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News & resources

Tips for the New South Bay Resident

6/2/2016

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You are a new resident to South Bay. You will soon find there is plenty to see and do. Here are some suggestions.


Restaurants abound in the area. Specialty items and prices vary widely. The fact that South Bay has a heavy concentration of Japanese-Americans makes it a great place to enjoy Japanese cuisine but don’t forget the many Korean, Indian, and Latino South Bay restaurants. Be sure to try out:


Abigale located in a former church, its diverse menu includes memorable smoked pork confit pop tarts. Pair these with house-brewed ales.


Addi’s Tandoor located at Redondo Beach is known for its Indian dishes like eggplant baiganbharta and seafood.


If you are looking for good Korean foods check out Cho Dang Tofu in the Torrance strip mall. Be sure to try the tofu soup or banchan featuring cucumber kimchi and bean sprouts.


Dia de Campo is a great Hermosa Beach Mexican restaurant whose feature dishes include: crab-topped guacamole, short rib empanadas, Mexican street corn, and carnitas tacos.


If you crave seafood with a creative flair, look no farther than Fishing with Dynamite at Manhattan Beach. Be sure to try the Peruvian scallops and the Koshihikari rice. Get there early as this restaurant holds only thirty-five.


If you are looking for good music, the area has plenty to offer. Whether you’re there to listen or you want to jam, check out the Southbay Acoustic Musicians of Redondo Beach. They welcome singers as well as those who play brass, woodwinds, bongos, or drums.


Consider taking an art class. Good ones are offered for budding artists of all ages at Hermosa Beach Community Center. If you are not an artist check out the facility to see what others are creating.


If you want to get out and meet people and get some exercise, South Bay offers miles of ocean-view trails and paths. Bike, roller blade, or just stroll along the beach collecting sea shells.


You might also take a surfing lesson from one of the area pros.


If you are a camera buff, beach walks offer great views of South Bay marine life. Catch a glimpse of the dolphins or even great sunsets.


Go for a stroll along the strand and admire the architecture of such renowned designers as Richard Neutra, Ray Kappe, Dean Nota, Patrick Killen, Grant Fitzpatrick, Louie Tomaro, Larry Peha, and Michael Lee.


Beach volleyball is king in the South Bay area. Go and watch tournaments or join in a pickup game.
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Inexpensive Activities to do in South Bay Area

6/2/2016

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There are several seasonal and year-round activities in the South Bay area. Many of them can be enjoyed for under $20. Here are just a few:


The strand from South Hermosa to North Manhattan offers wonderful waterfront and beach activities for all ages. Try your hand at kite flying. Walk the beaches and collect shells. Rent a windsurfer or a try paddle boarding. You might like to rent a bike and get some exercise on the well-defined ocean-side paths. You can also bring your camera and look for water life like the playful dolphins. If you are a fishing enthusiast opportunities abound in this area.


If you’ve always wanted to try surfing then South Bay offers great twenty-foot waves in the winter and comfortable temperatures between sixty-five and seventy. Not quite so adventurous? Then you might want to rent a boat or take surfing lessons. The local surf shops will be happy to help.


Whether you have money to spend or just enjoy window-shopping, spend some retail therapy time in Hermosa Beach. It’s a 1.3-mile area full of surf shops, jewelry stores, clothing store full of the latest California fashions for all ages.


If you’ve never tried lawn bowling then South Bay is a good place to try it. Experienced visitors and first timers are always welcome at the Hermosa Beach Lawn Bowling Club at Clark Stadium.


If biking and surfing are not your “cup of tea”, how about beach volleyball? Even if you want to watch rather than play then head on out to Manhattan Beach for the Six-Man competition at the end of July or the Manhattan Beach Open at the end of August. After you watch a few games, you will be tempted to try playing the sport that got its start here!
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If you’re excited to learn more about the area’s sea life, then head out to the end of the Manhattan Beach pier to the Round House Aquarium. You’ll find sharks, halibut, sea bass, eels, and other local sea life. They are encased in the floor-to-ceiling aquarium. The kids will get a thrill out of being able to actually touch sea creatures like: sea stars, sea anemones, and crabs. The aquarium is free and you can easily spend a half day there!




