located at 2325 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates.

The South Coast Botanic Garden, known as ”The Jewel of the Peninsula,” has some fun family activities for our Palos Verdes homes owners to participate in.  On Saturday, November 19, 2011, from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m., you can learn how to plant bulbs for Spring blooms, and what soils are better for specific plants.  After the rains, this would be a great time to get the bulbs into the ground.  Also, beginning at 1:00 p.m., the Upper and Lower Meadow will be open for family picnics.

In addition to learning about bulb planting, you can relax and enjoy this 87 acre Botanic Garden which has more than 2,500 different species of plants.  This wide variety of plant life helps to provide food and shelter to animal wildlife which exists here on the Peninsula.  Currently, many plants are in bloom – the Shrimp Plant, Blue Butterfly Bush, Pine Leaf Milkweed, Yellow Jacobinia, Amber Queen, Balkan and many more.  Tram tours will run at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at a cost of $4.

The South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula.  The hours are 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. and it is open 364 days a year (closed only on Christmas Day).  Entry prices are: adults/$8, seniors 62+/$6, students with I.D./$6, children 5-12/$3, and children under 4 are free (Admission is cash only).

For more information go to www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org, or call (310) 544-1948.

Photo courtesy of the South Coast Botanic Garden

Palos Verdes homes owners agree that the  Palos Verdes Peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas to live in.  What makes it so inviting is that we are we surrounded by water and green hills which allow abundant wildlife.

It is important to remember that nature can use a helping hand now and then.  Fires in the area have endangered our animal species, and plant life and urbanization are taking a toll on different native species.

We can help to restore these natural habitats for the protected species that live here on the Peninsula.  Lucky for us, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy‘s stewardship of research and planning are helping to establish baselines for these habitats.  They are trying when appropriate, to restore landscapes to their original authentic character, while also controlling the spread of invasive plans, that damage ecosystems by displacing native species.

Several times a year they invite the public to join in.  On Saturday, November 19, 2011, one of these workdays will take place on the Portuguese Bend Reserve.  From 9:00 to 12:oo noon, volunteers will help to plant and revive these areas.  If you would like to volunteer to help restore the plant life go to www.PVPLC.org, or call 310-541-7613 to RSVP.  The group will meet at 4 Burrell Lane, to sign in for this activity.

Photo courtesy of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy

The 2011 holidays are quickly approaching and there are many events planned for Palos Verdes homes owners – tree lighting celebrations, holiday parades, Nutcracker ballets, visits with Santa and more.

The Promenade on the Peninsula will be starting off the season with its Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 19th at 5:00 p.m.  This will be a wonderful event with holiday songs and festive activities.  Santa will be arriving at 7:00 p.m.

The Norris Theatre will be presenting three different ballets this year.  They are:

Dance Peninsula Ballet will be presenting its annual production of the “Nutcracker” on November 26th at 2:00 & 7:30 p.m., November 27th at 1:00 & 5:00 p.m., December 2nd at 7:30 p.m., and December 3rd at 2:00 & 8:00 p.m.

Classical Ballet Theatre will be presenting their production of the “Nutcracker“ on December 10th, at 4:00 p.m. and December 11th at 1:00 & 4:00 p.m.

Palos Verdes Ballet will be performing their “Nutcracker“ on December 17th at 7:00 p.m. and December 18^th at 1:00 & 5:00 p.m. or for more information go to www.palosverdesballet.org

The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, and tickets can be purchased by calling (310) 544-0403

The Neighborhood Church’s “Yule Parlor Parade” will be on December 2nd & 3rd from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. This annual event includes a holiday tour of beautiful local homes and a tea on the premises of the church, which overlooks our beautiful coastline. The church is located at 415 Paseo del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates, and tickets can be purchased the day of the festivities, or pre-sale by calling (310) 378-9353.

The annual “Peninsula Holiday Parade” will be held this year on December 3rd from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. along Silver Spur Road beginning at Hawthorne Boulevard.  This event includes not only local entertainment but also bands and floats from outside areas and a Santa’s sleigh will close out the parade. .

The Peninsula Center will begin their festivities on December 3rd, at 11:30 a.m. in the area near TJ Max, with Santa’s arrival and train rides for kids. The Palos Verdes Ballet will be performing at noon and Carolers will perform throughout the day. The Peninsula Center is located at 44B Peninsula Center, Rolling Hills Estates. For more information call (310) 541-2242 or go to info@peninsulashoppingcenter.com.  Santa will continue his visits on December 3^rd, 4^th, 10^th, 11^th, 17^th & 18^th from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The South Coast Botanic Gardens will be hosting the annual PV Symphony Band “Holiday Concert” on December 11th, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.  South Coast Botanic Gardens are located at 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula.  For more information contact (310) 544-1998.

The City of Palos Verdes Estates will be hosting its annual Santa visit and caroling on December 24^th at the Malaga Cove Plaza.  Lunada Bay will be having their festivities on December 15th at the Lunada Bay Park. Exact time has not been determined, but you can contact (310) 378-0383 for more information.

There are 2 different Santa Breakfasts scheduled on December 10^th.  Santa will be at Ruby’s Restaurant from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Breakfast costs $15 (for one adult and one child under12) and includes meeting Santa and a family photo.  For reservations for this sell-out event, contact Ruby’s at 310-544-7829.  Ruby’s is located at 550 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling Hills Estates.  You can also have Breakfast with Santa from 9:00 – 11:00 at Hesse Park located at 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes.  The cost is $15 per person.  For more information contact 310-544-6280 or for reservations to do emailparks@rpv.com