Hey neighbors!

This week brought some reality that this year is coming to an end. We got Spotify Wrapped for 2025 (Apple Music for some😉), Dictionary.com announced the “Word of 2025”, and Pantone released the “Color of 2026”. See our trivia section below to see if you can guess either one!

We also saw Santa Claus at the Del Amo Mall, which left Lauren intensely starstruck; he is the ultimate celebrity sighting.

We hope you are playing all the holiday music, decorating your beautiful homes, and spreading cheer to everyone you see ❤

Now, let’s get into this week’s newsletter.

Stories that caught our eye.

RB Taco Spot Named Among Best In America By Yelp Tigres Fuego’s Birria Tacos earned major praise!

Coach Altamura Rallies Community for Holiday Sports Drive Mira Costa’s basketball coach is collecting donated balls at home games to benefit local Boys & Girls Clubs.

Minibike Chaos at Del Amo Mall Police arrested a 22-year-old after he allegedly rode a minibike inside and nearly hit security.

South Bay Runners Make National History Three local cross country teams from Redondo Union and Mira Costa have qualified for the prestigious NXN national championship.

The Green Onion Restaurant’s Sign Disappears Amid Closure The beloved San Pedro eatery’s vintage sign vanished just before it was set for museum display.

Hacegaba Poised to Lead Port of Long Beach The longtime executive is set to become CEO in January, pending commission approval.

Things for you to participate in. Follow us on Instagram and on TikTok for more :)

All Month: Santa Claus Traveling Throughout RB See his schedule and his routes at the link! (Read more)

Each December Weekend: Snowfall Nights at the Promenade Experience magical snow flurries by the giant Christmas tree. (Read more)

December 11: All-Ages Open Mic at Grand Annex Showcase your music or poetry at this welcoming open mic night in San Pedro. (Read more)

December 12: RPV Holiday Tree Lighting Celebrate the season with a festive evening at Ken Dyda Civic Center. (Read more)

December 13: Torrance Snow Day at Wilson Park Experience double the snow, live reindeer photo ops, and family activities from 3–7 p.m. at Wilson Park. (Read more)

December 13: King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade To honor our veterans, festive boats will light up the harbor in RB. (Read more)

Georgia’s Lounge 1500 Aviation Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Blink, and you will likely miss our favorite neighborhood nook. Along the busyness of Aviation Blvd is Georgia’s: a hip lounge with a speakeasy feel.

Georgia's Lounge brings a sophisticated-but-casual vibe to RB with a sleek atmosphere (which is a far cry from its previous incarnation as a rock-and-roll dive bar). Opened in 2018, it became a go-to spot for craft cocktails and upscale small plates in the South Bay. Though the inside is fairly quaint (we recommend reservations), they also have a sizable outdoor patio.

Georgia’s is known for its creative cocktail program: it features uniquely crafted drinks made with local ingredients like edible flowers, herbs, and rare spirits. They usually have seasonal, limited-edition drinks to try!

The eclectic menu also offers comfort-forward bar bites including crowd favorites like the Smoked Salmon Dip with capers and dill, the perfectly-seared Hanger Steak, and the Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with chipotle cream. The Caprese Skewers with balsamic reduction are another standout.

BONUS: they decorated beautifully for the holidays! :)

(Website)

Wanderlust Creamery 25404 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505 (Also located in Atwater Village, Fairfax, Pasadena, Sawtelle, Tarzana, Venice, Irvine, & Costa Mesa)

ICE CREAM LOVERS REJOICE!

This weekend is the Grand Opening of an ice cream spot at Rolling Hills Plaza! They are doing giveaways and raffle prizes on Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec 13 (RSVP here).

Wanderlust Creamery specializes in artisanal small-batch ice cream with unique international flavors that promise "a destination in every scoop."

Their cult-favorites include: Ube Malted Crunch (a Filipino purple yam flavor with malted milk pieces), Sticky Rice and Mango (Thai-inspired and accidentally vegan), and Japanese Neapolitan (combining matcha, hojicha, and black sesame).

They make fresh waffle cones in-house, including their signature purple ube cone. The menu also rotates monthly with seasonal flavors like Sakura (cherry blossom), Breakfast at Café du Monde (chicory coffee with beignets), and Passionfruit Cacao.

(Website)

Welcome to the most confusing Christmas vibes in America! While the rest of the country is defrosting car windows and Googling “black ice,” the South Bay is over here rocking 70–74°F afternoons like it’s Christmas in Cabo. Mornings stay cool and sleepy in the low-50s, giving you just enough chill to pretend it’s winter… until the sun kicks in and you immediately regret wearing that festive sweater.

In short: the South Bay is fully committed to “Christmas, but make it summer vacation.” Break out the peppermint iced lattes, decorate your palm trees, and get ready for a week of holiday cheer paired with SPF 30.

QUESTION 1: Which word was selected as “The Word of 2025” by Dictionary.com?

A. ragebait

B. vibe

C. 67

D. parasocial

QUESTION 2: Which was selected as “The Color of 2026” by Pantone?

A. Mocha Mousse

B. Cloud Dancer

C. Peach Fuzz

D. Viva Magenta

Need to phone a friend? Send this newsletter to them! (Here’s the link)

Last week’s Question: What year did Michael Buble release his Christmas album? Answer: B. 2011

Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano (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