August 2024 Peninsula Calendar – Easy Reader News

Event Spotlight:

Thursday, 1

AUGUST

International Surf Festival

Through Sunday, August 4.  The 61st International Surf Festival event promotes four South Bay beach cities, the world’s best lifeguard service, and physical fitness for thousands of participants.  Participants range in age from 8 years old to the late 80’s.  The three signature events for the festival are the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, and the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament.  Other great events include a surfing contest, bodysurfing contest, beach run, paddleboard races, dory race, and youth events. The festival has hosted numerous international lifeguard teams including teams from Victoria, Australia.  For information and event times, locations at surffestival.org.

First Thursday, San Pedro

One of the first in the region, the nearly 27-year-old monthly First Thursday ArtWalk, happens between Pacific Ave, Harbor Boulevard, 4th, and 9th Streets in San Pedro. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Guided ArtWalk Tour will be an action-packed visit to a selection of our unique arts spaces. Information: sanpedrowaterfrontartsdistrict.com.

Art show, Angels Gate

Displacing Structures, works by Fafnir Adamites, Molly Haynes, José Santiago Perez, Jade Yumang, and Tomorrow, Asteroid x Jeanne Medina Le. Traditional fiber techniques are expanded upon to reveal and embrace the personal, queer bodies, and the tensions between structure and aberration. Open gallery hours: Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 3601 S. Gaffey Street, San Pedro. Information: angelsgateart.org.

Knitting circle, Malaga Cove Library

All are welcome to join anytime. Bring your knitting projects. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Community room, 2400 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes. Questions call (310) 377-9584 x551.

Coloring and coffee, Peninsula Center Library

Join us for a monthly program every first Thursday of the month where participants can enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea!), coloring, and conversations. Supplies will be provided. Drop-in. No registration required. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Purcell room, 701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills. 

Sunset Series, Botanic Garden

Make the night yours with food, drinks, music, and family fun. Jerry Constanzo and his Gotham City Swingers will bring the “The Classic American Playlist” to the Garden. 5:30 p.m. 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. Tickets and Information: southcoastbotanicgarden.org/sunset-series-music-lineup.

Alvas Showroom, San Pedro

Guitarist & songwriter Eduardo Gudin is well known in Brazil and has written 100+ songs, some co-written with artists, Ivan Lins & Dori Caymmi. Never in the US before, his performance here with singer & pianist Naila Gallotta and a 4-6 member band will be his debut appearance, as well as his newly released album of English lyric songs, entitled “Real Samba”. 8 p.m. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. $35. Tickets: alvasshowroom.com/event/.

 

Friday, 2

AUGUST

Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Alvas

Don’t miss Zuri Alexander’s enchanting show, “My Tribute To Ella Fitzgerald,” a heartfelt homage to the First Lady of Song. 8 p.m. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. $40. Tickets: alvasshowroom.com/event/.

 

Saturday, 3

AUGUST

The Hills are Alive 5k/10k run/walk

City of Rolling Hills Estates presented by Elevate Prime Wellness benefitting the Pepper Tree Foundation. Runners/walkers will meet at the historic Ernie Howlett Park. Runners/Walkers will be able to enjoy a scenic trail route through our City’s bridle trails, starting and ending at the park. 8 a.m. Register: HillsAreAliveRace.com. Questions contact Matt Morrow, (310) 377-1577, ext. 110, [email protected]. 

Jim “Kimo” West and Ken Emerson, Alvas

Grammy-winning Hawaiian slack key and steel guitar masters Jim “Kimo” West and Ken Emerson present a fun-filled evening of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian ki ho’alu, ragtime and blues along with hula. 8 p.m. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. $25. Tickets: alvasshowroom.com/event/.

Life sized board games, Peninsula Library

They’re classic board games, but life sized. Bring your friends and have big fun with these big games! Drop-in program, come anytime between 2 and 3:45 p.m. Aimed at TK – 5th grade but children of all ages may attend. No registration required. 701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills.

Nature walk, George F. Canyon

You will be guided by a trained naturalist to discover a unique variety of wildlife in their canyon habitat with amazing views of the LA Basin. 10:30 a.m. Meet outside on the back deck of the George F. Canyon Nature Center. Parking in Preserve lot located, 27305 Palos Verdes Dr. East, Rolling Hills Estates. No RSVP required. Rain cancels.

