Hey neighbors!

Happy February! The month of love, the Super Bowl, and Groundhog Day…which is tomorrow! I wonder if we will have 6 more weeks of winter? LOL, as if…Sam’s Weather Report below says otherwise ;)

Now let’s get into it!

Stories that caught our eye.

Peninsula High Students Stage Walkout Against ICE Operations Around 150 students left class Friday morning to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, marching to Hawthorne Boulevard with homemade signs in solidarity with nationwide demonstrations.

LAUSD Educators Vote to Authorize Strike Action United Teachers Los Angeles, representing 37,000 educators, has authorized its board to call a strike if contract negotiations fail. The union cites concerns over class sizes and student services despite the district's $5 billion reserves, while LAUSD points to fiscal challenges from declining enrollment and expiring federal funds.

Current Events Newsstand Closes After Three Decades in Manhattan Beach Kay and Tom Nam are shutting down their beloved neighborhood shop on January 31, citing declining sales and personal health needs. Gum Gum Tree will take over the space.

LA Galaxy to Bring World Cup Viewing Party to Hermosa Beach The city council approved a free multiday soccer celebration at Pier Plaza in July, featuring semifinal and final match broadcasts on large screens with up to 3,000 attendees daily.

Beloved Comedy Icon Catherine O'Hara Passes Away at 71 The Emmy-winning star of "Schitt's Creek" and "Home Alone" died Friday at her Los Angeles home following a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy spanning five decades of groundbreaking comedy.

Girls' Flag Football Surges in South Bay Beach City Sports has grown from 150 to nearly 400 players since launching its all-girls league in 2023, with local high schools now fielding teams and college scouts attending games.

St. Patrick's Day Parade Returns to Hermosa Beach The beloved annual event will proceed in March with city funding up to $51,000, despite losing nearly $50,000 over the past two years due to rising public safety costs.

Beloved Torrance Educator Timothy Scully Passes Away Former North High School principal Timothy Scully died December 13, remembered for knowing all 2,000 students by name and championing inclusion programs throughout his 35-year career.

Things to do this week. Follow us on Instagram and on TikTok for more :)

Now Open! Fika Fika Creamery Go visit at the PV Mall in Rolling Hills Estates! (Read more)

Now Open! Tamistea Bakery, Cafe, & Coffee Shop Come check out this new spot in Torrance! (Read more)

Tuesday February 3: Singer-Songwriter Showcase Free show of 11 local artists at Project Barley, Redondo! (Read more)

Saturday February 7: Cupid Fest Free event with at The Enclave in Torrance with local makers, sweet treats, and more! (Read more)

Surfer Girl 1016 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Surfer Girl is Hermosa Beach’s breezy new oceanfront hang. It opened recently inside the revamped Sea Sprite Beach Club & Hotel. Think laid-back luxe: salty air and strand views, with a patio that turns any meal into a mini vacation. It’s the kind of spot where flip-flops and linen outfits feel mandatory.

Crowd menu favorites include crab rolls, ceviche, fish tacos, burgers, and shareable plates like burrata/fig salad and charcuterie…perfect for grazing with friends. Brunch brings coastal classics (hello, French toast by the waves), while heartier options like shrimp pasta or surf-and-turf hit when you’re extra hungry.

And yes, they do happy hour daily from 4-5:30pm! You’ll find snacks and easygoing cocktails that pair perfectly with ocean views. Come for the vibes, stay for the sunset, and leave planning your next round.

(Website)

Corners of the World 1 Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

Tucked into charming Malaga Cove Plaza, Corners of the World is a beloved local gem that’s been delighting Palos Verdes shoppers with its eclectic spirit since the 1990s. This quirky gift shop is owned by a local, Laurie Gifin, and it brings globally-inspired treasures to PV.

You’ll find a mix of gifts for every occasion here…greeting cards, children’s toys, home décor, books, and fashion accessories. There’s something fun around each corner, making it a perfect stop for birthday presents, keepsakes, or just your usual browsing session.

With its wide selection and welcoming vibe, Corners of the World truly lives up to its name: a must-visit for anyone who loves thoughtful, one-of-a-kind finds right here in the South Bay.

(Website)

Winter is cancelled. We kick things off with upper-70s, casually slide into the low-80s midweek, then gently settle back into the low-70s by the weekend.

The rest of the country is scraping ice off windshields, panic-buying groceries, and posting “stay safe” updates. We’re over here asking serious questions like:

Inland will get a slightly more “seasonal” night chill, but by afternoon it’s sunglasses, sunburn risk, and beach-walk weather all over again.

TL;DR: It’s February. It’s 80°. Winter tried, failed, and went home.

Question of the Week: Which famous rapper was born here in the South Bay, in Hawthorne?

A. Frank Ocean

B. Kendrick Lamar

C. A$AP Rocky

D. Tyler, The Creator

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

Last week’s Question: Which species of dolphin is most frequently seen in the South Bay? Answer: C. Coastal Bottlenose Dolphin

Aperture by Harry Styles (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 & we’ll see you around town.

Your neighbors,

Sam & Lauren