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Torrance Schools Listing

9/22/2014

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As many know, searching and previewing potential schools for your children can be a difficult task. Hopefully, this listing of schools in Torrance can help eliminate some of the guesswork in your search.

The Torrance Unified School District has 30 public schools, including 17 elementary schools, eight intermediate schools and five high schools.

Visit the Torrance Unified School District website for a full listing of schools and more information, or check out sites like Education.com and Greatschools.org for more detailed information about each school, such as reviews, enrollment and test scores.

Elementary Schools

John Adams Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4480
Website: Adams.tusd.org
2121 238th St.
Torrance, CA 90501

Anza Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4550
Website: Anzaelementary.org
21400 Ellinwood Dr.
Torrance, CA 90503

Arlington Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4510
Website: Arlingtonpta.com
17800 Van Ness Ave.
Torrance, CA 90504

John Arnold Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4524
Website: Arnold.tusd.org
4100 W. 227th St.
Torrance, CA 90505

Evelyn Carr Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4467
Website: Carr.tusd.org
3404 W. 168th St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Edison Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4513
Website: Edisonelementary.org
3800 W. 182nd St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Fern Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4506
Website: Fern.tusd.org
1314 Fern Ave.
Torrance, CA 90503

Hickory Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4672
Website: Hickory.tusd.org
2800 W. 227th St.
Torrance, CA 90505

Lincoln Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4464
Website: Lincoln.tusd.org
2418 W. 166th St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Riviera Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4460
Website: Riviera.tusd.org
365 Paseo de Arena
Torrance, CA 90505

Seaside Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4532
Website: Seaside.tusd.org
4651 Sharynne Lane
Torrance, CA 90505

Torrance Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4500
Website: Torranceel.tusd.org
2125 Lincoln Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501

Towers Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4535
Website: Towers.tusd.org
5600 Towers St.
Torrance, CA 90505

Victor Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4542
Website: Victor.tusd.org
4820 Spencer St.
Torrance, CA 90503

Walteria Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4487
Website: Walteriaelementary.org
24456 Madison St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Wood Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4484
Website: Wood.tusd.org
2250 W. 235th St.
Torrance, CA 90501

Yukon Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-6
Phone: (310) 533-4477
Website: Yukon.tusd.org
17815 Yukon Ave.
Torrance, CA 90504
 

Intermediate Schools

Calle Mayor Middle 
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4548
Website: Callemayor.tusd.org
4800 Calle Mayor
Torrance, CA 90505

Casimir Middle 
Type: Public
Grades: 6-9
Phone: (310) 533-4498
Website: Casimir.tusd.org
17220 Casimir Ave.
Torrance, CA 90504

J. H. Hull Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 5-8
Phone: (310) 533-4516
Website: Hull.tusd.org
2080 W. 231 Street,
Torrance, CA 90501

Jefferson Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4794
Website: Jefferson.tusd.org
21717 Talisman St.
Torrance, CA 90503

Lynn Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-9
Phone: (310) 533-4495
Website: Bertlynn.tusd.org
5038 Halison St.
Torrance, CA 90503

Madrona Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4562
Website: Madrona.tusd.org
21364 Madrona Ave.
Torrance, CA 90503

Magruder Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4527
Website: Magruder.tusd.org
4100 W. 185th St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Richardson Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4790
Website: Richardsonmiddleschool.org
23751 Nancy Lee Lane
Torrance, CA 90505


High Schools

North High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4412
Website: Northhighschool.org
3620 W. 182nd St.
Torrance, CA 90504

South High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4352
Website: SHS.tusd.org
4801 Pacific Coast Highway
Torrance, CA 90505

Kurt T. Sherry High
Type: Public
Grades: 11-12
Phone: (310) 533-4440
Website: Sherry.tusd.org
2600 Vine St.
Torrance, CA 90501

Torrance High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4396
Website: THS.tusd.org
2200 Carson St.
Torrance, CA 90501

West High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4299
Website: WHS.tusd.org
20401 Victor
Torrance, CA 90503
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Manhattan Beach Schools Listing

9/22/2014

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As many know, searching and previewing potential schools for your children can be a difficult task. This list is an overview of the school listings in Manhattan Beach.

