 Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, step outside of your comfort zone, and feel the sense of pride that comes from giving back to your community.
No matter how busy you are, you can likely find at least a few hours to devote to volunteering. These are just a few of the many organizations with volunteer opportunities in the South Bay area. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor This chapter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America has been serving children in the Harbor City area since 1937. If you enjoy working with children, this organization is for you. The club works with 2,300 children per day at 13 sites throughout the South Bay area. Volunteers teach and mentor children and teens, often forming relationships that last a lifetime. Topics range from the arts to science and math--so there’s something for everyone. Other volunteers assist with event planning and recreation center supervision. Harbor Interfaith Services Harbor Interfaith Services is all about empowering the homeless and working poor by providing temporary and permanent housing, childcare, and life skills training. The organization runs a 90-day homeless shelter and an 18-month transitional housing program that are both available at no cost to participants. Volunteers are needed to run a food pantry and clothing donation center and assist the organization’s staff with tasks ranging from cleaning to filing. New volunteer orientations are held the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. and the fourth Wednesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. Rebuilding Together Greater Los Angeles Rebuilding Together is the largest volunteer home repair organization in the U.S. Volunteers renovate the homes of the elderly to make them more accommodating to wheelchairs, walkers, or whatever other modifications are needed to allow residents to remain in their homes as long as possible. With hundreds of thousands of residents over age 65 in the Los Angeles area, there’s plenty of work to be done. No construction or remodeling experience is necessary. Renovations are free to recipients and building costs are financed by donations from businesses and individuals.
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 When buying into a Home Owners Association (HOA) community, it’s important to take note of the rules that may limit what you can do to your property. HOA guidelines can protect the value of your property by ensuring your neighbor doesn’t fix cars in his driveway or paint his house magenta, but it could also mean that the cute mail box your kids might give you for Christmas may not fit within the HOA rules. Here are some important points to take note of if you’re in a HOA community, or considering joining one!
 With so many things to do in Southern California, you may not need to go far from home to feel like you’re on vacation.
If you’re planning a staycation for your family, consider adding these budget-friendly events to your itinerary. Summer Concerts The South Bay area is filled with summer concerts. Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, and Hermosa Beach all have free concerts on Sunday evenings throughout the summer. With so much variety, choose a new community and a new type of music to explore each week. Pack up the kids, bring the lawn chairs, and open your ears to some new sounds. Tack on dinner at a local restaurant or time at a local playground to enhance the experience. Redondo Pier Festival of the Kite Flying kites is a fun activity for the entire family and may even bring back memories of trips you took as a child. The Redondo Pier Festival of the Kite is held each year in March, making it an option for a Spring Break staycation. The event is free and includes kite-flying competitions for children and adults that include cash prizes, so you can even make a little money on your staycation! Other highlights include live music and a martial arts demonstration. Anything Outdoors! Many people choose southern California as a vacation destination because of its outdoor activities. Whether you are hitting the beach in the summer or hiking during the cooler months, there is literally something for everyone. Add to the feeling of a staycation by visiting a place you’ve never been to, all for the cost of some gas and a few hours of your time. To extend the trip even further, opt for a low-cost AirBnB rental in a new town. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!  The South Bay area offers a little bit of everything when it comes to outdoor activities. Whether you like to run, bike, swim, hike, or just take in the scenery, there is something for you. These are just a few of the events and areas that are ready and waiting to be explored!
The Strand This paved bike path, also known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, stretches along 22 miles of the coast from Torrance Beach to Will Rogers Beach. It serves as a de facto border between the beach and the communities that surround it. Don’t let the name bike trail deter you. This route is filled with runners, walkers, skateboarders, baby strollers, and just about any other wheeled vehicle you can think of. It’s the perfect way to explore a nice stretch of the South Bay area! Manhattan Beach 10K This race will take you through a six-mile scenic course ending at the Manhattan Beach Pier. It was founded in 1978 and now has a dedicated team of more than 100 volunteers who make it happen each year. The 10k is typically held on the first Saturday in October and is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Local bands perform along the course, and all participants are invited to a post-race expo featuring food from local vendors. Visit the race website for additional details. Palos Verdes Hiking If hiking is more your speed, the South Bay is home to one of the best trails in California. The Palos Verdes Land Conservancy manages several trails that take you from the forest to the ocean, and everywhere in between. There are a variety of hikes available to suit your level of expertise, and monthly guided nature walks for those who want to learn more about native plants and wildlife along the trails or meet new people along the way.  Manhattan Beach is a great beach community for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles or spend a refreshing vacation on the water.
Beyond the obvious attractions of the ocean and the beach, there are many options for family-friendly activities throughout this area. Here are just a few options to consider when planning your next trip: AdventurePlex This 16,000 square-foot facility is sure to have something for everyone. Older kids will enjoy the rock wall and ropes course, while younger children will have a blast in Toddler Town and the Play Structure. Don’t worry, mom and dad; AdventurePlex has options for you, too! The facility holds adult fitness classes, special “Parents Night Out” events, and even offers teambuilding activities for groups of coworkers. Due to high demand, AdventurePlex suggests calling the facility before a drop-in visit to ensure that space is available before you come. Roundhouse Aquarium Located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, the Roundhouse Aquarium is free and offers class, camps, and other activities for children of all ages. The aquarium includes viewing and touch tanks that feature a variety of fish, sharks, and other animals native to the water around it. There’s also a children’s reading area with books and puzzles. More than 15,000 children participate in its educational events each year! While admission is free, donations between $2 and $5 per person are suggested. The aquarium also serves as a venue for birthday parties and holds the only science beach camp in Manhattan Beach. Polliwog Park and Begg Pool Polliwog Park is owned by the City of Manhattan Beach and has been named one of the best parks in the Los Angeles area to have a birthday party. The park’s play area includes a lighthouse-inspired playground with slides, water misters, a sand area, and three spaces for young children filled with climbing equipment. Next door to the park is Begg Pool, which is the perfect place for your kids to cool off after running around in the park. The pool is open year-round, with reduced hours during the winter, spring, and fall months. |
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August 2018
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