Hey neighbors!
We hope you enjoyed another festive weekend; whether you were traveling or you spent it at home in the South Bay.
Friday was special for us; it was Sam’s birthday, and Disney+ released Taylor Swift’s documentary. Basically, it was the best day ever.
Let’s get into a new week. :)
News
Stories that caught our eye.
King Harbor Gateway Sign Set for Modern Makeover Redondo Beach will update its iconic marina sign by 2026, sparking debate over preserving its historic character.
Surfing Santa Brings Holiday Cheer to South Bay Beaches Surfing Santa and the South Bay Boardriders Club spread festive spirit with their annual event on the sand.
Intoxicated Driver Arrested, Crime Stats Released MBPD officers arrested a ride share driver with a BAC four times the legal limit.
Redondo Beach Eyes New Safety Facilities City leaders are planning updated fire stations and a police HQ, with funding and size under debate.
Brief Shelter-in-Place at East Manhattan Beach Schools Authorities responded quickly to a suspicious person nearby, prompting a short precautionary lockdown.
Postal Worker Sentenced for Major Mail Fraud Carson woman received 5+ years in prison for stealing checks and cards from Torrance mail.
Stolen Hyundai Pursuit Ends in Hermosa Crash Police chased a suspected stolen car from Gardena, ending with a collision on Hermosa Avenue late Monday.
Culture Club South Bay Expands Free Beach Camps to Hermosa The nonprofit will bring inclusive surf and volleyball programs for kids to Hermosa Beach in 2026.
Redondo School Board May See Longer Terms Superintendent Nicole Wesley suggests extending board term limits for greater continuity.
Upcoming Events
December 20: Tidepool Walk Come explore the Point Fermin tidepools while the tides stay low. (Read more)
December 20: Bier to Bier Holiday Run Join the party to run 3.8 miles (from Manhattan Beach Culture Brewing location to the Hermosa Pier and back). (Read more)
December 20: REAL SNOW Winter Wonderland! Mom Said Yes Pizza in Torrance is blowing 15 TONS of real snow in their parking lot. (Read more)
Restaurant of the Week
Saigon Dish 15725 Hawthorne Blvd, Ste 108, Lawndale, CA 90260
If you’re craving authentic Vietnamese comfort food, Saigon Dish is a must-hit neighborhood favorite! Our friends put us onto this cozy, casual spot that they’ve been going to for years. They delivered big flavors in every bowl.
Saigon Dish has been sharing its pho love in their strip mall location since 2003, and it is still BUSTLING thanks to their rich broth, fresh herbs, and generous portions. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious; come as you are and enjoy the friendly service and lively crowd.
The pho - especially the Filet Mignon Pho - is a go-to, soul-warming choice. Other top picks include crispy egg rolls, fresh spring rolls, hearty noodle and rice dishes, Vietnamese crepes, and classic Banh Mi sandwiches.
(Website)
Local Spotlight
Twisted Roots Crafts 1264 W. 15th St., San Pedro, CA 90731
If you’re looking to unleash your inner artist or find a new favorite hobby, Twisted Roots Crafts is the place to go. This welcoming studio offers a variety of workshops including watercolor painting, mosaics, wool felting, candle making, and more!
Owner Christina Coulson founded the studio a few years ago, and she still leads most of the creative classes.
The vibe here is hands-on, friendly, and community-centered: think cozy tables surrounded by paint palettes and supplies, friends creating together, and families making something special after work or on weekends. Whether you’re a crafting newbie or a seasoned maker, there’s always a project that’ll spark joy.
Classes run regularly, but you can also book private workshops, day camps, or specialty sessions (garden club, cooking lessons, or even music)! All are designed to help you create art and make lasting memories.
(Website)
We love to feature local businesses in The South Bay Newsletter. Reply to this email & give us some backstory, and we will include yours!
Sam’s Weather Report
You’ll never guess what’s coming this week… yep, more “Is it really December?” weather. Mornings will roll in cool enough to justify a festive hoodie and a hot coffee for about 90 minutes. Then the sun shows up like, “Surprise! It’s beach season,” pushing temps back into the high-60s to low-70s.
You’ll see Christmas lights on palm trees, people walking dogs in flip-flops, and at least one person surfing in a Santa hat. So grab your peppermint latte, keep the hoodie handy for moral support, and accept the truth: while everyone else is living in Hallmark movie weather, the South Bay is still stuck in “Holiday Season: Beach Edition.”
Trivia
QUESTION 1: About how many real Christmas trees are sold annual in the US?
A. 10-15 million
B. 15-20 million
C. 20-25 million
D. 25-30 million
Need to phone a friend? Send this newsletter to them! (Here’s the link)
Last week’s Question 1: Which word was selected as “The Word of 2025” by Dictionary.com? Answer 1: C. 67
Last week’s Question 2: Which was selected as “The Color of 2026” by Pantone? Answer 2: B. Cloud Dancer
Now Playing…
Mistletoe by Justin Bieber (Listen here)
That’s all for now, folks. It’s a new week in the greatest place on earth; don’t take it for granted!
Share this newsletter with a friend & we’ll see you around town.
Your neighbors,
Sam & Lauren
