Hi, neighbors!

We hope you had a great time over the holiday weekend.

We decided to drive up north to Sequoia National Park. It was absolutely STUNNING and we feel recharged and ready for the rest of the summer!

Now, let's dive into this week’s newsletter.

News

A few stories that caught our eye.

Annual Hermosa Beach 4th of July Ironman ~1500 people registered to run a mile, paddle a mile, and then drink a 6-pack of beer within 20 mins afterwards without throwing up. See the winners → (Read more)

ICE Protesters Marched From Manhattan Pier to Hermosa Pier Several hundred people peacefully marched along the strand in support of immigrants and undocumented people targeted by federal ICE raids. We would have been there too if we weren’t out of town. (Read more)

Manhattan Beach Banned Leaf Blowers 25 Years Ago, But They’re Still Around… The use of gas-powered leaf blowers in MB has been illegal since 1998. Fines are $1,000 for using them, but that hasn’t stopped anybody. Yes, this is really an issue! (Read more)

Upcoming Events

Things for you to participate in this Fourth of July weekend.

• July 7-11: 2025 BVCA National Championship Tournament Go support this beach volleyball tournament at the Hermosa Pier all week! (Read more)

• July 9 & 10: Shakespeare By The Sea This nonprofit puts on free shows - this week’s showings are ‘As You Like It’ and ‘Julius Caesar’. (Read more)

• July 13: Summer Community Movie Matinee The City of Hermosa Beach, in partnership with LA Galaxy, is putting on a FREE screening of ‘Kicking & Screaming’ along with soccer-themed activities! (Read more)

Restaurant of the Week

Salt & Pearl 1719 S Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Salt & Pearl is the ultimate coastal-chic vibe. You can sit indoors or outdoors; the atmosphere is perfect either way. Inside honestly feels like the coolest person you know’s living room; it’s energetic with beautiful, moody green walls, stylish decor, and the type of charm we all love: an open-garage-door-wall. This place has a solid happy hour (M-F from 2-5pm), but it’s great for any elevated lunch or dinner.

The bartenders are passionate about mixology and provide super unique, killer cocktails. Every dish feels fresh, bright and ocean-inspired — crisp Oysters, indulgent Lobster Mac & Cheese, and a next-level hearty Seafood Chowder.

See you there; this is one of Lauren’s favorite spots!

(Read more)

Local Spotlight

Vintage Dirty Laundry 132 N Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

If you love browsing vintage threads and a cozy community vibe, Vintage Dirty Laundry is a must-visit. This hidden gem is family-run and the owners are FUN; they post regularly on Instagram & TikTok.

Step inside and you’ll find a curated, on-trend treasure trove of retro denim, cowboy boots, military and racing jackets, vintage dresses, unique accessories, and statement jewelry…safe to say they have a MASSIVE collection of rad pieces (and the racks are constantly changing)!

Worth noting: Items are washed/disinfected prior to sale. Also, all sales are final.

(Read more)

Sam’s Weather Report

This week in the South Bay, the weather is basically running on vibes. Mornings start off like a hungover roommate—foggy, quiet, and not quite ready to be perceived—then pull it together just in time for lunch with sunny skies and a chill 72°F. It’s the kind of week where you’ll need a hoodie before 10am, sunglasses after, and emotional flexibility throughout.

The surf’s coming in hot… well, lukewarm. We’re looking at fun-size 2–3 ft waves all week—nothing heroic, but just enough to keep you feeling like a coastal legend. Mornings are the golden window: glassy conditions, light crowds, and a solid chance to avoid humiliation. Afternoons? Winds show up like uninvited guests and turn everything into a foamy mess. Bring your longboard, your 3/2 wetsuit, and a healthy amount of self-delusion. It’s going to be a good week if you’re up early and mildly competent.

Trivia

Which American President was born on July 4th?

A) Woodrow Wilson

B) Jimmy Carter

C) Calvin Coolidge

D) Rutherford B. Hayes

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

Last week’s Question: Today (June 29th) is National Camera Day! What year was the first photograph ever taken? Answer: A) 1826

Now Playing…

What are we vibing to, you might ask?

Party In The U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus (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