Palos Verdes Art Center 2020 Online Summer Show!

18 hours ago • Children's Events, Community Events, Community Information, Things To Do In Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes Art Center 2020 Online Summer Show!

The Palos Verdes Art Center had to change it’s schedule this year like so many other programs. They were not able to finish their Spring Term Classes, and the Summer Classes have been canceled due to the public health concerns. However, they have been able to put together “The Summer Show” which will show submissions from the Palos Verdes Art Center’s eight active artists groups.

The Summer Show will take place from July 20, 2020, through August 22, 2020, and images of all exhibition artwork will be online from their gallery on July 20. The virtual exhibition can be viewed by going to pvartcenter.org.

The Fall Term of classes is scheduled to start on September 14, 2020, and will run through November 20, 2020. When the Art Center is able to open, it will follow strict social distancing and sanitizing guidelines. At this time, they are hoping to re-open soon and look forward to being able to announce a date. The fall registration is not yet open, but soon they will list the classes that are offered and give a full description of each class and time on the website at www.pvartcenter.org. Once the online registration opens, you can go online, or if you prefer to go in person do so at the Palos Verdes Art Center’s Entrance Lobby at 5504 West Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes. For more information call (310) 541-2479.

To read my prior article on the Palos Verdes Art Center click here.

Photo courtesy of the Palos Verdes Art Center

Palos Verdes Enjoys Outdoor Summer Movie at the Promenade on the Peninsula!

2 weeks ago • Children's Events, Community Events, Community Information

Palos Verdes Enjoys Outdoor Summer Movie at the Promenade on the Peninsula!

Family Movie Night featuring “La La Land” will be shown on Saturday, June 27, 2020, on the roof of the Promenade on the Peninsula located at 550 Deep Valley Drve, Rolling Hills Estates. The event will be held on the roof top parking lot for an unique outdoor summer experience while social distancing. For this special evening, the gate will open at 7:00 p.m., and the movie starts at 8 p.m. You can enter the Promenade parking lot off Indian Peak Road and go to the top level. Enjoy the old fashioned experience of watching a movie from your car, while waving to your friends across the parking lot. There is an admission charge of $25 per car. The funds will benefit the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, a program that helps local teens launch businesses.

There will be take out food options at the location. You can purchase tickets at the gate or in advance from the Palos Verdes Chamber’s website palosverdeschamber.com/events, or by calling (310) 377-8111.

“La La Land” is set in the 1950’s in Hollywood, filled with music, and dancing. It is always fun to join the other viewers and wear your 1950 style clothing.

Click here to read my last article about outdoor movies.

Palos Verdes Businesses Want To Remind You To “Shop Local First”

4 weeks ago • 0 comments • Community Events, Community Information, Homeowner Information, Things To Do In Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes Businesses Want To Remind You To “Shop Local First”

Palos Verdes business owners are hoping that as businesses start to open, you remember to continue to help our community by “Shopping Local First.” The Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is reminding us of its “Local First” initiative to assist our local economy and is showing Palos Verdes homes owners all the benefits that our community receives by supporting local businesses. We have been staying “safer at home” for several months, and are now able to get out and run our own errands as we did in the past. However, we must remember that our local restaurants, retail stores, dance studios, music stores and gyms have seen a tremendous downside recently. As we look around the local shopping centers now, retail stores have re-opened up in the shopping centers and some restaurants are even allowing limited sit down dining. So if you are going to start stepping out, please remember the following list of Top 10 Reasons To Shop, Dine and Do Business Locally First.

1. Significantly More Money Re-circulates in the Local Community

2. Unique Businesses are an Integral Part of our Distinctive Character

3. Put your Taxes to Good Use

4. Customer Service is Better

5. Most New Jobs are Provided by Local Businesses

6. Local Business Owners Invest in our Community

7. Competition and Diversity Leads to More Consumer Choices

8. Environmental Impact is Reduced

9. Non Profits Receive Greater Support

10. A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

To read my last article on “Shopping Local First” click here.

Photo of the Promenade on the Peninsula courtesy of Arvin Design

Palos Verdes 2020 Whale Watching Has Resumed!

4 weeks ago • Children's Events, Community Events, Community Information, Things To Do In Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes 2020 Whale Watching Has Resumed!

Point Vicente Interpretive Center had to stop its whale counting this year in March because of the corona virus. This famous landmark gives Palos Verdes homes owners a local center where they can go and watch these massive mammals off our coastline. The season officially started on December 1, 2019, with most of the whales traveling south to Baja. To see these magnificent creatures, there are several different local options to choose from. Point Vicente Interpretive Center located at 31501 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, welcomes visitors to this premier whale watching site for viewing (bring binoculars). Currently the park grounds are open, as well as the restrooms and walking trails. The museum and gift store are closed at this time due to the virus. For more information, call (310)-377-5370.

If you want to get a closer look at the whales, there are two companies that have whale watching tours for a fee. San Pedro Spirit Cruises is offering their tours on Saturday & Sunday at 1:30 p.m. You can go online to purchase tickets, however, they recommend that you contact them the day before to make sure that there are no weather problems. The cost for the tour is $15, and one child is free with each paid adult. San Pedro Spirit Cruises is located at 77 Berth, San Pedro. For more information and to make future reservations, go to www.spiritmarine.com or call (310) 548-8080.

