In 1992, South Bay residents with professions in business, horticulture and landscape design got together with a local organization called V.O.I.C.E. (Volunteers and Organizations Improving the Community’s Environment).
Concern over the environment brought them together, and they came up with an idea of how to teach resource conservation to the community in a fun and positive way. Their creation was the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden. The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is an educational tool in the community to build awareness and solutions for sustainable gardening techniques that use the California native plants in a pursuit to conserve our natural resources. A non-profit public education organization, they provide tours, classes, volunteer opportunities and Sunday bird walks, in addition to the free garden that anyone can enjoy for free from dusk until dawn. Take a tour To learn more about the Garden and organization, tours are offered per request. Individuals can receive a tour during our Friday work day between 9:30 am and 11:30 am or group tours can be arranged for other times. Volunteer Friday morning 9:30-11:30 am Take a class Some classes have included “Success with succulents,” “How to compost the garden,” and “Sustainable Landscaping.” See their website for the most up to date schedules. Sunday Bird Walks During the last three years over 130 different bird species have been recorded in Polliwog Park. Learn to ID these birds by sight and sound. Enjoy wildlife Because MBBG incorporates only water-wise plants including many CA natives, and practices Earth-friendly gardening prohibiting chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, it has earned a Certified Wildlife Habitat designation by the National Wildlife Federation. Different birds, insects and other critters can be seen. Location: 1236 N. Peck Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA (West of Polliwog Park) Check the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden’s website for more information.
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The process of shopping for a mortgage loan can be a somewhat daunting task. Whether you’re buying your first house or consider yourself a pro, it's good to educate yourself and know what the latest options. In a mortgage, the most popular home financing option, the house you buy acts as the collateral in exchange for the amount you borrow. Lenders in the current financial markets have many products, meaning there is a different type of mortgage for nearly every need.
The two main types of mortgages are fixed rate and adjustable rate. A fixed rate offers stability in a fixed interest rate over the term of the loan -- whether it's 10, 15, 20 or 30 years – as payments are always the same. During the early part of the loan, the majority of each payment goes toward paying off the loan's interest. In the latter part of the loan, the payments are paying off mostly the principal. An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) offers an adjusting interest rate that may increase or decrease within certain set period of time. The interest rates are tied to a market index, and as the market fluctuates, so will your monthly payment. The intervals of time in which the interest rate is adjusted are specified in the loan contract, and often times there are caps placed on how much the rate can increase. A hybrid ARM loan is a type of adjustable rate mortgage that start off with a fixed rate for a set amount of time before rates begin to adjust. There are also two government-backed loans insured by a federal agency. An FHA loan is designed for first-time buyers and buyers with moderate or low income and is by far the most popular. The biggest benefit of an FHA loan is the low down payment (generally around three percent) and lower interest rates than standard fixed rate loans. If you qualify, VA and USDA loans are no-brainers, as no down payment is required. If the most common types of mortgage loans don't fit your situation, look into interest-only mortgages, balloon payment mortgages, graduated payment mortgages (GPM), two-step mortgages, bi-monthly mortgages and bi-weekly mortgage options. Seriously, when it comes to ice cream and gelato, there’s nothing better than a hot spot to cool down. For those in the South Bay area, a few established neighborhood spots are the heavy favorites. While there's not a lot to dislike about ice cream or gelato, options certainly help, and these favorites pretty much have it all. Here's a short list:
Yelpers love Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt in Redondo Beach, which earned 4.5 stars in 375 reviews. This place is popular -- it's been open since 1945 -- so expect long lines, but with Banana Cream Pie, Graham Central Station and Blueberry Cheesecake Chunk among the 100-plus ice cream flavors, it's tough to go wrong. For gelato lovers, Paciugo Gelato Caffe in Hermosa Beach has become a neighborhood favorite since opening in 2008. A block from the beach, this chain – there are only three locations in SoCal -- has more than 300 flavors of gelato and sorbet to choose from and features about 32 each day. Manhattan Beach Creamery is a quaint setting also located steps from the beach and offers 28 flavors daily, plus other flavors not currently in rotation in a pint freezer. All of the ice cream here is made by hand, and among other ice cream-related menu items, the cream'wich is a house favorite. For those who are health-conscious but still want the satisfaction gelato, try 22 Degrees in Redondo Beach. Described as the nation's first prebiotic gelato, this version offers no corn syrup, preservatives, gluten or artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors. With 80-plus flavors made from scratch in-house choose from, it's no wonder 22 Degrees gets a lot of publicity. Among the hidden gems of the South Bay is Angel's Gate Park, a breezy hilltop sanctuary that is the home to the Korean Bell of Friendship, one of the largest bells in the world.
A gift from the Republic of Korea to the American people in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial, the Korean Bell of Friendship would be a unique sight anywhere in the world. The 17-ton, 12-foot high work of art, made of copper and tin, has a diameter of 7 ½ feet and an average thickness of eight inches. The Daily Breeze looked back at its history, including how it took 30 craftsmen 10 month to build the Korean temple that houses the bell. The chance to actually hear the bell will take some timing. It is struck just five times a year on New Year's Eve, Korean American Day (January 13), the Fourth of July, Korean Liberation Day (August 15) and every September in celebration of Constitution Week. It was also rung on Sept. 18, 2001, a week after the attacks on the World Trade Center, and again on the first anniversary in a special memorial ceremony. The backdrop to the Korean Bell of Friendship is perhaps one of the most breathtaking views in all of Southern California. Bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy the open, grassy space and don't forget a camera to capture the views overlooking Point Fermin Park, the ocean and on a clear day the Catalina Islands. You will also be able to gaze up at the many kites likely to be in air, taking advantage of the ocean breezes. There is plenty of parking at Angel's Gate Park, which also includes a playground for kids and basketball courts. Visit the [Department of Recreation & Park ] for more information, or check out what Yelpers shared about their experience visiting the Korean Bell of Friendship. While it's not likely your family or friends will feel too sorry for you, sometimes finding the right d残or for your oceanside or beach home can be a bit of a challenge.
Creating a casual, laid back and beach-inspired vibe to enhance the inside of your home is possible when you focus on elements like sunlight, white spaces, splashes of color and complementary accessories. Open and airy palette A light and bright color scheme with crisp whites and sand-colored tones accented by bursts of colors, such as turquoise or soft blues, can mirror the coastal feel indoors. The natural, subtle feel of the light hues offers a tranquil feel, while colors on accessories and artwork add layers of vibrant color that mimic the ocean. Bring outside inside Create a personalized beach feel by bringing the elements inside. Feature outdoor wood pieces and even wicker in place of traditional furniture. Use earthy items (such as logs or crates) instead of a coffee table, go for a cotton rug, and brighten up the room with naturally-growing local plants and flowers. Add nautical accessories Incorporate beach-inspired artwork or create your own from gathered seashells, driftwood and other trinkets. Add a personalized touch with photographs from your coastline on feature walls or above a fireplace. Accessorize with nautical antiques like beach lanterns, lobster traps and ship compasses, and create a casual vibe with organic accent pieces such as weaved baskets, clear glass lamps and glass canisters with sand and shells from your beach. See the light Nothing feels more like the beach than natural sunlight, and an emphasis on color and light will create a coastal feel. In kitchens, paint cabinetry white and choose window coverings that let in the maximum amount of light, such as light-colored linens. Keep floors a light and warm color, and utilize accent mirrors to reflect the natural light. In seating rooms, feature the windows and light (instead of concealing it) and let the scenery become your artworkム-arranging the room to face the widows to maximize your view. |
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