Macrame workshop, Lawndale

Learn, create and enjoy learning basic macrame knots as you make your own plant hanger. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. C&S Garden Center, 4167 Marine Ave., Lawndale. Instructor: Stacy Wong. All materials and supplies provided. $45. general admission. Sign up on Eventbrite.com. Questions call (424) 435-5506.

Bridge lessons, Lomita

Learn how to play bridge. Kids and family are welcome. Every Saturday. South Bay Bridge Club, 24100 Narbonne, Lomita. Information: bridgewebs.com/southbay. Questions call (310) 325-7222. 

TechKnows, Peninsula Center Library

Have a question about how to download e-books? Can’t get your Kindle to work? Drop-in and have our knowledgeable team of TechKnows assist with all your questions. Meet in the PC Community room, 701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills Estates. Every Saturday. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Cancer Support South Bay Gala, Westdrift Hotel

Join Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) as they celebrate 37 years of providing free support programs for those affected by cancer with a party for a purpose. Westdrift Hotel, 1400 Parkview Ave., Manhattan Beach. 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. $295 per person. Tickets: CSCSouthbay.org. Questions call (310) 376-3550.

 

Sunday, 4

AUGUST

Rosie Flores, Collage

Over the course of a 40 year career, Rosie Flores has explored many avenues of American music, including punk rock, country, singer/songwriter, jazz, and rockabilly. 4 – 6 p.m. Collage: A Place for Art and Culture, 731 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro. Tickets: Collageartculture.org.

 

Tuesday, 6

AUGUST

National night out & car show, Lomita City Hall

Bring your family and friends. Vendors, music, food trucks and the beauty of vehicles from decades past. 6 – 8 p.m. Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Ave.

 

Wednesday, 7

AUGUST

Good Morning, Palos Verdes!

Attend this dynamic networking breakfast session to meet up with like minded early birds and do business together. 7:30 – 9 a.m. Good Stuff, Promenade, 550 Deep Valley Dr., Ste. 151, Rolling Hills Estates. $21 members or $31 future members. Information: palosverdeschamber.com.

Bohannon Lecture Series

The Last Voyage of the Whaling Ship Essex with local historian Jim Shneer as he recounts this true survival story that was a significant inspiration for Moby Dick. Learn about the voyage and the evidence of its influence on Melville. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 602 Deep Valley Drive, #310, Rolling Hills Estates. Coffee Social 10:15 a.m. Open to the community. Space is limited. Call Renee Reymond, Program Coordinator, (310) 377-3003, for details.

 

Thursday, 8

AUGUST

Destination: Art exhibit

Through Saturday, August 24. Life on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, spearheaded by well-known painter Bernard Fallon and oil painting legend Stephen Mirish. The works by 20 South Bay artists that depict the rhythms of people, passions and places. Gallery hours: Thurs. – Sat., 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., or by appointment. 1815 W. 213th Street, Torrance. Information: destination-art.net.

Sunset Series, SC Botanic Garden

Make the night yours with food, drinks, music, and family fun. Superstar Sitar Night with Ronobir Lahiri. Back by popular demand, Ronobir Lahiri returns for his third performance, featuring a memorable mashup of pop music uniquely played on the classical Indian sitar.  5:30 p.m. 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. Tickets and Information: southcoastbotanicgarden.org/sunset-series-music-lineup.

Docent Orientation – Virtual

Help share your love of nature to educate students and the public. No experience required. 18 years +. 10 – 11:30 a.m. Zoom link will be provided with sign up. Register: pvplc.volunteerhub.com. 

Beginning Bridge

Bridge game for beginners with supervised play. 6:30 p.m. South Bay Bridge Club, 24100 Narbonne, Lomita. Questions call (310) 325-7222. Information: bridgewebs.com/southbay.

Anime watch party, Peninsula Library

Watch your favorite anime with popcorn and candy! Grades 6-12 only, no registration required. 1 – 5 p.m. Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills. For more info, contact Otto Catalan, [email protected].

Science crafts, Malaga Cove Library

Crafts, but with a science twist! This is a drop-in program, come anytime between 2 and 3:45 p.m. Aimed at TK – 5th grade but children of all ages may attend. No registration required. 2 – 4 p.m. community room, 2400 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates. 

 

Friday, 9

AUGUST

Farmers Market, San Pedro

Pick up essential fruits and vegetables. Delicious and fresh options. Fridays. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Public Parking Lot 735, corner of 6th and Mesa, San Pedro.

Summer Concert, Lomita

The perfect summer night activity. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and favorite snacks. Upstream, Southern California’s premier live band that performs live reggae, soca and caribbean music. 6 – 8 p.m. Lomita City Hall front lawn, 24300 Narbonne Ave. 