Harbor Breeze is offering their cruises everyday at 12:00 noon & 3:00 p.m. This is a two hour excursion into the Pacific Ocean to search for whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life including marine birds. The cost for this cruise is $35/prepaid or $45 for walk ups. Children 3-11 are $30. Harbor Breeze is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2, Long Beach. For more information and reservations go to https://2seewhales.com, or call (562) 432-4900.

At this time the Redondo Beach Whale Watch tours have not begun. They are hoping to open their facility later this month. Reservations will be required for weekend tours. Redondo Beach Whale Watch is located at 140 International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach. For more information, go to www.rbwhales.com or call (310) 372-2111 for reservations.

To read my last article on whale watching click here.

Photo courtesy of Spirit Cruises

Enjoy Free Garden Day At South Coast Botanic Garden Tuesday, June 16, 2020!

1 month ago • Children's Events, Community Events, Things To Do In Palos Verdes

Enjoy Free Garden Day At South Coast Botanic Garden Tuesday, June 16, 2020!

Palos Verdes homes owners have a great opportunity to enjoy one of the few locations that is still open for exercise on the Peninsula. The South Coast Botanic Garden, “The Jewel of the Peninsula,” is located here on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula and has 87-acres of more than 2,500 different species of plants from as far away as Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa. Popular features include a small lake, Mediterranean Garden, AARS Rose Garden, Water-Wise Garden, Garden for the Senses, Cactus Garden, Children’s Garden, Fuchsia Garden, Dahlia Garden, Herb Garden, and Japanese Garden. There is an attractive Wedding Lawn and two Gazebos, Events Meadow, and Frances Young Auditorium available for events.

On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, you can enjoy the Free Garden Day at the SCBG, but must make an advance reservation and follow the covid rules by wearing protective face masks, and follow safe physical distancing.

If you can’t make it for the free day, the normal price for admission to the South Coast Botanic Garden is: adults $15, seniors $11, students with I.D. $11, children 5 to 12 $5, and children 4 and under are free. Currently, you must make advance reservations for the date/time you wish to visit the Gardens. For more information or to purchase admission tickets click here. The South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula. Due to the current situation, it is recommended that you contact the garden early to make your reservation because it does fill up. To make your reservation for June 16,2020, call (310) 544-1948.

To read my prior article on the Cherry Blossom Festival click here.

Photo courtesy of the South Coast Botanic Garden

Palos Verdes Library District’s Announces Curbside Pickup!

1 month ago • Community Events, Community Information, Senior Information, Things To Do In Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes Library District’s Announces Curbside Pickup!

The Palos Verdes Library District will be starting its new Curbside Pickup tomorrow, June 2, 2020, at one of the Palas Verdes libraries. You can now place, cancel, suspend and pickup holds. In order to participate, first check your account at www.pvld.org, and if your current holds are available for pickup it will say “Ready for Pickup.” You are also able to cancel any holds you no longer need and place new holds.

Beginning tomorrow, you can drive up to either Peninsula Center, Miraleste or Malaga Cove Library branches to pick up holds. The hold pickup hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

At the Peninsula Center Library, you will enter the roof parking lot at 650 Deep Valley Drive, and follow the signage. In order to speed things up, please have your library card ready, your face covering on, and pop your trunk when instructed.

Both Malaga Cove & Miraleste branches will allow you to park and pick up your hold. Malaga Cove parking lot entrance off of Via Pinale will allow for parking and pick up. Miraleste Library parking lot will be open and services will be provided at the front entrance. You must wear a face covering at all times.

Book drops will be opening on June 8, 2020. All current items are checked out until June 30, 2020. All items will be quarantined and cleaned upon return. There will be a 72 hour delay before returned items are checked in to the library system, due to these quarantine procedures. No overdue fines will be charged for this delay.

At this time, no other in-person services are available and the buildings are closed. The libraries are not accepting any book donations at this time.

For more information, you can contact the Palos Verdes Library District at (310) 377-9584.

To read my prior article on the Palos Verdes Library District click here.

Photo courtesy of the Palos Verdes Library District

Palos Verdes Summer Concerts Cancelled!

1 month ago • Community Events, Community Information, Things To Do In Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes Summer Concerts Cancelled!

Palos Verdes homes owners will have to wait another year to enjoy the Palos Verdes Summer Concerts due to the Covid-19 virus. The summer normally brings blankets, music and fun, however, this summer large crowds will not be happening in our area.

The Malaga Cove concert series which has been going on for years, and normally takes place on eight Wednesday’s following the Fourth of July, has now been cancelled due to social distancing. The Malaga Cove Business and Professional Association put out a notification that this year it would be unable to continue the series.

Lunada Bay Homeowners Association is cancelling their summer concerts this year also. They are hoping to be able to bring back some music in September and October.

The Neighborhood Church will not be enjoying any summer concerts this year. They have been cancelling all large group functions at to this time.