Along with the eight schools within the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, there are three preschool and early-learning schools, five elementary schools, three middle schools and one high schools in the city, including both private and public options.

Visit the Manhattan Beach Unified School District website for more information, or check out sites like Education.com and Greatschools.org for more detailed information about each school, such as reviews, enrollment, and test scores.

Preschool and Early Learning

Manhattan Beach Preschool
Ages: 2-5
Phone: (310) 546-7655
Fax: (310) 303-3831
Website: Mbusd.org
1431 15th Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Journey of Faith Christian School
Type: Private
Grades: PK, K
Phone: (310) 374-0583
Website: Journeyoffaith.com
1243 Artesia Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Montessori School of Manhattan Beach
Type: Private
Grades: PK, K
Phone: (310) 545-8104
Website: Montessorimbrpv.com
2617 Bell Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Elementary Schools

Grand View Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 546-8022
Website: Gvpta.com
455 24TH St
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Pacific Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-6
Phone: (310) 546-8044
Website: Pacificschool.com
1200 Pacific Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Aurelia Pennekamp Elementary School
Type: Public
Grades: K-6
Phone: (310) 546-8044
Website: Pennekampschool.org
110 South Rowell
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Meadows Avenue Elementary 
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 546-8022
Website: Meadowsschool.org
1200 Meadows Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Opal Robinson Elementary 

Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 318-5120
Website: Robinsonelementary.org
80 Morningside Dr
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Intermediate Schools

Manhattan Beach Middle School
Type: Public
Grades: 6-9
Phone: (310) 545-4878
Fax: (310) 303-3829
Website: mbmswaves.com
1501 Redondo Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

American Martyrs School
Type: Private
Grades: K-8
Phone: (310) 545-8559
Website: americanmartyrsschool.org
1701 Laurel Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Manhattan Academy
Type: Private
Grades: K-8
Phone: (310) 374-1804
Website: manhattanacademy.com
1740 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

High Schools

Mira Costa High School
Type: Public
Grades: 8-12
Phone: (310) 318-7337
Fax: (310) 303-3814
Website: Miracostahigh.org
1401 Artesia Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
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El Segundo Museum of Art: A new legacy

8/25/2014

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There are moments in life when special individuals rise up from what seems like nowhere; The Sweeny's are are proud, strong and ready to help the world experience art from a local perspective. Opening the eyes of children and adults alike, their new museum on Main Street in the heart of El Segundo has caught the attention of many locals seeking to learn about and experience fine art.

Brian and Eva Sweeney are the owners of the, [El Segundo Museum of Art link: http://www.ESMoA.org] which opened in early 2013 after two years of development. When the Sweeney children were unable take part in an art program at their Manhattan Beach school due to budget cuts, the couple decided this was the best way they could help the community. The main focus of this quaint but elaborate art hostel is for students in the local community to come and experience art without having to hop on a bus or see works through a slide show. 

Using wealth accumulated from large costal properties, the Sweeney's have amassed over 400 fine art pieces. They began their collection with contemporary art and now focus on landscapes and architectural imagery with an emphasis on paintings and drawings. Their collection has even gained the attention of Getty Curator Scott Schaefer who said of the couple, "They are both passionate collectors who are willing to share their enthusiasm."

In addition to helping local schools access their art collection, the Sweeney's also believe that enhancing El Segundo's cultural offerings with an art museum in the area will help increase property values and improve the community. From one passion to another, the Sweeney's are leaving a legacy for their children and many others who follow.

