Hi, neighbors!

We spent this weekend, uncharacteristically, in Northern California! It was our first time visiting Napa Valley; we were in St. Helena for our friends’ wedding shower.

Safe to say: A LOT of wine was drank :)

Now, it’s back to the superior half of California, and back to the real world. Let's dive into this week in the South Bay!

Stories that caught our eye.

Redondo Beach Reopens After Shark Sighting Forced Closure Last week, a shark was spotted south of the Redondo Beach pier. It was eating a sea lion and it was just feet away from the shore at times. (Read more)

Torrance Police Department’s Interim Leader Chosen Dunn will serve as interim police chief, taking over the helm for retiring Chief Jeremiah Hart as the city searches for the outgoing leader’s permanent successor. (Read more)

Erewhon Arrives in The South Bay The popular, upscale, independent grocer unveiled its latest location in Manhattan Beach. (Read more)

Things for you to participate in this week.

Hermosa Brewing Company 1342 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

This is one of those “if you know, you know” spots.

Hermosa Brewing Company is tucked in the heart of downtown. You’ll find indoor seating along with an outdoor patio out on Hermosa Ave. They opened in 2018 when home-brewing buddies Jorge Delgado and Dave Davis decided to share their creations with the public, and what a gift it is!

The magic happens in the kitchen thanks to award-winning chef Aaron DuBois, who has appeared on the TV show “Chopped,” and previously worked at prestigious spots like Rustic Canyon and Melisse.

Their beer game is strong with 12 taps of craft beer (all brewed by co-owner Jorge). You'll find crowd-pleasers like Pier to Pier American Pale Ale with bold hops, plus creative offerings like Granny's Grocery & Deli Pomegranate Wheat Ale and the tart and fruity Suitcase In Berlin.

Along with their usual brews and food, HBC has different food specials every day (and they will ALWAYS hit the spot).

If you’re still reading, you’ll be happy to know that they also do Weekly Trivia on Wednesdays from 7pm-9pm! The servers and trivia readers will quickly become your friends, while you make enemies during trivia...because people take this SERIOUSLY ;)

(Read more)

The Boy And The Bear 350 N. Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Step into The Boy and the Bear's flagship "The Black Store" in Redondo Beach, where you can feel the ocean breeze while sipping some spectacular Colombian coffee!

This isn't your run-of-the-mill coffee joint – it's a specialty roastery with direct relationships to Colombian coffee growers that takes their craft seriously. There is usually a line at the counter, and it's easy to see why!

This space has the perfect laid-back vibe with couches and plenty of tables and chairs. Every coffee feels like a mini-vacation to the mountains of Colombia. Sam likes to order the Stockholm Fog (blend of mocha + chai), and this place has Lauren’s all-time favorite Iced Matcha Latte (with oat milk and vanilla). Their food is also fantastic; try the Chorizo Hand Pie or the Pistachio Croissant.

And the fun doesn’t stop in Redondo Beach! TBATB has 6 other locations:

Visit their Instagram: (Link)

The South Bay’s weather forecast this week? Same old, same old—like a playlist stuck on repeat. Every morning starts off gray and groggy like it had a rough night, then pulls it together by lunch for another solid day of sunshine and low 70s. Highs will cruise between 70–74°F, lows hang out in the mid-60s, and there’s absolutely zero chance of anything exciting happening in the sky.

Basically, it’s coastal Groundhog Day. Hoodie in the morning, shades in the afternoon, and zero surprises. If you were hoping for spice, try the red salsa at El Sombrero #2. Otherwise, lean into the vibe—this is SoCal summer beach weather at its finest.

What does “vintage” mean on a wine barrel?

A. It is over 10 years old

B. It comes from a single year’s harvest

C. It is a limited release

D. It is aged in oak barrels

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

Last week’s Question: Today (July 20) is National Ice Cream Day! Which U.S. city consumes the most ice cream per capita? Answer: A) Long Beach, California

Have you ever played the game “HITSTER”? Well, we did this weekend with our friends, and this was the song that got everybody dancing:

Africa by TOTO (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!

See you around town.

Your neighbors,

Sam & Lauren