St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church has also announced that they will not be holding their outdoor concerts this summer. We look forward to the return of the Palos Verdes Summer Concerts next year.

To read my prior article on the Malaga Cove Concert Series click here.

Photo above is of a Lunada Bay concert

Palos Verdes Bulky Trash & E-Waste Pick Up Scheduled For June 13, 2020!

2 months ago • Community Events, Community Information, Things To Do In Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes Bulky Trash & E-Waste Pick Up Scheduled For June 13, 2020!

Palos Verdes Estates Annual Bulky Trash & E-Waste Pick Up will take place on June 13, 2020. After the earlier cancellation in April, Athen’s Service has confirmed that it will definitely be held on this new date. Just remember that all of your items must be on the curbside by 6:00 a.m. Since many of us have been doing a lot of cleaning during this “Stay at Home” order, this is a great opportunity to get rid of our extras. The City’s waste hauler will pick up furniture, appliances, water heaters, refrigerators (compressors removed), stoves, sinks, lawn furniture and more. They will not pick up construction waste, green waste, automotive fluids, pool chemicals and cleaning products. However, you may contact Athens Service directly if you have construction waste that you need to have removed at any time by ordering a temporary debris container. At this time you will also be able to rid yourself of E-Waste items such as TV’s, printers, DVD players, computers and etc. Palos Verdes Estates Annual Bulky Trash Pick Up information can be found at www.AthenServices.com or you can call (888) 336-6100.

The city of Rancho Palos Verdes uses EDCO for their Convenient Bulky Item Pick-up. Single family residents have the opportunity to schedule bulky item pick up service for large items such as water heaters, appliances, furniture, televisions, etc. (except for household hazardous waste) up to four times per year for FREE. These pickups must be scheduled ahead of time. To make arrangements you must call (310) 540-2977. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has rescheduled their Household Hazards & Electronic Waste Disposal to the fall of 2020.

Rolling Hills Estates residents are serviced by Waste Management and are able to have both E-Waste and Bulky Items picked up at their residences for FREE four times a year also. They must notify Customer Services at least 24 hours prior to pick up to arrange for that service. To set up an appointment, call (800) 774-0222.

For year round Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Waste Disposal, you can go to the Gaffey Safe Center located at 1400 N. Gaffey Street, San Pedro. They are open on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For information on the prior Palos Verdes Annual Bulky Trash Pick Up click here.

Photo courtesy of Athens Services

Palos Verdes Beaches, Parks & Trails Are Now Open!

2 months ago • Children's Events, Community Events, Community Information, Trails and Hikes

Palos Verdes Beaches, Parks & Trails Are Now Open!

Palos Verdes homes owners are happy that the beaches, parks & trails, including the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve are now opening under the guidance from the County of Los Angeles.

Our cities are encouraging residents to participate in recreational outdoor activity in their neighborhoods. When outdoors visiting these areas, please make sure that you are mindful of your social interactions and wear a face covering. All visitors must practice physical distancing by staying 6 feet away from others not in their household. Face coverings are mandatory at beaches when out of the water, and on trailheads, parking areas, and any trails where there are other groups of people nearby. The city staff, park rangers and law enforcement will be monitoring these areas to ensure compliance, and parking restrictions will be enforced. If these rules are not observed by the public, the city may close those areas.

Dog owners will be happy to hear that the Eastview Dog Park and the Rancho Caninos Dog Park are open. The tennis court at Upper Point Vicente Park and the paddle tennis courts at Ladera Linda Park are also open. Both amenities have restrictions to comply with physical distancing and safety.

There are a few trails that will remain closed at this time. They are: Three Sisters Reserve, Filioram Reserve, Vista Del Norte Reserve, and Aqua Amarga Reserve. Remember that playgrounds, basketball courts, baseball & soccer fields, and park buildings will remain closed.

Photo courtesy of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy

Palos Verdes Walking Options!

2 months ago • Children's Events, Community Events, Community Information, Things To Do In Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes homes owners have been waiting and hoping for the revised “Safer at Home” order that allows them more opportunity to get out and exercise. Other news media have reported that some areas have already lifted their bans, but we have been waiting for specific news about Palos Verdes. Good news: the City of Rancho Verdes has partially reopened six neighborhood parks on a trial bases to allow residents to have more walking opportunities. They are:

Eastview Park (excluding the dog park) – 1700 Westmont Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes
Frank A. Vanderlip Park – 6500 Seacove Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes
Fred Hesse, Jr. Community Park – 29301 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes
Ladera Linda Park – 32201 Forrestal Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes
Robert E. Ryan Community Park – 30359 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes
Upper Point Vicente Park (excluding the Rancho Caninos Dog Park) – 30940 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes

If you decide to participate, remember that you must stay on the turf and walking paths that are allocated. You must be mindful of your social interactions and wear a face covering. All visitors must practice physical distancing by staying 6 feet away from others that are not in their household. To make sure the rules are followed, the city staff, park ranger and law enforcement will be monitoring. If the rules are not followed, the city may choose to close these areas. Remember that the parking lots, restrooms, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts are not open. The Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and trails are closed to any outdoor activity at these time.

Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes