Hey neighbors!
Welcome to another week in paradise. We spent some time downtown this weekend, and we must say…we are grateful for our moody fall weather in the South Bay. Inland is still dealing with some HOT sun…who needs it? Holiday Season is here and we want to cuddle up in our hoodies and sweaters accordingly!
This Tuesday is Veterans Day, so let us take this opportunity to thank our neighbors for their past and/or present service for our country. We love you and your sacrifices mean the world to our community.
Now, let’s get into it.
News
Stories that caught our eye.
LA Power Outage Affects Thousands A power outage on Nov. 8 impacted about 31,000 Los Angeles customers, causing disruptions in several neighborhoods. (Read more)
Gardena Triumphs Over Hamilton Gardena's football team clinched a thrilling 30-26 victory against Hamilton, advancing in the City Section playoffs. (Read more)
Hermosa Beach’s Kelly Courts Renovation Begins Nov. 17 Major renovations at Kelly Courts will start soon, enhancing pickleball, tennis, and basketball facilities. (Read more)
Flight cancellations kick in at LAX, ONT Airlines alert passengers about potential flight impacts due to ongoing government shutdown. No resolution is currently visible. (Read more)
See the first baby orangutan born at LA Zoo in nearly 15 years The LA Zoo welcomes its first baby orangutan in 15 years, born to Kalim and Isim. (Read more)
Oiled Birds Receiving Treatment at LA Bird Rescue An oil slick near Santa Barbara brought 96 oiled Western grebes to the San Pedro center for urgent care. (Read more)
Upcoming Events
Veterans Day Tribute at Veterans Memorial Park Redondo Beach Join the City of Redondo Beach and partners for a heartfelt tribute at Veterans Memorial Park. The event includes a ceremony, music, and a BBQ, honoring those who have served. (Read more)
Chef Amber's Holiday Cooking Class Come join us for a holiday 4 course cooking class that celebrates the season while bringing inspiration to all of your holiday gatherings. (Read more)
Marine Mammal Care Center is Open for Public Visitation The center is open Fridays through Mondays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, offering a chance to see seal and sea lion patients, enjoy exhibits, and join scheduled activities. Tickets are free but must be reserved online. (Read more)
Friday Fun at Peninsula Center Library: Fox and Bunny Crafts Celebrate the release of Zootopia 2 with fox and bunny crafts; aimed at grades TK – 5th grade, but all ages welcome. No registration required. (Read more)
Comedy in the Beer Garden at The Rockefeller An intimate evening of outdoor stand-up comedy LIVE from The Beer Garden at The Rockefeller! Comedians from HBO & Netflix! (Read more)
Restaurant of the Week
Ocean Diner 959 Aviation Blvd., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
35+ years ago, Hermosa local Rick Hankus purchased a small café called Grandma’s Place. He renamed it Ocean Diner, and transformed it into the quintessential diner spot for breakfast and lunch.
The overall vibe is warm-vintage-diner meets homecooked-comfort-food. Inside, you’ll find smiling faces, a massive menu, swing-era decor, WWII newspaper clippings on the walls, and music from the 1940s…nostalgia at its best.
Popular menu items include the Vanilla French Toast, Oatmeal Crème Brûlée, Breakfast Enchiladas, the Parmesan Tuna Melt and hearty lunch staples like Mom’s Meatloaf. Pro-tip: get there early enough on Saturday to try their famous Cinnamon Donuts.
Rick also owns Hermosa’s Java Man Coffee House, which we have featured before!
(Website)
Local Spotlight
Gum Tree 238 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
THE SPOT for gift-givers!
Gum Tree was opened in 2008 by husband and wife Will and Lori Ford. The charming Craftsman bungalow building was built in 1911, which gives a vintage home-feel to the a café and boutique inside.
The most popular menu items at the café are: Egg White Veggie Burrito, Quinoa Salad Platter, and All Natural Turkey Sandwich. On the shop side, they’re known for home-decor picks like fine jewelry, kitchen items, home decor, cards, and MUCH more.
Picture this: brunching on a sun-splashed patio just minutes from the sand, then strolling into a boutique full of thoughtfully curated gifts and souvenirs. Gum Tree is relaxed, stylish, and community-centered; perfect for a morning stop or casual lunch.
(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
So, surprise: the coast is doing its signature “morning fog, afternoon sunshine, repeat” routine….but now the script has been updated to include a wrinkle of weather drama.
We’re starting the week with highs in the low-70s (73°F on Monday, woo) and lows around 61°F. Tuesday and Wednesday slip a little cooler (69°F then 67°F) as if the sun is a bit hungover. Then Thursday decides to show off: breezy and rain-watch alert, with some heavier downpours possible in the afternoon (hello jacket and slightly unforgiving umbrella). By Friday the clouds shake off the hang-over and say “we’ll chill,” with highs around 67°F, then the weekend rebounds to plenty of sun and highs around 66–67°F. Nights stay in that “maybe hoodie before sunrise” zone, think 55–54°F on the colder end.
Trivia
Which of these blockbuster movies was NOT filmed at Torrance High School?
A. Bruce Almighty
B. Buffy The Vampire Slayer
C. She’s All That
D. Clueless
Need to phone a friend? Send this newsletter to them! (Here’s the link)
Last week’s Question: Which movie was filmed off the coast of Redondo Beach? Answer: C. Pirates of the Caribbean
Now Playing…
Piano Man by Billy Joel (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
