Palos Verdes Beaches, Parks & Trails Are Now Open!

2 weeks 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!

3 weeks 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

Palos Verdes 2020 Summer School Changes!

1 month ago • Children's Events, Community Information, School Information

Palos Verdes 2020 Summer School Changes!

The Palos Verdes Unified School District has had to change directions for its summer school program because of the COVID-19 virus. This year, summer school will be an online program for all grade levels. All summer school programs will begin on June 22, 2020.

Palos Verdes elementary students participating in a Summer Break Program will be taking one block of reading, writing and math which will be taught via Zoom. The program will be taught with the maximum of only 18 students per teacher. Classes will begin at 8:30 a.m. and go until 12:00 noon. Students will be attending classes from Monday, June 22, through Friday, July 17, 2020. The cost for elementary students is $500. Registration will open on May 12, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. and will close on June 1, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.

Palos Verdes intermediate students grades six through eight will be able to participate in the Summer PEP Program which will consists of (1 or 2) two hour blocks of time for each subject. There will also be a third 2 hour block from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to provide a limited number of enrichment based electives. The program will be taught with the maximum of 25 students per teacher. Classes will begin at 8:30 a.m. and go until 12:30 p.m. Students will be attending classes from Monday, June 22, through Friday, July 17, 2020. The cost for intermediate students is $275 (1 block), $550 (2 blocks) and $825 (3 blocks). Registration will be open on May 11, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. and will close on June 1, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. Online signups will close on June 12, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.

Summer high school for Palos Verdes students in grades ten through twelve will be offered online. Summer school full session cost will be $660 or tuition for a one semester class is $330. First semester classes (3 weeks) start on Monday, June 22, and continue through July 9, 2020. Second semester classes (3 weeks) start on Monday, July 13, and continue through July 30, 2020. The classes offered during the summer are listed on the summer school website listed below.

For more information and description of classes offered, go to www.pvpss.com.

Photo courtesy of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District

Palos Verdes Celebrates Earth Day 2020 Online!

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

Palos Verdes Celebrates Earth Day 2020 Online!

Palos Verdes homes owners have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Earth Day while following the “Stay at Home” order. Although we will not be able to celebrate the activities originally planned, there are several opportunities that the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy would like to share with you.

On Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., you can participate via Facebook or Instagram in a White Point Nature Preserve virtual “live” tour. The Live Event from the White Point Nature Preserve can be seen on Instagram @pvplc and Facebook at pvplc.org. Conservancy Volunteer Coordinator, Megan Wolff, will tour the Preserve native plant demonstration garden and talk about the wildlife that thrive on the restored plants. She will also be describing the fascinating ways the Tongva people used these plants and as well as the history of the location as the former Sepulveda Ranch, home to Japanese abalone farmers. Megan will also discuss the fact that the land was also used as a Nike missile assembly site which the Conservancy repurposed into a Nature Education Center. Later that day at 8:00 p.m., you can tune in to the National Geographic Channel (Cox 108) for “Born Wild: A Live Earth Day Event.” This is a breathtaking journey around the world witnessing and celebrating the diversity and splendor of charismatic baby animals, their families and habitats. You can also enjoy another Earth Day film by National Geographic on Jane Goodall called “The Hope” airing afterwards at 9:00 p.m.

For more information about the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy’s online events click here.

Click here to read about Palos Verdes Earth Day celebrations last year.

Photo courtesy of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy

Palos Verdes AYSO Early Bird Fall 2020 Registration Is Open Online!

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

Palos Verdes AYSO Early Bird Fall 2020 Registration Is Open Online!

Palos Verdes AYSO Soccer (Region 10) is currently accepting early bird online registration for Fall 2020. Due to the Coronavirus the April 25, 2020, walk in registration has been cancelled, but the May 16, 2020, walk in registration date is still in effect. The Palos Verdes Region 10 of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) offers year round recreational and competitive youth soccer programs locally for four year olds (U5 division) all the way up to 19 year olds (U19). Several years ago, the AYSO National changed the age divisions and it is now based on birthdays January 1 through December 31st. The age of your child in 2020 will determine their Fall division. The home page at http://ayso.bluesombrero.com/region10 will show the division and age slots.

The online registration for the new Fall soccer season is open and available until May 31, 2020. All parents must go to the registration website at http://ayso.bluesombrero.com/region10 and create a new account (for your child). If you enter your child’s name exactly as you did last year, you will keep the same AYSO ID, but you will want to check all the information (including contact information) regarding your child for this year. All returning players in divisions U5 – U9 will need to register online, print the form and bring it to the walk in registration on May 16, 2020, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Hesse Park Community Center. If you are in the U10 – U19 group you must register online, but do not need to attend in person on May 16, 2020. Returning coaches are exempt for U10, U11, U12, U14, U16 and U19 can register online and pay by credit card to complete their registration without attending the in-person registration. Players in the U5 and U6 must register in person on May 16, 2020.