 

Saturday, 10

AUGUST

The American Diamond, Alvas

The American Diamond is a diverse Musical Cover Band honoring the legendary music of the great Neil Diamond bringing all music fans together to celebrate his amazing music. 8 p.m.  Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. $30. Tickets: alvasshowroom.com/event/.

Guided Nature Walk, Vicente Bluffs Reserve 

Follow the bluff top from Point Vicente to Oceanfront Estates. Explore El Segundo blue butterfly habitat, which features beautifully restored coastal sage scrub habitat.  9 a.m. Easy. 31501 Palos Verdes Dr. W., Rancho Palos Verdes. Sign up at:  pvplc.org/calendar.

PVPLC Trail Crew Intro Training, Hesse Park

Learn about trail building and maintenance from a nationally-recognized trail expert covering various techniques for erosion repair, building rock walls, proper pruning and more! No experience required. Age 18 & over.  9 .m. – 12 p.m.  29301 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes. Sign up: pvplc.volunteerhub.com. 

PVPLC Nature Club for Kids 

Join us for a bird themed Nature Club at White Point Nature Education Center. We’ll do fun bird crafts and observe birds in their natural habitat! Ages 5-10 years old. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 1600 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro.

Native Plant Sale, PVPLC

Create your own butterfly garden with a beautiful native plant from the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Our native plant expert will give you professional tips on creating a garden waystation and home for local species!  10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. George F. Canyon, 27305 Palos Verdes Dr. E., Rolling Hills Estates. 

Spinning optical illusions, Peninsula Library

We’ll make cool optical illusions that work because they spin. This is a drop-in program, come anytime between 2 and 3:45 p.m. Aimed at TK – 5th grade but children of all ages may attend. No registration required. 2 – 4 p.m. 701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills.

 

Sunday, 11

AUGUST

Guest speaker Peter Walkowiak, SC Botanic Garden

Peter, who has been fascinated with plants since he was 5, will be speaking about the best soil and fertilizer for growing succulents. 1 p.m. South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. Information: southcoastcss.org.

Friends of Madrona Marsh Fundraiser, Torrance

A delightful tasting event featuring local restaurants serving beer, wine, and soft drinks. Auctions, gift baskets, live music, at the 50th celebration fundraiser. 21 and over. Not suitable for children. 12 – 3 p.m. The Depot, 1250 Cabrillo Ave., Torrance. $100 per person. Tickets: friendsofmadronamarsh.com or in-person at the Nature Center Gift Shop, 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance during regular hours.

 

Monday, 12

AUGUST

South Bay Camera Club Showcase

Through Saturday, September 21. The South Bay Camera Club Showcase exhibition features a collection of breathtaking photographs captured by the club’s talented members. Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills Estates. Check the library website for hours at pvld.org/locations. 

 

Wednesday, 14

AUGUST

Bohannon Lecture Series

Winging It with Bob Shanman the former owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Redondo Beach. Bob will present an interactive talk on the glorious world of birds, and the best places to go birding in the South Bay. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 602 Deep Valley Drive, #310, Rolling Hills Estates. Coffee Social at 10:15 a.m. Open to the community. Space is limited. Call Renee Reymond, Program Coordinator, (310) 377-3003, for details.

 

Thursday, 15

AUGUST

Sunset Series, Botanic Garden

Make the night yours with food, drinks, music, and family fun. R&B Night with Acoustic Soul Express. Long Beach’s Acoustic Soul Express will put their soulful twist on a timeless, eclectic blend of R&B, Hip Hop and Jazz. 5:30 p.m. South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. Tickets and Information: southcoastbotanicgarden.org/sunset-series-music-lineup.

 

Saturday, 17

AUGUST

Docent Guided Walk, Ocean Trails Reserve 

Join us for a morning walk on the public trail system and enjoy the vistas and summer blooming

habitat. Led by the Los Serenos Docents. 9 a.m. Meet at the sign-in table on the sidewalk of the parking lot at the end of La Rotonda Drive. Look for several different shapes of banners along PV Drive, side street and sidewalk near the parking lot. Wear sturdy walking shoes, and prepare for the warm/cool/windy weather. Rain cancels the walk. Theme is “Golf Course Property History”. Free. All ages are welcome. Questions call (310) 544-5375 or visit losserenosrpv.org.