El Segundo Museum of Art
208 Main St., El Segundo
Open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
(Open Monday through Thursday by appointment to school groups and private parties.)
(424) 277-1020
www.ESMoA.org

Photo Credit: Teamone Esmoa
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Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

6/25/2014

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Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is the Crown Jewel of the South Bay arts scene.  With its new bold, modernistic Grand Lobby, featuring a black Indian slate exterior, a granite water feature, stainless steel and cherry wood accents, a 21-feet high cherry ceiling and plenty of free parking, the 1,457-seat theatre is home to three prestigious and highly successful presenters:

3-D Theatricals
RBPAC celebrates its second season with the Musical Theater professionals of 3-D Theatricals.  Presenting Broadway-quality Musical Theater blockbusters such as Avenue Q, Legally Blonde, Funny Girl and Hairspray, the family owned and operated 3-D Theatricals has been delighting South Bay audiences to standing ovations with magical entertainment. Subscriptions and single tickets sales for their four show series in Redondo Beach are available now!

Distinguished Speaker Series
RBPAC is honored to host the Distinguished Speaker Series, which has presented such dignitaries as Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw, Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice and Madeleine Albright.  Their 2012-2013 Season includes Olympic Swimming phenom Michael Phelps, paleontologist/explorer Louise Leakey, creativity/innovation expert Sir Ken Robinson, Apple Computer co-founder Steve Wozniak,  former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates,  former President of Mexico Vicente Fox and philanthropist/author and American Royalty Caroline Kennedy.

Los Angeles Ballet
RBPAC takes great pride in hosting the only professional ballet company based in Los Angeles.  Having completed its first six seasons to universal critical acclaim, Los Angeles Ballet presents their 2013 season, featuring a celebration of Balanchine and their newly-choreographed holiday classic The Nutcracker.

Contact Information
Telephone (310) 937-6607
Fax (310) 643-0096
1935 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Redondo Beach CA 90278 
(Located at the Northeast corner of the intersection with Aviation Blvd.)
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“California Distinguished” El Segundo High School

6/25/2014

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The brick towers of El Segundo High School rise over Main Street in the picturesque town that has grown from its roots as a company town for Standard Oil (now known as Chevron). You’ve seen it in a number of shows and movies including 90210, Superbad and Party of Five, and as students mill about the picturesque lawn when the bell rings, it’s easy to understand why.

By the Numbers
- Grades 9 through 12
- Student population of approximately 1270
- More than 150 courses including Advanced Placement, Honors, Special Education and more
- 63% of students complete the University of California “a to g” requirements
- 37% of students are accepted to 4 year universities
- 60% of students continue in community colleges or vocational education

Awards and Endorsements
- ESHS named California Distinguished High School in spring of 2003 and 2007
- ESHS named in the top 5% of high schools nationwide by Newsweek Magazine  in 2008
- El Segundo Unified School District honored as one of Standard and Poor’s twenty-nine “academic out performer” school districts in California
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Torrance High School ranked among top 1000 schools according to Newsweek

4/28/2014

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The Torrance Unified School District (TUSD) , a college prep district, has its act together. According to Newsweek 2012, [Torrance High School http://ths.tusd.org/] was ranked among the top 1000 schools in the nation, coming in at 750. You may say to yourself, “That doesn’t sound all that impressive,” but when you consider the fact that California is languishing near the bottom as far tax dollars per classroom are concerned, Torrance High's placement well within the top 1000 schools in the entire nation is fairly impressive! There are approximately 26,407 public secondary schools total in the U.S.

Torrance High School By The Numbers
-100% graduation rate
-94% of grads are college bound
-An average SAT score of 1568

Check out this article [Torrance schools: Excelling in tough times http://www.tusd.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=wE6RzhdQX1k%3d&tabid=290] for a full report of just how well Torrance schools perform, on average, compared with the rest.