Walk in registration will take place only on Saturday, May 16, 2020, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Hesse Park Community Center. The cost for early registration until May 31, 2020, is $175 for your first child, and $150 for each additional child. If registering after June l, 2020, the cost will be $200 and no sibling discount. After July 1, 2020, the cost will be $225 and there will be no sibling discount. You still need to formally register in person if you do not meet the above requirements. Checks and cash will not be accepted at registration.

If you are interested in volunteering, you will find the required paperwork on the registration site. Since AYSO is a 100% volunteer organization, they are always looking for volunteers to fill coach and referee positions. (There is a special express line at registration for volunteers.) If your child has not played the previous year, you will be required to bring proof of your child’s age either by birth certificate or passport.

To read my last article on AYSO Region 10 Soccer click here.

Hesse Park is located at 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes.

Photo courtesy of AYSO Region 10

Enjoy Free Garden Day At South Coast Botanic Garden Tuesday, March 17, 2020!

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

Enjoy Free Garden Day At South Coast Botanic Garden Tuesday, March 17, 2020!

Our community is trying to adjust to the news of the COVID-19 virus. Events on the Peninsula such as the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy’s Hikes & Trails, Free Films at the Library, Easter Egg hunts, Yoga & Chi classes and many other events that we bring to you monthly on our blog, have all been cancelled. We have schools closed, restaurants asking diners to take out only, children’s after school events cancelled, gym’s closing and many more events cancelled.

The South Coast Botanic Garden at this time is still allowing admission to the gardens. This is a great time to just get out and wander through the many different garden areas that exist. Tuesday, March 17th, 2020, is free garden day. Once a month on the third Tuesday the garden opens its door to the public for free. You can take advantage of this offer and enjoy a peaceful outdoor adventure. The Cherry Blossoms are in bloom and many believe that this symbolizes the beauty of life. They are the symbolic national flower of Japan and are said to be an omen of good fortune and an emblem of love and affection.

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. For more information go to 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 to confirm the event at (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 Whale Of A Day 2020 Celebration!

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

Palos Verdes Whale Of A Day 2020 Celebration!

The Whale Of A Day 2020 festival will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for Palos Verdes homes owners and their neighbors throughout the South Bay to celebrate these monumental marine mammals. This annual event is co-sponsored by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the docents of Los Serenos de Point Vicente. This festival celebrates the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale from its summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi Seas in Alaska, to its winter breeding and calving grounds in Baja. The whale counting season starts on December 1st and goes through May 25th. As of March 12, 2020, the season count from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center is 1,003 whale sightings which is less than this time last year. If you are looking for a great adventure for the whole family, stop by the Point Vicente Interpretive Center and participate in the free “Whale Of A Day” activities.

Whale Of A Day will include whale watching from the shore and the museum. The lighthouse is now open for viewing and tours, after being renovated. At the festival, children will enjoy related marine exhibits, arts & crafts, fun zone, face painting, US Coast Guard tours, displays and games – all at no charge. This event always has great live music and animal exhibits throughout the day. Some of the past participants have included The Aquarium of the Pacific with its Aquarium on Wheels, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, George F Canyon Nature Center, Save the Manatee, National Marine Fisheries, Heal the Bay, Marine Mammal Care Center, South Bay Wildlife Rehab with their rescued hawks and raptors, Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, California Native Plant Society, and Las Candalistas. There will be multiple food booths on location to buy snacks throughout the day. In case of rain it will be moved to April 25, 2020. Also, because of the recent corona virus activity, they recommend you call them at 310-544-5260 for updates to confirm the event.

To read my prior article on Whale of a Day click here.

There is free parking and even a shuttle to drive you to and from the event. Park at the Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall at 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes. For more information call (310) 544-5260 (Point Vicente Interpretive Center).

Photo courtesy of the city of Rancho Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes Enjoys 2020 Easter Egg Hunt!

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

Palos Verdes Enjoys 2020 Easter Egg Hunt!

Easter Bunny courtesy of Arvin Design

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes will be sponsoring the Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza at Ladera Linda Community Center. At this popular event, children from 1 to 8 years of age can join Mr. Rabbit and find Easter eggs to fill their basket. This event will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The fee is $15 per child for children 1 – 8 years of age, and there will be a limited number of participants. Online registration is taking place right now, and remember this event does fill up so make sure you register ahead of time by going to apm.activecommunities.com/rpv or call (310) 544-5260 and get your name on the list. The deadline for signups is Monday, April 6, 2020, however, it most likely will be full by then. Remember to bring your Easter basket, and of course your camera because there will be lots of photo opportunities that you won’t want to miss.