South Bay Camera Club reception

The South Bay Camera Club special reception at the Peninsula Center Library. This display promises to offer a unique visual experience that will appeal to photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Visitors will have the opportunity to not only view the captivating photographs but also purchase select pieces. 2 p.m. 701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills Estates. Art will be displayed through Saturday, September 21. 

 

Sunday, 18

AUGUST

Ukulele jam, Collage

Join Taeri and Katie of Popoki House every Third Sunday of the month from 2 – 4 p.m. for our revamped Ukulele Jam.  Please bring a copy of The Daily Ukulele book and/or a tablet if you have them, a music stand, and your uke. Collage: A Place for Art and Culture, 731 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro. All skill levels welcome! RSVP: collageartculture.org.

Ken Okada Group, Alvas

Experience the electrifying performance of 14-year-old drumming sensation YOYOKA as she joins forces with the Ken Okada Group in a high-energy jazz fusion concert. 5 p.m. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. $25. Tickets: alvasshowroom.com/event/.

 

Wednesday, 21

AUGUST

Open Jazz jam, Collage

All are welcome! 7 – 9 p.m. Collage: A Place for Art and Culture, 731 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro. All skill levels welcome! RSVP: collageartculture.org.

Bohannon Lecture Series

Art Appreciation – Impressionism. Members Ann and Lee Strong present a two-lecture program about the Impressionist Art movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The talks will examine the origin of the movement, its most prominent artists, and Impressionist works on display at local museums. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 602 Deep Valley Drive, #310, Rolling Hills Estates. Coffee Social at 10:15 a.m. Open to the community. Space is limited. Call Renee Reymond, Program Coordinator, (310) 377-3003, for details.

 

Thursday, 22

AUGUST

Knitting Circle

All are welcome to join anytime. Bring your knitting projects. 1:30 – 12:30 p.m. Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates.

Sunset Series, Botanic Garden

Abba Night with The FABBA Show. Expect hit after hit of dance floor classics like Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, and other hit singles that will have you on your feet disco-dancing all night. 5:30 p.m. South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. Tickets selling fast!  Tickets and Information: southcoastbotanicgarden.org/sunset-series-music-lineup.

 

Friday, 23

AUGUST

Purple Xperience, PV Performing Arts

Let the paisley parade of hits take you back to the era of “1999,” as The Purple Xperince brings classics like “Delirious,” “Raspberry Beret” and the iconic “Purple Rain” to life. 8 p.m. Outdoor Amphitheatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates. Tickets: Palosverdesperformingarts.com, (310) 544-0403.

Yumi Koshima Trio, Collage

Piano Jazz. 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Collage: A place for Art and Culture, 731 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro. RSVP: collageartculture.org.

Summer Concert, Lomita

80’s All-Starz. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. The 80’z All-Stars have been rocking for over 14 years and are the premiere, most complete 80’s tribute act in Southern California. Free. 6 – 8 p.m. Lomita City Hall front lawn, 24300 Narbonne Ave. 

 

Saturday, 24

AUGUST

Flamenco Festival, Warner Grand

Los Angeles International Flamenco Festival special presentation: Flamenco Dancer Lakshmi “La Chimi” Basile. 8 p.m. The Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro. $29 – $47. Tickets: tix.com/ticket-sales/kalakoa/1723/event/1389533. Questions call (310) 833-4813.

 

Wednesday, 28

AUGUST

Bohannon Lecture Series

Members Ann and Lee Strong present part two about the Impressionist Art movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Impressionism Continued. The talks will examine the origin of the movement, its most prominent artists, and Impressionist works on display at local museums. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 602 Deep Valley Drive, #310, Rolling Hills Estates. Coffee Social at 10:15 a.m. Open to the community. Space is limited. Call Renee Reymond, Program Coordinator, (310) 377-3003, for details.

 

Thursday, 29

AUGUST

Sunset Series, Botanic Garden

Make the night yours with food, drinks, music, and family fun. Surf Night with Ride the Tide. Hang ten and catch a wave at this fun evening of surf music featuring hits from the Beach Boys, Dick Dale, the Surfaris, and other retro beach bands. 5:30 p.m. South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. Tickets and Information: southcoastbotanicgarden.org/sunset-series-music-lineup.

 

Friday, 30

AUGUST

Taylor Made, Alvas

Led by band leader Stephen Bock, whose deep admiration for James Taylor’s music sparked the formation of this exceptional group in early 2010, Taylor Made promises an unforgettable evening of heartfelt tribute. 8 p.m. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. $30. Tickets: alvasshowroom.com/event/.