Hey neighbors!

We had an amazing weekend celebrating Lauren’s birthday. We were able to visit some places on our must-try list. Two of those were Surfer Girl and California Surf Club (more on this one below).

To the Patriots and Seahawks, congrats. To everyone else, we’ll see you in September.

Now let’s get into it!

Stories that caught our eye.

Dance School Employee Gets Life Registration Jourdyn Godoy, 26, pleaded no contest to child pornography and privacy invasion charges after hidden cameras were found at Hermosa Beach studio.

False Emergency Call Triggers Major Police Response in Hermosa Beach A swatting incident Friday afternoon prompted a neighborhood lockdown and multi-agency response before being determined fraudulent.

Big Bear Eagle Cam Captures Magical Moment Jackie and Shadow's 2026 nesting season begins with their first egg, laid Friday afternoon and captured live on the 24/7 wildlife camera.

San Pedro Courthouse Development Hits Another Roadblock The county-owned former courthouse property faces a fresh planning restart after developer Genton Cockrum Partners exits the long-delayed mixed-use project.

Sea Lion Survives Gunshots and Illness Confetti, rescued from Ballona Creek with two bullets in his skull and leptospirosis, is now eating fish and recovering at the Marine Mammal Care Center.

Manhattan Beach Restaurants Join Dine LA Week Ten local establishments will offer special dishes during the dining event running January 23 through February 6.

Legendary Redondo Beach Martial Arts Hub Closes After Two Decades The iconic "Combat Garage" on Avenue D has shut down after 21 years, ending an era for the local jiu-jitsu community following the sale of the property.

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

Now through February 6: Dine LA Restaurant Week Enjoy deals at many of your favorite South Bay restaurants! (Read more)

Saturday January 31: El Porto Surf Contest Special guests, artists, musicians, former champions, shapers, and GREAT SURFING all day! (Read more)

Sunday February 1: Warehouse No 9 Grand Opening Free admission to live music at the new bar & restaurant in San Pedro! (Read more)

Sunday February 1: South Bay Takes A Stand Walk Support those affected by violence at the hands of ICE - join the walk from MB Pier to HB Pier and Back (Read more)

California Surf Club 239 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

California Surf Club is part social club, part restaurant, all beach-city charm. The restaurant portion, North Grill, opened in May 2025 after an impressive renovation of the old Ruby’s site, turning it into a lively waterfront destination that feels like your cool friend’s house on the sand.

From the moment you sit down (preferably on the patio at golden hour) you’re greeted with sea breezes, string lights, and a menu that blends coastal cool with laid-back sophistication.

Popular menu items include: Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Macademia-Crusted Halibut, Tri-Tip Sandwich, Fish Tacos, Espresso Mud Pie…and all sorts of craft cocktails!

We came here with a big group for Lauren’s birthday, and everyone loved it!

(Website)

Level Up Bowl & Bistro 550 Deep Valley Dr ste 127, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

Level Up Bowl & Bistro is the kind of spot that makes you feel like you just unlocked a secret neighborhood gem.

It’s casual, colorful, quietly addictive, and NOW OPEN in The Promenade on the Peninsula! The vibe is upbeat and welcoming, with friendly staff who clearly want you to love your experience.

They’ve got 14 state-of-the-art bowling lanes with immersive LED screens and comfy lounge seating. Along with bowling, theres also an arcade and a restaurant with food that is healthy, customizable, and delicious.

It’s designed as more than just a bowling alley, with a full bistro, bar, and flexible spaces for parties or celebrations.

(Website)

This week in the South Bay is doing what it does best: avoiding drama.

Expect foggy, sleepy mornings followed by mild, sunny afternoons in the mid-60s to low-70s, with nights dipping into the low-50s. Hoodie weather exists… briefly. By noon, the sun reminds you that winter is more of a concept here than a reality.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country is battling a full-blown winter apocalypse.

Snowstorms. Ice. Power outages. People digging their cars out with shovels they forgot they owned.

And here we are, complaining about marine layer and deciding whether to sit in the sun or the shade.

Question of the Week: Which species of dolphin is most frequently seen in the South Bay?

A. Pacific White-Sided Dolphin

B. Spinner Dolphin

C. Coastal Bottlenose Dolphin

D. White-Beaked Dolphin

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

Last week’s Question: Which major professional sports team has been in Los Angeles the longest? Answer: B. Los Angeles Dodgers

Waiting On The World To Change by John Mayer (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