In addition to impressive statistics, Torrance High also recently finished 144th in the Washington Post High School Challenge Index which rates how effectively schools prepare their students for college. 

As a California Distinguished School, Torrance High School is known for its plethora of academic options and is now creating quite a reputation for churning out college ready grads, despite California public schools falling victim to more and more budget cuts. 
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Montessori education options in South Bay

3/23/2014

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Dr. Maria Montessori created what she called Òthe prepared environment.Ó If you have already made the decision that a Montessori education is the right choice for your children, now it's time to find the right educational environment. Luckily, South Bay parents have some great schools, and great options, for Montessori education. Here are a few popular choices:

Montessori School of Manhattan Beach
Founded in 1968, this school has two Manhattan Beach locations and has been under the same ownership for 40 years. Serving toddler through elementary ages, it also offers summer school, after school programs and on-site enrichment programs such as tennis, dance, soccer and drama. "This is easily the best preschool and kindergarten in Manhattan Beach and the South Bay," said one Yelp review.

315 S Peck Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

www.montessorimbrpv.com


Manhattan Academy
Serving the South Bay community for nearly 40 years, this school now has four campuses that serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary age students. Large-scale family events throughout the year promote a sense of community, and the facilities include six playgrounds, two computer labs, an art studio, gym and pool. "Not only is the education top notch but the life skills they have been taught and will continue to learn in this environment are priceless," offered one Yelp reviewer. 

1740 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 374-1804

www.manhattanacademy.com


The Children's Place Montessori School
This independently-owned school serves children from 18 months through sixth grade at two Torrance locations, a main campus (for toddlers and preschoolers) and elementary campus. "The teachers are wonderful, nurturing, brilliant people," said one Yelp review from a parent. "I'm so happy with the school! It's multi-cultural, and respectful of all children from all walks of life."

1215 Crenshaw Blvd
Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 328-6313

www.childrensplaceschool.com


Peninsula Montessori School
Serving the South Bay since 1978, Peninsula Montessori School has campuses in Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes that offer programs for toddlers through elementary. An experienced staff is led by directors who have each been in place for more than 15 years. "I have never seen a school more attuned to the true power of Montessori than Peninsula," said one parent in a Yelp review. "A truly amazing environment in which to raise your child."

907 Knob Hill Ave.
Redondo Beach, Ca. 90277
(310) 540-9742

peninsulamontessori.com/
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Guide to disposing of hazardous waste in South Bay

2/23/2014

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When it's time to bid adieu to many of the items around your house that are no longer needed, it's important to know what is considered hazardous waste and can't simply be tossed in the garbage.

You might be surprised at what typical items are considered hazardous waste that you use regularly around the house, yard and garage. Not only is it illegal to discard these items improperly, but our communities and the environment are in danger when products are simply disposed of in the garbage, sink or storm drain. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Household Hazardous Waste is any product labeled toxic, poison, combustible, corrosive, flammable or irritant.

Below are the three general categories of waste, with links to more thorough lists from the Los Angeles DPW:

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW):
Lawn and garden products, paint and related products, beauty products and medicines, household cleaners, automotive fluids.

Electronic Waste (e-waste):
Computer, monitors, printers, network equipment, cables, telephones, cell phones, video game equipment.

Universal Waste (u-waste):
Household batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, electronic devices, and mercury thermostats.

If you're unsure what to do, the South Bay communities have two permanent drop-off locations nearby, the Hyperion Treatment Plant S.A.F.E. Collection Center and the Harbor Area S.A.F.E. Collection Center. The DPW also has a calendar of free waste collection events.

The county also has free permanent drop-off centers for used motor oil, and Redondo Beach has several certified collection centers.  

For more information, call 1(888) CLEAN LA
the Redondo Beach Recycling Hotline (310- 318-0613)
the Manhattan Beach Fire Department
Fire Prevention (310-802-5200) or visit http://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/cleanla/
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