The Ladera Linda Community Center is located on 32201 Forrestal Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes.

To read my last article on Easter Events click here.

Photo courtesy of Arvin Design

Palos Verdes 2020 Summer School Registration Starts Soon!

3 months ago • Children's Events, Community Information, School Information

Palos Verdes 2020 Summer School Registration Starts Soon!

Spring Break is not yet here for the Palos Verdes Unified School District, but summer school signs ups are quickly approaching and if history repeats itself they will fill up fast.

Registration for Palos Verdes elementary students for summer school will begin on Monday, April 6, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. This year the Summer Break program classes will be held at Soleodo and Dapplegray. The school hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and classes run from Monday, June 22, through Friday, July 18, 2020. There will not be classes on July 4, 2020. They will be offering 4 week programs, and a two week workshop. The cost for the four week program is $620, and the two week workshop is $310. Before and After School Care is being offered at both Soleodo and Dapplegray during the Summer Break. Online signup will start on Monday, April 6, 2020, and will close on May 21, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.

Registration for Palos Verdes intermediate students participating in a Summer PEP Program will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020, and will close on May 1, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. This year, classes will be offered at Palos Verdes Intermediate School, Ridgecrest and Miraleste Intermediate School. Classes begin at 8:15 a.m. and go until 12:30 p.m. Students will be attending classes from Monday, June 22, through Friday, July 17, 2020. There will be no school on July 4, 2020. The cost for intermediate students is $565.

Summer high school for Palos Verdes students in grades nine through twelve, will be offered at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. Online registration will be activated according to the specific grade. On Tuesday, March 17. 2020, PVPUSD Seniors (Grade 12 in Sept. 2020) will be able to begin registration at 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, PVPUSD Juniors (Grade 11 in Sept 2020) will be activated for registration at 7:00 p.m. On Thursday, March 19, 2020, PVPUSD Sophomores (grade 10 in September 2020) will be activated for registration at 7:00 p.m. On Monday, April 13, 2020, PVPUSD Freshman (Grade 9 in September 2020) will be activated for registration at 7:00 p.m. Open registration for all students (including out of district) will open on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. These classes are offered Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Summer school full session cost will be $660 or tuition for a one semester class is $330. First semester classes (3 weeks) start on Monday, June 22, through July 9, 2020. Second semester classes (3 weeks) start on Monday, July 13, through July 30, 2020.

For more information and description of classes offered, hours and costs, go to www.pvpss.com.

To read my prior article on Palos Verdes Peninsula Summer School click here .

Photo courtesy of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District

Join The Cherry Blossom Hunt At South Coast Botanic Garden!

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

Join The Cherry Blossom Hunt At South Coast Botanic Garden!

The Cherry Blossoms are beginning to bloom and the Cherry Blossom Hunt has started for Palos Verdes homes owners to see these beautiful blossoms at the South Coast Botanic Garden. As they have a short blooming season, many believe that cherry blossoms symbolize the fleeting beauty of life. Cherry Blossoms are the symbolic national flower of Japan and are said to be an omen of good fortune and an emblem of love and affection. This is the closest location for us to see the beauty and color of these trees and this reminds us that Spring is just around the corner.

Starting on March 1, 2020, the Garden will be coming to life with color for this Spring season. When you enter the Garden you will grab a map and search on foot for colorful cherry, rose and poppy blossoms throughout the Garden. You will also learn about the history, significance and story behind these sensational blooms. Blossoms are seasonal, weather dependent and vary from year to year. This year they feel that cherry and stone fruit blossoms will range from February to late March, poppies in March and April, and roses in April, May and even June.

Another fun event this month taking place at the Garden is Sip & Paint: Cherries & Mimosas which will take place on March 7, 2020. Paint the Cherry Blossoms of Spring in watercolors at South Coast Botanic Garden with local Art Educator and Artist Teresa Venturo. This 75 minute watercolor class is welcome to all experience levels! Take home your very own 9”x12” Cherry Blossom watercolor Masterpiece! Class includes all art supplies, instruction and a mimosa. Space is limited, advanced registration required. Participants must be 21+ for alcohol with valid ID. There will be two sessions starting at 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. The cost is $44/member, and $55/non-member.

The 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. For more information go to or to purchase admission tickets click here. The South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula. For more information call (310) 544-1948.

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

Photo is the courtesy of the South Coast Botanic Garden

Children’s Events

Palos Verdes Walking Options!